Association between LTF/MMP20/CA6/TAS1R2 polymorphisms and susceptibility to dental caries.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess the associations between the LTF, MMP20, CA6, and TAS1R2 polymorphisms and caries in the Zhuang population and explore the underlying mechanism of the impact of lactoferrin on caries susceptibility. METHODS: A case-control study of 315 adolescents was conducted in Guangxi, China, from May-November 2022. Data were collected through oral examinations and questionnaires. Buccal mucosa cells and DNA samples were collected using the SNPscan technique. Saliva and supragingival plaque samples were taken from 69 subjects with various LTF rs10865941 genotypes. The relationships among the LTF rs10865941 polymorphism, lactoferrin, Streptococcus mutans, and caries were investigated by using the ELISA and qRT-PCR, along with logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The genotype distribution of the LTF gene were significantly different between the case and control groups (p = 0.018). The case group had lower C allele and greater T allele frequencies than the control group (p = 0.006). The LTF rs10865941 polymorphism was associated with caries in the codominant, dominant, and additive models (p < 0.05). MMP20 rs1784418, CA6 rs2274328, and TAS1R2 rs35874116 were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). A greater quantity of S. mutans. in the supragingival plaque was found in the case group (p = 0.03). There were significant differences between the two groups in both the codominant model and the dominant model (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LTF rs10865941 polymorphism may be associated with caries susceptibility in the Zhuang population of China. The LTF rs10865941 T allele may be a potential risk factor for dental caries.

Accuracy of different registration areas using active and passive dynamic navigation systems in dental implant surgery: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To gauge the relative accuracy of the use of passive and active dynamic navigation systems when placing dental implants, and to determine how registration areas affect the performance of these systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty implants were assigned to be placed into 40 total resin mandible models missing either the left or right first molars using either passive or active dynamic navigation system approaches. U-shaped tube registration devices were fixed in the edentulous site for 20 models each on the left or right side. Planned and actual implant positions were superimposed to assess procedural accuracy, and parameters including 3D entry deviation, angular deviation, and 3D apex deviation were evaluated with Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Respective angular, entry, and apex deviation values of 1.563 ± 0.977°, 0.725 ± 0.268 mm, and 0.808 ± 0.284 mm were calculated for all included implants, with corresponding values of 1.388 ± 1.090°, 0.789 ± 0.285 mm, and 0.846 ± 0.301 mm in the active group and 1.739 ± 0.826°, 0.661 ± 0.236 mm, and 0.769 ± 0.264 mm in the passive group. Only angular deviation differed significantly among groups, and the registration area was not associated with any significant differences among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Passive and active dynamic navigation approaches can achieve comparable in vitro accuracy. Registration on one side of the missing single posterior tooth area in the mandible can complete single-tooth implantation on both sides of the posterior teeth, highlighting the promise of further clinical research focused on this topic.

Associations of PART1 and DEFB1 polymorphisms with Dental Caries in twelve-year-old children in Southern China: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess associations of PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms with the prevalence of dental caries in twelve-year-old children in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. METHODS: A total of 1,061 children were included in this cross-sectional study and divided into two groups based on the Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index: caries-free children (DMFT score = 0) and children with caries (DMFT score ≥ 1). Demographic characteristics, oral hygiene behaviour and dietary habits were collected through household records and questionnaires. Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells, and PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms were genotyped using a custom-designed 48-Plex single nucleotide polymorphism-scan kit. RESULTS: Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 C allele (odds ratio [OR] = 1.338, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.015-1.764, P value = 0.039) and carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 T allele (OR = 1.364, 95% CI = 1.056-1.762, P value = 0.017) had a higher risk of caries. Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 TC or CC genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 1.6-fold higher risk of caries than TT carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 1.579, 95% CI = 1.032-2.414, P value = 0.035). Carriers of the DEFB1 rs11362 CT or TT genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a 2.1-fold higher risk of caries than CC carriers who ate sugary food at most once a week (OR = 2.057, 95% CI = 1.438-2.940, P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PART1 rs27565 and DEFB1 rs11362 polymorphisms were associated with caries in 12-year-old children in Nandan County, Guangxi, China. Carriers of the PART1 rs27565 TC or CC genotype and the DEFB1 rs11362 CT or TT genotype who ate sugary food more than once a week had a high probability of having caries.

