Causal effects of gut microbiome on HIV infection: a two-sample mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: The causal association between gut microbiome and HIV infection remains to be elucidated. We conducted a two-sample mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the causality between gut microbiome and HIV infection. METHODS: Publicly released genome-wide association studies summary data were collected to perform the mendelian analysis. The GWAS summary data of gut microbiome was retrieved from the MiBioGen consortium, which contains 18 340 samples from 24 cohorts. GWAS summary data of HIV infection was collected from the R5 release of FinnGen consortium, including 357 HIV infected cases and 218 435 controls. The SNPs were selected as instrumental variables according to our selection rules. And SNPs with a F-statistics less than ten were regarded as weak instrumental variables and excluded. Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted by five methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode. The Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger intercept test were performed to identify heterogeneity and pleiotropy. Leave-one-out analysis were used to test the sensitivity of the results. RESULTS: Fifteen gut microbiota taxa showed causal effects on HIV infection according to the MR methods. Four taxa were observed to increase the risk of HIV infection, including Ruminococcaceae (OR: 2.468[1.043, 5.842], P: 0.039), Ruminococcaceae UCG005 (OR: 2.051[1.048, 4.011], P: 0.036), Subdoligranulum (OR: 3.957[1.762, 8.887], P < 0.001) and Victivallis (OR: 1.605[1.012, 2.547], P=0.044). Erysipelotrichaceae was protective factor of HIV infection (OR: 0.278[0.106, 0.731], P < 0.001) and Methanobrevibacter was also found to be associated with reduced risk of HIV infection (OR: 0.509[0.265, 0.980], P=0.043). Horizontal pleiotropy was found for Fusicatenibacter (P<0.05) according to the MR-Egger regression intercept analysis. No heterogeneity was detected. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate significant causal effects of gut microbiome on HIV infection. These findings facilitate future studies to develop better strategies for HIV prophylaxis through gut microbiome regulation. Further explorations are also warranted to dissect the mechanism of how gut microbiome affects HIV susceptibility.

Core-shell magnetic covalent organic polymer nanocomposites as an adsorbent for the extraction of flavonoids.

A novel 3D magnetic nanocomposite material based on covalent organic polymers was successfully synthesized and utilized as an efficient sorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction. It exhibited a regular core-shell structure, large specific surface area, superior stability, and paramagnetism. To evaluate its extraction efficiency, six flavonoids were tested, demonstrating maximum adsorption capacities ranging from 90 to 218 mg/g. Additionally, the material exhibited remarkable reusability and mechanical stability, maintaining its original state over eight cycles with consistent recovery. An analytical strategy combining magnetic solid-phase extraction with high performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was developed for the determination of flavonoids in orange, honey, soybean, and Dioscorea bulbifera L. samples. The low limits of detection (0.01-0.1 ng/mL) and limits of quantification (0.05-0.5 ng/mL), as well as satisfactory recovery (80.4-114.8%), were obtained. The linear range started from the limits of quantification to 500 ng/mL with R2 ≥ 0.9929. These results suggest that the prepared adsorbent possesses excellent adsorption capabilities for flavonoids, highlighting its significant potential for detecting these compounds in complex sample matrices.

Reconstruction Strategy for Upper Extremity Defects After Bone Tumor Resection Based on 3D Customized Bone Cement Mold.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructing bone defects in the upper extremities and restoring their functions poses a significant challenge. In this study, we describe a novel workflow for designing and manufacturing customized bone cement molds using 3D printing technology to reconstruct upper extremity defects after bone tumor resection. METHODS: Computer tomography data was acquired from the unaffected upper extremities to create a detachable mold, which can be customized to fit the joint precisely by shaping the bone cement accordingly. Fourteen patients who underwent reconstructive surgery following bone tumor resection in the proximal humerus (13 cases) or distal radius (1 case) between January 2014 and December 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The medical records of this case series were reviewed for the demographic, radiological, and operative data. Metastasis, local recurrence, and complication were also reviewed. Additionally, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 49.36 ± 15.18 months (range, 27-82 months). At the end of follow-up, there were no cases of metastasis or recurrence, and patients did not experience complications such as infection, dislocation, or implant loosening. Two cases complicated with subluxation (14.3%), and 1 case underwent revision surgery for prosthetic fracture (7.1%). The average MSTS score was 23.2 ± 1.76 (77.4%, range, 66.7%-86.7%), and the postoperative VAS score was 1.86 ± 1.03 (range, 1-4), which was significantly lower than that before surgery (average preoperative VAS score was 5.21 ± 2.00 (range, 2-8)) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Customized 3D molds can be utilized to shape bone cement prostheses, which may serve as a potential alternative for reconstructing the proximal humerus and distal radius following en bloc resection of bone tumors. This reconstruction strategy offers apparent advantages, including precise matching of articular surfaces and comparatively reduced costs.

