Resveratrol ameliorates experimental periodontitis in diabetic mice through negative regulation of TLR4 signaling.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RSV) on periodontitis in diabetic mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms in vitro. METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced in db/db mice by ligature application of porphyromonas gingivalis. The mice were treated with RSV (20 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 4 weeks. Alveolar bone loss, proinflammatory cytokines and TLR4 expression in the gingival tissue were measured. Cultured gingival epithelial cells (GECs) were used for in vitro studies. The transcriptional activity of TLR4 downstream signaling was analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS: RSV administration significantly decreased the blood glucose levels, and ameliorated alveolar bone loss in db/db mice with experimental periodontitis. RSV administration also suppressed the high levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and TLR4 in gingival tissue of the mice. In the GECs incubated in high glucose medium, TLR4 expression was substantially upregulated, which was partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Lipopolysaccharides markedly increased the expression and secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in the GECs cultured in high glucose medium, which was also partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Furthermore, RSV significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of TLR4 downstream factors NF-κB p65, p38MAPK, and STAT3. CONCLUSION: RSV exerts protective effects against experimental periodontitis in db/db mice via negative regulation of TLR4 signaling.

Preparation of gentamicin-loaded electrospun coating on titanium implants and a study of their properties in vitro.

PURPOSE: Implant-related infections are disastrous complications in the clinic, and there are no effective therapies. In this preliminary study, gentamicin-loaded coating on titanium implants was prepared using the electrospinning technique, and some properties of the coating titanium implants were studied. METHODS: We adopted the electrospinning technique to prepare gentamicin-coated titanium implants. The surface structure of the coating implants was observed using scanning electron microscope. An elution study was performed to determine the release behavior of the gentamicin from the coating. The antibacterial efficacy and quantitative analysis of the bacterial adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated in vitro, and the cytotoxicity of the coated titanium implants on osteoblasts was investigated in vitro. RESULTS: The morphology of the gentamicin-coated titanium implants exhibited nanofibers, and the release of gentamicin showed an initial gentamicin burst followed by a slow release. The gentamicin-coated titanium implants had a persistent antibacterial efficacy for 1 week and significantly reduced the adhesion of the Staphylococcus aureus compared with bare titanium implants in vitro. There was no cytotoxicity observed in vitro for the gentamicin-coated implants. CONCLUSION: The gentamicin-coated titanium implants, which were prepared using an electrospinning technique, present many advantages and may be considered to prevent and treat the implant-related infections.

Calcium citrate: a new biomaterial that can enhance bone formation in situ.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a new biomaterial combining calcium citrate and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) on bone regeneration in a bone defect rabbit model. METHODS: Totally 30 male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally divided into calcium citrate-rhBMP-2 (CC-rhBMP-2) group and rhBMP-2 only group. Two 10 mm-long and 5 mm-deep bone defects were respectively created in the left and right femoral condyles of the rabbits. Subsequently 5 pellets of calcium citrate (10 mg) combined with rhBMP-2 (2 mg) or rhBMP-2 alone were implanted into the bone defects and compressed with cotton swab. Bone granules were obtained at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after procedure and received histological analysis. LSD t-test and a subsequent t-test were adopted for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Histomorphometric analysis revealed newly formed bones, and calcium citrate has been absorbed in the treatment group. The percent of newly formed bone area in femoral condyle in control group and CC-rhBMP-2 group was respectively 31.73%+/-1.26% vs 48.21%+/-2.37% at 2 weeks; 43.40%+/-1.65% vs 57.32%+/-1.47% at 4 weeks, and 51.32%+/-7.80% vs 66.74%+/-4.05% at 6 weeks (P less than 0.05 for all). At 2 weeks, mature cancellous bone was observed to be already formed in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: From this study, it can be concluded that calcium citrate combined with rhBMP-2 signifcantly enhances bone regeneration in bone defects. This synthetic gelatin matrix stimulates formation of new bone and bone marrow in the defect areas by releasing calcium ions.

Controllable Preparation of Ag-Ce/ZnO Nanorods Photocatalyst and Its Growth on Modified Polyester Surface in Water Bath.