Disinfection effect of hexadecyl pyridinium chloride on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19 or 2019-nCoV) is a respiratory virus that can exist in the mouth and saliva of patients and spreads through aerosol dispersion. Therefore, stomatological hospitals and departments have become high-infection-risk environments. Accordingly, oral disinfectants that can effectively inactivate the virus have become a highly active area of research. Hexadecyl pyridinium chloride, povidone-iodine, and other common oral disinfectants are the natural primary choices for stomatological hospitals. Therefore, this study investigated the inhibitory effect of hexadecyl pyridinium chloride on SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 were used to determine the disinfection effect; the CCK-8 method was used to determine cytotoxicity, and viral load was determined by real-time PCR. The results showed that hexadecyl pyridinium chloride has no obvious cytotoxic effect on Vero cells in the concentration range 0.0125-0.05 mg/mL. The in vitro experiments showed that hexadecyl pyridinium chloride significantly inhibits the virus at concentrations of 0.1 mg/mL or above at 2 min of action. Thus, the results provide experimental support for the use of hexadecyl pyridinium chloride in stomatological hospitals.

Biomimetic Modification of Water-Borne Polymer Coating with Carnauba Wax for Controlled Release of Urea.

Benefitting from the special structure of the leaf cuticle layer, plants have natural hydrophobicity and anti-fouling abilities. Inspired by the leaf surface structure, a biomimetic modification strategy was raised to improve the surface hydrophobicity of polyacrylate coating for controlled release fertilizer. Double-layer (polyacrylate and carnauba wax) coated fertilizer was obtained after biomimetic modification. The quality of controlled release fertilizer modified with the carnauba wax was greatly enhanced, and the coating material was effectively saved. The surface appearance of polyacrylate-coated fertilizer was improved for the surface blemish was repaired by the loaded carnauba wax. The characterizations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the hydrogen bonds were formed between the water-based polyacrylate membrane and the carnauba wax layers. By optimizing the content of polyacrylate and carnauba wax, the release duration of the fertilizer was effectively prolonged, which was improved from 1 month to more than 2 months after the biomimetic modification. Therefore, biological wax as an environmentally-friendly natural material that has showed a broad potential in the application of coated controlled release fertilizer.

Klotho inhibits H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in periodontal ligament stem cells by regulating UCP2 expression.

Periodontitis, a human chronic inflammatory disease, has affected the lives of millions of individuals. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), derived from the periodontal ligament, exhibit tissue specificity and impaired differentiation ability and are closely associated with tissue regeneration in periodontitis. Klotho, a single-pass transmembrane protein, has been reported to positively affect H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and inflammation in PDLSCs. The ultimate damage of oxidative stress stimulation in PDLSCs was cell apoptosis, which was also the major lesion in periodontitis. Thus, the present study aimed to figure out the effect of klotho on H2 O2 -injured PDLSCs and its underlying mechanism to provide new therapeutic targets in periodontitis. The expression of klotho and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) was investigated in the gingival tissues, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Then, under klotho treatment, oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring SOD and GSH-PX levels. Cell apoptosis and cell necrosis were also detected by measuring the cell death-relevant proteins, including Caspase-3, BAX, Bcl, MLKL, RIP1, and RIP3. Finally, a rescue assay was performed by inhibiting the expression of UCP2. The results showed that klotho and UCP2 were downregulated in patients with chronic periodontitis. In addition, klotho upregulated the production of UCP2 in H2 O2 -treated PDLSCs. Klotho inhibited H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and cellular loss in PDLSCs, moreover, the rescue assay suggested that UCP2 knockdown suppressed the effects of klotho on PDLSCs. In conclusion, this study showed that klotho inhibits H2 O2 -induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in PDLSCs by regulating UCP2 expression. This novel discovery might provide a potential target for chronic periodontitis treatment.

A facile strategy to fabricate lignocellulose-based slow-release fertilizers via a high-performance treatment of rice straw using deep eutectic solvents.

