Polyfluoroalkyl Chain-Based Assemblies for Biomimetic Catalysis.

Amphiphobic fluoroalkyl chains are exploited for creating robust and diverse self-assembled biomimetic catalysts. Long terminal perfluoroalkyl chains (Cn F2n+1 with n=6, 8, and 10) linked with a short perhydroalkyl chains (Cm H2m with m=2 and 3) were used to synthesize several 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives, Cn F2n+1 -Cm H2m -TACN. In the presence of an equimolar amount of Zn2+ ions that coordinate the TACN moiety and drive the self-assembly into micelle-like aggregates, the critical aggregation concentration of polyfluorinated Cn F2n+1 -Cm H2m -TACN⋅Zn2+ was lowered by ∼1 order of magnitude compared to the traditional perhyroalkyl counterpart with identical carbon number of alkyl chain. When 2'-hydroxypropyl-4-nitrophenyl phosphate was used as the model phosphate substrate, polyfluorinated Cn F2n+1 -Cm H2m -TACN⋅Zn2+ assemblies showed higher affinity and catalytic activity, compared to its perhyroalkyl chain-based counterpart. Coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations have been introduced to explore the supramolecular assembly of polyfluoroalkyl chains in the presence of Zn2+ ions and to better understand their enhanced catalytic activity.

Single-Molecule White Circularly Polarized Photoluminescence and Electroluminescence from Dual-Emission Enantiomers.

The strategy of integrating conformational isomerization donors and chiral acceptor in single molecule was proposed to construct white circularly polarized luminescence (WCPL) materials in this work. Consequently, a pair of dual-emission enantiomers, namely (R/S)-DO-PTZ, were designed and synthesized, which displayed white emission with blue and yellow dual-emission bands in solution and solid films at Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.30, 0.33) and (0.33, 0.35), respectively. Meanwhile, (R/S)-DO-PTZ exhibited high PLQY of up to 67% in doped films and obvious mirror-image WCPL signals with |glum| value of 3.0 × 10-3. Moreover, white circularly polarized electroluminescence (WCPEL) based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) with (R/S)-DO-PTZ as emitters were also achieved with CIE coordinates of (0.32, 0.37) and EQEmax of 4.7%, representing the state-of-the-art level of white OLEDs based on single-molecule purely organic emitters. By optimizing the device structure, warm WCPEL devices were further obtained with |gEL| value of 2.8 × 10-3, CIE coordinates of (0.37, 0.48) and EQEmax of up to 15.6%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CP-WOLEDs based on single-molecule purely organic emitters.

[Effects of astragaloside â £ on inflammatory response and percentage of peripheral blood Th17 cells in mice with ulcerative colitis].

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of astragaloside Ⅳ in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) and its effect on the percentage of peripheral blood T helper(Th17) cells. Following the establishment of UC mouse model with 2% sodium dextran sulfate(DSS), mice in the positive control group and low-and high-dose astragaloside Ⅳ groups were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage. Disease activity index(DAI) was calculated, and serum interleukin-17(IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-ß(TGF-ß) levels were assayed by ELISA. The pathological changes in colon tissue were observed by HE staining, and Th17/regulatory T cells(Treg) ratio in the peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. Western blot was conducted for detecting the relative protein expression levels of forkhead box protein P3(Foxp3) and retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor γT(ROR-γt). The findings demonstrated that in normal mice, the colonic structure was intact. The goblet cells were not reduced and the glands were neatly arranged, with no mucosal erosion, bleeding, or positive cell infiltration. In the model group, the colonic mucosal structure was seriously damaged, manifested as disordered arrangement or missing of glands, vascular dilatation, congestion, and massive inflammatory cell infiltration. The pathological injury of colon tissue was alleviated to varying degrees in drug treatment groups. Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited elevated percentage of Th17 cells, increased IL-17 and TNF-α content, up-regulated relative ROR-γt protein expression, lowered TGF-ß, reduced percentage of Treg cells, and down-regulated relative Foxp3 protein expression. The comparison with the model group showed that DAI score, pathological score, percentage of Th17 cells, IL-17 and TNF-α content, and relative ROR-γt protein expression in the positive control group, low-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group, and high-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group were decreased, while TGF-ß content, percentage of Treg cells, and relative Foxp3 protein expression were increased. The DAI score, pathological score, percentage of Th17 cells, IL-17 and TNF-α content, and relative ROR-γt protein expression in the low-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group were higher than those in the positive control group, whereas the content of TGF-ß, percentage of Treg cells, and relative Foxp3 protein expression were lower. DAI score, pathological score, percentage of Th17 cells, IL-17 and TNF-α content, relative ROR-γt protein expression in the high-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group declined in contrast to those in the low-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group, while the TGF-ß content, percentage of Treg cells, and relative Foxp3 protein expression rose. There was no significant difference between the positive control group and the high-dose astragaloside Ⅳ group. Astragaloside Ⅳ is able to inhibit inflammatory response and diminish the percentage of Th17 cells in mice with UC.

