Cobalt doped Prussian blue modified hollow polydopamine for enhanced antibacterial therapy.

Give the emergence of drug resistance in bacteria resulting from antibiotic misuse, there is an urgent need for research and application of novel antibacterial approaches. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential to disrupt bacteria cellular structure through loading drugs and special mechanisms, thus rendering them inactive. In this study, the surface of hollow polydopamine (HPDA) NPs was utilized for the growth of Prussian blue (PB), resulting in the formation of HPDA-PB NPs. Incorporation of Co element during the preparation process led to partial doping of PB with Co2+ions. The performance test results demonstrated that the HPDA-PB NPs exhibited superior photothermal conversion efficiency and peroxidase-like activity compared to PB NPs. HPDA-PB NPs have the ability to catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radicals from H2O2in a weakly acidic environment. Due to the tiny PB particles on the surface and the presence of Co2+doping, they have strong broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. Bothin vitroandin vivoevaluations confirm their efficacy against various bacterial strains, particularlyStaphylococcus aureus, and their potential to promote wound healing, making them a promising candidate for advanced wound care and antimicrobial applications.

Simultaneous chromatographic separation of the anomers of saccharides on a polymer sulfobetaine zwitterionic stationary phase.

Simultaneous chromatographic separation of the anomers of saccharides was achieved by using a polymer zwitterionic stationary phase functionalized by acrylamide-type sulfobetaine. By optimization of separation parameters including column temperature, pH, and flow rate, the column operated in hydrophilic interaction chromatography mode exhibited excellent separation selectivity toward five monosaccharides and their anomers (including ribose, xylose, galactose, glucose, and arabinose) and two disaccharides (lactose and maltose). Baseline separation could be achieved at mild operation conditions such as 20-30°C of column temperature or typical mobile phase composition (85% acetrontrile-15% 20 mM ammonium formate [NH4 FA]) with wide pH tolerance range of 2-8. This offers a rapid way to determine the configuration of α or ß anomer of the saccharides.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes between proximal femoral nail anti-rotation with cement enhancement and hemiarthroplasty among elderly osteoporotic patients with intertrochanteric fracture.

BACKGROUND: The proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) with cement enhancement enhances the anchorage ability of internal fixation in elderly with osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. However, whether it is superior to hemiarthroplasty is still controversial. The present study aimed to determine which treatment has better clinical outcomes among older patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 102 elderly patients with osteoporosis who developed intertrochanteric fractures and underwent PFNA combined with cement-enhanced internal fixation (n = 52, CE group), and hemiarthroplasty (n = 50, HA group) from September 2012 to October 2018. All the intertrochanteric fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA classification. Additionally, the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion rates, postoperative weight-bearing time, hospitalization time, Barthel Index of Activities Daily Living, Harris score of hip function, visual analog (VAS) pain score, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The CE group had significantly shorter operative time, lesser intraoperative blood loss, lower blood transfusion rate, and longer postoperative weight-bearing time than the HA group. The CE group had lower Barthel's Index of Activities of Daily Living, lower Harris' score, and higher VAS scores in the first and third months after surgery than the HA group, but no difference was observed between the two groups from 6 months to 12 months. There was no significant difference in the total post-operative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of PFNA combined with a cement-enhanced internal fixation technique led to shorter operative time and lesser intraoperative blood loss and trauma in elderly patients as compared to HA.

A Novel C Doped MoS2 /CoP/MoO2 Ternary Heterostructure Nanoflower for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at Wide pH Range and Efficient Overall Water Splitting in Alkaline Media.

