Portable Saliva Sensor Based on Dual Recognition Elements for Detection of Caries Pathogenic Bacteria.

Dental caries is one of the most common diseases affecting more than 2 billion people's health worldwide. In a clinical setting, it is challenging to predict and proactively guard against dental cavities prior to receiving a confirmed diagnosis. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in saliva has been recognized as the main causative bacterial agent that causes dental caries. High sensitivity, good selectivity, and a wide detection range are incredibly important factors to affect S. mutans detection in practical applications. In this study, we present a portable saliva biosensor designed for the early detection of S. mutans with the potential to predict the occurrence of dental cavities. The biosensor was fabricated using a S. mutans-specific DNA aptamer and S. mutans-imprinted polymers. Methylene blue was utilized as a redox probe in the sensor to generate current signals for analysis. When S. mutans enters complementarily S. mutans cavities, it blocks electron transfer between methylene blue and the electrode, resulting in decreases in the reduction current signal. The signal variations are associated with S. mutans concentrations that are useful for quantitative analysis. The linear detection range of S. mutans is 102-109 cfu mL-1, which covers the critical concentration of high caries risk. The biosensor exhibited excellent selectivity toward S. mutans in the presence of other common oral bacteria. The biosensor's wide detection range, excellent selectivity, and low limit of detection (2.6 cfu mL-1) are attributed to the synergistic effect of aptamer and S. mutans-imprinted polymers. The sensor demonstrates the potential to prevent dental caries.

Preparation of PFPE-Based Polymeric Nanoparticles via Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly as Contrast Agents for 19F MRI.

Fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging (19F MRI) probes have received considerable research interest as imaging contrast agents (CAs), but they remain neglected and underutilized due to the limited fluorine content or poor performance of fluorinated tracers. Here, we present polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) as 19F MRI CAs with a simple synthesis method and promising imaging performance. First, hydrophilic random copolymers were synthesized from oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate and perfluoropolyether methacrylate by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The optimal fluorine content, polymer concentration, and cytotoxicity as 19F MRI CAs were investigated in detail. Then, the optimal copolymer was selected as the macromolecular chain transfer agent, and the chain extension was performed with 2-(perfluorooctyl ethyl methacrylate). Subsequently, the NPs with different morphologies, such as ellipsoidal, spherical nanoparticles and vesicles, were prepared in situ by the RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly method. In addition, the 19F MRI signal and cytotoxicity studies further confirmed that these polymeric NPs are nontoxic and have great potential as promising 19F MRI CAs for biological applications.

Photo-Responsive Self-Assembled Polymeric Nanoparticle Probes for 19F MRI Theranostics.

19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-assisted drug delivery provides the possibility to monitor and track drug transportation details in situ. A series of photo-responsive amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) and 19F-containing hydrophobic segments, poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate) (PTFEA), with different chain lengths were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization. In particular, the photo-sensitive functional group of o-nitrobenzyl oxygen was introduced to control the photolysis behavior of the copolymers under ultraviolet irradiation. With the extension of the hydrophobic chain length, the drug loading capacity and photoresponsivity were both enhanced, while the chain mobility of PTFEA was suppressed, and the 19F MRI signal was attenuated. When the polymerization degree of PTFEA was about 10, the nanoparticles exhibit detectable 19F MRI signals and sufficient drug loading capacity (loading efficiency = 10%, cumulative release = 49%). These results offer a promising "smart" theranostic platform for 19F MRI.

The Plastic Age: River Pollution in China from Crop Production and Urbanization.

