Design and application of modified CAD/CAM socket-shield preparation template in immediate implantation in the esthetic area.

OBJECTIVE: Designed and applicated a modified customized CAD-CAM socket-shield preparation guide template in immediate implant and followed up for 3 years. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Socket-shield technique could improve the esthetic effect of immediate implant restorations by preserving the labial fascicular bone-periodontal complex at the implant site. While the socket-shield technique is highly technique-sensitive. A modified customized CAD/CAM guided template was designed and fabricated by 3D printing. The movement of the carbide bur during preparing the socket-shield was limited by the socket-shield preparation template. In this case report, the socket-shield preparation template was used for preparing the socket-shield in the tooth root with irregular morphology and the case was followed up for 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: The modified CAD/CAM socket-shield preparation template effectively improved the accuracy and efficiency of preparing the socket-shield by limiting the movement of the high-speed carbide bur in both in both lip-to-palatal and crown-to-root orientation. The socket-shield with accurate morphology could effectively maintain the gingival marginal level and contour. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The modified CAD/CAM socket-shield preparation template with the depth-locking ring effectively reduced the technique sensitivity and time consumption of the socket-shield technique, especially for tooth roots with irregular morphology.

Biogas Upgrading via Cyclic CO2 Adsorption: Application of Highly Regenerable PEI@nano-Al2O3 Adsorbents with Anti-Urea Properties.

Solid amine adsorbents are among the most promising CO2 adsorption technologies for biogas upgrading due to their high selectivity toward CO2, low energy consumption, and easy regeneration. However, in most cases, these adsorbents undergo severe chemical inactivation due to urea formation when regenerated under a realistic CO2 atmosphere. Herein, we demonstrated a facile and efficient synthesis route, involving the synthesis of nano-Al2O3 support derived from coal fly ash with a CO2 flow as the precipitant and the preparation of polyethylenimine (PEI)-impregnated Al2O3-supported adsorbent. The optimal 55%PEI@2%Al2O3 adsorbent showed a high CO2 uptake of 139 mg·g-1 owing to the superior pore structure of synthesized nano-Al2O3 support and exhibited stable cyclic stability with a mere 0.29% decay per cycle even under the realistic regenerated CO2 atmosphere. The stabilizing mechanism of PEI@nano-Al2O3 adsorbent was systematically demonstrated, namely, the cross-linking reaction between the amidogen of a PEI molecule and nano-Al2O3 support, owing to the abundant Lewis acid sites of nano-Al2O3. This cross-linking process promoted the conversion of primary amines into secondary amines in the PEI molecule and thus significantly enhanced the cyclic stability of PEI@nano-Al2O3 adsorbents by markedly inhibiting the formation of urea compounds. Therefore, this facile and efficient strategy for PEI@nano-Al2O3 adsorbents with anti-urea properties, which can avoid active amine content dilution from PEI chemical modification, is promising for practical biogas upgrading and various CO2 separation processes.

Compound heterozygous mutations in the ALDH3A2 gene cause Sjögren-Larsson syndrome: a case report.