A Conserved Intramolecular Ion-Pair Plays a Critical but Divergent Role in Regulation of Dimerization and Transport Function among the Monoamine Transporters.

The monoamine transporters, including the serotonin transporter (SERT), dopamine transporter (DAT), and norepinephrine transporter (NET), are the therapeutic targets for the treatment of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite significant progress in characterizing the structures and transport mechanisms of these transporters, the regulation of their transport functions through dimerization or oligomerization remains to be understood. In the present study, we identified a conserved intramolecular ion-pair at the third extracellular loop (EL3) connecting TM5 and TM6 that plays a critical but divergent role in the modulation of dimerization and transport functions among the monoamine transporters. The disruption of the ion-pair interactions by mutations induced a significant spontaneous cross-linking of a cysteine mutant of SERT and an increase in cell surface expression but with an impaired specific transport activity. On the other hand, similar mutations of the corresponding ion-pair residues in both DAT and NET resulted in an opposite effect on their oxidation-induced dimerization, cell surface expression, and transport function. Reversible biotinylation experiments indicated that the ion-pair mutations slowed down the internalization of SERT but stimulated the internalization of DAT. In addition, cysteine accessibility measurements for monitoring SERT conformational changes indicated that substitution of the ion-pair residues resulted in profound effects on the rate constants for cysteine modification in both the extracellular and cytoplasmatic substrate permeation pathways. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations showed that the ion-pair mutations increased the interfacial interactions in a SERT dimer but decreased it in a DAT dimer. Taken together, we propose that the transport function is modulated by the equilibrium between monomers and dimers on the cell surface, which is regulated by a potential compensatory mechanism but with different molecular solutions among the monoamine transporters. The present study provided new insights into the structural elements regulating the transport function of the monoamine transporters through their dimerization.

Classification and characterization of facial asymmetry in adult patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion using cluster analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to analyze the comprehensive maxillofacial features of patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and facial asymmetry to develop a classification system for diagnosis and surgical planning. METHODS: A total of 161 adult patients were included, with 121 patients in the asymmetry group (menton deviation >2 mm) and 40 patients in the symmetry group (menton deviation ≤2 mm). Twenty-eight variables were determined, including transverse translation, roll and yaw of each facial unit, transverse width, mandibular morphology, and transverse dental compensation. Principal component (PC) analysis was conducted to extract PCs, and cluster analysis was performed using these components to classify the asymmetry group. A decision tree was constructed on the basis of the clustering results. RESULTS: Six PCs were extracted, explaining 80.622% of the data variability. The asymmetry group was classified into 4 subgroups: (1) atypical type (15.7%) showed an opposite roll direction of maxillary dentition than of menton deviation; (2) compound type (34.71%) demonstrated significant ramus height differences, maxillary roll, and mandibular roll and yaw; (3) mandibular yaw type (44.63%) showed slight mandibular yaw without mandibular morphology asymmetry; and (4) maxillary-shift type (4.96%) shared similarities with the compound type but showed significant maxillary translation. The classification and regression tree model achieved a prediction accuracy of up to 85.11%. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 4 distinct phenotypes using cluster analysis and proposed tailored treatment recommendations on the basis of their specific characteristics. The classification results emphasized the importance of spatial displacement features, especially mandibular yaw, in diagnosing facial asymmetry. The established classification and regression tree model enables clinicians to identify patients conveniently.

