Highly Crystalline Copper Aluminum-Layered Double Hydroxides with Intrinsic Fenton-Like Catalytic Activity for Robust Oral Health Management.

As the main challenge of dental healthcare, oral infectious diseases are highly associated with the colonization of pathogenic microbes. However, current antibacterial treatments in the field of stomatology still lack a facile, safe, and universal approach. Herein, we report the controllable synthesis of copper aluminum-layered double hydroxides (CuAl-LDHs) with high Fenton-like catalytic activity, which can be utilized in the treatment of oral infectious diseases with negligible side effects. Our strategy can efficiently avoid the unwanted doping of other divalent metal ions in the synthesis of Cu-contained LDHs and result in the formation of binary CuAl-LDHs with high crystallinity and purity. Evidenced by experimental and theoretical results, CuAl-LDHs exhibit excellent catalytic ability toward the ·OH generation in the presence of H2O2 and hold strong affinity toward bacteria, endowing them with great catalytic sterilization against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. As expected, these CuAl-LDHs provide outstanding treatments for mucosal infection and periodontitis by promoting wound healing and remodeling of the periodontal microenvironment. Moreover, toxicity investigation demonstrates the overall safety. Accordingly, the current study not only provides a convenient and economic strategy for treating oral infectious diseases but also extends the development of novel LDH-based Fenton or Fenton-like antibacterial reagents for further biomedical applications.

Human Exposure to Ambient Atmospheric Microplastics in a Megacity: Spatiotemporal Variation and Associated Microorganism-Related Health Risk.

Microplastics are found in various human tissues and are considered harmful, raising concerns about human exposure to microplastics in the environment. Existing research has analyzed indoor and occupational scenarios, but long-term monitoring of ambient atmospheric microplastics (AMPs), especially in highly polluted urban regions, needs to be further investigated. This study estimated human environmental exposure to AMPs by considering inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal exposure in three urban functional zones within a megacity. The annual exposure quantity was 7.37 × 104 items for children and 1.06 × 105 items for adults, comparable with the human microplastic consumption from food and water. Significant spatiotemporal differences were observed in the characteristics of AMPs that humans were exposed to, with wind speed and rainfall frequency mainly driving these changes. The annual human AMP exposure quantity in urban green land spaces, which were recognized as relatively low polluted zones, was comparable with that in public service zones and residential zones. Notably, significant positive correlations between the AMP characteristics and the pathogenicity of the airborne bacterial community were discovered. AMP size and immune-mediated disease risks brought by atmospheric microbes showed the most significant relationship, where Sphingomonas might act as the potential key mediator.

Comparison of knee joint and temporomandibular joint development in pig embryos.

Although the knee joint (KNJ) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) all belong to the synovial joint, there are many differences in developmental origin, joint structure and articular cartilage type. Studies of joint development in embryos have been performed, mainly using poultry and rodents. However, KNJ and TMJ in poultry and rodents differ from those in humans in several ways. Very little work has been done on the embryonic development of KNJ and TMJ in large mammals. Several studies have shown that pigs are ideal animals for embryonic development research. Embryonic day 30 (E30), E35, E45, E55, E75, E90, Postnatal day 0 (P0) and Postnatal day 30 (P30) embryos/fetuses from the pigs were used for this study. The results showed that KNJ develops earlier than TMJ. Only one mesenchymal condensate of KNJ is formed on E30, while two mesenchymal condensates of TMJ are present on E35. All structures of KNJ and TMJ were formed on E45. The growth plate of KNJ begins to develop on E45 and becomes more pronounced from E55 to P30. From E75 to E90, more and more vascular-rich cartilage canals form in the cartilage regions of both joints. The cartilaginous canal of the TMJ divides the condyle into sections along the longitudinal axis of the condyle. This arrangement of cartilaginous canal was not found in the KNJ. The chondrification of KNJ precedes that of TMJ. Ossification of the knee condyle occurs gradually from the middle to the periphery, while that of the TMJ occurs gradually from the base of the mandibular condyle. In the KNJ, the ossification of the articular condyle is evident from P0 to P30, and the growth plate is completely formed on P30. In the TMJ, the cartilage layer of condyle becomes thinner from P0 to P30. There is no growth plate formation in TMJ during its entire development. There is no growth plate formation in the TMJ throughout its development. The condyle may be the developmental center of the TMJ. The chondrocytes and hypertrophic chondrocytes of the growth plate are densely arranged. The condylar chondrocytes of TMJ are scattered, while the hypertrophic chondrocytes are arranged. Embryonic development of KNJ and TMJ in pigs is an important bridge for translating the results of rodent studies to medical applications.

