Static Magnetic Field Promotes Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, and AKT Activation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential and exhibit great potential for the treatment of bone tissue defects caused by inflammation. Previous studies have indicated that static magnetic field (SMF) can enhance the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). SMF has been widely used to repair bone defects and for orthodontic and implantation treatment. In this study, we revealed that a 320 mT SMF upregulates the protein expression levels of cytokines such as MCM7 and PCNA in proliferating PDLSCs. Cell counting kit-8 results revealed that the SMF group had higher optical density values than the control group. The ratio of cells in the S phase to those in the G2/M phase was significantly increased after exposure to a 320 mT SMF. In scratch assays, the SMF-treated PDLSCs exhibited a higher migration rate than the sham-exposed group after 24 h of culture, indicating that the SMF promoted the migratory ability of PDLSCs. The activity level of the early differentiation marker alkaline phosphatase and the late marker matrix mineralization, as well as osteoblast-specific gene and protein expression, were enhanced in PDLSCs exposed to the SMF. Furthermore, AKT signaling pathway was activated by SMF. Our data demonstrated that the potential mechanism of action of SMF may enhance PDLSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by activating the phosphorylated AKT pathway. The elucidation of this molecular mechanism may lead to a better understanding of bone repair responses and aid in improved stem cell-mediated regeneration.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose-Based Hydrogels as Controlled Release Carriers for Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Bioactive Components of Radix Paeonia Alba.

Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) has been used extensively in Chinese traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, immune-modulating diseases, cancers, and numerous other conditions. A few of its active components include paeoniflorin, albiflorin, lactiflorin, and catechin. However, their therapeutic effectiveness is compromised by poor pharmacokinetic profiles, low oral bioavailability, short half-lives, and poor aqueous solubility. In this study, hydroxyethyl cellulose-grafted-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (HEC-g-AMPS) hydrogels were successfully prepared for the controlled release of Radix Paeonia Alba-solid dispersion (RPA-SD). A total of 43 compounds were identified in RPA-SD using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. The hydrogel network formation was confirmed by FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, and SEM. Hydrogels' swelling and drug release were slightly higher at pH 1.2 (43.31% swelling, 81.70% drug release) than at pH 7.4 (27.73% swelling, 72.46% drug release) after 48 h. The gel fraction, drug release time and mechanical strength of the hydrogels increased with increased polymer and monomer concentration. Furthermore, the hydrogels were porous (84.15% porosity) and biodegradable (8.9% weight loss per week). Moreover, the synthesized hydrogels exhibited excellent antimicrobial and antioxidative properties.

Sedative and adverse effect comparison between oral midazolam and nitrous oxide inhalation in tooth extraction: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Oral midazolam and nitrous oxide inhalation were commonly used sedative and analgesic techniques during tooth extraction. It is still controversial whether oral midazolam can replace the nitrous oxide inhalation for sedative and analgesic treatment of tooth extraction. Therefore, we conducted this study in order to provide a reference for doctors to choose effective sedative and analgesic treatment in tooth extraction. METHODS: We searched the Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and VIP information databases. RESULTS: Through this meta-analysis, we found that the success rate of sedation and analgesia treatment with oral midazolam during tooth extraction was 75.67% and the incidence of adverse reactions was 21.74%. The success rate of sedation and analgesia treatment using nitrous oxide inhalation during tooth extraction was 93.6% and the incidence of adverse reactions was 3.95%. CONCLUSION: The use of nitrous oxide inhalation for sedation and analgesia during tooth extraction is very effective, and oral midazolam can be used as an alternative to nitrous oxide inhalation.

High-Humidity Shaker Aging to Access Chitin and Cellulose Nanocrystals.

To unlock nature's potential for functional biomaterials, many efforts have been devoted to isolating the nanocrystalline domains within the supramolecular structure of polysaccharides. Yet, low reactivity and yield in aqueous systems along with excessive solvent usage hinders its development. In this report, the first solvent-free pathway to access carboxylated chitin and cellulose nanocrystals with excellent mass balance is described, relying on a new method coined high-humidity shaker aging (HHSA). The method involves a mild grinding of the polysaccharide with ammonium persulfate followed by an aging phase under high-humidity and on a shaker plate. Insights into the mechanism were uncovered, which highlighted the unique role of high humidity to afford a gradual uptake of water by the material up to deliquescence when the reaction is complete. This process was then validated for direct synthesis of nanocrystals from biomass sources including crab and soft wood pulp.