Digital-assisted multidisciplinary treatment for complex occlusal rehabilitation: an 18-month follow-up case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report highlights the importance of standardized and fully digital sequential treatment in complex occlusal rehabilitation cases. To fully resolve the patient's dental needs, such cases often require multidisciplinary interventions including periodontal therapy, endodontic treatment, anterior esthetics, implant restoration, and prosthetic rehabilitation. A fully digital workflow (including facial scanners, intraoral scanners, jaw motion tracking systems, virtual articulators, and computer-aided design software) streamlined the complex treatment, enhancing workflow simplicity, efficiency, visibility, and precision. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient presented with decreased chewing efficiency of the upper and lower prostheses, along with unsatisfactory esthetic appearance of the anterior teeth. After physical examination and radiological assessment, this complex occlusal rehabilitation case required periodontal therapy, anterior esthetic enhancement, implant restoration, and fixed prosthetic rehabilitation. Therefore, a fully digital workflow was adopted. Full-crown prostheses were placed on teeth 13, 23, and 34; a fixed bridge encompassed positions 32 to 42, and single implant crowns were placed on teeth 35 and 36. Implant-supported fixed bridges were constructed for teeth 12 to 22 and 44 to 46, anchored by implants at teeth 12, 22, 44, and 46. All definitive prostheses were fabricated from zirconia ceramics, chosen for their durability and esthetic characteristics. Finally, restorations with satisfactory esthetic and functional characteristics were seated, preserving the tooth and its supporting structures. During treatment and follow-up, the T-scan occlusal analysis system was utilized to continuously monitor and guide the adjustment of occlusal distribution across the patient's dental arches. After 18 months, the patient remains satisfied with the definitive restorations. CONCLUSIONS: This report is intended to help dentists understand and implement standardized and fully digital workflows during the management of complex occlusal rehabilitation cases; it may also facilitate harmonious integration of esthetic and functional characteristics.

The effect of capnography on the incidence of hypoxia during sedation for EGD and colonoscopy in mildly obese patients: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: By continually monitoring end-tidal carbon dioxide concentrations, capnography can detect abnormal ventilation or apnoea early. This randomized, controlled study explored the effect of early intervention with capnography on the incidence of hypoxia in mildly obese patients undergoing sedation for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. METHODS: This is a single-center, randomized, single-blind, parallel-assignment, controlled trial. Mildly obese patients (28 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 40 kg/m2) undergoing sedation for EGD and colonoscopy were randomly assigned to either the standard or capnography group. Standard cardiopulmonary monitoring equipment was used in both groups, and additional capnography was performed in the capnography group. In the event of inadequate alveolar ventilation during sedation, five interventions were administered in sequence (a-e) : a: increasing oxygen flow (5 L/min); b: a chin lift or jaw thrust maneuver; c: placement of the nasopharyngeal airway and chin lift; d: mask positive-pressure ventilation, and e: ventilator-assisted ventilation with tube insertion. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxia (SpO2 < 90%, ≥ 10 s) in each group. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of severe hypoxia (SpO2 ≤ 85%), subclinical respiratory depression (90% ≤ SpO2 < 95%), interventions, minimum SpO2 during operation, patient satisfaction, endoscopist satisfaction, and other adverse events of anesthesia sedation. RESULTS: 228 patients were included (capnography group = 112; standard group = 113; three patients were excluded) in this study. The incidence of hypoxia was significantly lower in the capnography group than in the standard group (13.4% vs. 30.1%, P = 0.002). Subclinical respiratory depression in the capnography group was higher than that of the standard group (30.4% vs. 17.7%, P = 0.026). There was only a 5.4% incidence of severe hypoxia in the capnography group compared with 14.2% in the standard group (P = 0.026). During sedation, 96 and 34 individuals in the capnography and standard groups, respectively, underwent the intervention. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the number of the last intraoperative intervention between the two groups ( a:47 vs. 1, b:46 vs. 26, c:2 vs. 5, d:1 vs. 2, e:0 vs. 0 ). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of minimum SpO2 during operation, patient satisfaction, or endoscopist satisfaction rating. There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events of anesthesia sedation between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Capnography during sedation for EGD and colonoscopy allows for the detection of apnea and altered breathing patterns in mildly obese patients before SpO2 is reduced. Effective intervention measures are given to patients within this time frame, which reduces the incidence of hypoxia and severe hypoxia in patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical approval was granted by the Medical Ethics Committee (Chairperson Professor Tian Hui) of Qilu Hospital, Shandong University ((Ke) Lun Audit 2021 (186)) on 15/07/2021. The study was registered ( https://www.chictr.org.cn ) on 23/10/2021(ChiCTR2100052234). Designed and reported using CONSORT statements.