The MYB transcription factor Seed Shattering 11 controls seed shattering by repressing lignin synthesis in African rice.

African cultivated rice (Oryza glaberrima Steud.) was domesticated from its wild progenitor species (Oryza barthii) about 3000 years ago. Seed shattering is one of the main constraints on grain production in African cultivated rice, which causes severe grain losses during harvest. By contrast, Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) displays greater resistance to seed shattering, allowing higher grain production. A better understanding in regulation of seed shattering would help to improve harvesting efficiency in African cultivated rice. Here, we report the map-based cloning and characterization of OgSH11, a MYB transcription factor controlling seed shattering in O. glaberrima. OgSH11 represses the expression of lignin biosynthesis genes and lignin deposition by binding to the promoter of GH2. We successfully developed a new O. glaberrima material showing significantly reduced seed shattering by knockout of SH11 in O. glaberrima using CRISPR-Cas9 mediated approach. Identification of SH11 not only supplies a new target for seed shattering improvement in African cultivated rice, but also provides new insights into the molecular mechanism of abscission layer development.

Role of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells extracted from adult periodontal ligaments ex-vivo.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are identified as candidate cells for the regeneration of periodontal and alveolar bone tissues. This research was to analyze the effect of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3)-mediated m6A modification on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs extracted from adult periodontal ligaments (PDLs) ex-vivo. From June 2022 to October 2022, 27 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in our hospital were selected as the research population, with 31 teeth extracted in total. PDLSCs were isolated from PDLs by tissue block culture, and the results were analyzed. Then PDLSCs were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, and changes in METTL3 and m6A levels during differentiation were observed. Additionally, abnormal METTL3 expression vectors were constructed and transfected into PDLSCs to observe the influence of METTL3 on the biological behavior and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. PDLSCs isolated from ex-vivo PDLs were predominantly spindle-shaped, with high CD73, CD90 and CD105 levels and low CD11b, CD34 and CD45 levels, showing the characteristics of stem cells. Spearman correlation coefficients identified a positive connection between Runx2, Sp7, Alp, Bglap, METTL3 and m6A levels and osteogenic differentiation incubation time (P<0.05). As METTL3 expression was increased, the proliferation capacity and osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs were enhanced (P<0.05), and the content of m6A was increased (P<0.05). However, the activity and osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs was decreased after silencing METTL3 (P<0.05). In conclusion, METTL3-mediated m6A modification promoted the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs extracted from adult PDLs ex vivo. This study offered a novel understanding of the mechanisms underlying osteogenic differentiation, and implied a possible method for accelerating bone formation.

