Vitamin intake and periodontal disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis was performed to assess the epidemiological correlation between dietary intake of various types of vitamin intake and the risk of periodontal disease. METHODS: A comprehensive computerized search was conducted in eight databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine Disc, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang Database, and a random effect model was applied to combine pooled odds ratio (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the included studies, and the sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the impact of a single study on the comprehensive results. RESULTS: We finally included 45 effect groups from 23 observational studies, with a total number of study participants of 74,488. The results showed that higher levels of vitamin A (OR: 0.788, 95% CI: 0.640-0.971), vitamin B complex (OR: 0.884, 95% CI: 0.824-0.948), vitamin C (OR: 0.875, 95% CI: 0.775-0.988), vitamin D (OR: 0.964, 95% CI: 0.948-0.981), and vitamin E (OR: 0.868, 95% CI: 0.776-0.971) intake all were negatively correlated with periodontal disease. After removing each study, leave-one-out sensitivity analysis indicated no significant change in the overall results of any of the five meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this meta-analysis demonstrated a negative association between high-dose vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E consumption and the likelihood of developing periodontal disease, revealing the significant role of vitamins in preventing periodontal disease.

Tracking of Protein Adsorption on Poly(l-lactic acid) Film Surfaces: The Role of Molar Mass.

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) has been extensively utilized as a biomaterial for various biomedical applications. The first and one of the most critical steps upon contact with biological fluids is the adsorption of proteins on the material's surface. Understanding the behavior of protein adsorption is vital for guiding the synthesis and preparation of PLLA for biomedical purposes. In this study, total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy was employed to investigate the adsorption of human serum albumin (HSA) on PLLA films with different molar masses. We found that molar mass affects HSA adsorption in such a way that it affects only the adsorption rate constants, but not the desorption rate constants. Additionally, we observed that HSA adsorption is spatially heterogeneous and exhibits many strong binding sites regardless of the molar mass of the PLLA films. We found that the free volume of PLLA plays a crucial role in determining its water uptake capacity and surface hydration, consequently impacting the adsorption of HSA.

Photoelectrochemical Enzyme Biosensor Based on TiO2 Nanorod/TiO2 Quantum Dot/Polydopamine/Glucose Oxidase Composites with Strong Visible-Light Response.

Although photoelectrochemical (PEC) enzyme biosensors based on visible-light detection would have a high practical value, their development has been limited by the weak visible-light response of available photoactive substrates. Here, to enhance the visible-light response of a photoelectric substrate, a TiO2 nanorods (NRs)/TiO2 quantum dots (QDs)/polydopamine (PDA)/glucose oxidase nanocomposite was prepared via hydrothermal synthesis, followed by photopolymerization. TiO2 QDs with strong light absorption and excellent photocatalytic activity were introduced between the TiO2 NRs and the PDA. An efficient electron transport interface that formed as a result of the combination of the TiO2 NRs, TiO2 QDs, and the PDA could not only transfer electrons quickly and orderly, but also substantially improve the response of the TiO2 NRs under visible light. Through a series glucose detection, a sensor based on the nanocomposite was found to exhibit superior sensing performance under visible light with a sensitivity of 4.63 µA mM-1 cm-2, a linear response over the concentration 0.1-4 mM, and a detection limit of 8.16 µM. This work proposes a biosensor that can detect under visible light, thereby expanding the application range of PEC enzyme biosensors.

Mangasese doped polypyrole nanoparticels for photothermal/chemodynamic therapy and immune activation.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising treatment that efficiently suppresses local cancer, but fails to induce a robust antitumor immune response against tumor metastasis and recurrence. In this study, a NIR responsive nano-immunostimulant (Mn/A-HP NI) is fabricated by entrapping manganese and azo-initiator (AIPH) into hyaluronic acid-based polypyrrole nanoparticle. The as-prepared Mn/A-HP NIs with a high photothermal conversion efficiencey of 20.17% dramatically induced the imunogenic cell death of tumor cells and triggered the release ATP and HMGB1. Meanwhile, the hyperthermia induced AIPH decomposition to produce alkyl radicals which further destroyed cancer cells. Furthermore, the Mn/A-HP NIs were capable of promoting the maturation and antigen cross-presentation ability of dendritic cells. Consequently, the multifunctional Mn/A-HP NIs provided a combined treatment via integrating PTT/chemo-dynamic therapy and immune activation for tumor therapy.