Cone beam computed tomography assessment of the prevalence and association of pulp calcification with periodontitis.

Periodontitis has a known association with pathological calcification in the cardiovascular system. Considering the close anatomic and circulatory association between dental pulp and the periodontium, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of pulp calcification (PC) under different periodontal conditions, as well as the associations of PC with the degree of periodontal damage, via cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination. In this study, 55 patients were categorized into three groups according to periodontal condition: group 1 (healthy controls), group 2 (periodontitis stage I-II), and group 3 (periodontitis stage III-IV). PC and radiographic bone loss (RBL) was assessed by CBCT in sagittal, axial, and coronal views, and statistical analyses were conducted. PC was identified in 378 of 1170 teeth (32.3%). The prevalence significantly differed among the three groups (P < 0.001). Group 2 had a 2.43-fold (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64-3.61) higher risk of PC than group 1; and the risk of PC was 3.04-fold (P < 0.001, 95% CI 2.06-4.48) higher in group 3 than group 1. Teeth with more severe RBL exhibited a higher prevalence of PC (P < 0.001). Molar teeth had a higher risk of PC than incisors and premolars. In conclusion, the occurrence of PC is related to the periodontal state, and the prevalence of PC is higher in teeth with periodontitis; tooth type and periodontitis status are important risk factors for PC.

Curettage combined with bone cavity opening reduces recurrence of the mandibular conventional ameloblastoma and effectively preserves the mandible: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with mandibular conventional ameloblastoma undergoing radical surgical treatment experience greater trauma and often find it challenging to accept, whereas conservative therapy is associated with a higher recurrence rate. In this study, we have improved traditional conservative treatment for mandibular conventional ameloblastoma by curettage combined with bone cavity opening (Cur/BCO). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cur/BCO treatment by comparing its recurrence rate and bone mineral density (BMD) growth rate with the traditional conservative treatment approach. METHODS: A total of 40 patients, meeting the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria from 2012 to 2020, were screened, with 20 in the modified group and 20 in the traditional group. ImageJ (RRID: SCR_003070) software was employed for measuring image indices. All data were analyzed using T-test, Chi-square test and Fisher exact test in SPSS 26.0 (p = 0.05). RESULTS: The incidence of recurrence was significantly lower in the modified group, at only 5%, compared to 35% in the traditional group (p < 0.05). Regarding bone mineral density (BMD) growth rate, the average value in the modified group was 0.0862 ± 0.2302 (/month), significantly higher than the average value of 0.0608 ± 0.2474 (/month) in the traditional group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was found that the recurrence rate of the modified conservative treatment (Cur/BCO) was lower than that of the traditional conservative treatment for managing mandibular conventional ameloblastoma. Furthermore, the BMD growth rate was quicker in the modified group. Thus, Cur/BCO could be considered as a viable option for the conservative treatment of mandibular conventional ameloblastoma.

Uptight responses between clenching and forearm raising with factors of visual feedback and maintenance effort in healthy young women: An experimental study on factorial design.