Many rivers are polluted with macro (>5 mm)- and microplastics (<5 mm). We assess plastic pollution in rivers from crop production and urbanization in 395 Chinese sub-basins. We develop and evaluate an integrated model (MARINA-Plastics model, China-1.0) that considers plastics in crop production (plastic films from mulching and greenhouses, diffuse sources), sewage systems (point sources), and mismanaged solid waste (diffuse source). Model results indicated that 716 kton of plastics entered Chinese rivers in 2015. Macroplastics in rivers account for 85% of the total amount of plastics (in mass). Around 71% of this total plastic is from about one-fifth of the basin area. These sub-basins are located in central and eastern China, and they are densely populated with intensive agricultural activities. Agricultural plastic films contribute 20% to plastics in Chinese rivers. Moreover, 65% of plastics are from mismanaged waste in urban and rural areas. Sewage is responsible for the majority of microplastics in rivers. Our study could support the design of plastic pollution control policies and thus contribute to green development in China and elsewhere.

Research progress of odontogenic extracellular vesicles in regeneration of dental pulp.

It is well understood that maintaining viable pulp is critical for tooth retention. This review focused on cell-free therapy based on extracellular vesicles (EVs), a novel minimally invasive treatment strategy for endodontic restoration. This study was conducted by searching mainstream electronic databases such as Web of Science and PubMed for relevant studies on the therapeutic role of odontogenic EVs in pulp healing published in the last five years. We selected 89 relevant articles and discovered that dental stem cells (DSCs) derived EVs (DSC-EVs) have become a research hotspot in oral regenerative medicine, with significant advantages over cell transplantation in terms of low immunogenicity, ease of isolation, preservation, and management. Here, we introduce in detail the therapeutic effects of DSC-EVs for pulp restoration from three perspectives: excellent odontogenic properties, clinical applications, and possible molecular mechanisms. This article contributes a new viewpoint to the field of regenerative endodontics.

Nano-vaccines combining customized in situ anti-PD-L1 depot for enhanced tumor immunotherapy.

Low response rate of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has limited its clinical application. A promising strategy to overcome this limitation is the use of therapeutic cancer vaccines, which aim to induce robust immune responses that synergize with ICB through immune enhancement and immune normalization strategies. Herein, we developed a combination immunotherapy by combining nano-vaccines consisting of whole tumor cell lysates/CpG liposomes (LCLs) with an anti-PD-L1 loaded lipid gel (aPD-L1@LG). The LCLs were fabricated using cationic liposomes, while the lipid gels (LGs) were prepared by using soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and glycerol dioleate (GDO). Subcutaneous administration of LCLs successfully activated dendritic cells (DCs), and intratumoral administration of anti-PD-L1@LG ensured sustained ICB activity. These results demonstrated that this combination immunotherapy enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and prolonged the survival time in melanoma by activating systemic anti-tumor immune responses. These findings highlight the potential of this rational design as a promising strategy for tumor treatment.

Preparation of amentoflavone-loaded DSPE-PEG2000 micelles with improved bioavailability and in vitro antitumor efficacy.

To overcome the poor aqueous solubility and enhance the anticancer effects of amentoflavone (AF), a nontoxic and biodegradable amphiphilic copolymer, poly(ethyleneglycol)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE-PEG2000 ), was introduced to prepare AF micelles using the thin-film hydration method. Amentoflavone was successfully encapsulated into the core, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 98.80 ± 0.24% and a drug loading efficiency of 2.96 ± 0.12%. The resulting micelles exhibited a spherical shape with a particle size of approximately 25.99 nm. The solubility of AF was significant improved by 412-fold, and cumulative drug release studies showed that AF release was much faster from the micelles compared with the free drug. The release of AF was sustained over time and followed a degradation-based kinetic model, similar to polymeric systems. After oral administration, the AF-loaded micelles demonstrated an enhanced oral bioavailability, which was 3.79 times higher than that of free AF. In vitro evaluations of the micelles' antitumor effects revealed a significantly greater efficacy compared with free AF. These findings highlight the tremendous potential of DSPE-PEG2000 micelles as a drug delivery carrier for improving the solubility and therapeutic efficacy of AF.

Stimulation of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by stiff matrix via the IKCa channel-dependent Ca2+ signaling.