Creation of gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifice in rats by magnetic compression technique.

BACKGROUND: Being one of the core techniques of magnetic surgery, magnetic compression technique (MCT) has been used for digestive tract anastomosis reconstruction in experimental studies. This study verified the feasibility of gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifice using MCT in rats. METHODS: The parent and daughter magnets were designed and manufactured for oral and anal insertion in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats. After anesthesia, the parent magnet was inserted into the colon spleen area through the anus, and the daughter magnet was inserted into the stomach through the mouth. Then the two magnets were positioned to attract each other and bind together. The position of the two magnets was monitored using X-ray. The time required for the formation of the anastomosis and expulsion of the magnets were recorded. 2 weeks later, the animal was sacrificed and the anastomotic specimen was obtained which was observed under naked eye and microscope. RESULTS: The gastroenteric anastomosis was successfully performed via natural orifices in 18 out of 20 rats. The mean time to construct the anastomosis was 3.78 ± 0.88 min. X-ray examination showed that the magnets were in the appropriate position in 17 rats. The magnets were excreted in 9.47 ± 1.62 days after surgery. The gross and microscopic examination of the specimen showed that the anastomoses were patent and the mucosa at the anastomotic was smooth. The mean bursting pressure of the anastomosis was 136.94 ± 6.79 mmHg. CONCLUSION: It is feasible to perform gastroenteric anastomosis through natural orifices by MCT.

NIR responsive tumor vaccine in situ for photothermal ablation and chemotherapy to trigger robust antitumor immune responses.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic tumor vaccine (TTV) that induces tumor-specific immunity has enormous potentials in tumor treatment, but high heterogeneity and poor immunogenicity of tumor seriously impair its clinical efficacy. Herein, a novel NIR responsive tumor vaccine in situ (HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG) was prepared by integrating hyaluronic acid functionalized polydopamine nanoparticles (HA-PDA NPs) with immune adjuvants (Imiquimod, IQ) and doxorubicin (DOX) into thermal-sensitive hydrogel. RESULTS: HA-PDA@IQ NPs with high photothermal conversion efficiency (41.2%) and T1-relaxation efficiency were using HA as stabilizer by the one-pot oxidative polymerization. Then, HA-PDA@IQ loaded DOX via π-π stacking and mixed with thermal-sensitive hydrogel to form the HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG. The hydrogel-confined delivery mode endowed HA-PDA@IQ/DOX NPs with multiple photothermal ablation performance once injection upon NIR irradiation due to the prolonged retention in tumor site. More importantly, this mode enabled HA-PDA@IQ/DOX NPs to promote the DC maturation, memory T cells in lymphatic node as well as cytotoxic T lymphocytes in spleen. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the HA-PDA@IQ/DOX HG could be served as a theranostic tumor vaccine for complete photothermal ablation to trigger robust antitumor immune responses.

OsCESA9 conserved-site mutation leads to largely enhanced plant lodging resistance and biomass enzymatic saccharification by reducing cellulose DP and crystallinity in rice.

Genetic modification of plant cell walls has been posed to reduce lignocellulose recalcitrance for enhancing biomass saccharification. Since cellulose synthase (CESA) gene was first identified, several dozen CESA mutants have been reported, but almost all mutants exhibit the defective phenotypes in plant growth and development. In this study, the rice (Oryza sativa) Osfc16 mutant with substitutions (W481C, P482S) at P-CR conserved site in CESA9 shows a slightly affected plant growth and higher biomass yield by 25%-41% compared with wild type (Nipponbare, a japonica variety). Chemical and ultrastructural analyses indicate that Osfc16 has a significantly reduced cellulose crystallinity (CrI) and thinner secondary cell walls compared with wild type. CESA co-IP detection, together with implementations of a proteasome inhibitor (MG132) and two distinct cellulose inhibitors (Calcofluor, CGA), shows that CESA9 mutation could affect integrity of CESA4/7/9 complexes, which may lead to rapid CESA proteasome degradation for low-DP cellulose biosynthesis. These may reduce cellulose CrI, which improves plant lodging resistance, a major and integrated agronomic trait on plant growth and grain production, and enhances biomass enzymatic saccharification by up to 2.3-fold and ethanol productivity by 34%-42%. This study has for the first time reported a direct modification for the low-DP cellulose production that has broad applications in biomass industries.

