Pegfilgrastim improves the outcomes of mobilization and engraftment in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the only curable therapy for multiple myeloma (MM), while its success primarily relies on mobilization to obtain sufficient hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HPC). Although the role of Pegfilgrastim (PEG), a novel PEGylated form of the recombinant G-CSF filgrastim (FIL), in mobilization has been demonstrated, it remains unclear whether this approach is cost-effective in MM treatment. Here, we performed a real-world analysis to evaluate the efficacy and cost of PEG for mobilization in a cohort of MM patients, of which 53% carried high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities. A total of 91 patients who received either a single dose of PEG (6 or 12 mg, n = 42) or multiple dosing of 10 µg/kg/day FIL (n = 49) after chemotherapy for HPC mobilization were included. The yield of MNCs and CD34+ cells per milliliter of blood collected via apheresis was significantly greater in the PEG group than that in the FIL group (P = 0.014 and P = 0.038). Mobilization with PEG yielded significantly higher median number of collected CD34+ cells than FIL (5.56 vs. 4.82 × 106/kg; P = 0.038). Moreover, the average time-to-recovery of leukocytes and platelets after transplantation was markedly shorter in the PEG group than that in the FIL group (leukocyte, 11.59 ± 1.98 vs 12.93 ± 2.83 days, P = 0.019; platelet, 12.86 ± 2.62 vs 14.80 ± 5.47, P = 0.085). However, the total cost of mobilization and apheresis using PEG or FIL was comparable (P = 0.486). Of note, mobilization with 12 mg PEG further shortened time-to-recovery of leukocytes (10.64 ± 0.51 vs. 12.04 ± 2.26 days, P = 0.05) and platelets (10.60 ± 2.89 vs. 13.33 ± 2.35 days, P = 0.031) compared with 6 mg PEG. Our results support a notion that PEG (especially 12 mg) combined with chemotherapy is a cost-effective and convenient regimen of mobilization, which might improve the outcome of ASCT in MM.

Identification of Quorum-Sensing Molecules of N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone in Gluconacetobacter Strains by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Many Gram-negative bacteria can regulate gene expression in a cell density-dependent manner via quorum-sensing systems using N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical quorum-sensing signaling molecules, and thus modulate physiological characteristics. N-acyl-homoserine lactones are small chemical molecules produced at low concentrations by bacteria and are, therefore, difficult to detect. Here, a biosensor system method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were combined to detect and assay AHL production. As demonstrated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, Gluconacetobacter xylinus CGMCC No. 2955, a Gram-negative acetic acid-producing bacterium and a typical bacterial cellulose (BC) biosynthesis strain, produces six different AHLs, including N-acetyl-homoserine lactone, N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-3-oxo-decanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone, and N-tetradecanoyl-homoserine lactone. Gluconacetobacter sp. strain SX-1, another Gram-negative acetic acid-producing bacterium, which can synthesize BC, produces seven different AHLs including N-acetyl-homoserine lactone, N-butanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-3-oxo-octanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-decanoyl-homoserine lactone, N-dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone, and N-tetradecanoyl-homoserine lactone. These results lay the foundation for investigating the relationship between BC biosynthesis and quorum-sensing systems.

Nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: The standard treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is interferon, which is administered subcutaneously and can have troublesome side effects. We evaluated sofosbuvir, an oral nucleotide inhibitor of HCV polymerase, in interferon-sparing and interferon-free regimens for the treatment of HCV infection. METHODS: We provided open-label treatment to eight groups of patients. A total of 40 previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection were randomly assigned to four groups; all four groups received sofosbuvir (at a dose of 400 mg once daily) plus ribavirin for 12 weeks. Three of these groups also received peginterferon alfa-2a for 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Two additional groups of previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection received sofosbuvir monotherapy for 12 weeks or sofosbuvir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 8 weeks. Two groups of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection received sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks: 10 patients with no response to prior treatment and 25 with no previous treatment. We report the rate of sustained virologic response 24 weeks after therapy. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients who underwent randomization, all 10 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin without interferon and all 30 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks and interferon for 4, 8, or 12 weeks had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks. For the other patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 infection, all 10 (100%) who received sofosbuvir plus peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin for 8 weeks had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks, as did 6 of 10 (60%) who received sofosbuvir monotherapy. Among patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, 21 of 25 previously untreated patients (84%) and 1 of 10 with no response to previous therapy (10%) had a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks. The most common adverse events were headache, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, rash, and anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks may be effective in previously untreated patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, or 3 infection. (Funded by Pharmasset and Gilead Sciences; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01260350.).