In this paper, a simple and effective method to prepare Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods photocatalyst and grow them controllably on modified polyester fabrics was presented to fabricate multifunctional textiles. Analytical grade zinc acetate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide were used as the main raw materials to prepare Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods. Morphological, structural and chemical characterization of the Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods was performed by XRD, UV-vis and other spectroscopies. The results showed that the Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. After 60 minutes of irradiation under ultraviolet light, the Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods showed a percentage photodegradation of 93.14% for a methylene blue (MB) solution. Modified polyester fabrics covered with the Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods were then prepared in a water bath. By a series of tests, it was observed that the Ag-Ce/ZnO nanorods on the modified polyester surface were neatly arranged and had good photocatalytic properties. Moreover, the UPF of the modified polyester fabric after finishing increased from 30.4 to 877.2. The multifunctional properties of the finished fabric exhibited good durability.

Efficacy and safety of a parylene-coated occluder for atrial septal defect: a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nitinol-containing devices are widely used in clinical practice. However, there are concerns about nickel release after nitinol-containing device implantation. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a parylene-coated occluder vs. a traditional nitinol-containing device for atrial septal defect (ASD). METHODS: One-hundred-and-eight patients with ASD were prospectively enrolled and randomly assigned to either the trial group to receive a parylene-coated occluder (n = 54) or the control group to receive a traditional occluder (n = 54). The plugging success rate at 6 months after device implantation and the pre- and post-implantation serum nickel levels were compared between the two groups. A non-inferiority design was used to prove that the therapeutic effect of the parylene-coated device was non-inferior to that of the traditional device. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test with adjustment for central effects was used for the comparison between groups. RESULTS: At 6 months after implantation, successful ASD closure was achieved in 52 of 53 patients (98.11%) in both the trial and control groups (95% confidence interval (CI): [-4.90, 5.16]) based on per-protocol set analysis. The absolute value of the lower limit of the 95% CI was 4.90%, which was less than the specified non-inferiority margin of 8%. No deaths or severe complications occurred during 6 months of follow-up. The serum nickel levels were significantly increased at 2 weeks and reached the maximum value at 1 month after implantation in the control group (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). In the trial group, there was no significant difference in the serum nickel level before vs. after device implantation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of a parylene-coated ASD occluder is non-inferior to that of a traditional uncoated ASD occluder. The parylene-coated occluder prevents nickel release after device implantation and may be an alternative for ASD, especially in patients with a nickel allergy.

[Investigation of the clinical effect of 65 µm glycine powder air-polishing(GPAP) after ultrasonic scaling during subgingival polishing].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of 65 µm glycine powder air-polishing (GPAP) by comparing with sodium hydrogen carbonate after ultrasonic scaling during subgingival polishing. METHODS: Thirty-three patients who were systematically healthy were involved in this study. After ultrasonic scaling,they were randomly assigned to the experimental group or the control group. Patients in the control group were treated with rubber cup + sodium hydrogen carbonate, while patients in the experimental group were treated only with 65 µm GPAP therapy. The clinical parameters including probing depth(PD), bleeding index(BI), plaque index(PI), staining index(SI) were recorded at baseline, 1week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. The results were analyzed by paired sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test with SPSS 23.0 software package. RESULTS: Both methods had good clinical effects. PD, BI, PI and SI of the two groups at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment were significantly better than those at baseline (P<0.01). SI of the experimental groups was significantly lower than that of the control group at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that 65 µm GPAP may be as effective as sodium hydrogen carbonate after ultrasonic scaling in removal of dental plaque and stain. 65 µm GPAP had the advantage of reducing restaining.

Preparation and characterization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds.

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of creating extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds from mesenchymal stem cells. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived ECM (BMSC-dECM) scaffolds were fabricated by lyophilization after crosslinking, without using a decellularization process. Acellular porcine chondrocyte-derived ECM (AC-dECM) scaffolds were used as a control. The surface morphology, internal structure, water uptake ratio, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of the scaffolds, as well as the in vitro behavior of cells grown on the scaffolds were examined and compared between the two scaffold types. For the BMSC-dECM scaffolds, the average pore size was 304.4 ± 108.2 µm, average porosity was 93.3% ± 4.5%, average compressive modulus was 6.8 ± 1.5 kPa, and average water uptake ratio exceeded 20. The BMSC-dECM scaffolds supported the in vitro attachment and proliferation of cells, with these aspects likely being comparable to those of the AC-dECM scaffolds. The findings of this preliminary study highlight the potential utility of BMSC-derived ECM scaffolds for future cartilage tissue-engineering applications.