The Application of Intraoperative Computed Tomography in Surgical Management of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the application and value of intraoperative computed tomography (CT) in the surgical management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery of TMJ ankylosis with the aid of intraoperative CT scan from July 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively studied. Demographics, type of ankylosis, surgical method, intraoperative CT scan time, radiographic evidence, the CT-directed revision rate, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Four patients (5 sides) were successfully operated with the aid of intraoperative CT imaging, and CT-directed revisions were made in 3 of them during surgery. The average time spent in CT scanning was (10.2 ± 3.3) minutes. No surgical complications were noted, and a good satisfaction rate (with an average maximum mouth opening of 38.8 mm and no recurrence during the follow-up period) was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative CT scanning is a helpful tool in the evaluation of the radiographic result of TMJ ankylosis, and a real-time revision could be made. It increased the precision and safety of the surgery of TMJ ankylosis.

Carboxylated Chitosan Nanocrystals: A Synthetic Route and Application as Superior Support for Gold-Catalyzed Reactions.

In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the fabrication of carboxylated chitosan nanocrystals (ChsNC) with high degree of deacetylation (DDA) at >80% and narrow size distribution. We also studied its application as a sustainable support material for metal-based catalysts. Carboxylated chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) were initially prepared through partial cleavage of glycosidic bonds in chitin by ammonium persulfate, with concurrent oxidation of chitin C6 primary alcohols to produce carboxylate groups on the surface of the ChNCs. ChsNCs were subsequently prepared using an alkaline deacetylation procedure in the presence of NaBH4 to preserve the nanorod structure of the biomaterial. The resulting nanocrystals feature both carboxyl and amino functional groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the morphology and composition of these carboxylated ChNCs and ChsNCs. Subsequently, we tested the ability of the as-made ChsNCs as a biomass-based catalyst support for Au nanoparticles (NPs) using the 4-nitrophenol reduction and the aldehyde-amine-alkyne (A3) coupling reactions to demonstrate its capabilities in regard to the ones of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). In particular, Au NPs over ChsNCs featured the highest turnover frequency (TOF) value for the 4-nitrophenol reduction reported for all Au-based catalysts supported on carbon-based systems. Spectroscopic and imaging techniques confirmed the importance of precisely controlling the redox state of Au as it is being deposited to afford a highly disperse active site on the bionano-support.

A potent hepatitis B surface antigen response in subjects with inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier treated with pegylated-interferon alpha.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance represents a clinical cure, although the clearance rate is extremely low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety profiles of pegylated-interferon α-2a (PEG-IFNα-2a) as a therapeutic option for inactive HBsAg carriers. There were 144 inactive HBsAg carriers enrolled and divided into a therapeutic group (102 subjects) and a control group (42 subjects). PEG-IFNα-2a and PEG-IFNα-2a combined with adefovir dipivoxil were used for treatment group subjects with hepatitis B virus DNA <20 IU/mL and 20 IU/mL ≤ hepatitis B virus DNA < 2,000 IU/mL, respectively. Total therapy duration was no more than 96 weeks. HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates at therapeutic weeks 48 and 96 were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Per protocol analysis showed that the HBsAg clearance rate and seroconversion rate in the treatment group were 29.8% and 20.2% at week 48 and increased to 44.7% and 38.3% at week 96, respectively. However, the HBsAg clearance rate in the control group was 2.4% at weeks 48 and 96, and no subject achieved seroconversion. The quantitative HBsAg levels and changes during the early period of treatment (at week 12 and week 24) as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at week 12 were strong predictors of HBsAg clearance. The adverse events were similar to those with treatment for chronic hepatitis B patients. CONCLUSION: High rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved by PEG-IFNα-2a-based treatments and the treatments were relatively safe for inactive HBsAg carriers. (Hepatology 2017;66:1058-1066).