Vascular stiffening, an early and common characteristic of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation which reciprocally accelerates the progression of CVDs. However, the mechanisms by which extracellular matrix stiffness accompanying vascular stiffening regulates VSMC proliferation remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the role of the intermediate-conductance Ca2+ -activated K+  (IKCa ) channel in the matrix stiffness regulation of VSMC proliferation by growing A7r5 cells on soft and stiff polydimethylsiloxane substrates with stiffness close to these of arteries under physiological and pathological conditions, respectively. Stiff substrates stimulated cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of the IKCa channel. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by pharmacological inhibition using TRAM34, an IKCa channel blocker, or genetic depletion of the IKCa channel. In addition, stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was also suppressed by reducing extracellular Ca2+ concentration using EGTA or intracellular Ca2+ concentration using BAPTA-AM. Moreover, stiff substrate induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), which was inhibited by treatment with TRAM34 or BAPTA-AM. Stiff substrate-induced cell proliferation was suppressed by treatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor. Taken together, these results show that substrates with pathologically relevant stiffness upregulate the IKCa channel expression to enhance intracellular Ca2+ signaling and subsequent activation of the ERK signal pathway to drive cell proliferation. These findings provide a novel mechanism by which vascular stiffening regulates VSMC function.

"Petal-like" size-tunable gold wrapped immunoliposome to enhance tumor deep penetration for multimodal guided two-step strategy.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the fastest-growing cancer among females and the second leading cause of female death. At present, targeted antibodies combined with hyperthermia locally in tumor has been identified as a potential combination therapy to combat tumors. But in fact, the uniformly deep distribution of photosensitizer in tumor sites is still an urgent problem, which limited the clinical application. We reported an HER2-modified thermosensitive liposome (immunoliposome)-assisted complex by reducing gold nanocluster on the surface (GTSL-CYC-HER2) to obtain a new type of bioplasma resonance structured carrier. The HER2 decoration on the surface enhanced targeting to the breast cancer tumor site and forming irregular, dense, "petal-like" shells of gold nanoclusters. Due to the good photothermal conversion ability under near-infrared light (NIR) irradiation, the thermosensitive liposome released the antitumor Chinese traditional medicine, cyclopamine, accompanied with the degradation of gold clusters into 3-5 nm nanoparticles which can accelerate renal metabolism of the gold clusters. With the help of cyclopamine to degrade the tumor associated matrix, this size-tunable gold wrapped immunoliposome was more likely to penetrate the deeper layers of the tumor, while the presence of gold nanoparticles makes GTSL-CYC-HER2 multimodal imaging feasible. RESULTS: The prepared GTSL-CYC-HER2 had a size of 113.5 nm and displayed excellent colloidal stability, photo-thermal conversion ability and NIR-sensitive drug release. These GTSL-CYC-HER2 were taken up selectively by cancer cells in vitro and accumulated at tumour sites in vivo. As for the in vivo experiments, compared to the other groups, under near-infrared laser irradiation, the temperature of GTSL-CYC-HER2 rises rapidly to the phase transition temperature, and released the cyclopamine locally in the tumor. Then, the released cyclopamine destroyed the stroma of the tumor tissue while killing the tumor cells, which in turn increased the penetration of the liposomes in deep tumor tissues. Moreover, the GTSL-CYC-HER2 enhanced the performance of multimodal computed tomography (CT) and photothermal (PT) imaging and enabled chemo-thermal combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This optically controlled biodegradable plasmonic resonance structures not only improves the safety of the inorganic carrier application in vivo, but also greatly improves the anti-tumor efficiency through the visibility of in vivo CT and PT imaging, as well as chemotherapy combined with hyperthermia, and provides a synergistic treatment strategy that can broaden the conventional treatment alone.

NIR-Actuated Remote Activation of Ferroptosis in Target Tumor Cells through a Photothermally Responsive Iron-Chelated Biopolymer Nanoplatform.