The association of CSF-1 gene polymorphism with chronic periodontitis in the Han Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a multifactorial complex periodontal disease involving immune response, inflammation, alveolar bone resorption, and attachment loss. Colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) controls the production, differentiation, and function of macrophages and plays a vital role in the innate immune response to the external microbial infections, suggesting the potential role of CSF-1 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The objective of this study is to determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs333967, rs2297706, and rs1058885 with CP in the Han Chinese population. METHODS: Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal epithelial cells obtained from unrelated Chinese participants (440 patients with CP and 324 controls). The SNPs were genotyped by a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method. RESULTS: Three previously identified SNPs were genotyped in Han Chinese with Shanghai origin, but none of them was statistically significantly associated with CP. However, a T-C-G haplotype in male participants showed an observed P value of 4.52(E-08), with an odds ratio of 0.092. CONCLUSION: None of the individual SNPs among rs333967, rs2297706, and rs1058885 in CSF-1 was found statistically significantly associated with CP in the Han Chinese population with Shanghai origin, whereas a haplotype T-C-G showed an observed statistically significant association with decreased risk of CP susceptibility in males.

[Association of variants in chromosome 9p21.3 and chronic periodontitis in the Han Chinese population].

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in chromosome 9p21.3 and chronic periodontitis in the Han Chinese population. METHODS: rs2891168,rs1333048 and rs1333042 genotypes of randomly grouped 172 healthy control subjects and 221 patients with chronic periodontitis(CP) were genotyped by TaqMan probe real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Statistical analysis of Chi-square test was performed using SPSS16.0 software package. RESULTS: Rs2891168 was closely associated with chronic periodontitis(P=0.003), and the frequency of G allele was higher in the patients compared with the control(48.36% vs 40.00%, OR=1.209, 95% CI: 1.001-1.461, P=0.045). Rs1333048 and rs1333042 were not associated with chronic periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: There is SNP correlated with chronic periodontitis in chromosome 9p21.3, which indicates that the 9p21.3 locus may be the susceptible region. However, the mechanism remains unclear.

In vitro effects of polyethylene glycol in University of Wisconsin preservation solution on human red blood cell aggregation and hemorheology.

Addition of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to UW (University of Wisconsin) solution increases viscosity of the solution and red blood cell (RBC) aggregation. Recently, it was suggested that HES could be replaced by a new colloid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), in UW solution. The aim of this study was to see whether and how PEG affected RBC aggregation, and whether RBC aggregation parameters had any correlation with the molecular weight and concentration of PEG. After giving informed consent and signing consent documents, 12 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Blood samples obtained from these volunteers were mixed with the test solutions with blood/solutions ratios of 5:1 and 1:1. Human RBC aggregation was investigated with an automatic hemorheological analyzer. Blood viscosity was measured with a cone-plate viscometer. Morphological characters of RBC aggregates were evaluated by light microscopy. It was found that viscosity was not affected by the Colloid-free UW solution. PEG20kDa (1 and 10 g/L) and PEG35kDa (1 g/L) had little effect on RBC aggregation, while PEG20kDa (30 g/L) and PEG35kDa (10 and 30 g/L) had a significant hyperaggregating effect on RBC. In conclusion, PEGs had a potential hyperaggregating effect on human RBC. This effect is correlated with PEG molecular weight and concentration. The use of large molecular weight and high concentration PEG in UW solution accounts for extended and accelerated aggregation of erythrocytes. The use of low concentration PEG35kDa (1 g/L) would be the optimal choice.