Purpose: Sjögren-Larsson syndrome is a rare, autosomal, recessive neurocutaneous disorder caused by mutations in the ALDH3A2 gene, which encodes the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme. Deficiency in fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase results in an abnormal accumulation of toxic fatty aldehydes in the brain and skin, which cause spasticity, intellectual disability, ichthyosis, and other clinical manifestations. We present the clinical features and mutation analyses of a case of SLS.Materials and Methods: The family history and clinical data of the patient were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patient and her parents, and next-generation sequencing was performed. The candidate mutation sites that required further validation were then sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Bioinformatics software PSIPRED and RaptorX were used to predict the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins.Results: The patient, a five-year-old girl with complaints of cough for three days and intermittent convulsions for seven hours, was admitted to the hospital. Other clinical manifestations included spastic paraplegia, mental retardation, tooth defects, and ichthyosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed periventricular leukomalacia. Genetic screening revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the ALDH3A2 gene: a frameshift mutation c.779delA (p.K260Rfs*6) and a missense mutation c.1157A > G (p.N386S). Neither of the ALDH3A2 alleles in the compound heterozygote patient were able to generate normal fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase, which were likely responsible for her phenotype of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome.Conclusion: The compound heterozygous mutations found in the ALDH3A2 gene support the diagnosis of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome in the patient and expand the genotype spectrum of the gene.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice survey regarding coronavirus disease 2019 among residents in Hunan Province. / æ¹–å—çœå± æ°‘2019å† çŠ¶ç— æ¯’ç— çŸ¥è¯†ã€æ€åº¦ä¸Žåº”å¯¹è¡Œä¸º.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate residents' knowledge, attitude and behavior towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hunan Province, and to explore the factors influencing behaviors. METHODS: A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct an online survey for 4 139 Hunan residents. The contents included general population information, residents' knowledge, attitude and practice to COVID-19. RESULTS: Mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and behavior were 29.82±3.16, 6.71±1.12, and 14.93±1.45, respectively. Residents had the highest score of major symptoms of COVID-19 (3.96±0.39), but the lowest was the main transmission routes (3.47±0.89). A total of 22.68% of the residents were very or relatively afraid of the outbreak, but 95.22% of the residents had confidence in defeating COVID-19. In behavior dimension, "handling of suspicious symptoms" had the lowest score (3.58±0.75). The behavior implementation rate of "keep the surfaces of household items clean" (80.50%), "doing more exercise, reasonable diet, working and resting regularly" (84.59%), and "avoid hand contacting with eyes, mouth or nose" (89.51%) were relatively low. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the knowledge, attitude, and practices score were correlated with each other (knowledge vs behavior: r=0.366; knowledge vs attitude: r=0.041; attitude vs behavior: r=0.100; all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the knowledge, attitude and behavior on COVID-19 were mostly influenced by education background (all P<0.05), and the independent factors affecting behavior included knowledge and attitude, gender, permanent residence, education background (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Residents in Hunan Province have a good knowledge, attitude, and behavior to COVID-19. Nevertheless there are still weak links to be improved in all dimensions. It is necessary to strengthen knowledge and behavior of family protection, and care for residents' psychological health, especially persons with low education degree, male and rural residents.

Temperature-induced amperometric glucose biosensor based on a poly(N-vinylcaprolactam)/graphene oxide composite film.

A temperature-induced sensing film consisting of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL), graphene oxide (GO) and glucose oxidase (GOD) was fabricated and used to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The PVCL/GO/GOD/GCE composite film was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The morphological properties of the composite were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The direct electron transfer (DET) of GOD was achieved. GOD at PVCL/GO/GOD/GCE exhibited a couple of well-defined redox peaks with a formal potential of -0.432 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The composite film showed temperature-induced catalytic activity towards glucose. Large peak currents were observed by amperometry at -0.39 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) when the temperature was above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PVCL, and then disappeared when it was below the LCST. The modified electrode displayed an excellent electrocatalytic response to glucose. The detection of glucose with the composite film ranged from 0.1 to 1.7 mmol L-1 above 35 °C. The constructed biosensor also possesses good stability, reproducibility and anti-interference ability.

Novel Bioactive and Therapeutic Dental Polymeric Materials to Inhibit Periodontal Pathogens and Biofilms.