The development of low-cost and high-efficiency bifunctional catalysts is still a challenge for hydrogen production through overall water splitting. This paper reports the in-situ synthesis of C-doped MoS2 /CoP/MoO2 using bacterial cellulose (BC) as the reducing agent and the source of C and using BC (MoS2 /Co1.2 MoO4.2 ⋅ 1.2H2 O/BC) as the template. Heterogeneous structure for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and alkaline water electrolysis in a wide pH range. Due to the large number of defect sites caused by C doping and the synergy between these three active components (MoS2 , CoP and MoO2 ), the HER and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities of the catalyst have been greatly improved. Therefore, during HER, a small initial overpotential (27 mV) was achieved in 1.0 M KOH. In 0.5 M H2 SO4 , 0.1 M PBS and 1.0 M KOH, the current density reached 10 mA cm-2 at overpotentials of 123.4, 150, and 139 mV, respectively. For OER, an overpotential of 268 mV was required to achieve 10 mA cm-2 . The alkaline two-electrode device composed of C doped MoS2 /CoP/MoO2 delivers 10 mA cm-2 at a low potential of 1.51 V and can be easily driven by a single AA battery. This work provides a new design strategy of C doped ternary heterostructures for electrocatalysis and related energy applications.

Organocatalytic [2 + 2] Photopolymerization under Visible Light: Accessing Sustainable Polymers from Cinnamic Acids.

Herein, the successful development of a metal-free, solution [2 + 2] photopolymerization of natural cinnamic acid-derived bisolefinic monomers is reported, which is enabled by a strategy based on direct triplet state access via energy transfer catalysis. 2,2'-Methoxythioxanthone has been identified as an effective organic photocatalyst for the [2 + 2] photopolymerization in solution, which can be excited by visible light and activate the biscinnamate monomers via triplet energy transfer. This method features its metal-free conditions, visible light utilization, solution polymerization, and abundant biomass-based feedstock, as well as processable polymer products, which is different from the rigid, insoluble products obtained from solid-state photopolymerization. This solution polymerization method also shows a good compatibility to monomer structures; cinnamic acid-derived bisolefinic monomers with different linkers, including diamine, natural diol, and bisphenol, can all readily undergo [2 + 2] photopolymerization, and be transformed into colorless, sustainable polymers.

Antibacterial activity and action target of phenyllactic acid against Staphylococcus aureus and its application in skim milk and cheese.

Phenyllactic acid (PLA) has been demonstrated to possess antibacterial activity and capacity to prolong food shelf life. However, studies on the performance of PLA in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus and its effectiveness when applied to dairy products are largely lacking. Here, antibacterial activity (planktonic and biofilm states) of PLA against S. aureus CICC10145 (S. aureus_45) were investigated. The results showed that PLA inhibited growth of S. aureus_45 and formation of S. aureus_45 biofilm. Next, the antibacterial action target of PLA was uncovered from both physiological and phenotypic perspectives. The results showed that PLA decreased cell metabolic activity and cell viability, damaged cell membrane integrity, triggered leakage of intracellular contents (DNA, proteins, and ATP), and caused oxidative stress damage and morphological deformation of S. aureus_45. In practical application, the antibacterial activity of PLA against S. aureus_45 cells was further confirmed in skim milk and cheese as dairy food models, and the antibacterial effects can be adequately maintained during storage for 21 d, at least at 4°C. These findings suggested that PLA could be a potential candidate for controlling S. aureus outgrowth in dairy foods.

[Efficacy Evaluation of Three Endoscopic Therapies of Isolated Gastric Varices with Modified Tissue Adhesive].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of three endoscopic therapies of isolated gastric varices (IGV) with modified tissue adhesive. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted with the clinical data of 73 IGV patients who were treated between January 2008 and December 2019 at Beijing Ditan Hospital. Patient clinical data on age, sex, etiology, biochemistry findings, Child-Pugh classification, the type of spontaneous shunt, preoperative bleeding history, and the presence or absence of liver cancer were collected. The three therapies evaluated were endoscopic intravenous injection of tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol, endoscopic clip-assisted intravenous injection of tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol, and endoscopic clip and LOOP-assisted intravenous injection of tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol. Their respective clinical treatment outcomes, including ectopic embolism rate, survival rate, rebleeding rate, amount of lauromacrogol and tissue glue used, the number of endoscopic clips used, and the number of times of the procedure the patient underwent, were evaluated. Results: In the patient baseline data, Child-Pugh grade, preoperative thrombus formation, and the presence or absence of liver cancer, showed significant difference between the three therapies ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rates of ectopic embolism among the three methods ( P>0.05), but no ectopic embolism occurred after endoscopic clip-assisted intravenous injection of tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol, or after endoscopic clip and LOOP-assisted intravenous injection of tissue glue combined with lauromacrogol. There was no significant difference in the survival rate, the rebleeding rate, amount of lauromacrogol and tissue glue used for the three therapies, but there was significant difference in the number of endoscopic clips used and the number of times the procedure was conducted within one year ( P<0.05). Conclusion: The two endoscopic therapies of intravenous injection of modified tissue glue, one assisted by clip and the other assisted by clip and LOOP, can help reduce the number of procedures IGV patients undergo within one year.