Expression of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, ß-catenin and DKK1 in periodontium during orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, ß-catenin and DKK1 in the periodontal ligament (PDL) during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nickel-titanium closed-coil springs were used to deliver an initial 50 g mesial force to the left maxillary first molars in 30 rats. The force was kept constant for 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 14 days until the animals were sacrificed. The right maxillary molars without force application served as control. Paraffin-embedded sections of the upper jaws were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical analyses to detect Wnt3a, Wnt10b, ß-catenin and DKK1 expression in PDL. RESULTS: Wnt3a, Wnt10b, ß-catenin and DKK1 were expressed on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of PDL in each group. After the application of orthodontic force, the expression of ß-catenin and DKK1 was initially increased and then decreased on both sides, with maximal levels of expression at day 7 and day 10, respectively. On the compression side, Wnt3a and Wnt10b levels started to increase at day 5, while on the tension side, these two molecules began to increase at day 1. Furthermore, the expression levels of Wnt3a, Wnt10b, and ß-catenin were much stronger on the tension side than on the compression side at any of the observation points, while DKK1 level was much higher on the compression side. CONCLUSION: Wnt3a, Wnt10b, ß-catenin and DKK1 expression may be related to the periodontal tissue remodeling following the application of an orthodontic force in rats. These observations suggest that the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway may play a crucial role in periodontal tissue remodeling during OTM.

Economical and green synthesis of bagasse-derived fluorescent carbon dots for biomedical applications.

Carbon quantum dots (CDs) are promising nanomaterials in biomedical, photocatalytical and photoelectronic applications. However, determining how to explore an ideal precursor for a renewable carbon resource is still an interesting challenge. Here, for the first time, we report that renewable wastes of bagasse as a new precursor were prepared for fluorescent CDs by a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process. The characterization results show that such bagasse-derived CDs are monodispersed, contain quasi spherical particles with a diameter of about 1.8 nm and exhibit favorable photoluminescence properties, super-high photostability and good dispersibility in water. Most importantly, bagasse-derived CDs have good biocompatibility and can be easily and quickly internalized by living cancer cells; they can also be used for multicolour biolabeling and bioimaging in cancer cells. It is suggested that bagasse-derived CDs might have potential applications in biomedical and photoelectronic fields.

Clinical results of selective laser trabeculoplasty in silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the efficacy of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 42 patients (42 eyes) with silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma were selected, and SLT was performed with 360° of the trabecular meshwork. During the 12-month follow-up, the complications, IOP, and antiglaucoma medication usage were observed. RESULTS: The mean IOP decreased from 23.1 ± 1.9 mmHg before treatment to 18.4 ± 3.7 mmHg after treatment (p < 0.05). Mean number of antiglaucoma medications used for IOP control also decreased from 2.17 ± 1.21 to 1.25 ± 0.89 (p < 0.05). The 12-month success rate in the total sample was 59.5 %. The success rate was 60.7 % (17 eyes) and 57.1 % (eight eyes) for phakic and aphakic eyes, respectively (p > 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: SLT is a safe and effective option for the treatment of patients with silicone oil-induced secondary glaucoma.

Preparation of a novel MOF-POPM and its application in online purification and enrichment of oleanolic acid in medicinal plants.

In present work, a method for enrichment, purification, and content determination of oleanolic acid (OA) in medicinal plants was established based on on-line solid phase extraction (SPE). A metal organic frameworks-porous organic polymer monolith (MOF-POPM) was prepared with functionalized UiO-66-(OH)2 as monomer and was used as SPE column for online enrichment and purification of OA. The ratio of adsorbent, enriching and eluting solvent, mobile phase pH, and flow rate had been systematically investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the linear range of OA was 0.59-2500 µg/mL with r = 0.9996. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.18 µg/mL and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.59 µg/mL. The intra-day relative standard deviations (RSDs) and inter-day RSDs of retention time and peak area were less than 0.3% and 1.3%, respectively. The average recoveries of OA in medicinal plants samples ranged from 87.7 to 104.6%. The results demonstrated that the online system was reliable and accurate for enrichment, purification, and content determination of OA in medicinal plants.

A novel nanoparticle fluorescent probe based on a water-soluble conjugated polymer for real-time monitoring of ATP fluctuation and configuration of the Golgi apparatus during the inhibition of glycolysis.