Functional evaluation of a CAD/CAM prosthesis for immediate defect repair after total maxillectomy: a case series of 18 patients with maxillary sinus cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients treated by a computer-aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis) after total maxillectomy for malignant maxillary sinus tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients with T3-4a N0 M0 maxillary sinus cancer, who were treated by total maxillectomy and simultaneous implantation of a computer-aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis). Follow-ups were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Facial measurements, speech intelligibility, and chewing and swallowing functions were examined. Thirteen patients converted to a permanent prosthesis 6 months after surgery. Comparisons were made between patients with and without the CAD/CAM or permanent prosthesis at various times using SPSS13.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Speech intelligibility, facial depression, and eyeball prolapse results showed improvements with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Swallowing function improved from level V to level II-IV with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months, and reached level I or II with permanent prosthesis use at 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation recovered the facial profile, enhanced the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improved the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. Therefore, this operation is recommended for simultaneous excision repair and functional reconstruction after total maxillectomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This surgical treatment of maxillary sinus cancer is applied rarely in China, but it has a good effect based on our observation. Simultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation after total maxillectomy can recover the facial profile, enhance the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improve the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. This technique avoids the need for dental implants because the bottom part of the prosthesis contains a palatal plate with dentures.

Oral microbiota imbalance: A predisposing factor for Henoch-Schönlein Purpura in children.

Oral microecological dysregulation has been shown to be associated with various immune system disorders. Henoch-schonlein purpura (HSP) is an autoimmune small vessel inflammatory disease in children of uncertain etiology, and studies have suggested that streptococcal infection may be an influential factor in its development. However, the relationship between oral microecological dysregulation and HSP has not been clearly studied so far. In this study, an epidemiological survey on the oral health status of children with HSP was investigated in this paper, and collected dental plaque from four groups of children for 16SrDNA high-throughput sequencing to analyze the composition and changes of oral microbial diversity among different groups. The results showed that the oral health status of children with HSP was poor, except for the incidence of caries in the 5-year-old group, the caries rate and dmfs/DMFS in the 3,4 and 5-year-old groups were higher than the same age in the fourth Chinese Oral Health Epidemiological Survey. Moreover, the development of HSP is accompanied by disturbances in the oral microbiota; a decrease in the number of Firmicutes which producing butyric acid may be closely associated with the development of HSP; changes in the abundance of Streptococcus and Neisseria may be a risk factor for the development of HSP.

Study of dental phobia, psychological resilience, and related factors in children aged 8-9 years in Weifang city.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influencing factors of children's dental fear (CDF) and the relationship of CDF with resilience in children aged 8-9 years in Weifang city to provide evidence for the early prevention and intervention of CDF. METHODS: Random cluster sampling method was applied. A total of 1 995 children aged 8-9 years from 10 primary schools in four districts of Weifang city were selected from June to October 2021 as the survey objects. General information questionnaire, the children's fear survey schedule-dental sub-scale, and adolescent resilience scale were used in the investigation. RESULTS: The CDF detection rate was 31.78% (634 cases) in children aged 8-9 years in Weifang city, including 28.41% (296 cases) in boys and 35.47% (338 cases) in girls. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that female gender [odds ratio (OR)=1.329, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.062-1.665], dental caries (OR=1.961, 95%CI=1.330-2.891), dental pain (OR=2.133, 95%CI=1.700-2.676), and dental treatment experience (OR=3.621, 95%CI=2.888-4.540) are risk factors for CDF. Parents with tertiary education or higher (OR=2.123, 95%CI=1.546-2.916; OR=3.304, 95%CI=2.368-4.612), high scores in the positive cognition factor of the psychological resilience-personal strength dimension (OR=1.520, 95%CI=1.141-2.025), high scores in the interpersonal assistance factor of the psychological resilience-support strength dimension (OR=3.819, 95%CI=2.743-5.318), and high scores in the family support factor (OR=5.634, 95%CI=4.047-7.844) were protective factors for CDF occurrence (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children with high psychological resilience scores have low CDF incidence, and good parenting practices are beneficial in reducing CDF incidence.