A cone-beam computed tomographic study evaluating the efficacy of incisor movement with clear aligners: Assessment of incisor pure tipping, controlled tipping, translation, and torque.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different types of incisor movements with clear aligners in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were collected from 69 patients who underwent nonextraction treatment with clear aligners (Invisalign; Align Technology, San Jose, Calif). Integrated 3-dimensional models of the virtual incisor position (ClinCheck; Align Technology) and the posttreatment incisor position (from posttreatment CBCT scans) were superimposed over the pretreatment position (from pretreatment CBCT scans) using Mimics software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). On the basis of the location of the rotation center, incisors showing pure tipping (>10°), controlled tipping (>10°), translation (>1 mm), or torque (>10°) movements were selected. Efficacy was determined by comparing the predicted and achieved incisor movement, and differences with efficacy were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Shapiro-Wilk tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: In measurements for 231 incisors, the mean efficacy of incisor movements in the sagittal plane was 55.58%. The most and least predictable movements were pure tipping (72.48%) and torque (35.21%), respectively. Labial root movement was significantly more predictable than lingual root movement, and labial movement of the mandibular incisors was significantly easier than that of the maxillary incisors. The type of tooth movement achieved was different from the type designed. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of incisor movement in the sagittal plane using clear aligners varies with designed movement type, and labial root movement appears to be more accurate than the lingual root movement. The biomechanics of clear aligners remains to be further elucidated to achieve more predictable treatment results.

Highly Selective Wearable Smartsensors for Vapor/Liquid Amphibious Methanol Monitoring.

A wearable screen-printed electrochemical smartsensor with excellent selectivity for methanol quantification has been developed. This smartsensor consists of a printable sensing system modified with platinum (Pt) confined in a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) matrix, as well as a compact electronic interface for data collection. The real-time electrochemical signal from methanol could be remotely detected and transmitted to a smartphone by blue tooth. It performs good environmental adaptability of vapor/liquid amphibious behaviors. Owing to the uniform distribution of Pt loading on the rGO nanosheets, this sensor demonstrates high selectivity, sensitivity, stability, and recoverability both in vapor and liquid during temperature or humidity diversification, compared with other resistance-based sensors. It also achieves good bending and stretching performance, and it could be a possible candidate device for the quantification of methanol in different environments.

Optimization of n-butanol synthesis in Lactobacillus brevis via the functional expression of thl, hbd, crt and ter.

N-butanol is an important chemical and can be naturally synthesized by Clostridium species; however, the poor n-butanol tolerance of Clostridium impedes the further improvement in titer. In this study, Lactobacillus brevis, which possesses a higher butanol tolerance, was selected as host for heterologous butanol production. The Clostridium acetobutylicum genes thl, hbd, and crt which encode thiolase, ß-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, and crotonase, and the Treponema denticola gene ter, which encodes trans-enoyl-CoA reductase were cloned into a single plasmid to express the butanol synthesis pathway in L. brevis. A titer of 40 mg/L n-butanol was initially achieved with plasmid pLY15-opt, in which all pathway genes are codon-optimized. A titer of 450 mg/L of n-butanol was then synthesized when ter was further overexpressed in this pathway. The role of metabolic flux was reinforced with pLY15, in which only the ter gene was codon-optimized, which greatly increased the n-butanol titer to 817 mg/L. Our strategy significantly improved n-butanol synthesis in L. brevis and the final titer is the highest achieved amongst butanol-tolerant lactic acid bacteria.