BACKGROUND: To achieve different central preset force levels requires various fine-tuning efforts and may elicit different uptight responses. The mandibular lever system has a distinct regularity in the fine-tuning function of the upper limbs. The purpose of the present study was to detect whether the uptight responses elicited from motivating clenching differ from those induced by motivating forearm raising at different force levels. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy females were enrolled in this study. The target was low, medium, and maximum force levels with or without visual feedback and/or maintenance effort. Surface electromyographic (SEMG) activity was recorded from the bilateral anterior temporalis and masseter or left biceps brachii muscle (BicL), and the T-Scan III System synchronously recorded the sensitive force values. The uptight responses and task difficulties were recorded for occlusal and left forearm lifting tasks using a unique visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The highest uptight response value was achieved at a low clenching force level with visual feedback requiring no maintenance effort but at a maximum forearm-raising force level with visual feedback and maintenance effort. The SEMG activities of both jaw-closing muscles and BicL were associated with the central preset force level (P < 0.001). However, the maintenance effort only increased the jaw-closing muscles' SEMG activity at the maximal force level (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clenching at the central preset lower force level with visual feedback is prone to elicit a higher degree of uptight response. The constant need for a low-intensity bite can have a negative effect on an individual's mood.

Highly sensitive refractive index sensor based on plastic optical fiber balloon structure.

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, design of plastic optical fiber (POF) balloon-based refractive index sensor for the detection of different concentrations of sodium chloride is proposed and experimentally investigated. The experimental characterization supports the finding that the transmission loss is sensitive to the external environment's targeted refractive index changes of the analyte. The proposed sensor achieves a maximum intensity-based sensitivity of 3105 RIU-1, resolution of 3.22 ×10-7, and the figure of merit (FOM) is 326 RIU-1 from 2 to 2.5 Mol/L of the analyte with the chosen refractive index changes at 680 nm for a diameter D = 0.1 cm of the POF balloon structure. Furthermore, a high linear performance of 0.9896 is achieved with good robustness against the fabrication imperfection. The ultra-sensitiveness to the refractive index with a simple demonstration of the POF balloon-based structure has potential applications in the chemical, biological, and food safety sensing fields.

Design and Application of Partial Immersion Focused Ultrasonic Transducers for Austenitic Weld Inspection.

Austenitic stainless steel is a widely used material in the industry, and the welding technique enables stainless steel components to have different shapes for different applications. Any flaws in the weld will degrade the performance of the austenitic component; thus, it is essential to ultrasonically and nondestructively test flaws in welds to ensure service safety. Recently, weld inspection has been performed using contact transducers, but missed detections or false positives for flaws in welds usually occur due to a poor coupling condition in the detection, a low signal-to-noise ratio, and instantaneous noises. In this study, a partial immersion focused (PIF) ultrasonic transducer is designed and used for austenitic weld inspection to address the above issues. The detailed design and manufacture of the PIF transducer are described, and the advantages of the transducer are shown by comparing the results detected using different kinds of transducers. In addition, in order to suppress false positives, a B-image method optimized using a time-dependent threshold is proposed. Experiments are performed to detect flaws in a welded specimen. All the artificial flaws are evaluated using the developed transducer and the proposed method, but minor flaws are mis-detected when planar transducers are used, verifying the method proposed in this paper.

Polyvinyl Chloride Nanoparticles Affect Cell Membrane Integrity by Disturbing the Properties of the Multicomponent Lipid Bilayer in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The ubiquitous presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in natural ecosystems is a serious concern, as NPs are believed to threaten every life form on Earth. Micro- and nanoplastics enter living systems through multiple channels. Cell membranes function as the first barrier of entry to NPs, thus playing an important biological role. However, in-depth studies on the interactions of NPs with cell membranes have not been performed, and effective theoretical models of the underlying molecular details and physicochemical behaviors are lacking. In the present study, we investigated the uptake of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles by Arabidopsis thaliana root cells, which leads to cell membrane leakage and damage to membrane integrity. We performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to determine the effects of PVC NPs on the properties of the multicomponent lipid bilayer. These simulations revealed that PVCs easily permeate into model lipid membranes, resulting in significant changes to the membrane, including reduced density and changes in fluidity and membrane thickness. Our exploration of the interaction mechanisms between NPs and the cell membrane provided valuable insights into the effects of NPs on membrane structure and integrity.

Island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap for posterior pharyngeal wall defect repair after anterior cervical spine surgery.