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death that shows promise for tumor treatment. Most current ferroptosis tumor therapies are based on the intrinsic pathological features of the malignancies, and it would be of clinical significance to develop ferroptosis-inducing strategies with improved tumor specificity and modulability. Here we report a polydopamine-based nanoplatform (FeII PDA@LAP-PEG-cRGD) for the efficient loading of Fe2+ and ß-lapachone (LAP), which could readily initiate ferroptosis in tumor cells upon treatment with near-infrared light. PDA nanostructures could generate mild hyperthermia under NIR irritation and trigger the release of the ferroptosis-inducing Fe2+ ions. The NIR-actuated photothermal effect would also activate cellular heat shock response and upregulate the downstream NQO1 via HSP70/NQO1 axis to facilitate bioreduction of the concurrently released ß-lapachone and enhance intracellular H2 O2 formation to promote the Fe2+ -mediated lipid peroxidation.

Risk factors for severe hand, foot, and mouth disease infected with Coxsackievirus A6: A hospital-based case-control study.

Coxsackievirus 6 (CV-A6) has been emerging as another predominant serotype for severe hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in China, after the introduction of enterovirus 71 inactivated vaccine (EV71 vaccine) for 3 years. Data on the risk factors for severe HFMD infected with CV-A6 are limited. We interviewed the caregivers to collected data on HFMD patients who sought medical care in the People's Hospital of Baoan district, Shenzhen, from 2015 to 2017. Totally, 131 severe patients were frequency-matched by age and gender with 174 mild patients infected with CV-A6. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the risk factors for severe CV-A6 HFMD. The average age was 20.62 ± 14.18 months and 20.52 ± 12.76 months for severe and mild patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated complications at birth (odds ratio [OR], 4.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.64-10.63), peak body temperature over 39°C (OR, 4.04; 95% CI: 2.29-7.10) and first-born child (OR, 2.17; 95% CI: 1.27-3.70) increased the risk of severe HFMD infected with CV-A6. Breastfeeding (OR, 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32-0.87), and washing hands after playing frequently (OR, 0.58; 95% CI: 0.34-0.97) were negatively associated with severe illness. Compared with HFMD with infection of EV-A71, complications at birth and first-born child were newly found to be associated with severe illness in HFMD patients infected with CV-A6.

Effect of a nanofiltration combined process on the treatment of high-hardness and micropolluted water.

The quality of raw water and the current high level of pollution presents a phenomenon of high hardness and micropollution. An experimental study was conducted of the nanofiltration (NF) pilot-scale process combined with biological contact oxidation precipitation and ultrafiltration (UF) as the pretreatment process to treat this water. The study investigated the removal efficiency and membrane fouling of the NF process under the continuous and stable operating conditions of the combination process and studied the influence of high-hardness water on the membrane pollution of the combination process. The results showed that the combined process had a positive removal effect on conventional pollutants and characteristic pollutants, and the removal rates of conventional pollutants, such as turbidity, UV254 and CODMn, were 95%, 90% and 85%, respectively. The removal efficiency of total hardness, total alkalinity and soluble total solids reached 98%, 86% and 91%, respectively, and that of total desalination was above 95%. The removal rates of fluorescent organic substances, such as tryptophan, tyrosine, soluble microbial products (SMPs), fulvic acid and humus-like substances, as well as the precursors of disinfection byproducts reached over 88% and 50%, respectively. The pollutant removal efficiency of the combined process was mainly concentrated in the NF unit. The pretreatment process had certain removal effects on turbidity and macromolecular organic substances in the raw water, which provided a perfect operating environment for the NF process. Under long-term operation, the main elements of scaling on the surface of the NF membrane included C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, Ca, Ti and Fe, which were mainly concentrated at the outlet of the membrane and mainly came from monomers or compounds composed of inorganic salts in the raw water and some organic compounds. High-hardness water accelerated the change in membrane process parameters, and the surface of the membrane had abundant inorganic scaling. The inorganic scale on the surface of the NF membrane increased noticeably when filtering water with high hardness. Regular cleaning of the UF and NF membranes could effectively restore the parameters of the process and prolong the service life of the membrane process.