Lignin-based slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) have attracted widespread attention due to their ability to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency and reduce environmental pollution in agricultural production. However, the extraction and separation processes of lignin from biomass sources are intricate, involving substantial quantities of non-reusable toxic reagents. Here, a sustainable and eco-friendly approach using deep eutectic solvents (DES) was employed to treat rice straw, effectively dissolving the lignin present. Subsequently, the in-situ lignin regeneration was facilitated through the addition of a zinc chloride solution. The regenerated lignin was tightly wrapped around and connected to cellulose micro/nanofibers, forming a homogeneous slurry. A simple coating technique was employed to uniformly coat urea particles with the lignocellulosic slurry, yielding lignocellulose-based SRFs. Results revealed that the nutrient release of the lignocellulose-based coated fertilizers in water exceeded 56 days. A pot trial demonstrated that the application of lignocellulose-based SRFs significantly promoted the growth of rice and improved grain yield (by 10.7 %) and nitrogen use efficiency (by 34.4 %) compared to the urea treatment in rice production. Furthermore, the DES demonstrated consistently high efficiency in biomass processing even after four cycles of reuse. This green strategy offers a novel approach for the preparation of SRFs coating materials, promoting agricultural sustainability.

Highly Sensitive Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based on a Multicross-Linked Dual-Network Ionic Hydrogel for Blood Pressure Monitoring Applications.

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors based on ionic hydrogels (IHs) have garnered significant attention in the field of wearable technology. However, the vulnerability of traditional single-network hydrogels to mechanical damage and the complexity associated with preparing double-network hydrogels present challenges in developing a highly sensitive, easily prepared, and durable IH-based flexible capacitive pressure sensor. This study introduces a novel multicross-linked dual-network IH achieved through the physical and chemical cross-linking of polymers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), ionic solution H3PO4, and cross-linking agent gum arabic. Flexible capacitive pressure sensors, characterized by high sensitivity and a broad pressure range, are fabricated by employing mesh as templates to design cut-corner cube microstructures with high uniformity and controllability on the IHs. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity across a wide pressure range (0-290 kPa) and with excellent features such as high resolution (∼1.3 Pa), fast response-recovery time (∼11 ms), and repeatable compression stability at 25 kPa (>2000 cycles). The IHs as a dielectric layer demonstrate long-term water retention properties, enabling exposure to air for up to 100 days. Additionally, the developed sensor shows the ability to accurately measure the pulse wave within the small pressure range. By combining the pulse wave acquired by the sensor with a trained neural network model, we achieve successful blood pressure (BP) prediction, meeting the standards set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and the British Hypertension Society. Ultimately, the sensor proposed in this study holds promising prospects for broad applications in high-precision wearable medical electronic devices.

Insights into the synergistic toxicity mechanisms caused by nano- and microplastics with triclosan using a dose-dependent functional genomics approach in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The emergence of polystyrene (PS) nano- and microplastics (NMPs) and triclosan (TCS) as environmental contaminants has raised concerns about their combined toxicities to organisms, but the complex toxicity arising from their interactions and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain obscure to us. In this study, we comprehensively detected the combined toxicity of PS-NMPs and TCS via the dose-dependent yeast functional genomics profiling. Firstly, our findings demonstrated that the combined exposure to PS-NMPs and TCS elicited a synergistic toxic effect in which the toxicity depended on the size of the PS-NMPs. Secondly, we found that TCS exposure, either alone or in combination with PS-NMPs, influenced lipid biosynthetic processes and ATP export pathways, while the unique responsive genes triggered by combined exposure to TCS and PS-NMPs are significantly enriched in mitochondrial translation, ribosomal small subunit assembly, and tRNA wobble uridine modification. Thirdly, our results demonstrated that point of departure (POD) at the pathway level was positively correlated with IC50, and POD was a more sensitive predictor of toxicity than the apical toxicity endpoints. More importantly, our findings suggested that the combined exposure of PS-NMPs in a size-dependent manner not only alleviated the harmful effects of TCS on glycerophospholipid metabolism, but also exacerbated its negative impact on oxidative phosphorylation. Collectively, our study not only provides new insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms that control the combined toxicity of PS-NMPs and TCS, but also confirms the effectiveness of the dose-dependent functional genomics approach in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the combined toxicity of pollutants.