Injuries and tumours of the cervical spine represent therapeutic challenges to the treating surgeon due to the complex anatomical relationships and biomechanical features. The anterior cervical midline (ACM) and anterior cervical retropharyngeal (ACR) approaches are effective and safe surgical approaches for certain cervical spine lesions, such as cervical spine neoplasms, atlantoaxial subluxation, and certain odontoid fractures. Posterior pharyngeal wall defects (PPWDs) is one of the most frequently encountered surgical morbidities after anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). However, limited information has been published concerning effective approaches for PPWD reconstruction after ACSS. The manuscript aimed to describe a novel application of the island sternocleidomastoid myocutaneous flap (ISMF) in the management of PPWDs after ACSS, including surgery with the ACM approach and ACR approach. From April 2015 to November 2019, the clinical data of three patients with PPWDs repaired using the ISMF in Peking university third hospital were retrospectively analysed. The observational indexes are as follows: postoperative survival of the flap, wound healing 2 weeks after surgery, eating and pronunciation function 2 months after surgery. The above indexes of these three cases recovered well. Three patients did not have any persistent PPWD after repair with the ISMF and did not require any further surgical procedures related to the cervical spine.

Synthesis of Metallopolymers and Direct Visualization of the Single Polymer Chain.

During the past few decades, the study of the single polymer chain has attracted considerable attention with the goal of exploring the structure-property relationship of polymers. It still, however, remains challenging due to the variability and low atomic resolution of the amorphous single polymer chain. Here, we demonstrated a new strategy to visualize the single metallopolymer chain with a hexameric or trimeric supramolecule as a repeat unit, in which Ru(II) with strong coordination and Fe(II) with weak coordination were combined together in a stepwise manner. With the help of ultrahigh-vacuum, low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-LT-STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS), we were able to directly visualize both Ru(II) and Fe(II), which act as staining reagents on the repeat units, thus providing detailed structural information for the single polymer chain. As such, the direct visualization of the single random polymer chain is realized to enhance the characterization of polymers at the single-molecule level.

Design framework for mechanically tunable soft biomaterial composites enhanced by modified horseshoe lattice structures.

Soft biomaterials have a wide range of applications in many areas. However, one material can only cover a specific range of mechanical performance such as the elastic modulus and stretchability. In order to improve the mechanical performance of soft biomaterials, lattice structures are embedded to reinforce the biomaterials. In this paper, rectangular and triangular lattice structures formed by modified horseshoe microstructures are used because their mechanical properties are tunable and can be tailored precisely to match the desired properties by adjusting four geometrical parameters, the length L, radius R, width w and arc angle θ0. A theoretical design framework for the modified horseshoe lattice structures is developed to predict the dependence of the mechanical behaviors on geometrical parameters. Both experiments and finite element simulations on lattice structures are conducted to validate the theoretical models. Results show that a wide range of design space for the elastic modulus (a few kPa to hundreds of MPa), stretchability (strain up to 180%) and Poisson ratio (ranging from -0.5 to 1.2) can be achieved. Experiments on lattice-hydrogel composites are also conducted to verify the reinforcement effect of lattice structures on the hydrogel. This work provides a theoretical method to predict the mechanical behaviors of the lattice structures and aid the rational design of reinforced biomaterials, which has applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery and intraocular lenses.

Magnetic solid phase extraction sorbents using methyl-parathion and quinalphos dual-template imprinted polymers coupled with GC-MS for class-selective extraction of twelve organophosphorus pesticides.