Plants for making wooden bowls and related traditional knowledge in the Gyirong Valley, Tibet, China.

BACKGROUND: The wooden bowl is an important symbol of the Tibetan cultures, yet, in China, little has been documented regarding the raw materials used to make these items as well as their cultural significance in Tibet. This study explores the ethnobotanical uses of plants used to make wooden bowls to understand their sustainability, cultural significance, and current status of related traditional knowledge in Gyirong Town, which is one of the most famous places for wooden bowl making. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2019 and 2021, key informant interviews, semi-structured interviews, and participatory observations were used to conduct ethnobotanical field surveys in Gyirong Valley. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. In this study, we utilized a use-report (UR) to reflect the number of mentions of a species by locals. RESULTS: Our results show that 16 different plants are used during the wooden bowl making process, of which nine are used as raw materials, three for dyeing, and four for varnishing. Although communities rely heavily on these plants, good management and collection methods were observed. We also documented the use of Fallopia denticulata as a red dye and four species of Impatiens as wood varnishes for the first time. CONCLUSION: The wooden bowl craftsmen and their housewives have a wealth of traditional knowledge of using plants to make wooden bowls in Gyirong Town. And the wooden bowls are now also offering benefits to the locals as well. The government and local people are committed to the protection and development of traditional knowledge related to wooden bowls, and this knowledge maintains a healthy degree of vitality. This research can provide insights into the vitality of traditional handicrafts that are facing challenges and promote their protection.

Electrocatalytic performance of tyrosinase detection in Penaeus vannamei based on a [(PSS/PPy)(P2Mo18/PPy)5] multilayer composite film modified electrode.

Polyoxometalates (POMs) are widely used in the preparation of sensors that detect the content of substances because of their excellent electron transfer capabilities. In this paper, a [(PSS/PPy)(P2Mo18/PPy)5] multilayer composite film modified electrode was prepared by the potentiostatic deposition method. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry under the conditions of different modified layers, different supporting electrolytes and different sweep rates. Different concentrations of tyrosinase were catalyzed by the modified electrode under a suitable supporting electrolyte, and the electrochemical sensing of tyrosinase by the modified electrode was studied. The research results show that the modified electrode has good stability and reproducibility for electrochemical sensing of tyrosinase, and the response current has a good linear relationship with the amount of tyrosinase added. Taking peak III as an example, the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 2.7649 U mL-1. It can be known from the timing ampere curve that as the concentration of tyrosinase in the reaction system continues to increase, its response current increases stepwise, providing a linear curve in the range of 3.66 U mL-1 to 26.87 U mL-1, and the minimum detection limit (S/N = 3) reaches 0.0021 U mL-1. The [(PSS/PPy)(P2Mo18/PPy)5] multilayer composite membrane modified electrode was used to detect tyrosinase in Penaeus vannamei. The spiked recovery of the sample was 96.3-100.8%, indicating that the modified electrode has high accuracy and can be used for the detection of tyrosinase in actual samples.

Ten new nortriterpenes from Euphorbia resinifera and their anti-tomato yellow leaf curl virus activities.

Ten new nortriterpenes, euphorbiumrins A-J (1-10), together with three known analogues (11-13) were isolated from the latex of Euphorbia resinifera. Their structures were established on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (IR, UV, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR). Their inhibitions on tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) were evaluated and compound 5 exhibited significant anti-TYLCV activity with an inhibition rate of 71.7% at concentration of 40 µg/mL.

A pH/ROS-responsive, tumor-targeted drug delivery system based on carboxymethyl chitin gated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles for anti-tumor chemotherapy.

A new nanosystem was prepared by coating ROS-cleavable thioketal (TK) bonded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles with carboxymethyl chitin via electrostatic interaction and further surface-anchored with glucose-regulated protein 78 binding peptide for targeted-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS). The nanosystem (HMSN-TK-CMCH-GRP78P) showed an average size of 265 nm after loading DOX and α-TOS with a drug loading content of 4.06 % and 7.64 %, respectively. The in vitro release studies revealed the pH/ROS dual-responsibility of DOX/α-TOS loaded HMSN-TK-CMCH-GRP78P. The released α-TOS increased the intracellular ROS concentration, which could induce the cleavage of TK linkages and in turn accelerate DOX release. Moreover, the nanosystem could target to 4T1 cells, causing cell death in vitro and suppress tumor growth in vivo in 4T1-bearing BALB/c mice with reduced side effects, which illustrated that the nanosystem led to an effective anti-tumor efficacy and exhibited as a promising carrier to deliver chemotherapeutic agents for chemotherapy.