Analysis of the accuracy of a dynamic navigation system when performing dental implant surgery with transcrestal sinus floor elevation: A pilot study.

Background/purpose: The success of transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) is primarily reliant upon the experience of the surgeon owing to the limited operative visibility. To evaluate the accuracy associated with the use of a dynamic navigation system when conducting posterior maxilla implant surgery with TSFE. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight implants were placed in 28 patients requiring implantation in the posterior maxilla via a TSFE approach. The drills were used to access the planned position (within 1 mm of the bottom of the maxillary sinus floor) under dynamic navigation system. TSFE was then accomplished using osteotomes and a piezoelectric device. Lastly, the implant was inserted under the dynamic navigation. Three effective deviations between planned and actual implant placement were then measured including angular deviation (AD, degrees), entry point horizontal deviation (EPHD, mm), and apical point horizontal deviation (APHD, mm). Results: The AD, EPHD, and APHD between the planned and actual implant placement were 3.656 ± 1.665°, 1.073 ± 0.686 mm, and 1.086 ± 0.667 mm, respectively. Premolar site AD values were less than those for molar sites (P = 0.004). No significant differences in these outcomes were observed in different surgeons. Obvious sinus perforation was not detected by immediate postoperative cone beam computed tomography imaging. Conclusion: The accuracy associated with using a dynamic navigation system when conducting posterior maxilla implant surgery via a TSFE approach using piezoelectric devices was comparable. This technique thus achieved appropriate interventional precision and safety while decreasing the morbidity associated with the TSFE approach.

Association Between the SLC2A2 Gene rs1499821 Polymorphism and Caries Susceptibility.

Objectives: This study was designed to analyze the association between the SLC2A2 rs1499821 polymorphism and caries susceptibility in the Chinese Han, Zhuang, and Baikuyao populations. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study included 1067 12-year-old children: 481 with caries (142 Han, 166 Zhuang and 173 Baikuyao) and 586 who were caries-free (135 Han, 178 Zhuang and 273 Baikuyao). Questionnaires about diet and oral habits were obtained from all subjects. All of the children received dental examinations and DNA collection. The SLC2A2 rs1499821 SNP was genotyped using the SNPscan technique. Results: The rs1499821 T polymorphism was significantly associated with caries susceptibility in both the Han population and the combined populations of the three ethnic subgroups. SLC2A2 rs1499821 was associated with caries susceptibility in the dominant model in the Han (p = 0.045) population and the combined (p = 0.038) group. The CT+TT genotypes at rs1499821 were associated with a higher risk of caries in the Han (OR = 1.69, adjusted 95% CI: 1.01-2.81) and combined (OR = 1.33, adjusted 95% CI: 1.02-1.74) populations. In both Han (p = 0.009) and the combined populations (p = 0.004), there were statistically significant associations between the frequency of sweet food intake and dental caries. However, the rs1499821 polymorphisms did not associate with the frequency of sweet food intake in these ethnic subgroups. Conclusion: In the Han population, the SLC2A2 rs1499821 T allele and the frequency of sweet food intake may be regarded as risk factors for caries susceptibility. The SLC2A2 rs1499821 T allele had no association with the frequency of sweet food intake in any of the three ethnic groups.

Multiomics analysis reveals the genetic and metabolic characteristics associated with the low prevalence of dental caries.