Comparative study of biomechanical effects between two types of 2 × 4 techniques employing a rocking-chair archwire: a three-dimensional finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES: After bonding brackets to the first deciduous molar in a 2 × 4 technique, a three-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA) is used to demonstrate the biomechanical changes in an orthodontic system. This study aims to opt for the appropriate type of orthodontic technology by analyzing and comparing the mechanical systems produced by two types of 2 × 4 techniques employing rocking-chair archwires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Herein, the maxilla and maxillary dentition are modeled by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D FEA. Common clinically used 0.016-inch round archwires (material: titanium-molybdenum alloy and stainless-steel) and 0.018-inch round archwires (material: titanium-molybdenum alloy and stainless-steel) are bent into the shape of a rocking chair with a depth of 3 mm. The forces and moments applied to the brackets are transferred to the dentition to evaluate the biomechanical effects of the 2 × 4 technique after the bracket is bonded to the first deciduous molar. RESULTS: For the central incisor, the teeth-moving distance in all three directions increases with bracket bonding to the first deciduous molar applying the 0.016-inch rocking-chair archwire. For the lateral incisor, the tooth root moves toward the gingival side when using 0.016-inch and 0.018-inch archwires. Moreover, for the same archwire size, the lateral incisors move toward the gingival side by bonding the bracket to the first deciduous molar. After bonding a bracket to the first deciduous molar, using rocking-chair archwires of 0.016 inch or 0.018 inch, the buccal movement distance of the first molar crown increases in the X-axis direction. In the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, the modified 2 × 4 technique significantly increases the effect of backward-tipping compared with the traditional 2 × 4 technique. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the modified 2 × 4 technique can be used to increase the movement distance of anterior teeth to a certain extent and accelerate the orthodontic teeth movement. Moreover, the modified 2 × 4 technique is better in anchorage conservation of the first molar than the traditional technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the traditional 2 × 4 technique is widely used in early orthodontic treatment, we found mucosal damage and abnormal archwire deformation might affect orthodontic treatment time and effect. The modified 2 × 4 technique is a novel approach that avoids these drawbacks and improves orthodontic treatment efficiency.

Effects of Twin-Block with an expanding device on the upper airway in growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion-a retrospective study based on the consistency of three-dimensional and two-dimensional data.

OBJECTIVES: Skeletal class II malocclusion is one of the most common malocclusions. Among the functional appliances for skeletal class II malocclusion, the Twin-Block appliance with a maxillary expander is effective in repositioning the mandible forward. In this study, we focused our efforts on investigating the effects of Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expanders on the upper airway in growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion by tracing and measuring lateral cephalograms after evaluating the consistency of three-dimensional CBCT data and two-dimensional lateral cephalogram data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients ranging from 9 to 15 years old (11.37 ± 2.80, male/female ratio = 1:1) with skeletal class II malocclusion were selected to evaluate the consistency of CBCT data and lateral cephalogram data. The strongly and moderately correlated segments were then selected to study the effects of Twin-Block with a maxillary expander on the upper airway in 66 growing children with skeletal class II malocclusion (11.31 ± 1.23 years old, male/female ratio = 1:1) by lateral cephalograms. RESULTS: The results showed a strong significant correlation in the nasopharynx (r = 0.708) and moderate significant correlations in the overall upper airway (r = 0.641), palatopharynx (r = 0.553), and glossopharynx (r = 0.575) but a weak correlation in the hypopharynx (r = 0.323). The corresponding determination coefficient (R2) was also determined by scatter plot analysis. Moreover, compared with the pretreatment data (T1), the total area of the upper airway and the areas of the nasopharynx, palatopharynx, and glossopharynx after functional treatment (T2) increased statistically and significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral cephalograms can reflect the volume of the nasopharynx and oropharynx in skeletal class II children to a certain extent, while Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expanders can widen the volume of the nasopharynx and oropharynx significantly. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The lateral cephalogram is reliable for analyzing the nasopharynx, palatopharynx, and glossopharynx in orthodontic clinical practice. Twin-Block appliances with maxillary expanders have a positive effect on skeletal class II patients with airway stenosis.

Cone-beam computed tomographic characteristics in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease patients with chewing side preference.

OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at assessing the Cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) characteristics of temporomandibular joints (TMJ) in degenerative temporomandibular joint disease (DJD) patients with chewing side preference (CSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 98 patients with DJD (67 with CSP and 31 without CSP) and 22 asymptomatic participants without DJD were measured retrospectively to compare the osteoarthritic changes and the morphology of TMJ. Quantitative analysis of the TMJ radiographic images was performed to present a comparison between the three inter-group groups and between the two sides of the joints. RESULTS: The frequencies of the articular flattening and surface erosion occur more often in the preferred side joints of DJD patients with CSP than the contralateral side. In addition, the horizontal angle of condyle, the depth of glenoid fossa (DGF), and the inclination of articular eminence (IAE) were larger in DJD patients with CSP than that in asymptomatic participants (p<0.05). Also, the condylar anteroposterior dimension of preferred side joints was significantly less than that of non-preferred side (p=0.026), while the width of condyles (p=0.041) and IAE (p=0.045) was greater. CONCLUSIONS: DJD patients with CSP appear to have a higher prevalence of osteoarthritic changes, with the morphological changes such as flat condyle, deep glenoid fossa, and steep articular eminence, which might be considered the characteristic imaging features. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study found that CSP is a predisposing factor for the development of DJD, and attention should be paid to the existence of CSP in DJD patients during the clinical practice.

Association between serum uric acid, hyperuricemia and periodontitis: a cross-sectional study using NHANES data.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetes and other metabolic diseases have been linked to the development of periodontitis, but little research has been done to determine whether serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hyperuricemia play a role. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SUA, hyperuricemia, and periodontitis. METHODS: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014, we created a nationally representative data set. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship between SUA, hyperuricemia, and periodontitis and presented odds ratios (OR) in women and men, respectively. RESULTS: In women, adjusted multivariable regression models showed that SUA (4.1-4.3mg/dl) was associated with higher odds of periodontitis (OR = 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI):1.0 ~ 2.03, p = 0.047) with SUA (≤ 3.3mg/dl) as reference. The risk of periodontitis tended to increase slightly but insignificantly with increasing SUA levels, and the adverse effects occurred only when SUA increased to a certain level, and then reached a plateau. In men, the adjusted OR values for SUA (4.9-5.2mg/dl), SUA (5.3-5.5mg/dl), SUA (5.9-6.2mg/dl), and SUA (6.3-6.5mg/dl) were 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45 ~ 0.96, p = 0.029), 0.58 (95% CI: 0.40 ~ 0.85, p = 0.006), 0.67(95% CI: 0.47 ~ 0.97, p = 0.035), and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.45 ~ 0.99, p = 0.043), respectively, with SUA (≤ 4.3mg/dl) as reference. The elevated SUA levels are protective against periodontitis, but there is a range within which the risk of periodontitis decreases, followed by a non-significant tendency to increase. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of SUA that are linked to the risk of periodontitis. Future prospective longitudinal studies and strategies are required to further confirm whether controlled SUA treatment is an effective adjunct to systematic periodontal therapy and whether SUA can be used as a diagnostic biomarker to assess the risk or progression of periodontitis.

A comparative study of condyle position in temporomandibular disorder patients with chewing side preference using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Chewing side preference (CSP) could cause structural and morphological changes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and has been suggested as one aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), but the condylar position in TMD patients with CSP is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare the condylar position in the TMD patients with and without CSP. METHODS: Ninety TMD patients with unilateral symptom (69 with CSP and 21 without CSP) and 20 asymptomatic participants received cone-beam computed tomography. The condylar position was determined based on the measurements of sagittal joint spaces. Intergroup and intra-group comparisons of the condylar position were performed. RESULTS: The condyles in asymptomatic participants located nearly randomly in anterior, centric and posterior positions. Patients without CSP had significantly more posterior condyles than asymptomatic participants (57.1% vs 30.0%, p < 0.05). In patients with CSP, 50.7% of the condyles on the preferred chewing side and 42.0% on the unpreferred side located posteriorly, reaching no significant level compared with the asymptomatic participants and patients without CSP (p > 0.05). The symptomatic joints and asymptomatic joints in patients with CSP and without CSP showed no significant differences in condylar position. While patients without CSP had significantly more posterior condyles in symptomatic joints than asymptomatic participants (p < 0.05), patients with CSP showed a trend towards more posterior condyles in symptomatic joints compared with the asymptomatic participants (53.6% vs 30.0%, p = 0.054). CONCLUSION: Condylar position is not a strong indicator to differentiate CSP-related TMDs from non-CSP-related TMDs. Posterior condyle could not be viewed as one indicator of TMD.