BACKGROUND: Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) plays an important role in cell metabolism and has been regarded as an indicator of cell survival and damage. Golgi apparatus participates in the signal transduction processes of substance transport, ion homeostasis and stress when extracellular substances enter cells. Till now, there is no fluorescent probe for monitoring Golgi ATP level fluctuation and visualizing the configuration change of the Golgi apparatus during the inhibition of glycolysis. RESULTS: Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel water-soluble cationic polythiophene derivative (PEMTEA) that can be employed as a fluorescent sensor for measuring ATP in the Golgi apparatus. PEMTEA self-assembles into PT-NP nanoparticles in aqueous solution with a diameter of approximately 2 nm. PT-NP displays high sensitivity and superb selectivity towards ATP with a detection limit of 90 nM and a linear detection range from 0 to 3.0 µM. The nanoparticles show low toxicity to HepG2 cells and good photostability in the Golgi apparatus. With the stimulation of Ca2+, PT-NP was practically applied to real-time monitor of endogenous ATP levels in the Golgi apparatus through fluorescence microscopy. Finally, we studied the relationship between the concentration of ATP and configuration of the Golgi apparatus during the inhibition of glycolysis using PT-NP. SIGNIFICANCE: We have demonstrated that PT-NP can not only indicate the fluctuation and distribution of ATP in the Golgi apparatus, but also give the information of the configuration change of the Golgi apparatus at the single-cell level during the inhibition of glycolysis.

Photodynamic therapy based on bismuth oxyiodide nanoparticles for nondestructive tooth whitening.

Achieving a desired whitening effect through short treatments without using peroxide and without compromising the integrity of tooth enamel remains a challenge in teeth whitening. Here, we developed a highly safe and efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT) strategy based on visible light-activated bismuth oxyiodide nanoparticles for nondestructive tooth whitening. The Bi7O9I3 nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited efficient photocatalytic activity owing to their narrow band gap, effectively harnessing the broad spectrum of visible light to generate ample electrons and holes. Meanwhile, the presence of oxygen vacancies, low oxidation state Bi3+ and the high specific surface area endow Bi7O9I3 NPs with effective electron-hole separation ability and potent redox potentials. Empowered by these characteristics, Bi7O9I3 NPs effectively catalyzed O2 into radicals (O2•-), facilitating the degradation of dental surface pigment molecules for tooth whitening. Concurrently, they eradicated oral bacteria and bacterial biofilms adhering to tooth surfaces, thereby having a positive effect on the effectiveness of tooth whitening. This PDT strategy with Bi7O9I3 NPs shows broad application prospects in tooth whitening.

Feasibility experiment of a novel deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring (DSAMAR) for gastrointestinal anastomosis through a natural orifice.

Although the application of magnetic compression anastomosis is becoming increasingly widespread, the magnets used in earlier studies were mostly in the shape of a whole ring. Hence, a deformable self-assembled magnetic anastomosis ring (DSAMAR) was designed in this study for gastrointestinal anastomosis. Furthermore, its feasibility was studied using a beagle model. The designed DSAMAR comprised 10 trapezoidal magnetic units. Twelve beagles were used as animal models, and DSAMARs were inserted into the stomach and colon through the mouth and anus, respectively, via endoscopy to achieve gastrocolic magnamosis. Surgical time, number of failed deformations, survival rate of the animals, and the time of magnet discharge were documented. A month later, specimens of the anastomosis were obtained and observed with the naked eye as well as microscopically. In the gastrocolic anastomosis of the 12 beagles, the procedure took 65-120 min. Although a deformation failure occurred during the operation in one of the beagles, it was successful after repositioning. The anastomosis was formed after the magnet fell off 12-18 days after the operation. Naked eye and microscopic observations revealed that the anastomotic specimens obtained 1 month later were well-formed, smooth, and flat. DSAMAR is thus feasible for gastrointestinal anastomosis under full endoscopy via the natural orifice.

Polydopamine nanoparticles cross-linked hyaluronic acid photothermal hydrogel with cascading immunoinducible effects for in situ antitumor vaccination.