Cosmetic outcome and surgical site infection rates of antibacterial absorbable (Polyglactin 910) suture compared to Chinese silk suture in breast cancer surgery: a randomized pilot research.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this multicenter post-market study was to compare the cosmetic outcome of triclosan-coated VICRYL Plus sutures with Chinese silk sutures for skin closure of modified radical mastectomy. A secondary objective was to assess the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). METHODS: Patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy were randomly assigned to coated VICRYL Plus antibacterial (Polyglactin 910) suture or Chinese silk suture. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated postoperatively at days 12 (± 2) and 30 (± 5), and the evidence of SSI was assessed at days 3, 5, 7, 12 (± 2), 30 (± 5), and 90 (± 7). Cosmetic outcomes were independently assessed via visual analogue scale (VAS) score evaluations of blinded incision photographs (primary endpoint) and surgeon-assessed modified Hollander Scale (mHCS) scores (secondary endpoint). SSI assessments used both CDC criteria and ASEPSIS scores. RESULTS: Six Chinese hospitals randomized 101 women undergoing modified radical mastectomy to closure with coated VICRYL Plus suture (n = 51) or Chinese silk suture (n = 50). Mean VAS cosmetic outcome scores for antibacterial suture (67.2) were better than for Chinese silk (45.4) at day 30 (P < 0.0001)). Mean mHCS cosmetic outcome total scores, were also higher for antibacterial suture (5.7) than for Chinese silk (5.0) at day 30 (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Patients using coated VICRYL Plus suture had significantly better cosmetic outcomes than those with Chinese silk sutures. Patients using coated VICRYL Plus suture had a lower SSI incidence compared to the Chinese silk sutures, although the difference did not reach statistical significance.

[Correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism and periodontitis susceptibility in Shanghai Chinese patients].

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 7 genes and periodontitis of susceptibility in Shanghai Chinese patients. METHODS: Genotypes of randomly grouped 50 health control subjects and 48 patients with chronic periodontitis were genotyped by MALDI-TOF MS detection system. A questionnaire, medical history, family history, signs, laboratory tests, treatment, follow-up information were collected. Statistical analysis of Chi-square test was performed using SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: In the screening of the 12 target SNPs,the GG genotype of rs2891168 correlated significantly with periodontitis, OR=3.071(95%CI:1.018-9.260,P=0.046). CONCLUSION: The GG genotype of rs2891168 may correlate significantly with periodontitis of Shanghai Chinese patients and further studies are needed to verify this finding. Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipality (Grant No.10ZR1425900) and Research Fund of Bureau of Health of Shanghai Municipality (Grant No.2009202).

Effects of a new shape-memory alloy interspinous process device on pressure distribution of the intervertebral disc and zygapophyseal joints in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the pressure distribution of lumbar intervertebral discs and zygapophyseal joints with different degrees of distraction of the interspinous processes by using a new shape-memory interspinous process stabilization device, and to research the relationship between changing disc and zygapophyseal joint loads and the degree of distraction of interspinous processes, and thus optimize usage of the implant. METHODS: Six cadaver lumbar specimens (L(2)-L(5)) were loaded. The loads in disc and zygapophyseal joints were recorded at each L(3-4) disc level. Implants with different spacer heights were then placed by turn and the pressure measurements repeated. RESULTS: An implant with 10 mm spacer height does not significantly share the load. A 12 mm implant reduces the posterior annulus load, and meanwhile decreases the zygapophyseal joints pressure, but only in extension. A 14 mm implant shares the loads of posterior annulus, nucleus, and zygapophyseal joints in extension and the neutral position, but slightly increases the anterior annulus' load. Though 16-20 mm implants do decrease the loads in the posterior annulus and zygapophyseal joints, the anterior annulus' load was apparently increased. CONCLUSION: Different degrees of distraction of the interspinous processes lead to different load distribution on the intervertebral disc. The implant tested is not appropriate in cases of serious spinal stenosis because of the contradiction that, while over-distraction of the interspinous processes decreases the posterior annulus and the zygapophyseal joints load and distracts the intervertebral foramina, it leads to a marked increase in the load of the anterior annulus, which is recognized to accelerate disc degeneration.

[Construction of platform on the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body of a normal person].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to construct a three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body of a normal person. METHODS: A series of pictures with the interval of 0.1 mm were taken by CT scanning. After extracting the coordinates of key points of some pictures by the procedure, we used a C program to process the useful data, and constructed a platform of the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body with the Ansys software for finite element analysis. RESULTS: The experimental results showed that the platform of the three-dimensional finite element model of the dentulous mandibular body was more accurate and applicable. The exact three-dimensional shape of model was well constructed, and each part of this model, such as one single tooth, can be deleted, which can be used to emulate various tooth-loss clinical cases. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional finite element model is constructed with life-like shapes of dental cusps. Each part of this model can be easily removed. In conclusion, this experiment provides a good platform of biomechanical analysis on various tooth-loss clinical cases.