[Evaluation of Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Contraction in Patients with Temporomandibular Disorders Based on 3D-T2 Weighted Imaging].

Objective To evaluate lateral pterygoid muscle(LPM)contraction in the patients with temporomandibular disorders(TMD)based on 3D-T2 weighted imaging(3D-T2WI).Multiplanar reconstruction(MPR)was employed to measure the length of LPM in the images taken in closed-and open-mouth positions. Methods Seventeen TMD patients [age of(29.82±10.70)years,males/females=8/9] and 13 normal volunteers [control,age of(23.54±3.31)years,males/females=6/7] received 3D-T2WI of the temporomandibular joints in closed-and open-mouth positions from November 2019 to April 2020 in Department of Radiology,Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital.According to the position of the discs,the subjects were classified into the following groups:TMD with disc displacement without reduction(TMD-DDwoR),TMD with disc displacement with reduction(TMD-DDwR),TMD without disc displacement(TMDwoDD),and normal control without disc displacement(NCwoDD).MPR was employed to measure the maximal length of the superior belly of LPM.One-way analysis of variance,receiver operating characteristic curve,and permutation test were employed for the statistical analyses. Results The contraction of LPM was significantly shorter in TMD-DDwoR group [(3.36±1.96)mm] than in TMDwoDD group [(7.90±3.95)mm],NCwoDD group [(8.77±3.13)mm](F=12.891,P=0.000),and TMD-DDwR group[(7.12±3.69)mm](χ2=5.314,P=0.031). Conclusion This study confirmed that the contraction of LPM decreased in patients with TMD-DDwoR,which provided imaging evidence for the study of disc displacement mechanism in TMD patients.

Studies on the Performance of Molar Porous Root-Analogue Implant by Finite Element Model Simulation and Verification of a Case Report.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of porous layer thickness in a 3-dimensionally printed 1-piece molar porous root-analogue implant (RAI) on the biomechanical properties of the peri-implant bone and the clinical efficacy of one such implant in a patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three RAIs with different superficial porous layer thicknesses (0.5 mm, 1 mm, and fully porous) were designed and assembled using a mandible model and then solidified to obtain 3 finite elements models, denoted A, B, and C. Finite element analysis was performed to analyze the stress on the solid and porous structures of the RAIs and the stress and strain experienced by the bone surrounding the implant. RAIs were fabricated by selective laser melting. An unrepairable molar in a single patient was selected for replacement. An RAI was designed and prepared and then implanted into the alveolar bone immediately after minimally invasive extraction of the damaged tooth. Definitive restorations were placed after a 3-month period of uninterrupted healing. RESULTS: The stress concentration observed in the 3 types of RAI was principally between the solid and porous interface contact points, with maximum stress on the solid and porous structures smaller than that of the respective yield strength. The introduction of a porous structure on the surface of the RAIs increased peri-implant bone stress, which increased with thickness of the porous layer. The 3-dimensionally printed porous RAI exhibited excellent initial stability immediately after implantation. After continual observation for 6 months, it was found that bone surrounding the root had infiltrated into the RAI, achieving good osseointegration. CONCLUSIONS: Stress shielding can be reduced by decreasing the elastic modulus of the implant, with the interface between implant and bone allowing more appropriate stress conduction. A 1-piece porous RAI fabricated using 3-dimensional printing establishes a new indication for immediate implantation after extraction.

[The cardiovascular protection of irisin and its research progress in sports field].