Assessment of risk factors for early childhood caries at different ages in Shandong, China and reflections on oral health education: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) is widespread around the world, and oral health education (OHE) plays a vital role in preventing ECC. Numerous studies on ECC risk factor assessment have assisted us in enriching the content of OHE. The objective of this study was to further assess independent risk factors for ECC at different ages to provide evidence and insights for OHE. METHODS: Children aged 3-5 years old (N = 1301) in Shandong Province were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data about oral health status and caregivers' oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) were extracted from the 4th National Oral Health Survey of China. The associations between ECC prevalence and various KAP variables were tested with chi-square tests, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The ECC prevalence in Shandong Province was 64.6%, and the dmft mean was 3.15. The independent variables with an increased risk for ECC were age, feeding method within 6 months of birth, bedtime sugar frequency, experience of toothache over the past year and dental visits (P < 0.05, chi-square tests). Complete breastfeeding within 6 months of birth primarily contributed to the high ECC risk of the 3-year-old group (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.41-8.17), while high frequency bedtime sweet consumption mainly contributed to that of the 5-year-old group (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.03-10.06; logistic regression analysis). Tooth brushing was not associated with ECC in this study, and some positive knowledge and attitude variables were positively correlated with a high risk of ECC. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence to suggest that the ECC-related risk factors at different ages are inconsistent, which provides some insights for OHE. We should highlight the effects of feeding methods in the early stages of deciduous dentition and sugar habits in the late stages of deciduous dentition on ECC, as well as encourage preventive dental visit and supplemental training for oral health practices.

Ultraeffective Inhibition of Amyloid Fibril Assembly by Nanobody-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates.

Amyloid fibril assembly is associated with many human disorders, and to approach an inhibitor of amyloid formation that is effective at ultralow stoichiometric concentrations remains a big challenge. Taking fibril assembly of human islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) as a model system, we demonstrate here that conjugating a rationally designed sequence-specific nanobody inhibitor M1 with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) can significantly enhance the inhibition potency of M1, leading to complete inhibition of IAPP amyloid fibrillation at very low M1:IAPP molar ratios. Thioflavin T kinetics fluorescence assays, dynamic light scattering measurements, far-UV circular dichroism, and transmission electron microscopy all indicate that M1-AuNP conjugates prevent IAPP fibrillation at M1:IAPP molar ratios of as low as 1:50, while free M1 is unable to prevent fibrillation at the same substoichiometric concentrations. This strategy represents a prototype of the facile development of a variety of highly potent amyloid inhibitors with enhanced therapeutic effects.

Molecularly imprinted polymer based diffusive gradients in thin-films for in situ selective sampling and determination of ciprofloxacin.

A technique of diffusive gradients in thin films with ciprofloxacin-molecularly imprinted polymers as the binding agent was developed for in situ selective sampling and measurement of ciprofloxacin in water. The ciprofloxacin uptake by the method increased linearly with time (r2  = 0.998) with a recovery of 96.8% in synthetic solution. The method performance was not dependent on solution pH over the pH range of 2-11 and ionic strength range from 1 × 10-4 to 0.5 mol/L sodium nitrate. The binding agent has a higher adsorption affinity for ciprofloxacin than for other drug residues, such as norfloxacin, chloramphenicol, and malachite green. The concentration of ciprofloxacin in river water determined by this method was 0.52 ± 0.3 µg/L, and the recoveries of ciprofloxacin were 96.1-102.0%.

Co-delivery of siRNA and hypericin into cancer cells by hyaluronic acid modified PLGA-PEI nanoparticles.