Effects of carriers on nutrient removal and membrane fouling in combined process of inclined-plates hydrolytic tank and membrane bioreactor.

A novel process, inclined-plates hydrolytic tank (IHT) and membrane bioreactor (MBR), was used to treat domestic sewage continuously. In this study, the effects of carriers' addition on operational performances of IHT-MBR were studied at the hydraulic retention time of 5.4 h and the recycling rate of 200%. Experimental results indicated the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen and total phosphorus reached 86.8%, 82.9% and 89.6%, respectively, corresponding trans-membrane pressure decreased to 1.50 kPa/d at a packing ratio of 20%. Simultaneously, the scanning electron microscope and soluble microbial products analysis demonstrated that high nutrient removal and low membrane fouling were attributed to the attached growth of microorganisms on carriers. The bioattachment and adsorption of carriers not only decreased the soluble proteins and polysaccharide in MBR, but also provided good living environments for denitrifying bacteria and phosphorus-accumulating bacteria.

Effect of Peg-interferon α-2a combined with Adefovir in HBV postpartum women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Currently, routine antiviral treatment is not recommended for immune-tolerant subjects with chronic HBV infection. In this study, we assessed the treatment efficacy of combining Peg IFN α-2a with Adefovir (CPIA) in chronic HBV infected pregnant women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV after delivery. METHODS: Chronic hepatitis B pregnant women with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA were treated with Telbivudine during the third trimester of their pregnancy. After childbirth, based on serological and virological parameters, the patients were either switched to CPIA treatment for 96 weeks or stopped Telbivudine treatment and followed for 48 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were enrolled in this study. Thirty (30/68) of them were switched to CPIA treatment after childbirth, 93.3% (28/30) of them achieved virological response, 56.7% (17/30) achieved HBeAg seroclearance and 26.7% (8/30) cleared HBsAg. The HBV DNA and HBeAg levels before CPIA treatment were negatively associated with HBeAg seroclearance. HBsAg and HBeAg levels in week 12 and week 24 after CPIA treatment were negatively associated with HBsAg seroclearance. Thirty-eight (38/68) patients did not receive antiviral treatment after childbirth, and none of them had HBeAg or HBsAg clearance. CONCLUSION: High rates of viral response and clearance were achieved in chronic hepatitis B pregnant woman with normal levels of ALT and high levels of HBV DNA treated by CPIA after childbirth. (231 words).

[Efficacy of combination antiviral therapy following childbirth in pregnant HBV carriers receiving telbivudine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of combination therapy with peg-IFNalpha and adefovir (CPIA) in women who were hepatfis B virus (HBV) carriers and had just given birth and received telbivudine (LdT) during pregnancy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. METHODS: One-hundred-and-fifty third trimester-pregnant women who were HBV carriers with highly-viremic were treated with LdT until time of birth. After delivery, those women with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level exceeding two times the upper limit of normal and HBV DNA level that had decreased more than 31 gIU/mL or hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titer that had decreased more than 50% were switched to CPIA for 96 weeks. RESULTS: Following delivery, 45 of the women were switched to the CPIA treatment, of which 91.1% (41/45) achieved virological response, 55.6% (25/45) achieved HBeAg clearance or seroconversion, and 26.7% (12/45) achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance or seroconversion.The immediate post-delivery (and pre-CPIA) levels of HBeAg and HBV DNA were negatively associated with HBeAg clearance. Ninety-eight of the total study participants stopped the LdT treatment and there were no cases of significant deterioration of liver function. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women who are HBV carriers and receive LdT for protection against mother-to-child transmission, and who show significant ALT elevation and decreased HBeAg titer and/or reduced HBV DNA after delivery, may be good candidates for the CPIA therapy following delivery.

An update on periodontal inflammation and bone loss.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, including the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is due to an immune response that stimulates gingivitis and periodontitis, and its systemic consequences. This immune response is triggered by bacteria and may be modulated by environmental conditions such as smoking or systemic disease. Recent advances in single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and in vivo animal studies have provided new insight into the immune response triggered by bacteria that causes periodontitis and gingivitis. Dysbiosis, which constitutes a change in the bacterial composition of the microbiome, is a key factor in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. The host immune response to dysbiosis involves the activation of various cell types, including keratinocytes, stromal cells, neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells and several lymphocyte subsets, which release pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Periodontal disease has been implicated in contributing to the pathogenesis of several systemic conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease. Understanding the complex interplay between the oral microbiome and the host immune response is critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis and its systemic consequences.