Background: Despite poor oral hygiene, the Baiku Yao (BKY) ethnic group in China presents a low prevalence of dental caries, which may be related to genetic susceptibility. Due to strict intra-ethnic marriage rule, this ethnic has an advantage in studying the interaction between genetic factors and other regulatory factors related to dental caries. Methods: Peripheral blood from a caries-free adult male was used for whole genome sequencing, and the BKY assembled genome was compared to the Han Chinese genome. Oral saliva samples were collected from 51 subjects for metabolomic and metagenomic analysis. Multiomics data were integrated for combined analysis using bioinformatics approaches. Results: Comparative genomic analysis revealed the presence of structural variations in several genes associated with dental caries. Metabolomic and metagenomic sequencing demonstrated the caries-free group had significantly higher concentration of antimicrobials and higher abundance of core oral health-related microbiota. The functional analysis indicated that cationic antimicrobial peptide resistance and the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway were enriched in the caries-free group. Conclusions: Our study provided new insights into the specific regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the low prevalence of dental caries in the specific population and may provide new evidence for the genetic diagnosis and control of dental caries.

The association between unilateral high-riding vertebral artery and atlantoaxial joint morphology: a multi-slice spiral computed tomography study of 396 patients and a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: A high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA) can deviate too medially, too posteriorly, or too superiorly to allow the safe insertion of screws. However, it is unknown whether the presence of a HRVA is associated with morphological changes of the atlantoaxial joint. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between HRVA and atlantoaxial joint morphology in patients with and without HRVA. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study and finite element (FE) analysis. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 396 patients with cervical spondylosis underwent multi-slice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) of cervical spine at our institutions from 2020 to 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES: A series of atlantoaxial joint morphological parameters, including C2 lateral mass settlement (C2 LMS), C1-2 sagittal joint inclination (C1-2 SI), C1-2 coronal joint inclination (C1-2 CI), atlanto-dental interval (ADI), lateral atlanto-dental interval (LADI), and C1-2 relative rotation angle (C1-2 RRA) were measured, and lateral atlantoaxial joints osteoarthritis (LAJs-OA) was recorded. The stress distribution on the C2 facet surface under different torques of flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation was analyzed by FE models. A 2-Nm moment was applied to all models to determine the range of motion (ROM). METHODS: A total of 132 consecutive cervical spondylosis patients with unilateral HRVA were enrolled in the HRVA group, and 264 patients without HRVA matched for age and sex were enrolled in the normal (NL) group. Atlantoaxial joint morphological parameters were compared between two sides of C2 lateral mass within HRVA or NL group, and between HRVA and NL groups. A 48-year-old woman with cervical spondylosis without HRVA was selected for cervical MSCT. A three-dimensional (3D) FE intact model of the normal upper cervical spine (C0-C2) was created. We established the HRVA model by simulating atlantoaxial morphological changes of unilateral HRVA with FE method. RESULTS: The C2 LMS was significantly smaller on the HRVA side than that on the non-HRVA side in the HRVA group, but C1-2 SI, C1-2 CI, and LADI on HRVA side were significantly larger than those on non-HRVA side. There was no significant difference between left and right sides in the NL group. The difference in C2 LMS (d-C2 LMS) between HRVA side and non-HRVA side in the HRVA group was larger than that in the NL group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the differences in C1-2 SI (d-C1/2 SI), C1-2 CI (d-C1/2 CI), and LADI (d-LADI) in the HRVA group were significantly larger than those in the NL group. The C1-2 RRA in the HRVA group was significantly larger than that in the NL group. Pearson correlations showed that d-C1/2 SI, d-C1/2 CI, and d-LADI were positively associated with d-C2 LMS (r=0.428, 0.649, 0.498, respectively, p<.05 for all). The incidence of LAJs-OA in the HRVA group (27.3%) was significantly larger than that in the NL group (11.7%). Compared with the normal model, the ROM of C1-2 segment declined in all postures of the HRVA FE model. We found a larger distribution of stress on the C2 lateral mass surface of the HRVA side under different moment conditions. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that HRVA affects the integrity of the C2 lateral mass. This change in patients with unilateral HRVA is associated with the nonuniform settlement of the lateral mass and an increase in the lateral mass inclination, which may further affect the degeneration of the atlantoaxial joint because of the stress concentration on the C2 lateral mass surface.

Clinical Study on Efficiency of Using Traditional Direct Bonding or OrthGuide Computer-Aided Indirect Bonding in Orthodontic Patients.