Improved n-Butanol Production from Clostridium cellulovorans by Integrated Metabolic and Evolutionary Engineering.

Clostridium cellulovorans DSM 743B offers potential as a chassis strain for biomass refining by consolidated bioprocessing (CBP). However, its n-butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass has yet to be demonstrated. This study demonstrates the construction of a coenzyme A (CoA)-dependent acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) pathway in C. cellulovorans by introducing adhE1 and ctfA-ctfB-adc genes from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, which enabled it to produce n-butanol using the abundant and low-cost agricultural waste of alkali-extracted, deshelled corn cobs (AECC) as the sole carbon source. Then, a novel adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) approach was adapted to strengthen the n-butanol tolerance of C. cellulovorans to fully utilize its n-butanol output potential. To further improve n-butanol production, both metabolic engineering and evolutionary engineering were combined, using the evolved strain as a host for metabolic engineering. The n-butanol production from AECC of the engineered C. cellulovorans was increased 138-fold, from less than 0.025 g/liter to 3.47 g/liter. This method represents a milestone toward n-butanol production by CBP, using a single recombinant clostridium strain. The engineered strain offers a promising CBP-enabling microbial chassis for n-butanol fermentation from lignocellulose.IMPORTANCE Due to a lack of genetic tools, Clostridium cellulovorans DSM 743B has not been comprehensively explored as a putative strain platform for n-butanol production by consolidated bioprocessing (CBP). Based on the previous study of genetic tools, strain engineering of C. cellulovorans for the development of a CBP-enabling microbial chassis was demonstrated in this study. Metabolic engineering and evolutionary engineering were integrated to improve the n-butanol production of C. cellulovorans from the low-cost renewable agricultural waste of alkali-extracted, deshelled corn cobs (AECC). The n-butanol production from AECC was increased 138-fold, from less than 0.025 g/liter to 3.47 g/liter, which represents the highest titer of n-butanol produced using a single recombinant clostridium strain by CBP reported to date. This engineered strain serves as a promising chassis for n-butanol production from lignocellulose by CBP.

Oncoprotein Inhibitor Rigosertib Loaded in ApoE-Targeted Smart Polymersomes Reveals High Safety and Potency against Human Glioblastoma in Mice.

The unbiased cytotoxicity and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impermeability render common chemotherapeutics nonviable for treating glioblastoma (GBM) patients. Although rigosertib (RGS), a RAS effector protein inhibitor, has shown low toxicity to healthy cells and high efficacy toward various cancer cells by inactivating PI3K-Akt, it hardly overcomes the BBB barricade. Here, we report that RGS loaded in apolipoprotein E derived peptide (ApoE)-targeted chimaeric polymersomes (ApoE-CP) is safe and highly potent against human GBM in vivo. ApoE-CP exhibited stable loading of RGS in its lumen, giving RGS nanoformulations (ApoE-CP-RGS) with a size of 60 nm and reduction-triggered drug release behavior. Notably, ApoE-CP-RGS induction markedly enhanced the G2/M cell cycle arrest and inhibitory effect in U-87 MG glioblastoma cells compared with the nontargeted CP-RGS and free RGS. The therapeutic outcomes in orthotopic U-87 MG GBM models demonstrated that ApoE-CP-RGS brought about effective GBM inhibition, greatly prolonged survival time, and depleted adverse effects. Rigosertib formulated in ApoE-targeted chimaeric polymersomes has emerged as a novel, highly specific, efficacious, and nontoxic treatment for glioblastoma.

The production of ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass by Kluyveromyces marxianus CICC 1727-5 and Spathaspora passalidarum ATCC MYA-4345.

Efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass is one of the key challenges for the production of bioethanol and chemicals. Therefore, the present work focuses on finding a robust microorganism able to convert all sugars in lignocellulosic hydrolysates efficiently. The fermentation performance showed that Kluyveromyces marxianus CICC 1727-5 could produce ethanol from glucose with productivity 4.2 g/L/h and higher ethanol yields (0.44 g/g) under 40 °C, outdistance the productivity 0.258 g/L/h of S. passalidarum ATCC MYA-4345. The xylose utilization of S. passalidarum ATCC MYA-4345 was faster than K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 with the ethanol yield 0.31 g/g at 30 °C. However, K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 could produce xylitol from xylose with the yield 0.58 g/g at 40 °C. Meanwhile, the two yeasts both had the ability to use arabinose naturally, but K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 could consume arabinose completely and quickly. Furthermore, the two yeasts both could ferment glucose and xylose simultaneously, but K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 showed much better performance in the cofermentation. The peak ethanol concentration of K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 and S. passalidarum ATCC MYA-4345 was 42.6 and 31.9 g/L, respectively. In the saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) process using non-detoxificated corncob, K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 showed better performance. K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 was more tolerant in the presence of formic acid, acetic acid, and mix inhibitors and even was capable to grow in the medium with the acetic acid concentration up to 15 g/L. K. marxianus CICC 1727-5 is a promising candidate strain for further metabolic engineering to develop robust industrial strains for the lignocellulosic ethanol.

Synergistic effect of thioredoxin and its reductase from Kluyveromyces marxianus on enhanced tolerance to multiple lignocellulose-derived inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Multiple lignocellulose-derived inhibitors represent great challenges for bioethanol production from lignocellulosic materials. These inhibitors that are related to the levels of intracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) make oxidoreductases a potential target for an enhanced tolerance in yeasts. RESULTS: In this study, the thioredoxin and its reductase from Kluyveromyces marxianus Y179 was identified, which was subsequently achieved over-expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae 280. In spite of the negative effects by expression of thioredoxin gene (KmTRX), the thioredoxin reductase (KmTrxR) helped to enhance tolerance to multiple lignocellulose-derived inhibitors, such as formic acid and acetic acid. In particular, compared with each gene expression, the double over-expression of KmTRX2 and KmTrxR achieved a better ethanol fermentative profiles under a mixture of formic acid, acetic acid, and furfural (FAF) with a shorter lag period. At last, the mechanism that improves the tolerance depended on a normal level of intracellular ROS for cell survival under stress. CONCLUSIONS: The synergistic effect of KmTrxR and KmTRX2 provided the potential possibility for ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials, and give a general insight into the possible toxicity mechanisms for further theoretical research.

Structures of trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductases from Clostridium acetobutylicum and Treponema denticola: insights into the substrate specificity and the catalytic mechanism.

TERs (trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductases; EC 1.3.1.44), which specifically catalyse the reduction of crotonyl-CoA to butyryl-CoA using NADH as cofactor, have recently been applied in the design of robust synthetic pathways to produce butan-1-ol as a biofuel. We report in the present paper the characterization of a CaTER (a TER homologue in Clostridium acetobutylicum), the structures of CaTER in apo form and in complexes with NADH and NAD+, and the structure of TdTER (Treponema denticola TER) in complex with NAD+. Structural and sequence comparisons show that CaTER and TdTER share approximately 45% overall sequence identity and high structural similarities with the FabV class enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductases in the bacterial fatty acid synthesis pathway, suggesting that both types of enzymes belong to the same family. CaTER and TdTER function as monomers and consist of a cofactor-binding domain and a substrate-binding domain with the catalytic active site located at the interface of the two domains. Structural analyses of CaTER together with mutagenesis and biochemical data indicate that the conserved Glu75 determines the cofactor specificity, and the conserved Tyr225, Tyr235 and Lys244 play critical roles in catalysis. Upon cofactor binding, the substrate-binding loop changes from an open conformation to a closed conformation, narrowing a hydrophobic channel to the catalytic site. A modelling study shows that the hydrophobic channel is optimal in both width and length for the binding of crotonyl-CoA. These results provide molecular bases for the high substrate specificity and the catalytic mechanism of TERs.

[Acquirement and evaluation of murine ventricular extracellular matrix].

Cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), generated from the process of decellularization, has been widely considered as an ideal source of biological scaffolds. However, current ECM preparations are generally difficult to be applied to generate cardiac tissue. Our research was aimed to improve decellularization protocols to prepare cardiac ECM slices. Adult murine ventricular tissues were embedded in low melting agarose and cut into 300 µm slices, and then were divided randomly into three groups: normal cardiac tissue, SDS treated group (0.1% SDS) and SDS+Triton X-100 treated group (0.1% SDS+0.5% Triton X-100). Total RNA content and protein content quantification, HE staining and immunostaining were used to evaluate the removal of cell components and preservation of vital ECM components. Furthermore, murine embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mES-CMs) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were co-cultured with ECM slices to evaluate biocompatibility. The relative residual RNA and protein contents of ECM slices significantly decreased after decellularization. HE staining showed that SDS+Triton X-100 treatment better destroyed cellular structure and removed nuclei of ECM slices, compared with SDS treatment. Immunostaining showed that collagen IV and laminin were better preserved and presented better similarity to original cardiac tissue in ECM slices acquired by SDS+Triton X-100 treatment. However, collagen IV and laminin were significantly decreased and arranged disorderly in SDS treated group. We observed effective survival (≥ 12 days) of MEFs and mES-CMs on ECM slices acquired by SDS+Triton X-100 treatment, and signs of integration, whereas those signs were not found in SDS treated group. We concluded that, compared with traditional SDS method, new combined protocol (SDS+Triton X-100) generated ECM slices with better component and structural preservation, as well as better biocompatibility.

[Application of ultrasonic irrigation combined with chlorhexidine in root canal treatment of pulpitis].

PURPOSE: To explore the clinical effect of ultrasonic irrigation combined with chlorhexidine in root canal treatment of pulpitis. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with pulpitis treated with root canal therapy were randomly divided into a study group (n=60, 72 affected teeth) and a control group (n=60, 70 affected teeth). During root canal preparation, the study group was treated with chlorhexidine combined with ultrasonic irrigation, while the control group was treated with chlorhexidine conventional irrigation. The bacterial count and endotoxin content in the root canal before and after root canal preparation were compared between the two groups, as well as the endodontic inter-appointment pain (EIAP), lateral branch root canal filling rate, and degree of tooth pain after root canal treatment. The success rate of treatment was statistically analyzed after one-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0 software package. RESULTS: After root canal preparation, the number of colonies in experimental group and control group was significantly decreased compared with that before root canal preparation(P＜0.05), and the number of colonies in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group(P＜0.05). After root canal preparation, endotoxin levels in experimental group and control group were significantly lower than those before root canal preparation(P＜0.05), and the level in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control group(P＜0.05). The lateral branch root canal filling rate in the study group and the control group was 29.17% and 11.43%, respectively, with significant difference between the groups(P＜0.05). The incidence of EIAP was 4.17% and 14.29%, respectively, with significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.05). At 48 hours after surgery, the visual analogue score (VAS) of the study group and the control group was (2.74±0.61) and (3.29±0.68), respectively, which were significantly lower than at before surgery(P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in VAS score between the two groups 48 hours after surgery(P＜0.05). One week after surgery, the VAS score in the study group and the control group was (1.52±0.34) and (1.81±0.42), respectively, significantly lower than that before and 48 hours after surgery(P＜0.05). There was a significant difference in VAS score between the two groups at one week after surgery (P＜0.05). The successful rate of treatment in the control group was 84.62%, and 95.71% in the study group, with a significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of ultrasonic irrigation combined with chlorhexidine in the treatment of pulpitis root canals can help reduce the level of bacteria and endotoxin after root canal preparation, alleviate the degree of postoperative tooth pain, and improve the filling rate of lateral branch root canals, with superior curative effects.

Biomaterial-based mechanical regulation facilitates scarless wound healing with functional skin appendage regeneration.

Scar formation resulting from burns or severe trauma can significantly compromise the structural integrity of skin and lead to permanent loss of skin appendages, ultimately impairing its normal physiological function. Accumulating evidence underscores the potential of targeted modulation of mechanical cues to enhance skin regeneration, promoting scarless repair by influencing the extracellular microenvironment and driving the phenotypic transitions. The field of skin repair and skin appendage regeneration has witnessed remarkable advancements in the utilization of biomaterials with distinct physical properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains somewhat elusive, limiting the broader application of these innovations. In this review, we present two promising biomaterial-based mechanical approaches aimed at bolstering the regenerative capacity of compromised skin. The first approach involves leveraging biomaterials with specific biophysical properties to create an optimal scarless environment that supports cellular activities essential for regeneration. The second approach centers on harnessing mechanical forces exerted by biomaterials to enhance cellular plasticity, facilitating efficient cellular reprogramming and, consequently, promoting the regeneration of skin appendages. In summary, the manipulation of mechanical cues using biomaterial-based strategies holds significant promise as a supplementary approach for achieving scarless wound healing, coupled with the restoration of multiple skin appendage functions.

[Temporal and spatial variations and driving factors of phytoplankton in Yongjiang River estuary]. / ç”¬æ±Ÿå£æµ®æ¸¸æ¤ç‰©æ—¶ç©ºåˆ†å¸ƒç‰¹å¾åŠé©±åŠ¨å› å­.

To explore the temporal and spatial variations in phytoplankton community in small estuaries, we collected surface water samples from Yongjiang River estuary during wet, normal, and dry seasons and determined the main driving factors of phytoplankton community. A total of 358 species belonging to nine phyla and 123 genera were identified in all seasons. During wet, normal, and dry seasons, species number was 276, 154 and 151, and the abundance was (170.45±225.43)×103, (51.92±30.28)×103 and (31.65±12.79)×103 cells·L-1, respectively. Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton community, and the main dominant species were Cyclotella meneghiniana, Skeletonema costatum, and Paralia sulcata. Shannon diversity and Pielou evenness indices decreased from inside mouth to outside mouth in wet season, but there was no obvious spatial difference in normal season or dry season. Results of non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and analysis of similarities showed that phytoplankton community composition differed significantly among different regions (inside, at and outside mouth) and different seasons. In wet season, phytoplankton abundance was significantly positively correlated with temperature, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and dissolved reactive phosphorus, but significantly negatively correlated with salinity. In normal season, phytoplankton abundance was significantly negatively correlated with temperature. In dry season, it was not significantly correlated with environmental factors. Results of redundancy analysis showed that temperature, salinity, ammonium and dissolved reactive phosphorus explained the variations in phytoplankton community by 19.5%, 11.9%, 9.4% and 8.2%, respectively. These results revealed high dominance of diatoms and the main driving factors (temperature, salinity and nutrients) of phytoplankton community in Yongjiang River estuary.

Enhancing antibacterial properties of titanium implants through a novel Ag-TiO2-OTS nanocomposite coating: a comprehensive study on resist-killing-disintegrate approach.

Titanium (Ti) implants are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications due to their excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, bacterial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation on implant surfaces pose a significant risk of postoperative infections and complications. Conventional surface modifications often lack long-lasting antibacterial efficacy, necessitating the development of novel coatings with enhanced antimicrobial properties. This study aims to develop a novel Ag-TiO2-OTS (Silver-Titanium dioxide-Octadecyltrichlorosilane, ATO) nanocomposite coating, through a chemical plating method. By employing a 'resist-killing-disintegrate' approach, the coating is designed to inhibit bacterial adhesion effectively, and facilitate pollutant removal with lasting effects. Characterization of the coatings was performed using spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and contact angle analysis. Antibacterial efficacy, quantitatively evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus over 168 h, showed a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion by 76.6% and 66.5% respectively, and bacterial removal rates were up to 83.8% and 73.3% in comparison to uncoated Ti-base material. Additionally, antibacterial assays indicated that the ratio of the Lifshitz-van der Waals apolar component to electron donor surface energy components significantly influences bacterial adhesion and removal, underscoring a tunable parameter for optimizing antibacterial surfaces. Biocompatibility assessments with the L929 cell line revealed that the ATO coatings exhibited excellent biocompatibility, with minimal cytotoxicity and no significant impact on cell proliferation or apoptosis. The ATO coatings provided a multi-functionality surface that not only resists bacterial colonization but also possesses self-cleaning capabilities, thereby marking a substantial advancement in the development of antibacterial coatings for medical implants.