Static magnetic field-induced IL-6 secretion in periodontal ligament stem cells accelerates orthodontic tooth movement.

Static magnetic field (SMF) promoting bone tissue remodeling is a potential non-invasive therapy technique to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which are mechanosensitive cells, are essential for force-induced bone remodeling and OTM. However, whether and how the PDLSCs influence the process of inflammatory bone remodeling under mechanical force stimuli in the presence of SMFs remains unclear. In this study, we found that local SMF stimulation significantly enhanced the OTM distance and induced osteoclastogenesis on the compression side of a rat model of OTM. Further experiments with macrophages cultured with supernatants from force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to an SMF showed enhanced osteoclast formation. RNA-seq analysis showed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) was elevated in force-loaded PDLSCs exposed to SMFs. IL-6 expression was also elevated on the pressure side of a rat OTM model with an SMF. The OTM distance induced by an SMF was significantly decreased after injection of the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab. These results imply that SMF promotes osteoclastogenesis by inducing force-loaded PDLSCs to secrete the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, which accelerates OTM. This will help to reveal the mechanism of SMF accelerates tooth movement and should be evaluated for application in periodontitis patients.

Zwitterion modified chitosan as a high-performance corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution.

Herein, a novel chitosan Schiff base (CS-FGA) as a sustainable corrosion inhibitor has been successfully synthesized via a simple amidation reaction by using an imidazolium zwitterion and chitosan (CS). The corrosion inhibition property of CS-FGA for mild steel (MS) in a 1.0 M HCl solution was studied by various electrochemical tests and physical characterization methods. The findings indicate that the maximum inhibition efficiency of CS-FGA as a mixed-type inhibitor for MS in 1.0 M HCl solution with 400 mg L-1 reaches 97.6 %, much much higher than the CS and the recently reported chitosan-based inhibitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle (WCA) results reveal that the CS-FGA molecules firmly adsorb on the MS surface to form a protective layer. The adsorption of CS-FGA on the MS surface belongs to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm containing both the physisorption and chemisorption. According to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis spectrum, FeN bonds presented on the MS surface further prove the chemisorption between CS-FGA and Fe to generate the stable protective layer. Additionally, theoretical calculations from quantum chemical calculation (DFT) and molecular simulations (MD) were performed to reveal the inhibition mechanism of CS-FGA.

Corrosion inhibition activity of a natural polysaccharide from Dysosma versipellis using tailor-made deep eutectic solvents.

In this work, a total of 18 types of choline chloride, betaine, and L-proline-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized to determine the extraction yield of a natural polysaccharide (PSA) from Dysosma versipellis using an ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Results indicate that the choline-oxalic acid-based DES has the best extraction yield for PSA due to the proper physical-chemical properties between PSA and DES. To evaluate the optimal extraction conditions, a response surface methodology was carried out. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction yield of PSA reaches 10.37 % (± 0.03 %), higher than the conventional extraction methods. Findings from FT-IR and NMR suggest that the extracted PSA belongs to a neutral polysaccharide with (1 â†’ 6)-linked α-d-glucopyranose in the main chain. Interestingly, results from various electrochemical measurements show the extracted PSA exhibits excellent corrosion inhibition performance for mild steel (MS) in a 0.5 M HCl solution, with 90.8 % of maximum corrosion inhibition efficiency at 210 mg L-1. SEM and XPS measurements reveal the formation of a protective layer on the MS surface. The adsorption behaviour of extracted PSA well obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm containing the chemisorption and physisorption. Additionally, theoretical calculations validate the experimental findings.