CONTEXT: Malignant tumors cause more death because of the resistance of the hypoxic cancer cell toward radiotherapy. Targeting for hypoxic cancer area and gene silencing to overcome the hypoxia are two kinds of important therapeutic strategies for treating tumors. OBJECTIVE: In order to explore the combined effects of gene therapy and hypericin (Hy) on tumor cells, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was transfected into the hypoxic human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (CNE2) cells using Hy-encapsulated nanocomplexes (Hy-HPP NPs) as a carrier which would achieve dual targeting to the tumor necrosis area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NPs were prepared by emulsion-diffusion-evaporation method. Formulations were evaluated by conducting in vitro physicochemical studies, electrophoresis, in vivo study, and biochemical studies. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Hy-loaded nanoparticles with a mean size of around 160 nm was able to enhance the accumulation in the tumors by enhanced permeability and retention effect. The electrophoresis confirmed the good stability of siRNA/Hy-HPP NPs in the presence of phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4), competitive heparin, and RNase. The results of transfection showed that the uptake of siRNA was significantly increased up to 50% in CNE2 cells. The level of the HIF-1α with Hy-encapsulated nanocomplexes was significantly reduced to 30% in the transfected CNE2 cells. In vivo studies, the carrier exhibited higher intensity at the tumor tissue cells and higher affinity toward the necrotic tumor tissue. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrated that Hy-HPP NPs could significantly enhance the tranfection efficiency of siRNA, suggesting Hy-encapsulated nanoparticle as an efficient gene carrier. The co-delivery of HIF-1α siRNA (siHIF-1α) and Hy could efficiently decrease the level of HIF-1α and increase the affinity toward necrotic tissues. Hence, this is a promising strategy for further application in radiotherapy.

Surgical Management of Airway Obstruction Following Posterior Pharyngeal Flap.

BACKGROUND: Posterior pharyngeal flap (PPF) is effective in managing velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) but is of airway obstruction risk. This study compared the effectiveness and complications of two PPF revision procedures and screened potential prognostic factors to postoperative hypernasality and persistent obstruction. METHODS: Patients who received flap division (FD) or port enlargement (PE) for airway obstruction following PPF were reviewed. Ventilation status was assessed using the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale, and velopharyngeal closure was assessed using subjective speech evaluation and nasopharyngoscopy. The effectiveness of ventilation relief and complication rate (hypernasality and persistent obstruction) of the two techniques were compared. A comprehensive panel of factors, including age, velopharyngeal mobility, obstruction laterality, body mass index, jaw relationship, and adenoid hypertrophy, were evaluated for correlation with complications. RESULTS: 79 patients were enrolled, with 51 receiving FD and 28 PE. Both techniques significantly improved ventilation dysfunction and hyponasality. Mild hypernasality occurred among 10 cases in the FD group and 3 in the PE group. Age at surgery was significantly associated with persistent obstruction after PPF revision. The occurrence of persistent obstruction was significantly higher among patients below 12 years than those above. Obstruction laterality was suggested in significant correlation with hypernasality post-PPF revision. Among patients with unilateral port obstruction, the occurrence of hypernasality after FD was significantly higher than after PE. CONCLUSION: Both flap division and port enlargement are effective revision procedures to relieve airway obstruction after PPF. Patients below 12 years are more likely to experience persistent ventilation problem after PPF revision.

Disease diagnosis and application analysis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in saliva detection.

Saliva has significantly evolved as a diagnostic fluid in recent years, giving a non-invasive alternative to blood analysis. A high protein concentration in saliva is delivered directly from the bloodstream, making it a "human mirror" that reflects the body's physiological state. It plays an essential role in detecting diseases in biomedical and fitness monitoring. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are biomimetic materials with custom-designed synthetic recognition sites that imitate biological counterparts renowned for sensitive analyte detection. This paper reviews the progress made in research about MIP biosensors for detecting saliva biomarkers. Specifically, we investigate the link between saliva biomarkers and various diseases, providing detailed insights into the corresponding biosensors. Furthermore, we discuss the principles of molecular imprinting for disease diagnostics and application analysis, including recent advances in integrated MIP-sensor technologies for high-affinity analyte detection in saliva. Notably, these biosensors exhibit high discrimination, allowing for the detection of saliva biomarkers linked explicitly to chronic stress disorders, diabetes, cancer, bacterial or viral-induced illnesses, and exposure to illicit toxic substances or tobacco smoke. Our findings indicate that MIP-based biosensors match and perhaps surpass their counterparts featuring integrated natural antibodies in terms of stability, signal-to-noise ratios, and detection limits. Additionally, we highlight the design of MIP coatings, strategies for synthesizing polymers, and the integration of advanced biodevices. These tailored biodevices, designed to assess various salivary biomarkers, are emerging as promising screening or diagnostic tools for real-time monitoring and self-health management, improving quality of life.