Objective: This study aims to clinically investigate and compare the therapeutic effects and treatment cycle between traditional direct bonding and OrthGuide computer-aided indirect bonding in orthodontic treatment. Methods: Forty patients treated at the Department of Orthodontics, Beijing Rytime Dental Hospital between July 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019, were included. The patients were divided into a control group (n = 20, traditional direct bonding) and a test group (n = 20, OrthGuide computer-aided indirect bonding). The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) measurement was performed on patients using Uceph cephalometric analysis software to compare intragroup and intergroup differences, and the treatment cycles of all patients were recorded. Results: After treatment, U1-NA (mm), ∠U1-SN (°), LL-EP (mm), and UL-EP (mm) in the control group were significantly lower than before treatment, and there was no significant difference in other ABO measurement indexes, while the test group showed no marked difference in all ABO measurements between pre- and posttreatment. Further, intergroup comparison showed no significant difference in ABO measurements in pre- and posttreatment between the two groups. The test group had a shorter treatment cycle than the control group, with an average treatment cycle of 21.20 ± 7.14 months in the control group and 17.17 ± 4.16 months in the test group. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the therapeutic effects between the direct and indirect bonding techniques. However, OrthGuide computer-assisted indirect bonding demonstrated a significantly shorter treatment cycle and might be more efficient than traditional direct bonding.

Management of fresh odontoid fractures using posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion: a long-term clinical follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion makes it possible to restore atlantoaxial motion after removing the implant, and it has been used as an alternative technique for odontoid fractures; however, the long-term efficacy of this technique remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to explore the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with type II/III fresh odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion and were followed up for more than 5 years. The patients were divided into group A (23 patients with implant removal) and group B (39 patients without implant removal) based on whether they underwent a second surgery to remove the implant. The clinical outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. In group A, the range of motion (ROM) of C1-2 was calculated, and correlation analysis was performed to explore the factors that influence the ROM of C1-2. RESULTS: A solid fracture fusion was found in all patients. At the final follow-up, no significant difference was found in visual analog scale score or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale score between the two groups (p > 0.05), but patients in group A had a lower Neck Disability Index score and milder neck stiffness than did patients in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, 87.0% (20/23) of the patients had atlantoodontoid joint osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. In group A, the C1-2 ROM in rotation was 6.1° ± 4.5° at the final follow-up, whereas the C1-2 ROM in flexion-extension was 1.8° ± 1.2°. A negative correlation was found between the C1-2 ROM in rotation and the severity of tissue injury in the atlantoaxial region (r = -0.403, p = 0.024) and the degeneration of the atlantoodontoid joint (r = -0.586, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion can be used effectively for the management of fresh odontoid fractures. The removal of the implant can further improve the clinical efficacy, but satisfactory atlantoaxial motion cannot be maintained for a long time after implant removal. A surgeon should reconsider the contribution of posterior C1-2 fixation without fusion and secondary implant removal in preserving atlantoaxial mobility for patients with fresh odontoid fractures.

Morphometric Analysis of the Lateral Atlantoaxial Joints in Patients with an Old Type II Odontoid Fracture and Atlantoaxial Dislocation: A Study Based on CT Analysis.

MINI: The morphological features of the lateral atlantoaxial joints (LAJs) in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and atlantoaxial dislocation have not been fully analyzed. Our study found the changes in morphological features of the LAJs in some patients, and revealed the causes and consequences of the changes in morphological features of the LAJs.

Retrospective cohort study. We aimed to study and interpret the morphological features of the lateral atlantoaxial joints (LAJs) in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD). The causes and consequences of the morphological changes of the LAJs in patients with old type II odontoid fractures and AAD have not been analyzed before. A retrospective study was performed on patients with old type II odontoid fracture and AAD. These patients were placed in group A (unstable or reducible dislocation) or group B (irreducible or bony dislocation) depending on the type of dislocation they had. We documented the morphological changes and measured the inclination angle of the articular surface of the LAJs in computerized tomographic images and compared the results collected for the two groups. The association between the history of injury and the inclination angle of the articular surface of the LAJs was assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. A total of 29 patients were enrolled (16 patients in group A, and 13 patients in group B). The inclination angle in group A was significantly greater than that in group B ( P  < 0.001). Patients in group B were more likely to have fish-lip-like changes, dome-like changes, or collapse of the LAJs. Age, history, atlantodental interval, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score were also significant differences between the two groups ( P  < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the history of injury and the inclination angle of the articular surfaces of the LAJs (left: r = −0.726, P  < 0.001; right: r = −0.795, P  < 0.001). The morphological changes of the LAJs could progressively become more pronounced during the evolution of the disease. Level of Evidence: 4.