Bone marrow suppression or active proliferation? An analysis of neutropenia after pegylated interferon treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Neutropenia is a common adverse effect of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. However, the mechanism involved is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the cause of treatment-induced neutropenia by determining cytokine levels in plasma and in bone marrow smears. METHODS: Fifteen patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in this study. Plasma cytokine levels were determined using the Luminex assay before and during treatment. We simultaneously determined the levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and 7 other cytokines, and performed bone marrow cytology when blood cell counts indicated neutropenia. RESULTS: Only 1 bone marrow smear indicated a low cell proliferation level, whereas active proliferation was observed in the remaining 14 patients. The levels of G-CSF, GM-CSF, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-γ decreased significantly in patients with neutropenia (p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α showed no significant change (p = 0.713, 0.930, 0.833, respectively) before or after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The bone marrow of most patients with IFN-induced neutropenia showed active cell proliferation. Elevated G-CSF and GM-CSF but not bone marrow suppression was observed along with neutropenia after pegylated interferon treatment, suggesting a causative role of G-CSF and GM-CSF in neutropenia.

[Efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kd) plus adefovir for 96 weeks in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of an extended course (96-week) of combination treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFNa-2a; 40 kd] plus adefovir (ADV) for treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Chinese patients with negativity for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). METHODS: A total of 25 consecutive patients with HBeAg-negative CHB were administered Peg-IFNa-2a (135-180 mug/week) plus ADV (10 mg/day) for 96 weeks. All patients were followed-up for 24 weeks after treatment completion. Levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) were measured by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR) and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, respectively, at 12-week intervals throughout the treatment course and at the end-of-follow-up (week 120). Patients underwent serological analysis at 3-6 month intervals during treatment and follow-up to evaluate occurrence of adverse events; serological parameters included blood count, markers of liver, kidney and thyroid function, and levels of autoantibodies and creatine kinase. RESULTS: For all patients, the 96-week course of Peg-IFNa-2a plus ADV reduced the level of HBV DNA below the detection threshold (less than 500 copies/ml by FQ-PCR). The overall rate of HBsAg seroconversion was 12% (3/25) at week 48, 28% (7/25) at week 96, and 32% (8/25) at week 120. The occurrences of adverse events were similar at week 48 and week 96. CONCLUSION: The extended-course Peg-IFNa-2a plus ADV combination therapy achieved a 100% virological response and better rates of HBsAg seroconversion than 48 weeks of therapy, without a decrease in safety.

[Changes in lymphocyte surface expression of CD8 and CD38 molecules in peripheral blood of inactive HBsAg carriers following pegylated interferon a-2a therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pegylated interferon a-2a (Peg-INFa-2a) treatment on expression of CD8 and CD38 surface molecules on lymphocytes from peripheral blood of inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. METHODS: Forty-four patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection (CHB) received a 48-week course of Peg-INFa-2a treatment, with 30 administered 135 mug/week and 14 administered 180 mug/week. Every 12 weeks of treatment, the subjects were assessed for HBsAg titer, presence of anti-hepatitis B e (HBe) antibody, serum alanine amino transaminase (ALT) levels, and lymphocyte surface expression of CD8 and CD38 molecules. Patients were classified as responders and non-responders according to standard parameters. Dynamic differences between the two groups over time were assessed by multivariate repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse-Geisser correction and differences at single time points were assessed by univariate ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of two variables. RESULTS: The responders showed a significantly higher increase in ALT at week 12 (60.75+/-24.95 U/L vs. non-responders: 37.03+/-18.45 U/L; t = 2.905, P less than 0.01) and significantly higher proportion of CD8+CD38+ cells at week 24 (71.20+/-11.70% vs. non-responders: 56.79+/-7.72%; F = 23.941, P less than 0.01). The decline in level of HBsAg at week 24 was positively correlated with the increase in ALT level at week 12 (r = 0.386, P less than 0.01) and with expression levels of CD8 and CD38 molecules on lymphocytes at week 24 (r = 0.397, P less than 0.01). CONCLUSION: Lower baseline levels of HBsAg correlated to better Peg-INFa-2a-related HBsAg clearance. Increased expression of CD8 and CD38 on lymphocytes is suggestive of intensive cellular immunity in CHB patients and may be related to HBV-induced hepatocyte damage and may promote the HBsAg clearance.

Role of histone deacetylase 9 in human periodontal ligament stem cells autophagy in a tumour necrosis factor α-induced inflammatory environment.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play important roles in the post-translational modification of histones, which can affect the biological properties of cells, thereby altering disease progression and outcomes. However, it remains unclear how HDAC9, a class II HDAC, affects the autophagy of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). We aimed to identify its role in autophagy in hPDLSCs in an inflammatory environment and to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms. A rat periodontitis model was induced by ligating the molars with silk thread. Expression of autophagy-related genes and TNF-α was elevated in this model. TNF-α was used to stimulate hPDLSCs to establish an inflammatory environment. In the TNF-α-stimulated hPDLSCs, the expression of ATG7, ATG12, Beclin-1, LC3 and HDAC9 was upregulated, and that of p62 was downregulated. When HDAC9 expression was inhibited, autophagy-related genes expression was downregulated, and p62 expression was upregulated in TNF-α-treated hPDLSCs, indicating that autophagy was inhibited under these conditions. ERK pathway inhibition significantly reduced HDAC9-mediated autophagy in TNF-α-treated hPDLSCs. These findings reveal that autophagy occurred in our rat periodontitis model and that HDAC9 regulated autophagy via ERK pathways in hPDLSCs in the inflammatory environment. HDAC9 is therefore a potential target for the treatment of periodontitis.

Natural chitosan-based carbon dots as an eco-friendly and effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in HCl solution.

Polysaccharide chitosan and L-histidine were applied to synthesize chitosan-based carbon dots (CA-CDs) by a simple laser ablation method. After characterization of the CA-CDs by FT-IR, UV-vis, Raman, XRD, TEM, and XPS, the CA-CDs were introduced as an eco-friendly and high-performance corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in 1.0 M HCl solution. The inhibition action and mechanism of CA-CDs were determined by weight loss and electrochemical measurements, in combination with SEM, AFM, and XPS. The results show that CA-CDs as mixed-type inhibitors could effectively weaken the corrosion of MS in 1.0 M HCl solution, and their maximum inhibition efficiency reaches 97.4 % at 40 mg L-1. The adsorption behavior of CA-CDs well obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm containing both chemisorption and physisorption. The chemisorption mainly results from the multiple adsorption sites in the CA-CDs, and the physical adsorption is due to the blocking and barrier effect of CA-CD nanoparticles. Both adsorption behaviors were proposed to elucidate the corrosion inhibition mechanism of CA-CDs.

Biosynthesis and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesized from mixed C5 and C6 sugars obtained from hardwood hydrolysis.

Glucose and xylose are fermentable sugars readily available from lignocellulosic biomass, and are a sustainable carbon substrate supporting industrial biotechnology. Three strains were assessed in this work - Paraburkholderia sacchari, Hydrogenophaga pseudoflava, and Bacillus megaterium - for their ability to uptake both C5 and C6 sugars contained in a hardwood hydrolysate produced via a thermomechanical pulping-based process with concomitant production of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) biopolymers. In batch conditions, B. megaterium showed poor growth after 12 h, minimal uptake of xylose throughout the cultivation, and accumulated a maximum of only 25 % of the dry biomass as PHA. The other strains simultaneously utilized both sugars, although glucose uptake was faster than xylose. From hardwood hydrolysate, P. sacchari accumulated 57 % of its biomass as PHA within 24 h, whereas H. pseudoflava achieved an intracellular PHA content of 84 % by 72 h. The molecular weight of the PHA synthesized by H. pseudoflava (520.2 kDa) was higher than that of P. sacchari (265.5 kDa). When the medium was supplemented with propionic acid, the latter was rapidly consumed by both strains and incorporated as 3-hydroxyvalerate subunits into the polymer, demonstrating the potential for production of polymers with improved properties and value. H. pseudoflava incorporated 3-hydroxyvalerate subunits with at least a 3-fold higher yield, and produced polymers with higher 3-hydroxyvalerate content than P. sacchari. Overall, this work has shown that H. pseudoflava can be an excellent candidate for bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to PHA polymers or copolymers as part of an integrated biorefinery.