Tumor vaccine, which can effectively prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis, is a promising tool in tumor immunotherapy. However, heterogeneity of tumors and the inability to achieve a cascade effect limit the therapeutic effects of most developing tumor vaccine. We have developed a cascading immunoinducible in-situ mannose-functionalized polydopamine loaded with imiquimod phenylboronic hyaluronic acid nanocomposite gel vaccine (M/P-PDA@IQ PHA) through a boronic ester-based reaction. This reaction utilizes mannose-functionalized polydopamine loaded with imiquimod (M/P-PDA@IQ NAs) as a cross-linking agent to react with phenylboronic-grafted hyaluronic acid. Under near-infrared light irradiation, the M/P-PDA@IQ PHA caused local hyperthermia to trigger immunogenic cell death of tumor cells and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) releasing. Subsequently, the M/P-PDA@IQ NAs which were gradually released by the pH/ROS/GSH-triggered degradation of M/P-PDA@IQ PHA, could capture and deliver these TAAs to lymph nodes. Finally, the M/P-PDA@IQ NAs facilitated maturation and cross-presentation of dendritic cells, as well as activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Overall, the M/P-PDA@IQ PHA could serve as a novel in situ vaccine to stimulate several key nodes including TAAs release and capture, targeting lymph nodes and enhanced dendritic cells uptake and maturation as well as T cells activation. This cascading immune activation strategy can effectively elicit antitumor immune response.

Catalytic NIR chemiluminescence sensor with enhanced persistence and intensity for in vivo imaging.

Chemiluminescence (CL) is a self-illumination phenomenon that involves the emission of light from chemical reactions, and it provides favorable spatial and temporal information on biological processes. However, it is still a great challenge to construct effective CL sensors that equip strong CL intensity, long emission wavelength, and persistent luminescence for deep tissue imaging. Here, we report a liposome encapsulated polymer dots (Pdots)-based system using catalytic CL substrates (L-012) as energy donor and fluorescent polymers and dyes (NIR 695) as energy acceptors for efficient Near-infrared (NIR) CL in vivo imaging. Thanks to the modulation of paired donor and acceptor distance and the slow diffusion of biomarker by liposome, the Pdots show a NIR emission wavelength (λ em, max = 720 nm), long CL duration (>24 h), and a high chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer efficiency (46.5 %). Furthermore, the liposome encapsulated Pdots possess excellent biocompatibility, sensitive response to H2O2, and persistent whole-body NIR CL imaging in the drug-induced inflammation and the peritoneal metastatic tumor mouse model. In a word, this NIR-II CL nanoplatform with long-lasting emission and high spatial-temporal resolution will be a concise strategy in deep tissue imaging and clinical diagnostics.

Improvement of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain tolerance to vanillin through heavy ion radiation combined with adaptive laboratory evolution.

Vanillin is an inhibitor of lignocellulose hydrolysate, which can reduce the ability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to utilize lignocellulose, which is an important factor limiting the development of the ethanol fermentation industry. In this study, mutants of vanillin-tolerant yeast named H6, H7, X3, and X8 were bred by heavy ion irradiation (HIR) combined with adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Phenotypic tests revealed that the mutants outperformed the original strain WT in tolerance, growth rate, genetic stability and fermentation ability. At 1.6 g/L vanillin concentration, the average OD600 value obtained for mutant strains was 0.95 and thus about 3.4-fold higher than for the wild-type. When the concentration of vanillin was 2.0 g/L, the glucose utilization rate of the mutant was 86.3 % within 96 h, while that of the original strain was only 70.0 %. At this concentration of vanillin, the mitochondrial membrane potential of the mutant strain recovered faster than that of the original strain, and the ROS scavenging ability was stronger. We analyzed the whole transcriptome sequencing map and the whole genome resequencing of the mutant, and found that DEGs such as FLO9, GRC3, PSP2 and SWF1, which have large differential expression multiples and obvious mutation characteristics, play an important role in cell flocculation, rDNA transcription, inhibition of DNA polymerase mutation and protein palmitoylation. These functions can help cells resist vanillin stress. The results show that combining HIR with ALE is an effective mutagenesis strategy. This approach can efficiently obtain Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants with improved vanillin tolerance, and provide reference for obtaining robust yeast strains with lignocellulose inhibitor tolerance.

Advances in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease based on oral bacteria.