Irisin is a circulating myokine induced by exercise, which is a cleaved version of fibronectin type III domain containing protein 5 (FNDC5). It can promote the browning of white fat tissue, increase energy consumption, and decrease weight. Irisin plays an important role in the regulation of various diseases, such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. Different types of exercise have different effects on irisin level in blood circulation, and moderate exercise can reduce cardiovascular symptoms. In this paper, the cardiovascular protective effect of irisin and its research progress in the field of exercise are reviewed, hoping to provide a new target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Facile one-pot synthesis of multifunctional polyphosphazene nanoparticles as multifunctional platform for tumor imaging.

By integrating imaging and drug-delivery in a single system, fluorescent nano-multifunctional imaging platforms can offer simultaneous diagnosis and therapy to diseases like cancer. However, the synthesis of such system involves a tedious, time-consuming, and multi-step process. Herein we report a facile method based on simple ultrasonication to synthesize highly cross-linked, monodispersed fluorescent polyphosphazene nanoparticles from hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and dichlorofluorescein (FD). Various functional groups (folic acid, PEG-NH2, and methylene blue) can be "fastened" in situ onto the poly(cyclotriphosphazene-co-dichlorofluorescein) (PCTPDF) nanoparticles to expand its application as nano-multifunctional platform. All the nanoparticles were characterized spectrophotometrically, and morphology was established by the images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM). The synthesized multifunctional nanoparticles exhibited low toxicity and penetrated through the cytomembranes of human colon cancer (HCT 116) cells. When applied to in vivo tumor imaging using biologically engineered mouse model, methylene blue functionalized (PCTPDF@MB) nanoparticles exhibited excellent photodynamic activity and imaging ability. Thus, PCTPDF nanoplatform based on multi-functional fluorescent nanoparticles might offer an efficient solution to new age theranostics. Apart from diagnostics application, PCTPDF, as a nanoplatform, could also be utilized to achieve more comprehensive application in modern analytic chemistry. Graphical Abstract The table of contents.

Comparative Analysis of Bilateral Temporomandibular Joints in Patients With Unilateral Temporomandibular Joint Complaints Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to determine if there was any temporomandibular joint (TMJ) indicator that was not statistically different in the controls but was with statistical difference between the bilateral sides in patients with unilateral TMJ complaints using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: TMJ CBCT images of 123 patients were used to preliminarily determine the indicators suitable for the measuring method. TMJ CBCT image reconstruction was performed and 19 indicators were measured. Thirty-six patients without TMJ complaint were used as controls. These bilateral TMJs were analyzed by paired t test to find out the indicators without statistical significance in the control group. Fifty patients with TMJ complaints unilaterally were used to determine the indicators that showed no statistical difference in the control group and showed statistical difference in the unilateral TMJ complaints group. RESULTS: All measured values showed no difference statistically in the control group, except the radius value. In the group of unilateral TMJ complaints, sagittal 60° joint space was statistically different (P < 0.05); parallel 120° and sagittal 90° joint space were significantly different (P < 0.01); the rest of the measured values proved to be of no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal 60° joint space, parallel 120°, and sagittal 90° joint space were suggested to be the indicators with statistical difference between symptomatic side and asymptomatic side in patients with unilateral TMJ complaints. Comparing with the asymptomatic side, there is a significant joint space increase in symptomatic side in the patients with unilateral TMJ complaint.

Observational Study of Surgical Treatment of Sagittal Fractures of Mandibular Condyle.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the complications that occur after surgical treatment of sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle (SFMC). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients in whom SFMC was treated using surgical methods (87 patients, 105 sides) between January 1995 and December 2011 (79 sides were treated by rigid internal fixation and the remaining 26 sides were removed the condylar fragments). The longest follow-up was 17 years, and the shortest was 2 years. Follow-ups were conducted to assess mandibular activity, mouth opening, and computed tomography scans of condylar morphologic alterations. The postoperative complications were evaluated and the causes were analyzed. RESULTS: We observed 3 patients with joint ankylosis (all of them were removed the condylar fragments); 8, mouth opening less than 30 mm; 23, deviation on mouth opening at 6 months. At 4 weeks, 19 patients had facial nerve weakness, which was resolved within 6 months. The radiological investigation showed complete remodeling in 56.2% of the condyles (in the 59 sides, 57 sides were treated by rigid internal fixation and 2 sides were removed the condylar fragments); partial remodeling 27.6% condyles (in the 29 sides, 20 sides were treated by rigid internal fixation and 9 sides were removed the condylar fragments); poor remodeling, 16.2% condyles (in the 17 sides, 2 sides were treated by rigid internal fixation and 15 sides were removed the condylar fragments). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of SFMC is not perfect. There were some complications that occurred after the surgical treatment of SFMC. The findings also indicate that condylar anatomic reduction is the basis for functional recovery and, therefore, rigid fixation should be implemented. Furthermore, the removal of condylar fragments should be performed with caution, and if used, the fragments should be removed entirely.