A Green Fluorescent Nitrogen-Doped Aromatic Belt Containing a [6]Cycloparaphenylene Skeleton.

The design and synthesis of nitrogen-doped aromatic belts with conjugated structures still remain a challenge. Here, we report the first nitrogen-doped aromatic belt with a [6]cycloparaphenylene skeleton, which is conveniently synthesized from the easily available calix[3]carbazole. The aromatic belt has a rigid conjugated structure and deep cavity, and it can encapsulate one dichloromethane both in solution and in the solid state. Interestingly, the aromatic belt shows strong green fluorescence with a quantum yield of 0.39 and exhibits a narrow HOMO-LUMO energy gap of 2.02 eV. The belt-shaped conjugated structure composed of three carbazole subunits has specific optoelectronic properties that will promote wide applications in supramolecular chemistry and materials science.

Insights into the effect of donor ability on photophysical properties of dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene-based imide derivatives.

The photophysical properties of dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene-based imide (DHIFI) derivatives were investigated by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical calculations. The hybridized local excited and charge transfer state (HLCT) was introduced to interpret the intercrossing of localized excited (LE) and charge transfer (CT) states. The large extent of CT in the HLCT state of a molecule with a strong electron donor (dimethylaniline) at the terminal site results in strong interaction between the dipole moments of the excited state and polar solvents. Time-resolved spectroscopy results show the formation of a stabilized ICT state in several picoseconds, which results in fluorescence quenching and less possibility of intersystem crossing to the triplet state. In contrast, a molecule with a weak electron donor (benzene) displays less fluorescence quenching. The slowing down of geometry relaxation in the weak-electron-donor molecule increases the possibility of ISC to the triplet state from the unrelaxed HLCT state.

Treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome by mandible advanced device reduced neuron apoptosis in frontal cortex of rabbits.

Objective: To investigate effects of mandible advanced device (MAD) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the neuron apoptosis and acetylcholine esterase activity in frontal cortex. Materials and methods: Thirty male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 in each group): group OSAHS, group MAD, and control group. Hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel was injected into soft palate of the animals to induce OSAHS in group OSAHS and group MAD. The group MAD animals wore MAD to relief the obstructiveness. The control group was not given any treatment. Computed tomography (CT) examination of the upper airway and polysomnography (PSG) recordings were performed in supine position. All rabbits were induced to sleep in a supine position for 4 to 6 hours every day and were observed for consecutive 8 weeks. The frontal cortices of three groups were dissected and the neuron apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Acetylcholine esterase (AchE) activity in the frontal cortex was measured by spectrophotometry. Results: The group OSAHS exhibited high neuron apoptosis rate and low AchE activity than those of group MAD and control group. The blood oxygen saturation was negatively correlated with neuronal apoptosis rate and positively correlated with AchE activity. Applying MAD in OSAHS animals significantly improve the neuronal damage and function deficits by apnoea-hypoxia caused by narrowed upper airway. Conclusion: This study provided evidence that MAD therapy for OSAHS can significantly decrease neuronal apoptosis and increase AchE activity in the frontal cortex.