Clinical characteristics of adult-type annular pancreas: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Annular pancreas (AP) is a rare congenital abnormal rotation of the pancreas. AP rarely occurs in adults. Pancreatic tumors and ampullary tumors are related to AP, so the discovery and treatment of AP are essential. CASE SUMMARY: This study investigated the clinical manifestations, imaging features, complications, and treatment of six patients diagnosed with AP at the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2010 to June 2020. There were four males and two females, with an average age of 56.00 ± 9.86 years old. In this study, abdominal pain and jaundice were the main clinical manifestations. Imaging can show the "crocodile jaw sign" or "double bubble sign". CONCLUSION: For patients with duodenal or biliary obstruction, physicians should give priority to AP when imaging examinations suggest that the duodenum is wrapped with tissue similar to the density of the pancreas. Symptomatic patients should actively undergo surgical treatment.

Clinical observation of soft palate-pharyngoplasty in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome in children.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common clinical disease that can cause serious complications if not treated in time. The preferred treatment for OSAHS in children is surgery. AIM: To observe the effects of soft palate-pharyngoplasty on postoperative outcome, pharyngeal formation, and possible complications. METHODS: A total of 150 children with snoring, hernia, and mouth breathing were selected. A polysomnography test was performed to confirm the diagnosis of OSAHS. The children were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, and soft palate-pharyngoplasty. The control group underwent adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. The t-test and chi-square test were used to compare conditions such as postoperative fever, postoperative hemorrhage, and pharyngeal reflux. Postoperative efficacy and complications were interrogated and observed in the form of outpatient follow-up and telephone follow-up at 6 mo and 1 year after surgery. The curative effects were divided into two groups: Cure (snoring, snoring symptoms disappeared) and non-cure. RESULTS: The effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative bleeding was lower in the experimental group. There was no postoperative pharyngeal reflux in either group. In the experimental group, the incidence of hyperthermia (body temperature exceeded 38.5 °C) was lower than that in the control group. The difference in postoperative swallowing pain scores between the experimental and control groups was significant. CONCLUSION: Soft palate-pharyngoplasty can more effectively enlarge the anteroposterior diameter and transverse diameter of the isthmus faucium. Compared with surgery alone, it can better treat OSAHS in children, improve the curative effect, reduce the risk of perioperative bleeding, close the surgical cavity, reduce the risk of postoperative infection, reduce the proportion of postoperative fever, and accelerate healing. Although this process takes more time, it is simple, safe, and effective.

Exosomes from Human Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined with Biodegradable Chitin Conduits Promote Rat Sciatic Nerve Regeneration.

At present, repair methods for peripheral nerve injury often fail to get satisfactory result. Although various strategies have been adopted to investigate the microenvironment after peripheral nerve injury, the underlying molecular mechanisms of neurite outgrowth remain unclear. In this study, we evaluate the effects of exosomes from gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) combined with biodegradable chitin conduits on peripheral nerve regeneration. GMSCs were isolated from human gingival tissue and characterized by surface antigen analysis and in vitro multipotent differentiation. The cell supernatant was collected to isolate the exosomes. The exosomes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, and size distribution analysis. The effects of exosomes on peripheral nerve regeneration in vitro were evaluated by coculture with Schwann cells and DRGs. The chitin conduit was prepared and combined with the exosomes to repair rat sciatic nerve defect. Histology, electrophysiology, and gait analysis were used to test the effects of exosomes on sciatic nerve function recovery in vivo. We have successfully cultured GMSCs and isolated exosomes. The exosomes from GMSCs could significantly promote Schwann cell proliferation and DRG axon growth. The in vivo studies showed that chitin conduit combined with exosomes from GMSCs could significantly increase the number and diameter of nerve fibers and promote myelin formation. In addition, muscle function, nerve conduction function, and motor function were also obviously recovered. In summary, this study suggests that GMSC-derived exosomes combined with biodegradable chitin conduits are a useful and novel therapeutic intervention in peripheral nerve repair.

Use of liposomal doxorubicin for adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer in clinical practice.