Periodontitis is a common infectious disease characterized by loss of tooth-supporting structures, which eventually leads to tooth loss. The heavy burden of periodontal disease and its negative consequence on the patient's quality of life indicate a strong need for developing effective therapies. According to the World Health Organization, 10⁻15% of the global population suffers from severe periodontitis. Advances in understanding the etiology, epidemiology and microbiology of periodontal pocket flora have called for antibacterial therapeutic strategies for periodontitis treatment. Currently, antimicrobial strategies combining with polymer science have attracted tremendous interest in the last decade. This review focuses on the state of the art of antibacterial polymer application against periodontal pathogens and biofilms. The first part focuses on the different polymeric materials serving as antibacterial agents, drug carriers and periodontal barrier membranes to inhibit periodontal pathogens. The second part reviews cutting-edge research on the synthesis and evaluation of a new generation of bioactive dental polymers for Class-V restorations with therapeutic effects. They possess antibacterial, acid-reduction, protein-repellent, and remineralization capabilities. In addition, the antibacterial photodynamic therapy with polymeric materials against periodontal pathogens and biofilms is also briefly described in the third part. These novel bioactive and therapeutic polymeric materials and treatment methods have great potential to inhibit periodontitis and protect tooth structures.

NIR-II Fluorescent Self-Assembled Peptide Nanochain for Ultrasensitive Detection of Peritoneal Metastasis.

Fluorescence-guided cytoreductive surgery is one of the most promising approaches for facile elimination of tumors in situ, thereby improving prognosis. Reported herein is a simple strategy to construct a novel chainlike NIR-II nanoprobe (APP-Ag2 S-RGD) by self-assembly of an amphiphilic peptide (APP) into a nanochain with subsequent chemical crosslinking of NIR-II Ag2 S QDs and the tumor-targeting RGD peptide. This probe exhibits higher capability for cancer cell detection compared with that of RGD-functionalized Ag2 S QDs (Ag2 S-RGD) at the same concentration. Upon intraperitoneal injection, superior tumor-to-normal tissue signal ratio is achieved and non-vascularized tiny tumor metastatic foci as small as about 0.2 mm in diameter could be facilely eliminated under NIR-II fluorescent imaging guidance. These results clearly indicate the potential of this probe for fluorescence-guided tumor staging, preoperative diagnosis, and intraoperative navigation.

Surface functionalization of TiO2 nanotubes with minocycline and its in vitro biological effects on Schwann cells.

BACKGROUND: Minocycline has been widely used in central nervous system disease. However, the effect of minocycline on the repairing of nerve fibers around dental implants had not been previously investigated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of using minocycline for the repairing of nerve fibers around dental implants by investigating the effect of minocycline on the proliferation of Schwann cells and secretion of neurotrophic factors nerve growth factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro. METHODS: TiO2 nanotubes were fabricated on the surface of pure titanium via anodization at the voltage of 20, 30, 40 and 50 V. The nanotubes structure were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and examined with an optical contact angle. Then drug loading capability and release behavior were detected in vitro. The TiO2 nanotubes loaded with different concentration of minocycline were used to produce conditioned media with which to treat the Schwann cells. A cell counting kit-8 assay and cell viability were both selected to study the proliferative effect of the specimens on Schwann cell. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were used to detect the related gene/protein expression of Schwann cells. RESULTS: The results showed that the diameter of TiO2 nanotubes at different voltage varied from 100 to 200 nm. The results of optical contact angle and releasing profile showed the nanotubes fabricated at the voltage of 30 V met the needs of the carrier of minocycline. In addition, the TiO2 nanotubes loaded with the concentration of 20 µg/mL minocycline increased Schwann cells proliferation and secretion of neurotrophic factors in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the surface functionalization of TiO2 nanotubes with minocycline was a promising candidate biomaterial for the peripheral nerve regeneration around dental implants and has potential to be applied in improving the osseoperception of dental implant.

Development and application of a microfabricated multimodal neural catheter for neuroscience.