A novel magnetic dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer (DMIP) was prepared with methyl-parathion and quinalphos as templates. For comparison, a series of single-template polymers with only methyl-parathion (MPMIP) or quinalphos (QPMIP) as template as well as a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) in the absence of the template, were synthesized using the same procedure of DMIP. The obtained MIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The properties including kinetic effect, thermodynamic effect, selectivity, and reusability of MIPs were investigated . Only DMIP possessed high affinity and good recognition for all twelve OPPs including quinalphos, isazophos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, methidathion, triazophos, profenofos, fenthion, fenitrothion, methyl-parathion, parathion, and paraoxon in comparison to MPMIP, QPMIP, or NIP. Moreover, DMIP was used as magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent for the pre-concentration of twelve OPPs in cabbage samples. The developed DMIP-MSPE-GC-MS method showed high sensitivity, low LODs (1.62-13.9 ng/g), fast adsorption equilibrium (10 min), and acceptable spiked recoveries (81.5-113.4%) with relative standard deviations (RSD) in the range 0.05-7.0% (n = 3). The calibration plots were linear in the range 10-800 ng/mL with coefficients of determination (R2) better 0.99 for all twelve compounds. These results suggest that the DMIP is applicable for rapid determination and high throughput analysis of multi-pesticide residues. Graphical abstract.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Evaluation of Skeletal Deformities and Pharyngeal Airway in Chinese Han Individuals With Nonsyndromic Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationships between skeletal deformities and the pharyngeal airway of patients with nonsyndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Orthodontics and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments in the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, China. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised 30 nonsyndromic UCLP patients and 30 healthy controls. Each group has 23 males and 7 females. INTERVENTIONS: All cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained with the participant in the standard supine position and asked to bite with intercuspal position without swallowing or moving their heads and tongues during scanning. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): SNA, SNB, ANB, anterior cranial base, Wits appraisal, maxillary length (PTM-ANS || FH), maxillary position (S-PTM || FH), mandibular length (Go-Pog || MP), FMA, posterior face height, anterior face height, Posterior-Anterior face height, lower face height, pharyngeal airway volumes, and areas were evaluated by Dolphin imaging software. RESULTS: The UCLP group showed significantly decreased SNA, SNB, ANB, PTM-ANS || FH, S-PTM || FH, P-A Face Height compared with the controls. However, the airway volumes and areas showed no significant difference between 2 groups. The total airway volume and minimum cross-sectional area in UCLP patients were related to the Go-Pog || MP and FMA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with UCLP have both the maxillary and mandibular deficiencies in the sagittal dimension. Both the sagittal and vertical relationships of the jaw might affect the airway volume and area. However, no significant difference was detected in airway volume and area in UCLP patients when compared with the controls.

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

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

10-Year Results of Therapeutic Ratio by Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Versus Two-Dimensional Radiotherapy in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to verify 10-year results of survival and late toxicities and assess the ultimate therapeutic ratio of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) versus two-dimensional radiotherapy (2DRT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data from 1,276 patients with nonmetastatic NPC who received IMRT or 2DRT from January 2003 to December 2006. RESULTS: Of the 1,276 patients, 512 were treated with IMRT and 764 with 2DRT. Median follow-up was 115 months. At 10 years, the IMRT group demonstrated significantly better results than the 2DRT group in local failure-free survival (L-FFS; 90% vs. 84%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.81; p = .001), failure-free survival (FFS; 69% vs. 58%; HR, 0.69, 95% CI, 0.57-0.83; p < .001), and overall survival (OS; 75% vs. 63%; HR, 0.62, 95% CI, 0.51-0.77; p < .001). Subgroup multivariate analyses showed that radiotherapeutic technique (IMRT vs. 2DRT) remained an independent prognostic factor for L-FFS in the T1 subgroup (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.11-0.80; p = .02); for FFS in the stage II subgroup (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.24-0.73; p = .002); and for OS in the stage I (HR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.96; p = .04), stage II (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.21-0.75; p = .004), and stage IVA-B (HR, 0.74, 95% CI, 0.56-0.98; p = .04) subgroups. The incidence of grade 3-4 temporal lobe necrosis, cranial neuropathy, eye damage, ear damage, neck soft tissue damage, trismus, and dry mouth was significantly lower in the IMRT group than in the 2DRT group. CONCLUSION: IMRT demonstrated an improved ultimate therapeutic ratio compared with 2DRT in patients with NPC after a 10-year follow-up, with significant improvement of L-FFS, FFS, and OS and decrease in most late toxicities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The ultimate therapeutic ratio of intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus two-dimensional radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma is unclear. In this retrospective study of 1,276 patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a follow-up of 115 months, intensity-modulated radiotherapy demonstrated an improved ultimate therapeutic ratio compared with two-dimensional radiotherapy, with significant improvement of local failure-free survival, failure-free survival, and overall survival and decrease in most late toxicities and noncancer deaths. However, distant control remains insufficient with this treatment modality.