Mimicking Molecular Chaperones to Regulate Protein Folding.

Folding and unfolding are essential ways for a protein to regulate its biological activity. The misfolding of proteins usually reduces or completely compromises their biological functions, which eventually causes a wide range of diseases including neurodegeneration diseases, type II diabetes, and cancers. Therefore, materials that can regulate protein folding and maintain proteostasis are of significant biological and medical importance. In living organisms, molecular chaperones are a family of proteins that maintain proteostasis by interacting with, stabilizing, and repairing various non-native proteins. In the past few decades, efforts have been made to create artificial systems to mimic the structure and biological functions of nature chaperonins. Herein, recent progress in the design and construction of materials that mimic different kinds of natural molecular chaperones is summarized. The fabrication methods, construction rules, and working mechanisms of these artificial chaperone systems are described. The application of these materials in enhancing the thermal stability of proteins, assisting de novo folding of proteins, and preventing formation of toxic protein aggregates is also highlighted and explored. Finally, the challenges and potential in the field of chaperone-mimetic materials are discussed.

NIR/photoacoustic imaging of multitype gallbladder cancer using carboxyl/amino functionalized polymer dots.

Gallbladder cancer has high incidence and mortality and a low early diagnosis rate and requires rapid and efficient diagnosis. Herein, carboxyl/amino functionalized polymer dots (Pdots) were designed to enhance cellular internalization and tumor accumulation. The prepared Pdots were 40-50 nm in diameter, contained no toxic metal, exhibited long circulation time and high stability, and produced strong NIR emission and photoacoustic signals. Different cellular uptake and distribution of functionalized Pdots in eight gallbladder cell lines were quantitatively investigated using flow cytometry and super-resolution microscopy. In vivo NIR fluorescence imaging showed that the functional Pdots had high accumulation in the tumor after 30 minutes of injection and remained there for up to 6 days. In addition, photoacoustic imaging found that the abundant blood vessels around the tumor microenvironment and Pdots entered the tumor through the blood vessels. Furthermore, a high heterogeneity of vascular networks was visualized in real-time and high resolution by probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy imaging. These results offer a new avenue for the development of functional Pdots as a probe for multi-modal and multi-scale imaging of gallbladder cancer in small animals.

ESTs analyses of Lampetra japonica liver and comparation transcriptome with the jawed vertebrates.

A cDNA library was constructed from the liver of Lampetra japonica. 10077 ESTs were obtained by random selecting clones for sequencing. The results demonstrated that 8515 ESTs were assembled into 648 consensus sequences, represented 2210 unique transcripts, 47.06% of which were predicted as full length cDNAs. In addition, 1562 ESTs were singlets. Using the BLAST to align the assembled ESTs, we found that 93.9% (2053) transcripts shared similarity to sequences published in GenBank databases. The functional annotations to assembled ESTs showed that the genes, involved in immunology, blood coagulation and metabolism of jawed vertebrates, were highly expressed in the liver of L. japonica. Furthermore, 8 potential novel genes were identified. Further comparing liver transcriptome of L. japonica with Fundulus heteroclitus, Mus musculus, Bos Taurus, and Homo sapiens revealed that the genes of Chitinase and Polysaccharides metabolism were more highly expressed in L. japonica than the others, which implied that they may play an important role in immunity of L. japonica. In addition, using the TargetScan, we marked microRNA target within 3' UTR of L. japonica liver transcriptome. The data indicated that some microRNA targets were homology with the targets embeded in human cancer genes. The result seems to provide a useful clue to the treatment of human cancer. Therefore, the present work will be an important resource for investigating the functional genomics and proteomics of L. japonica as well as evolution of vertebrates.