We present a microfabricated neural catheter for real-time continuous monitoring of multiple physiological, biochemical and electrophysiological variables that are critical to the diagnosis and treatment of evolving brain injury. The first generation neural catheter was realized by polyimide-based micromachining and a spiral rolling packaging method. The mechanical design and electrical operation of the microsensors were optimized and tailored for multimodal monitoring in rat brain such that the potential thermal, chemical and electrical crosstalk among the microsensors as well as errors from micro-environmental fluctuations are minimized. In vitro cytotoxicity analyses suggest that the developed neural catheters are minimally toxic to rat cortical neuronal cultures. In addition, in vivo histopathology results showed neither acute nor chronic inflammation for 7 days post implantation. The performance of the neural catheter was assessed in an in vivo needle prick model as a translational replica of a "mini" traumatic brain injury. It successfully monitored the expected transient brain oxygen, temperature, regional cerebral blood flow, and DC potential changes during the passage of spreading depolarization waves. We envisage that the developed multimodal neural catheter can be used to decipher the causes and consequences of secondary brain injury processes with high spatial and temporal resolution while reducing the potential for iatrogenic injury inherent to current use of multiple invasive probes.

Acetylene black paste electrode modified with molecularly imprinted polymers/graphene for the determination of bisphenol A.

A novel nanocomposite of molecularly imprinted polymers and graphene sheets was fabricated and used to obtain a highly conductive acetylene black paste electrode with high conductivity for the detection of bisphenol A. The two-dimensional structure and the chemical functionality of graphene provide an excellent surface for the enhancement of the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor and the specificity of molecularly imprinted polymers to improve detection of bisphenol A. The synergistic effect between graphene and molecularly imprinted polymers confers the nanocomposite with superior conductivity, broadened effective surface area and outstanding electrochemical performance. Factors affecting the performance of the imprinted sensor such as molecularly imprinted polymers concentration, foster time and scan rate are discussed. The sensor successfully detects bisphenol A with a wide linear range of 3.21 × 10-10 to 2.8 × 10-1 g/L (R = 0.995) and a detection limit of 9.63 × 10-11 g/L. The fabricated sensor also possessed high selectivity and stability and exhibits potential for environmental detection of contaminants and food safety inspection.

Double-walled Au nanocage/SiO2 nanorattles: integrating SERS imaging, drug delivery and photothermal therapy.

In this work, a novel type of nanomedical platform, the double-walled Au nanocage/SiO(2) nanorattle, is successfully fabricated by combining two "hollow-excavated strategies"--galvanic replacement and "surface-protected etching". The rational design of double-walled nanostructure based on gold nanocages (AuNCs) and hollow SiO(2) shells functionalized respectively with p-aminothiophenol (pATP) and Tat peptide simultaneously renders the nanoplatforms three functionalities: 1) the whole nanorattle serves as a high efficient drug carrier thanks to the structural characteristics of AuNC and SiO(2) shell with hollow interiors and porous walls; 2) the AuNC with large electromagnetic enhancement acts as a sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate to track the internalization process of the nanorattles by human MCF-7 breast cancer cells, as well as an efficient photothermal transducer for localized hyperthermia cancer therapy due to the strong near-infrared absorption; 3) Tat-functionalized SiO(2) shell not only improves biocompatibility and cell uptake efficiency resulting in enhanced anticancer efficacy but also prevents the AuNCs from aggregation and provides the stability of AuNCs so that the SERS signals can be used for cell tracking in high fidelity. The reported chemistry and the designed nanostructures should inspire more interesting nanostructures and applications.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of paclitaxel liposome and docetaxel for the neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel liposomal and docetaxel for neoadjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 188 operable patients with breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. According to the treatment regimens, they were divided into the group of paclitaxel liposome (86 patients) and group of docetaxel (102 patients) treatment. All the patients received a combination therapy with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, i.e. neoadjuvant chemotherapy with three drugs, 21 days as a cycle, and a total of 6 cycles. Surgery was carried out three weeks after the end of chemotherapy, and the chemotherapy efficacy and adverse reaction of both groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Pathological complete response (pCR) rate in the paclitaxel liposome group and docetaxel group was 10.5% and 9.8%, respectively, the objective response rate (ORR) was 80.2% and 79.4%, respectively, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 95.3% and 93.1%, respectively, showing a non-significant difference in therapy efficacy between the two groups (P > 0.05). Safety analysis indicated that all the occurrence rates of skin and nail toxic reaction, body fluid retention, oral mucositis, allergic reaction (such as facial blushing, chest distress, palpitation, dyspnea. etc.), and grade III-IV leukopenia and neutropenia in the paclitaxel liposome group were significantly lower than that of the docetaxel group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with docetaxel, paclitaxel liposome has the same anti-tumor efficacy, but causes fewer and milder adverse reactions with a higher safety in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Biomolecules meet organic frameworks: from synthesis strategies to diverse applications.