With the global population undergoing demographic shift towards aging, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a prominent neurodegenerative disorder that primarily afflicts individuals aged 65 and above, has increased across various geographical regions. This phenomenon is accompanied by a concomitant decline in immune functionality and oral hygiene capacity among the elderly, precipitating compromised oral functionality and an augmented burden of dental plaque. Accordingly, oral afflictions, including dental caries and periodontal disease, manifest with frequency among the geriatric population worldwide. Recent scientific investigations have unveiled the potential role of oral bacteria in instigating both local and systemic chronic inflammation, thereby delineating a putative nexus between oral health and the genesis and progression of AD. They further proposed the oral microbiome as a potentially modifiable risk factor in AD development, although the precise pathological mechanisms and degree of association have yet to be fully elucidated. This review summarizes current research on the relationship between oral bacteria and AD, describing the epidemiological and pathological mechanisms that may potentially link them. The purpose is to enrich early diagnostic approaches by incorporating emerging biomarkers, offering novel insights for clinicians in the early detection of AD. Additionally, it explores the potential of vaccination strategies and guidance for clinical pharmacotherapy. It proposes the development of maintenance measures specifically targeting oral health in older adults and advocates for guiding elderly patients in adopting healthy lifestyle habits, ultimately aiming to indirectly mitigate the progression of AD while promoting oral health in the elderly.

Heavy Ion Radiation Directly Induced the Shift of Oral Microbiota and Increased the Cariogenicity of Streptococcus mutans.

Radiation caries is one of the most common complications of head and neck radiotherapy. A shift in the oral microbiota is the main factor of radiation caries. A new form of biosafe radiation, heavy ion radiation, is increasingly being applied in clinical treatment due to its superior depth-dose distribution and biological effects. However, how heavy ion radiation directly impacts the oral microbiota and the progress of radiation caries are unknown. Here, unstimulated saliva samples from both healthy and caries volunteers and caries-related bacteria were directly exposed to therapeutic doses of heavy ion radiation to determine the effects of radiation on oral microbiota composition and bacterial cariogenicity. Heavy ion radiation significantly decreased the richness and diversity of oral microbiota from both healthy and caries volunteers, and a higher percentage of Streptococcus was detected in radiation groups. In addition, heavy ion radiation significantly enhanced the cariogenicity of saliva-derived biofilms, including the ratios of the genus Streptococcus and biofilm formation. In the Streptococcus mutans-Streptococcus sanguinis dual-species biofilms, heavy ion radiation increased the ratio of S. mutans. Next, S. mutans was directly exposed to heavy ions, and the radiation significantly upregulated the gtfC and gtfD cariogenic virulence genes to enhance the biofilm formation and exopolysaccharides synthesis of S. mutans. Our study demonstrated, for the first time, that direct exposure to heavy ion radiation can disrupt the oral microbial diversity and balance of dual-species biofilms by increasing the virulence of S. mutans, increasing its cariogenicity, indicating a potential correlation between heavy ions and radiation caries. IMPORTANCE The oral microbiome is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of radiation caries. Although heavy ion radiation has been used to treat head and neck cancers in some proton therapy centers, its correlation with dental caries, especially its direct effects on the oral microbiome and cariogenic pathogens, has not been reported previously. Here, we showed that the heavy ion radiation directly shifted the oral microbiota from a balanced state to a caries-associated state by increasing the cariogenic virulence of S. mutans. Our study highlighted the direct effect of heavy ion radiation on oral microbiota and the cariogenicity of oral microbes for the first time.

Water-soluble conjugated polymers for bioelectronic systems.

Bioelectronics is an interdisciplinary field of research that aims to establish a synergy between electronics and biology. Contributing to a deeper understanding of bioelectronic processes and the built bioelectronic systems, a variety of new phenomena, mechanisms and concepts have been derived in the field of biology, medicine, energy, artificial intelligence science, etc. Organic semiconductors can promote the applications of bioelectronics in improving original performance and creating new features for organisms due to their excellent photoelectric and electrical properties. Recently, water-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) have been employed as a class of ideal interface materials to regulate bioelectronic processes between biological systems and electronic systems, relying on their satisfying ionic conductivity, water-solubility, good biocompatibility and the additional mechanical and electrical properties. In this review, we summarize the prominent contributions of WSCPs in the aspect of the regulation of bioelectronic processes and highlight the latest advances in WSCPs for bioelectronic applications, involving biosynthetic systems, photosynthetic systems, biophotovoltaic systems, and bioelectronic devices. The challenges and outlooks of WSCPs in designing high-performance bioelectronic systems are also discussed.