A novel ionic liquid-modified organic-polymer monolith as the sorbent for in-tube solid-phase microextraction of acidic food additives.

A novel ionic liquid-modified organic-polymer monolithic capillary column was prepared and used for in-tube solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of acidic food additives. The primary amino group of 1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was reacted with the epoxide group of glycidyl methacrylate. The as-prepared new monomer was then copolymerized in situ with acrylamide and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide in the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-8000 and PEG-10,000 as porogens. The extraction performance of the developed monolithic sorbent was evaluated for benzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 3-(trifluoromethyl)-cinnamic acid. Such a sorbent, bearing hydrophobic and anion-exchange groups, had high extraction efficiency towards the test compounds. The adsorption capacities for the analytes dissolved in water ranged from 0.18 to 1.74 µg cm(-1). Good linear calibration curves (R(2) > 0.99) were obtained, and the limits of detection (S/N = 3) for the analytes were found to be in the range 1.2-13.5 ng mL(-1). The recoveries of five acidic food additives spiked in Coca-Cola beverage samples ranged from 85.4 % to 98.3 %, with RSD less than 6.9 %. The excellent applicability of the ionic liquid (IL)-modified monolithic column was further tested by the determination of benzoic acid content in Sprite samples, further illustrating its good potential for analyzing food additives in complex samples.

Morphology, composition, and bioactivity of strontium-doped brushite coatings deposited on titanium implants via electrochemical deposition.

Surface modification techniques have been applied to generate titanium implant surfaces that promote osseointegration for use in dental applications. In this study, strontium-doped brushite coatings were deposited on titanium by electrochemical deposition. The phase composition of the coating was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The surface morphologies of the coatings were studied through scanning electron microscopy, and the cytocompatibility and bioactivity of the strontium-doped brushite coatings were evaluated using cultured osteoblasts. Osteoblast proliferation was enhanced by the addition of strontium, suggesting a possible mechanism by which strontium incorporation in brushite coatings increased bone formation surrounding the implants. Cell growth was also strongly influenced by the composition of the deposited coatings, with a 10% Sr-doped brushite coating inducing the greatest amount of bone formation among the tested materials.

Collagen/functionalized cellulose nanofibril composite aerogels with pH-responsive characteristics for drug delivery system.

In this work, carboxylated and amination modified cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were fabricated via the TEMPO catalytic oxidation system and diethylenetriamine, and collagen composite aerogels were fabricated through a simple self-assembly pretreatment and directional freeze-drying technology. Morphology analysis showed that the collagen composite aerogels had distinct layered-oriented double network structures after the self-assembly pretreatment. The intermolecular interactions between the collagen fibrils and functionalized CNFs (fCNFs) on the structures and properties of the composite aerogels were also examined through various characterization techniques. Water contact angle tests demonstrated the pH-responsive characteristics of the collagen/fCNF composite aerogels. Using 5-fluorouracil as the model drug, the pH-response mechanism was revealed. These results indicated that the collagen/fCNF composite aerogels exhibited excellent pH-responsive drug release capacities. Therefore, these pH-responsive collagen composite aerogels might have potential applications in industrial production in the biomedical, drug delivery, and tissue engineering fields.