Biomolecules are essential in pharmaceuticals, biocatalysts, biomaterials, etc., but unfortunately they are extremely susceptible to extraneous conditions. When biomolecules meet porous organic frameworks, significantly improved thermal, chemical, and mechanical stabilities are not only acquired for raw biomolecules, but also molecule sieving, substrate enrichment, chirality property, and other functionalities are additionally introduced for application expansions. In addition, the intriguing synergistic effect stemming from elaborate and concerted interactions between biomolecules and frameworks can further enhance application performances. In this paper, the synthesis strategies of the so-called bio-organic frameworks (BOFs) in recent years are systematically reviewed and classified. Additionally, their broad applications in biomedicine, catalysis, separation, sensing, and imaging are introduced and discussed. Before ending, the current challenges and prospects in the future for this infancy-stage but significant research field are also provided. We hope that this review will offer a concise but comprehensive vision of designing and constructing multifunctional BOF materials as well as their full explorations in various fields.

Gold core@CeO2 halfshell Janus nanocomposites catalyze targeted sulfate radical for periodontitis therapy.

The sulfate radical (SO4•-), known for its high reactivity and long lifespan, has emerged as a potent antimicrobial agent. Its exceptional energy allows for the disruption of vital structures and metabolic pathways in bacteria that are usually inaccessible to common radicals. Despite its promising potential, the efficient generation of this radical, particularly through methods involving enzymes and photocatalysis, remains a substantial challenge. Here, we capitalized on the peroxidase (POD)-mimicking activity and photocatalytic properties of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanozymes, integrating these properties with the enhanced concept of plasma gold nanorod (GNR) to develop a half-encapsulated core@shell GNRs@CeO2 Janus heterostructure impregnated with persulfate. Under near-infrared irradiation, the GNRs generate hot electrons, thereby boosting the CeO2's enzyme-like activity and initiating a potent reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm. This distinct nanoarchitecture facilitates functional specialization, wherein the heterostructure and efficient light absorption ensured continuous hot electron flow, not only enhancing the POD-like activity of CeO2 for the production of SO4•- effectively, but also contributing a significant photothermal effect, disrupting periodontal plaque biofilm and effectively eradicating pathogens. Furthermore, the local temperature elevation synergistically enhances the POD-like activity of CeO2. Transcriptomics analysis, as well as animal experiments of the periodontitis model, have revealed that pathogens undergo genetic information destruction, metabolic disorders, and pathogenicity changes in the powerful ROS system, and profound therapeutic outcomes in vivo, including anti-inflammation and bone preservation. This study demonstrated that energy transfer to augment nanozyme activity, specifically targeting ROS generation, constitutes a significant advancement in antibacterial treatment.

Creating "living" polymer surfaces to pattern biomolecules and cells on common plastics.