Click and Patterned Functionalization of Graphene by Diels-Alder Reaction.

Chemical functionalization is a promising approach to controllably manipulate the characteristics of graphene. Here, we designed cis-dienes, featuring two dihydronaphthalene backbones, to decorate a graphene surface via Diels-Alder (DA) click reaction. The installation of a diene moiety into a nonplanar molecular structure to form cis-conformation enables a rapid (∼5 min) DA reaction between graphene and diene groups. Patterned graphene of sub-micrometer resolution can be obtained by easily soaking poly(methyl methacrylate)-masked graphene in solution of hydroxyl-substituted cis-diene at room temperature. The functionalization degree can be further controlled by carrying out the reaction at higher temperature. The present result gives important insight into the effect of molecular conformation on the graphene functionalization process, and provides an effective and facile method for graphene functionalization.

Significance of tumour cell HLA-G5/-G6 isoform expression in discrimination for adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma in lung cancer patients.

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-G has seven isoforms, of which HLA-G1-G4 are membrane-bound and HLA-G5-G7 are soluble. Previous studies reinforced HLA-G expression was strongly related to poor prognosis in different types of cancers. Among these studies, the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4H84 was used which detects all HLA-G isoform heavy chain; unfortunately, leaves the specific types of isoforms expressed in lesions undistinguished and its clinical significance needs to be clarified. To explore clinical significance of lesion soluble HLA-G (sHLA-G) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mAb 5A6G7 recognizing HLA-G5/-G6 molecules was used. Tumour cell sHLA-G expression in 131 primary NSCLC lesions (66 squamous cell carcinoma, 55 adenocarcinoma and 10 adenosquamous carcinoma) were analysed with immunohistochemistry. Data showed that sHLA-G expression was observed in 34.0% (45/131) of the NSCLC lesions, which was unrelated to patient age, sex, lymph nodal status, tumour-node-metastasis stage and patient survival. However, tumour cell sHLA-G expression in lesions was predominately observed in adenocarcinoma lesions (73.0%, 40/55) which was significantly higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma (6.0%, 4/66) and adenosquamous carcinoma lesions (10.0%, 1/10, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for lesion sHLA-G was 0.833 (95% CI: 0.754-0.912, P < 0.001) for adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma. Our findings for the first time showed that tumour cell sHLA-G was predominately expressed in lung adenocarcinoma, which could be a useful biomarker to discriminate adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma in NSCLC patients.

A dinaphtho[8,1,2-cde:2',1',8'-uva]pentacene derivative and analogues: synthesis, structures, photophysical and electrochemical properties.

Dinaphtho[8,1,2-cde:2',1',8'-uva]pentacene and analogues as a new type of acene derivatives with scorpion-shaped structures were conveniently synthesized. Their structures, photophysical and electrochemical properties were experimentally and theoretically investigated. It was found that the pentacene derivative has a twisted configuration, but shows marked intermolecular π-π interactions, strong electronic delocalization, and a small HOMO-LUMO bandgap, which are different from those of pentacene and pentatwistacene derivatives with similar structures.

An animal model of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome corrected by mandibular advancement device.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to establish a stable animal model of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and assess the effectiveness of a mandibular advancement device (MAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen 6-month-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomized into three groups according to intervention: Group OSAHS, Group MAD, and a control group (n = 6 for each group). Rabbits in Group OSAHS and Group MAD were established as OSAHS model by injection, at a dose of 2 ml hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel, in the submucous muscular layer of the soft palate. Computed tomography (CT) and polysomnography (PSG) showed that OSAHS was developed successfully, the rabbits in Group MAD were fitted with the MAD and CT of the upper airway and PSG evaluated its effectiveness. Histological observation of the injection sites was conducted. RESULTS: CT scans showed the reduced sagittal space and cross-sectional areas of retropalatal upper airway in Group OSAHS were corrected by MAD (upper airway space in Group MAD was similar to that in the control group). The rabbits in Group OSAHS developed obvious sleep apnoea and hypopnea in supine position, with increased apnoea-hypopnea index and decreased oxygen saturation (SaO2). These were significantly improved by MAD and apnoea and hypopnea were not observed. Histology of the soft palate showed that the injected gel was entirely surrounded with connective tissues. CONCLUSION: We primarily developed an OSAHS and MAD therapy animal model with narrow oropharynx in upper airway which could be further available for OSAHS analysis.