Research progress of the mechanisms and applications of ginsenosides in promoting bone formation.

BACKGROUND: Bone deficiency-related diseases caused by various factors have disrupted the normal function of the skeleton and imposed a heavy burden globally, urgently requiring potential new treatments. The multi-faceted role of compounds like ginsenosides and their interaction with the bone microenvironment, particularly osteoblasts can promote bone formation and exhibit anti-inflammatory, vascular remodeling, and antibacterial properties, holding potential value in the treatment of bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering. PURPOSE: This review summarizes the interaction between ginsenosides and osteoblasts and the bone microenvironment in bone formation, including vascular remodeling and immune regulation, as well as their therapeutic potential and toxicity in the broad treatment applications of bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering, to provide novel insights and treatment strategies. METHODS: The literature focusing on the mechanisms and applications of ginsenosides in promoting bone formation before March 2024 was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. Keywords such as "phytochemicals", "ginsenosides", "biomaterials", "bone", "diseases", "bone formation", "microenvironment", "bone tissue engineering", "rheumatoid arthritis", "periodontitis", "osteoarthritis", "osteoporosis", "fracture", "toxicology", "pharmacology", and combinations of these keywords were used. RESULTS: Ginsenoside monomers regulate signaling pathways such as WNT/ß-catenin, FGF, and BMP/TGF-ß, stimulating osteoblast generation and differentiation. It exerts angiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the bone surrounding microenvironment through signaling such as WNT/ß-catenin, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and Notch. It shows therapeutic effects and biological safety in the treatment of bone deficiency-related diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontitis, osteoporosis, and fractures, and bone tissue engineering by promoting osteogenesis and improving the microenvironment of bone formation. CONCLUSION: The functions of ginsenosides are diverse and promising in treating bone deficiency-related diseases and bone tissue engineering. Moreover, potential exists in regulating the bone microenvironment, modifying biomaterials, and treating inflammatory-related bone diseases and dental material applications. However, the mechanisms and effects of some ginsenoside monomers are still unclear, and the lack of clinical research limits their clinical application. Further exploration and evaluation of the potential of ginsenosides in these areas are expected to provide more effective methods for treating bone defects.

Effects of microplastics on the structure and function of bacterial communities in sediments of a freshwater lake.

As an emerging pollutant, microplastics (MPs) cause widespread concern around the world owing to the serious threat they pose to ecosystems. In particular, sediments are thought to be the long-term sink for the continual accumulation of MPs in freshwater ecosystems. Polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been frequently detected with large concentration variations in freshwater sediments from the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, one of the most economically developed regions in China, characterized by accelerated urbanization and industrialization, high population density and high plastics consumption. However, the impact of PE and PET on the sedimental bacterial community composition and its function has not been well reported for this specific region. Herein, PE and PET particles were added to freshwater sediments to assess the effects of different MP types on the bacterial community and its function, using three concentrations (500, 1500 and 2500 items/kg) per MP and incubations of 35, 105 and 175 days, respectively. This study identified a total of 68 phyla, 211 classes, 518 orders, 853 families and 1745 genera. Specifically, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were the top five phyla. A higher bacterial diversity was obtained in control sediments than in the MP-treated sediments. The presence of MPs, whether PET or PE, had significant impact on the bacterial diversity, community structure and community composition. PICRUSt2 and FAPOTAX predictions demonstrated that MPs could potentially affect the metabolic pathways and ecologically functional groups of bacteria in the sediment. Besides the MP-related factors, such as the type, concentration and incubation time, the physicochemical parameters had an effect on the structure and function of the bacterial community in the freshwater sediment. Taken together, this study provides useful information for further understanding how MPs affect bacterial communities in the freshwater sediment of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China.