Creating patterns of biomolecules and cells has been applied widely in many fields associated with the life sciences, including diagnostics. In these applications it has become increasingly apparent that the spatiotemporal arrangement of biological molecules in vitro is important for the investigation of the cellular functions found in vivo. However, the cell patterning techniques often used are limited to creating 2D functional surfaces on glass and silicon. In addition, in general, these procedures are not easy to implement in conventional biological laboratories. Here, we show the formation of a living poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) layer that can be patterned with visible light on plastic surfaces. This new and simple method can be expanded to pattern multiple types of biomolecule on either a previously formed PEG layer or a plastic substrate. Using common plastic wares (i.e., polyethylene films and polystyrene cell culture Petri-dishes), we demonstrate that these PEG-modified surfaces have a high resistance to protein adsorption and cell adhesion, while at the same time, being capable of undergoing further molecular grafting with bioactive motifs. With a photomask and a fluid delivery system, we illustrate a flexible way to immobilize biological functions with a high degree of 2D and 3D spatial control. We anticipate that our method can be easily implemented in a typical life science laboratory (without the need for specialized lithography equipment) offering the prospect of imparting desirable properties to plastic products, for example, the creation of functional microenvironments in biological studies or reducing biological adhesion to surfaces.

Adrenomedullin delivery in microsphere-scaffold composite for remodeling of the alveolar bone following tooth extraction: an experimental study in the rat.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar ridge resorption, as a significant problem in implant and restorative dentistry, has long been considered as an inevitable outcome following tooth extraction. Recently, adrenomedullin (ADM) is reported to be able to stimulate the proliferation and migration of various cells including osteoblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of local ADM application in the tooth extraction socket in vivo. METHODS: Chitosan micropheres were developed by an emulsion-ionic cross-linking method for ADM delivery. Poly (L -lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) were used to prepare scaffolds to contain the micrspheres with ADM. In vivo experiment was evaluated by transplanting the composite into the rat socket right after the incisor extraction. After 4, 8, 12 weeks implantation, radiographic and histological tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of released ADM on the alveolar bone. RESULTS: The microspheres had a spherical structure and a relative rough and uniform surface, and the particle size was under a normal distribution, with the average diameter of 38.59 µm. The scaffolds had open and interconnected pores. In addition, the high porosity of the composite was 88.93%. Radiographic and histological examination revealed that the PLGA/nHA/CMs/ADM composite could accelerate the alveolar bone remodeling and reduce the residual ridge resorption compared with the PLGA/nHA/CMs scaffold. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that local application of ADM has the potential to preserve the residual alveolar ridge and accelerate the alveolar bone remodeling.

Multifunctional Nano-Biomaterials for Cancer Therapy via Inducing Enhanced Immunogenic Cell Death.

Immunotherapy is considered to be one of the most promising methods to overcome cancer. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), as a special form of cell death that can trigger an antitumor immune response, has attracted increasing attention for cancer immunotherapy. Presently, ICD-mediating immunotherapy needs to overcome many hurdles including a lack of targeted delivery systems for ICD inducers, insufficient antitumor immunity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Recent research has demonstrated that nano-biomaterials exhibit unique biochemphysical properties at the nanoscale, providing a prospective approach to overcoming these obstacles. In this review, the authors first survey the occurrence, processes, and detection methods of ICD. Subsequently, the recent advances of nano-biomaterials applied to enhance ICD according to the key steps in the process of ICD, particularly with a focus on the mechanisms and lifting schemes are investigated. Finally, based on the achievement in the representative studies, the prospects and challenges of nanotechnology in ICD for cancer therapy are discussed to enable clinical translation.

Biodegradation characteristics of lignin in pulping wastewater by the thermophilic Serratia sp. AXJ-M: Performance, genetic background, metabolic pathway and toxicity assessment.