Effects of a mandibular advancement device on genioglossus in obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of mandibular advancement device (MAD) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on the genioglossus contractile properties and fibre-type distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty 6-month old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomised into three groups: OSAHS, MAD, and controls. Rabbits in Group OSAHS and Group MAD were established as OSAHS models by injection, at a dose of 2 ml hydrophilic polyacrylamide gel, via the submucous muscular layer of soft palate. Spiral computed tomography (CT) showed a significant reduced retropalatal upper airway, and apnoeas happened with an increase of Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) and a decrease of blood oxygen saturation during polysomnography (PSG), which indicated the OSAHS model developed successfully. OSAHS rabbits in Group MAD were fitted with a MAD made from self-curing composite resin, at 30 degrees to the upper incisors, and the mandible was guided forward 3 to 4mm. Further, spiral CT and PSG suggested MAD was effective. Rabbits in 3 groups were induced to sleep for 4-6 hours per day for 8 weeks, after which the genioglossus was removed, mounted in a tissue bath, and stimulated through platinum electrodes; maximal twitch tension, contraction time, half-relaxation time, force-frequency relationship, and fatigability were recorded. The percentage of Type I and Type II fibres was quantified. RESULTS: The fatigability and percentage of Type II fibres of genioglossus increased in Group OSAHS compared with controls; this abnormality was corrected by MAD. CONCLUSION: MAD therapy for OSAHS could prevent genioglossus fatigue and abnormal fibre-type distribution of genioglossus in OSAHS.

Dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene-based imide dyes: synthesis, structures, photophysical and electrochemical properties.

A new kind of imide dyes based on dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene have been developed. Consequently, a series of the organic dyes were conveniently and efficiently synthesized. The single crystal structure showed the dihydroindeno[2,1-c]fluorene core was almost planar, and the dye molecule could pack into herringbone-like structure in the solid state. It was found that the imide dyes all showed strong fluorescence emissions in tetrahydrofuran, and they also exhibited obvious red shifts with the increase of the π-conjugation system and the enhancement of the electronic-donating effect. Moreover, the electrochemical cyclic voltammograms of the imide dyes displayed irreversible redoxes in the film state. The electronic structures of aryl substituted imide dyes were also studied by the density functional theory (DFT), which gave a further explanation for their electrochemical behaviors.

Dioxygen-triggered transannular dearomatization of benzo[5]helicene diols: highly efficient synthesis of chiral π-extended diones.

Oxidative dearomatization is a powerful strategy in organic synthesis. However, reports on using dioxygen as the oxidant, as it is environmentally friendly, readily available (air), and easy to handle, are rather limited. Helicene diols can undergo transannular dearomatization triggered by dioxygen to give diones in quantitative yields within several minutes. By virtue of this, the chirality is successfully transferred from helicity to central chirality to form distorted π-extended diones having two all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. The optical resolution was achieved by column chromatography, and the structures and the absolute configurations of the chiral diones were determined by X-ray analysis.

A calix[3]carbazole-based cavitand: synthesis, structure and its complexation with fullerenes.

A calix[3]carbazole-based cavitand was conveniently synthesized. It was found that the cavitand with adjustable conformation could show excellent complexation with fullerenes C60 and C70 in both solution and the solid state. Moreover, the crystal structures of the host-guest complexes show that the cavitand can stack into channel-like architectures, in which fullerenes are orderly arranged inside.

A general supramolecular strategy for fabricating full-color-tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials.

Developing a facile and feasible strategy to fabricate thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials exhibiting full-color tunability remains an appealing yet challenging task. In this work, a general supramolecular strategy for fabricating thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials is proposed. Consequently, a series of host-guest cocrystals are prepared by electron-donating calix[3]acridan and various electron-withdrawing guests. Owing to the through-space charge transfer mediated by multiple noncovalent interactions, these cocrystals all display efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence. Especially, by delicately modulating the electron-withdrawing ability of the guest molecules, the emission colors of these cocrystals can be continuously tuned from blue (440 nm) to red (610 nm). Meanwhile, high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 87% is achieved. This research not only provides an alternative and general strategy for the fabrication of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials, but also establishes a reliable supramolecular protocol toward the design of advanced luminescent materials.

Fraxin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin 8-glucoside) confers protection against ionizing radiation-induced intestinal epithelial injury in vitro and in vivo.

The small intestine exhibits remarkable sensitivity to ionizing radiation (IR), which significantly hampers the effectiveness of radiotherapy in the treatment of abdominal and pelvic tumors. Unfortunately, no effective medications are available to treat radiation-induced intestinal damage (RIID). Fraxin (7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin 8-glucoside), is a coumarin derivative extracted from the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini. Several studies have underscored the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties of fraxin. However, the efficacy of fraxin at preventing or mitigating RIID remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of fraxin against RIID in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The study findings revealed that fraxin markedly ameliorated intestinal injuries induced by 13 Gy whole abdominal irradiation (WAI), which was accompanied by a significant increase in the population of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and Ki67+ progeny. Furthermore, fraxin mitigated WAI-induced intestinal barrier damage, and reduced oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation in mice. Transcriptome sequencing of fraxin-treated mice revealed upregulation of IL-22, a pleiotropic cytokine involved in regulating the function of intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, in both human intestinal epithelial cells and ex vivo cultured mouse intestinal organoids, fraxin effectively ameliorated IR-induced damage by promoting the expression of IL-22. The radioprotective effects of fraxin were partially negated in the presence of an IL-22-neutralizing antibody. In summary, fraxin is demonstrated to possess the ability to alleviate RIID and maintain intestinal homeostasis, suggesting that fraxin might serve as a strategy for mitigating accidental radiation exposure- or radiotherapy-induced RIID.

Microbiota-derived I3A protects the intestine against radiation injury by activating AhR/IL-10/Wnt signaling and enhancing the abundance of probiotics.

The intestine is prone to radiation damage in patients undergoing radiotherapy for pelvic tumors. However, there are currently no effective drugs available for the prevention or treatment of radiation-induced enteropathy (RIE). In this study, we aimed at investigating the impact of indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) derived from the intestinal microbiota on RIE. Intestinal organoids were isolated and cultivated for screening radioprotective tryptophan metabolites. A RIE model was established using 13 Gy whole-abdominal irradiation in male C57BL/6J mice. After oral administration of I3A, its radioprotective ability was assessed through the observation of survival rates, clinical scores, and pathological analysis. Intestinal stem cell survival and changes in the intestinal barrier were observed through immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, the radioprotective mechanisms of I3A was investigated through 16S rRNA and transcriptome sequencing, respectively. Finally, human colon cancer cells and organoids were cultured to assess the influence of I3A on tumor radiotherapy. I3A exhibited the most potent radioprotective effect on intestinal organoids. Oral administration of I3A treatment significantly increased the survival rate in irradiated mice, improved clinical and histological scores, mitigated mucosal damage, enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells, and maintained intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, I3A enhanced the abundance of probiotics, and activated the AhR/IL-10/Wnt signaling pathway to promote intestinal epithelial proliferation. As a crucial tryptophan metabolite, I3A promotes intestinal epithelial cell proliferation through the AhR/IL-10/Wnt signaling pathway and upregulates the abundance of probiotics to treat RIE. Microbiota-derived I3A demonstrates potential clinical application value for the treatment of RIE.

Probiotic Consortia Protect the Intestine Against Radiation Injury by Improving Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) commonly occur during abdominal-pelvic cancer radiation therapy; however, no effective prophylactic or therapeutic agents are available to manage RIII currently. This study aimed to clarify the potential of probiotic consortium supplementation in alleviating RIII. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Male C57BL/6J mice were orally administered a probiotic mixture comprising Bifidobacterium longum BL21, Lactobacillus paracasei LC86, and Lactobacillus plantarum Lp90 for 30 days before exposure to 13 Gy of whole abdominal irradiation. The survival rates, clinical scores, and histologic changes in the intestines of mice were assessed. The impacts of probiotic consortium treatment on intestinal stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial barrier function; oxidative stress; and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. A comprehensive examination of the gut microbiota composition was conducted through 16S rRNA sequencing, while changes in metabolites were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The probiotic consortium alleviated RIII, as reflected by increased survival rates, improved clinical scores, and mitigated mucosal injury. The probiotic consortium treatment exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects at the histologic level compared with individual probiotic strains, although there was no corresponding improvement in survival rates and colon length. Moreover, the probiotic consortium stimulated intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation, enhanced the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and regulated redox imbalance and inflammatory responses in irradiated mice. Notably, the treatment induced a restructuring of the gut microbiota composition, particularly enriching short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria. Metabolomic analysis revealed distinctive metabolic changes associated with the probiotic consortium, including elevated levels of anti-inflammatory and antiradiation metabolites. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotic consortium attenuated RIII by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolites, improving inflammatory symptoms, and regulating oxidative stress. These findings provide new insights into the maintenance of intestinal health with probiotic consortium supplementation and will facilitate the development of probiotic-based therapeutic strategies for RIII in clinical practice.

[Evaluation of a modified maxillary protraction appliance for the treatment of patients with skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion associated with crowding].

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of a modified maxillary protraction appliance in patients of skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding. METHODS: Forty patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion were divided into two groups, with 20 patients in each group. The experimental group had molar in a neutral or distal relationship and applied a modified maxillary protraction appliance, while the control group had molar mesial relationship and applied a conventional maxillary protraction appliance. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken before and after treatment in both groups for comparison. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The angle measurements taken before and after treatment showed a significant increase in SNA, ANB, SN-MP and U4-SN(P＜0.01), while SNB decreased(P＜0.01) in both groups. SN-OL changes were statistically different before and after treatment in the experimental group(P＜0.05). The sagittal measurements before and after treatment in both groups showed significant alterations in all(P＜0.05) but the length of the maxillary arch in both groups. For vertical measurements, U1-PP, L1-MP, U4-SN, U6-SN, and ANS-ME all increased (P＜0.05), while the changes of U4-PP and U6-PP in the two groups before and after treatment were statistically different(P＜0.05). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly increased maxillary arch length, a more remote location at U6, and a less variable molar relationship after treatment(P＜0.01). The two groups showed a variable amount of cephalometric measurements before and after treatment: the experimental group had a significant increase in maxillary arch length, a more remote position at U6, and a smaller change in molar relationship compared to the control group(P＜0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The modified maxillary protraction appliance showed good results for maxillary protraction and pushing the molar distally in patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ with crowding at neutral or distal molar relationship.

Washing effects of limonene on pesticide residues in green peppers.

BACKGROUND: The presence of pesticide residues in food has caused much concern. The low health risks and environmental impacts of limonene make it a very interesting solvent for use in green chemistry. Washing effects of limonene on pesticide residues of methyl chlorpyrifos, chlorothalonil, chlorpyrifos, fenpropathrin and deltamethrin were investigated in green pepper. RESULTS: Results showed that washing with a low concentration of limonene for 5 min (where LOQ is limit of quantitation) caused 53.67%,