Breast cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality. It is helpful to reduce the rate of tumor recurrence and metastasis by treating breast cancer with adjuvant chemotherapy, so as to increase the cure rate or survival of patients. In recent years, liposomes have been regarded as a kind of new carrier for targeted drugs. Being effective for enhancing drug efficacy and reducing side effects, they have been widely used for developing anticancer drugs. As a kind of anthracycline with high anticancer activity, doxorubicin can treat or alleviate a variety of malignant tumors effectively when it is used on its own or in combination with other anticancer drugs. Although liposomal doxorubicin has been extensively used in the adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer, its exact therapeutic efficacy and side effects have not been definitely proven. Various clinical studies have adopted different combined regimes, dosages, and staging, so their findings differ to certain extent. This paper reviews the clinical application of liposomal doxorubicin in the adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer and illustrates therapeutic effects and side effects of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and non-PLD (NPLD) in clinical research, in order to discuss the strategies for applying these drugs in such adjuvant chemotherapy, looking forward to providing references for related research and clinical treatment in terms of dosage, staging, combined regimes, and analysis methods and so on.

Polyglycolic Acid Fibrous Scaffold Improving Endothelial Cell Coating and Vascularization of Islet.

BACKGROUND: Improving islet graft revascularization has become a crucial task for prolonging islet graft survival. Endothelial cells (ECs) are the basis of new microvessels in an isolated islet, and EC coating has been demonstrated to improve the vascularization and survival of an islet. However, the traditional method of EC coating of islets has low efficiency in vitro. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold on the efficiency of islet coating by ECs and the angiogenesis in the coated islet graft. METHODS: A PGA fibrous scaffold was used for EC coating of islet culture and was evaluated for its efficiency of EC coating on islets and islet graft angiogenesis. RESULTS: In in vitro experiments, we found that apoptosis index of ECs-coating islet in PGA group (27% ± 8%) was significantly lower than that in control group (83% ± 20%, P < 0.05) after 7 days culture. Stimulation index was significantly greater in the PGA group than in the control group at day 7 after ECs-coating (2.07 ± 0.31 vs. 1.80 ± 0.23, P < 0.05). vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in the PGA group was significantly higher than the coating in the control group after 7 days culture (52.10 ± 13.50 ng/ml vs. 16.30 ± 8.10 ng/ml, P < 0.05). Because of a tight, circumvallated, adhesive and three-dimensional growth microenvironment, islet cultured in a PGA scaffold had higher coating efficiency showing stronger staining intensity of enzyme than those in the control group after 14 days of culture following ECs-coating. For in vivo study, PGA scaffold significantly prolonged the average survival time of EC-coated islet graft after transplantation compared with control group (15.30 ± 5.60 days vs. 8.30 ± 2.45 days, P < 0.05). The angiogenesis and area of survived grafts were more in the PGA group compared with the control group by measuring the mean microvessel density (8.60 ± 1.21/mm2 vs. 5.20 ± 0.87/mm2, P < 0.05). In addition, expression of VEGF and tyrosin-protein kinase receptor (Tie-2) gene increased in PGA scaffold group than that in control group by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the efficiency of EC coating of islets was successfully increased by culturing ECs on a PGA scaffold. This method enhances the function, survival, and vascularization of isolated islets in vitro and in vivo.

[Use of fiber-reinforced chemical curing resin to close the inter-proximate space of the posterior teeth].

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of using fiber-reinforced chemical curing resin to close the inter-proximate space of the posterior teeth and block the food impaction. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-two patients with food impaction of posterior teeth were selected in this study. The total number of the food impaction was 170. They were divided into narrow-gap group and wide-gap group according to the damage of the inter-proximate space. Jingjin enamel adhesive reinforced polyethylene fiber ribbon was used in both group to close the inter-proximate space. The patients were reviewed at 6-month and 1-year. After the second follow-up examination, 161 restorations of 154 patients were included in this study. The differences between the 2 groups were analyzed by Chi-square test with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: Statistical differences were found in the retention rate of the restorations at 6-month between the 2 groups (P<0.05). The retention rate in the narrow-gap group was significantly lower than that in the wide-gap group. However, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at 1-year. There was no significant difference in integrality between the 2 groups at 6-month and 1-year. CONCLUSIONS: The use of fiber-rein forced chemical curing resin to close the inter-proximate space of the posterior teeth and block the food impaction is more suitable for patients with clinical crown elongation, gingival recession, alveolar bone loss and the tissue damages in the inter-proximate space, which will cause food impaction.

[Effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphouscalcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatment on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after tooth bleaching].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphouscalcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) treatment on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets after tooth bleaching. METHODS: One hundred extracted human premolars were randomly divided and treated according to 5 groups (n=20) : (1) no treatment; (2) 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching; (3) 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching; (4)10% carbamide peroxide bleaching and CPP-ACP paste; (5)38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching and CPP-ACP paste. In all groups, the brackets were bonded using a conventional acid-etch and bond system (Transbond XT, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). The shear bond strength adhesive remnant index (ARI) of the brackets were determined and the data was analyzed by ANOVA and Bonferroni test using SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: The use of 10% carbamide peroxide and 38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching significantly decreased the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets when compared with untreated group (P<0.05). After combination of tooth bleaching and CPP-ACP treatment, group 4 (10% carbamide peroxide bleaching + CPP-ACP) and group 5 (38% hydrogen peroxide bleaching + CPP-ACP) showed higher levels of shear bond strength than group 2 and 3; however, no significant difference was found (P>0.05). The ARI did not show any significant difference before and after CPP-ACP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: After tooth bleaching, CPP-ACP treatment have little influence on the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets.

[Biomechanical analysis on healing process of sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle after rigid fixation].

PURPOSE: To analyze the biomechanical healing process on rigid fixation of sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle (SFMC), and to provide guidelines for surgical treatment. METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element model (3D-FEAM) of mandible and condyle was established. The right condyle was simulated as SFMC with 0.1 mm space across the condyle length ways. The 3D-FEAM of rigid fixation was established. The biomechanical factors such as stress distribution of condylar surface, displacement around fracture, stress on the plate and stress shielding were calculated during 0, 4, 8 and 12-week after rigid fixation. RESULTS: The maximum equivalent stress of normal condyle was located at the area of middle 1/3 of condylar neck. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week after fixation was 23 times than that on normal condyle. They were located at the condylar stump and the plate near inferior punctual areas of fracture line. There were little stress on the other areas. The maximum equivalent stress at 4, 8 and 12-week was approximately 6 times than that on normal condyle. They were located at the areas same as the area at 0-week. There were little stress on the other areas at the condyle. The maximum total displacement and maximum total corner were increased 0.57-0.75 mm and 0.01-0.09° respectively during healing process. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week on the condylar trump was 5-6 times compared with that at 4, 8, and 12-week. The maximum equivalent stress, maximum total displacement and maximum total corner on the fractured fragment were not changed significantly during healing process. The maximum equivalent stress at 0-week on the plate was 7-9 times compared with that at 4, 8, 12-week. CONCLUSIONS: The stress of the condyle and stress shielding of the plate may be the reasons of absorbing and rebuilding on the condyle in healing process of SFMC. The biomechanical parameters increase obviously at 4-week after fixation. Elastic intermaxillary traction is necessary to decrease total displacement and total corner of the condyle, and liquid diet is necessary to decrease equivalent stress within 4 weeks. Rehabilitation training should be used to recover TMJ functions after 4 weeks because the condyle and mandible have the ability to carry out normal functions.

[Clinical observation of 45 cases with radicular cyst treated with non-surgical methods].

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical effect and the influential factors of non-surgical treatment of radicular cyst. METHODS: A total of 45 cases with radicular cyst were included from 2002 to 2008. They were treated by non-surgical treatment including decompression of cyst cavity or overfilling of the root canal. All the patients were examined at 3,6 months and 1,2,3 years after treatment. The therapeutic result was analyzed with SPSS15.0 software package for X(2) test. RESULTS: Of the 45 cases, 22 were cured at a follow-up period of 1-4 years, the cure rate was 48.89%. Seventeen cases were improved, the improvement rate 37.78%, and the total efficiency rate was 86.67%. Six cases failed to the treatment, and the failure rate was 13.33%. CONCLUSIONS: With decompression of cyst cavities or overfilling of the root canals, non-surgical treatment of radicular cyst is a simple, economical, safe, and effective treatment modality.

Phase-transfer of porphyrins by polypeptide-containing hyperbranched polymers and a novel iron(iii) porphyrin biomimetic catalyst.

Water-soluble porphyrins can be phase transferred by the hyperbranched multiarm copolymer PEI-PZLys; good catalytic activities and recyclabilities were observed for oxidation catalyzed by the encapsulated porphyrins.