The key to the efficient removal of pulping wastewater lies in the effective degradation of lignin at high temperature. There is thus an urgent need to seek effective eco-environmental techniques to overcome this environmental limit for lignin degradation. The soil isolate thermophilic Serratia sp. AXJ-M efficiently metabolizes lignin. Nevertheless, the underlying comprehensive molecular mechanism of lignin degradation by thermophilic AXJ-M is poorly understood. Here, strain AXJ-M showed excellent degradation ability toward diverse lignin-related aromatic compounds. Functional genome analysis and RNA-Seq disclosed several traits which in joint consideration suggest a high efficiency of AXJ-M representative to the lignin degradation and environmental adaptation. Multiomics analyses combined with GC-MS revealed seven potential lignin biodegradation pathways. DyP was predicted to be involved in the breakdown of the ß-O-4 ether bond, Cα-Cß bond and Cα oxidation of lignin by prokaryotic expression and gene knockout and complementation. Molecular docking deepens the understanding of the interaction between DyP and lignin. Toxicity assessment experiments clearly indicated that AXJ-M significantly reduced the toxicity of the metabolites. This work expands the knowledge about the degradation mechanism of thermophilic lignin-degrading bacteria, most importantly, offers a new perspective on potential applications in utilizing this strain in pulping wastewater bioremediation.

Near-infrared light-triggered nitric oxide nanocomposites for photodynamic/photothermal complementary therapy against periodontal biofilm in an animal model.

Background: Periodontal disease, an oral disease that initiates with plaque biofilm infection, affects 10% of the global population. Due to the complexity of tooth root anatomy, biofilm resistance and antibiotic resistance, traditional mechanical debridement and antibiotic removal of biofilms are not ideal. Nitric oxide (NO) gas therapy and its multifunctional therapy are effective methods to clear biofilms. However, large and controlled delivery of NO gas molecules is currently a great challenge. Methods: The core-shell structure of Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG was developed and characterized in detail. The ability of Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG to produce heat, ROS and NO under 808 nm NIR excitation was detected by an infrared thermal camera, probes and Griess assay. In vitro anti-biofilm effects were evaluated by CFU, Dead/Live staining and MTT assays. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the therapeutic effects in vivo. Results: Antibacterial photothermal therapy (aPTT) and antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) could be excited by 808 nm NIR light, and the produced heat and ROS further triggered the release of NO gas molecules simultaneously. The antibiofilm effect had a 4-log reduction in vitro. The produced NO caused biofilm dispersion through the degradation of the c-di-AMP pathway and improved biofilm eradication performance. In addition, Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG had the best therapeutic effect on periodontitis and NIR II imaging ability in vivo. Conclusions: We successfully prepared a novel nanocomposite with NO synergistic aPTT and aPDT. It had an outstanding therapeutic effect in treating deep tissue biofilm infection. This study not only enriches the research on compound therapy with NO gas therapy but also provides a new solution for other biofilm infection diseases.

Novel Twin-Crystal Nanosheets with MnO2 Modification to Combat Bacterial Biofilm against Periodontal Infections via Multipattern Strategies.

Nowadays the multifunctional approaches to kill oral bacteria based on various nanocomposites have made great progress against periodontal infections, while the material structure and its functional integration are still insufficient. Herein, this work proposes a therapeutic strategy of chemodynamical therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in monocrystals to effectively enhance the synergistic treatment. The CuS/MnS@MnO2 consisting of hexagonal CuS/MnS nano-twin-crystal with a shell layer of MnO2 is developed. In this nanosystem, the purpose of synergistic treatment of periodontitis by combining PTT/CDT is achieved within a CuS/MnS monocrystal, where CuS serves to achieve photothermal conversion, dissipate the biofilm and transfer the heat in situ to the integrated MnS, thus promoting the Mn2+ -mediated CDT process. Meanwhile, the CDT process can generate the highly toxic hydroxyl radical to destroy extracellular DNA by utilization of endogenous H2 O2 produced by Streptococci in the oral biofilm, cooperating with PTT to dissipate the bacterial biofilm. With the design of the outer shell of MnO2 , the selective bacteria-killing can be realized by producing oxygen which can protect the periodontal non-pathogenic aerobic bacteria and threaten the survival of anaerobic pathogens. Therefore, such design via multipattern strategies to combat microorganisms would provide a bright prospect for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections.