Expression of monocyte chemokine receptors in diabetes after non-surgical periodontal treatment: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment in the expression of chemokine receptors, in individuals with Periodontitis, associated or not with Diabetes. Pilot study, which included patients (n = 45) with Periodontitis, associated (n = 25) or not (n = 20) with Diabetes, submitted to the non-surgical periodontal treatment for one month. The expression of chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, and CX3CR1 at the mRNA level was evaluated in the peripheral mononuclear cells, as well as the expression of these receptors at the protein level was verified in monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes). There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 receptors at the initial visit in the group with Diabetes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (p = 0.002; p = 0.018, and p = 0.896, respectively), without differences after treatment. There was higher expression of CCR2 and CCR5 proteins in the group with Diabetes at the initial visit for classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, with no differences for CX3CR1 (CCR2: p = 0.004; p = 0.026; p = 0.024; CCR5: 0.045; p = 0.045; p = 0.013; CX3CR1: p = 0.424; p = 0.944; p = 0.392, respectively), without differences after the end of treatment. Concerning each group separately, there were reductions in the expression of CCR2 as well as CCR5 in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical monocytes, and reduction of CX3CR1 in classical monocytes after treatment in the group with Diabetes (p = 0.003; p = 0.006; p = 0.039; p = 0.007; p = 0.006; p = 0.004; p = 0.019, respectively), without differences in the group without Diabetes. The expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5, in patients with Periodontitis associated with Diabetes, is favorably modified after the end of the non-surgical periodontal treatment.

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist RC-3095 inhibits Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-accelerated atherosclerosis by suppressing inflammatory responses in endothelial cells and macrophages.

OBJECTIVE: Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), one of the major periodontopathogens, is associated with the progression and exacerbation of atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist, RC-3095, could attenuate P. gingivalis LPS-induced inflammatory responses in endothelial cells and macrophages, as well as atherosclerosis in an ApoE-/- mouse model treated with P. gingivalis LPS. METHODS: The effect of RC-3095 on P. gingivalis LPS-induced endothelial inflammation was examined using HUVECs and rat aortic endothelium. THP-1 cells were polarized into M1 macrophages by exposure to P. gingivalis LPS, with or without RC-3095. The effect of RC-3095 on atherosclerosis progression was assessed in high-fat-fed male ApoE-/- mice through injections of P. gingivalis LPS, RC-3095, or a combination of both. RESULTS: RC-3095 significantly reduced P. gingivalis LPS-induced leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells and aortic endothelium by suppressing NF-κB-dependent expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. In addition, RC-3095 inhibited the P. gingivalis LPS-induced polarization of M1 macrophages by blocking the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, RC-3095 decreased the area of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice, which was accelerated by P. gingivalis LPS injection, and lowered the expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in the aortic tissue of mice with atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: RC-3095 can alleviate P. gingivalis LPS-induced endothelial inflammation, macrophage polarization, and atherosclerosis progression, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach for periodontal pathogen-associated atherosclerosis.

Profilometric, esthetic, and patient-reported outcomes of the L-shape technique combined with delayed connective tissue grafting in the maxillary anterior region: A 3-year case series study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the profilometric, esthetic, and patient-reported outcomes of peri-implant tissues in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone following guided bone regeneration (GBR) using the L-shape technique combined with delayed connective tissue grafting (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Profilometric and pink esthetic score (PES) measurements were performed at the time of implant surgery with GBR (T0) and at the 1- (T1), 2- (T2), and 3-year (T3) follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were also assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Statistical analysis over 3 years of follow-up assessed changes at time points (T0, T1, T2, and T3) and time periods (T0-T1, T0-T2, and T0-T3) using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients (57.5 ± 12.3 years) were included in this study. The mean profilometric change in peri-implant tissues over the 3-year follow-up period was 3.49 ± 1.11 mm, and the buccal contours were not significantly different between the comparison periods. The PES remained stable, while all OHIP-14 domain scores improved significantly. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous implant placement and GBR using the L-shape technique combined with delayed CTG in the maxillary anterior region provides stable buccal profiles and consistent esthetics and improves patient-reported quality of life over a 3-year period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrated that GBR using the L-shape technique combined with delayed CTG in the maxillary anterior region improved the buccal profile, esthetics, and patient-reported quality of life.

Modulation of monocyte subtypes in diabetes after non-surgical periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aims to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the modulation of monocyte phenotype, in the presence or absence of diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The identification, quantification, and phenotypic characterization of monocyte subtypes (classical, intermediate, and non-classical) were performed by flow cytometry, at baseline and 1 month after the end of non-surgical periodontal treatment, in patients with periodontitis, associated or not with diabetes. RESULTS: There was an increase in non-classical monocytes after treatment and a reduction in intermediate monocytes, without differences for the classical subtype, regardless of the diabetes status. Furthermore, there was a reduction in intermediate monocytes and an increase in non-classical and classical monocytes after treatment in the diabetes group, while no significant differences were observed for classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes in the group without diabetes. Comparisons between the two groups showed significant differences for classical, intermediate, and non-classical monocytes at baseline; these differences were not found one month after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical periodontal treatment leads to modulation of monocytes to a less inflammatory phenotype, especially in individuals with diabetes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A better understanding of the role of these biomarkers in the periodontitis contex may constitute a new strategic target for a better treatment of patiens with diabetes associated to periodontitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-RBR-35szwc. Jhefferson Miranda Alves and Danielle Borges Germano contributed equality to this study and should be considered first authors.

Structural Characteristics and Properties of Cocoon and Regenerated Silk Fibroin from Different Silkworm Strains.

Silk has attracted the attention of researchers as a biomedical and cosmetic material because of its good biocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Silk is produced from the cocoons of silkworms, which have various strains. In this study, silkworm cocoons and silk fibroins (SFs) were obtained from ten silkworm strains, and their structural characteristics and properties were examined. The morphological structure of the cocoons depended on the silkworm strains. The degumming ratio of silk ranged from 22.8% to 28% depending on the silkworm strains. The highest and lowest solution viscosities of SF were shown by 9671 and 9153, respectively, showing a 12-fold difference. The silkworm strains of 9671, KJ5, and I-NOVI showed a two-fold higher work of ruptures for the regenerated SF film than 181 and 2203, indicating that the silkworm strains considerably influence the mechanical properties of the regenerated SF film. Regardless of the silkworm strain, all silkworm cocoons showed good cell viability, making them suitable candidates for advanced functional biomaterials.

Hispidulin Inhibits the Vascular Inflammation Triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide.

Hispidulin is a natural bioactive flavonoid that has been studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to explore whether hispidulin could inhibit the endothelial inflammation triggered by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The adhesion of monocytes to the vascular endothelium was evaluated through in vitro and ex vivo monocyte adhesion assays. We analyzed the migration of monocytes across the endothelial layer using a transmigration assay. The results showed that treatment with hispidulin decreased the P. gingivalis LPS-induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells and their migration by suppressing the P. gingivalis LPS-triggered expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) through downregulating nuclear factor-қB (NF-қB). In addition, hispidulin inhibited P. gingivalis LPS-induced mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and AKT in endothelial cells. Altogether, the results indicate that hispidulin suppresses the vascular inflammation induced by P. gingivalis LPS. Mechanistically, it prevents the adhesion of monocytes to the vascular endothelium and migration and inhibits NF-қB, MAPKs, and AKT signaling in endothelial cells.

Accuracy of guided dental implant surgery using a fully digital workflow: A case series.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Computer-guided implant surgery facilitated by intraoral scanning may enhance the efficiency of the digital workflow. However, it is necessary to assess technique accuracy to evaluate the accuracy of implant placement. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the accuracy of a virtual computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) static guided surgery technique associated with intraoral scanning in partially edentulous participants by analyzing the overlap among preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, virtual planning, and the guided surgery performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven partially edentulous participants underwent CBCT and intraoral scanning (TRIOS3). Data were integrated into a software program (ImplantViewer 3.5) for the virtual planning of implants and 3-dimensional (3D) printing of the prototype CAD-CAM surgical guide. A total of 18 implants were placed using the CAD-CAM static computer-aided implant surgery technique (Strong SW). After 15 days, postoperative CBCT scans were made and 4 variables (angular, coronal, apical, and vertical deviation) were measured to compare the virtually planned implants and the implants placed by analyzing the overlap between preoperative and postoperative of the virtual planning and guided surgery performed using the ImplantViewer 3.5 and Rhino 6 software programs. RESULTS: Deviations were found in all parameters analyzed. The mean angular deviation was 2.68 ±1.62 degrees; mean coronal deviation, 0.82 ±0.44 mm; mean apical deviation, 1.14 ±0.44 mm; and mean vertical deviation, 0.62 ±0.44 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The implants placed using the CAD-CAM static guided surgery technique associated with intraoral scanning in partially edentulous participants exhibited angular and linear deviations when compared with virtual planning implants. However, these deviations were not clinically significant.

Assessment of early discomfort and wound healing outcomes after periodontal surgery with and without enamel matrix derivative: an observational retrospective case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare early postoperative discomfort and wound healing outcomes between patients who underwent periodontal surgery with and without enamel matrix derivative (EMD), using retrospective questionnaires and postoperative clinical examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All enrolled patients filled out the self-report questionnaire after suture removal. The severity and duration of subjective pain and swelling were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) scores and wound healing parameters (dehiscence/fenestration, spontaneous bleeding, persistent swelling, and ulceration). Chi-squared tests, two-tailed independent t tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant differences between the two groups (surgery with EMD and surgery without EMD). RESULTS: The severity of pain and swelling did not differ between patients who underwent surgery with and without EMD, but the durations of pain (P < 0.001) and swelling (P = 0.019) were significantly lower in patients who underwent surgery with EMD. Multivariate analysis with adjustment for confounding variables showed that wound healing outcomes including dehiscence/fenestration, spontaneous bleeding, and ulceration did not differ significantly between the two groups, and only persistent swelling showed significant differences (odds ratio 4.03, 95% CI 1.17-13.78; P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed in the severity of early postoperative discomfort and wound healing outcomes between patients who underwent surgery with and without EMD, but shorter durations of postoperative pain and swelling were evident in patients who underwent surgery with EMD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjunctive EMD used in periodontal surgery has clinical advantages for reducing the durations of postoperative pain and swelling.

Topical application of lectin Artin M improves wound healing in defects created in the palatal mucosa: an in vivo study in dogs.

Previous studies have shown that topical application of lectin Artin-M accelerates wound healing in the rat oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of histology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) the effects of Artin-M on wound healing in the palatal mucosa in dogs. Three full thickness wounds of 6 mm diameter were surgically created in the palatal mucosa of twenty dogs and randomly divided into three groups according to one of the treatment assigned: Group C-Control (coagulum); Group A-Artin-M gel; Group V-Vehicle (carboxymethylcellulose 3%). Each animal received all the three experimental treatments. Afterwards, four animals were killed at 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21 days post-surgery. Wounded areas were photographed and scored for macroscopic evaluation. Biopsies were harvested and used for descriptive histological analysis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen IHC and measurement of myeloperoxidase activity. The results demonstrated faster wound closure in group A in comparison to the other groups in all the periods evaluated. Histological analyses exhibited improved re-epithelialization and collagen fiber formation resulting in faster maturation of granulation tissue in group A compared to the other groups by day 14. Treatment with Artin-M gel significantly induced cell proliferation and increased volumetric density of fibroblasts at day 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Neutrophil infiltration in group A was significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05) at the same time points. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that Artin-M may potentially favor wound healing on palatal mucosa lesions via recruitment of neutrophils and promotion of cell proliferation.

Dentin sealing and antibacterial effects of silver-doped bioactive glass/mesoporous silica nanocomposite: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To synthesize a silver-doped bioactive glass/mesoporous silica nanoparticle (Ag-BGN@MSN), as well as to investigate its effects on dentinal tubule occlusion, microtensile bond strength (MTBS), and antibacterial activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ag-BGN@MSN was synthesized using a modified "quick alkali-mediated sol-gel" method. Demineralized tooth disc models were made and divided into four groups; the following treatments were then applied: group 1-no treatment, group 2-bioglass, group 3-MSN, group 4-Ag-BGN@MSN. Next, four discs were selected from each group and soaked into 6 wt% citric acid to test acid-resistant stability. Dentinal tubule occlusion, as well as the occlusion ratio, was observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The MTBS was also measured to evaluate the desensitizing effect of the treatments. Cytotoxicity was examined using the MTT assay. Antibacterial activity was detected against Lactobacillus casei, and ion dissolution was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. RESULTS: Ag-BGN@MSN effectively occluded the dentinal tubule and formed a membrane-like layer. After the acid challenge, Ag-BGN@MSN had the highest rate of dentinal tubule occlusion. There were no significant differences in MTBS among the four groups (P > 0.05). All concentrations of Ag-BGN@MSN used had a relative cell viability above 72%. CONCLUSIONS: Ag-BGN@MSN was successfully fabricated using a modified sol-gel method. The Ag-BGN@MSN biocomposite effectively occluded dentinal with acid-resistant stability, did not decrease bond strength in self-etch adhesive system, had low cytotoxicity, and antibacterial effect. CLININAL RELEVANCE: Dentinal tubule sealing induced by Ag-BGN@MSN biocomposite with antibacterial effect is likely to increase long-term stability in DH.

Pentraxin-3 Modulates Osteogenic/Odontogenic Differentiation and Migration of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is recognized as a modulator of inflammation and a mediator of tissue repair. In this study, we characterized the role of PTX3 on some biological functions of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs). The expression level of PTX3 significantly increased during osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of HDPSCs, whereas the knockdown of PTX3 decreased this differentiation. Silencing of PTX3 in HDPSCs inhibited their migration and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) expression. Our present study indicates that PTX3 is involved in osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation and migration of HDPSCs, and may contribute to the therapeutic potential of HDPSCs for regeneration and repair.

Preparation of Polyethylene Glycol-Ginsenoside Rh1 and Rh2 Conjugates and Their Efficacy against Lung Cancer and Inflammation.

Low solubility and tumor-targeted delivery of ginsenosides to avoid off-target cytotoxicity are challenges for clinical trials. In the present study, we report on a methodology for the synthesis of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ginsenoside conjugates through a hydrolysable ester bond using the hydrophilic polymer polyethylene glycol with the hydrophobic ginsenosides Rh1 and Rh2 to enhance water solubility and passive targeted delivery. The resulting conjugates were characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). 1H NMR revealed that the C-6 and C-3 sugar hydroxyl groups of Rh1 and Rh2 were esterified. The conjugates showed spherical shapes that were monitored by field-emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and the average sizes of the particles were 62 ± 5.72 nm and 134 ± 8.75 nm for PEG-Rh1and PEG-Rh2, respectively (measured using a particle size analyzer). Owing to the hydrophilic enhancing properties of PEG, PEG-Rh1 and PEG-Rh2 solubility was greatly enhanced compared to Rh1 and Rh2 alone. The release rates of Rh1 and Rh2 were increased in lower pH conditions (pH 5.0), that for pathophysiological sites as well as for intracellular endosomes and lysosomes, compared to normal-cell pH conditions (pH 7.4). In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the PEG-Rh1conjugates had greater anticancer activity in a human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549) compared to Rh1 alone, whereas PEG-Rh2 showed lower cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells. On the other hand, both PEG-Rh1 and PEG-Rh2 showed non-cytotoxicity in a nondiseased murine macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) compared to free Rh1 and Rh2, but PEG-Rh2 exhibited increased efficacy against inflammation by greatly inhibiting nitric oxide production. Thus, the overall conclusion of our study is that PEG conjugation promotes the properties of Rh1 for anticancer and Rh2 for inflammation treatments. Depends on the disease models, they could be potential drug candidates for further studies.

Construction of 3D multicellular microfluidic chip for an in vitro skin model.

Current in vitro skin models do not recapitulate the complex architecture and functions of the skin tissue. In particular, on-chip construction of an in vitro model comprising the epidermis and dermis layer with vascular structure for mass transport has not been reported yet. In this study, we aim to develop a microfluidic, three-dimensional (3D) skin chip with fluidic channels using PDMS and hydrogels. Mass transport within the collagen hydrogel matrix was verified with fluorescent model molecules, and a transport-reaction model of oxygen and glucose inside the skin chip was developed to aid the design of the microfluidic skin chip. Comparison of viabilities of dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT cultured in the chip with various culture conditions revealed that the presence of flow plays a crucial role in maintaining the viability, and both cells were viable after 10 days of air exposure culture. Our 3D skin chip with vascular structures can be a valuable in vitro model for reproducing the interaction between different components of the skin tissue, and thus work as a more physiologically realistic platform for testing skin reaction to cosmetic products and drugs.

Wound healing protein profiles in the postoperative exudate of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of mandible.

Recurrent bacterial infections in cases of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of jaw (BRONJ) frequently occur. Therefore, BRONJ are usually treated by radical saucerization followed by intensive antibiotic medications without bisphosphonate therapy. The postoperative exudate (POE) from BRONJ lesions may directly indicate the inflammatory status of osteomyelitis in patients, but so far, the POE has rarely been examined for its expression of various cytokines and wound healing proteins. A total of 27 cases of BRONJ, which involved the mandible, were selected and their individual POE collected 6 h, 1 day, and 2 days after surgical intervention was analyzed by immunoprecipitation high performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC). The different protein expressions in the BRONJ POE were compared with findings from ten cases of chronic mandibular osteomyelitis (CMO) exudate as the control group. For the protein expressions for inflammation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis, in the 6 h POE sample, the BRONJ exudate exhibited more expression of IL-10, IL-28, OPG, and osteocalcin, but less expression of TNFα and LL-37 than the control. In the 1 day POE sample, the BRONJ exudate showed more expression of TNFα, IL-6, 8, 12, 28, α1-antitrypsin, VEGF-A, and VEGF-C, but less expression of CD68, lysozyme, bFGF, RANKL, bFGF, and ALP than the control. In the 2 day POE sample, the BRONJ exudate consistently showed more expression of LL-37, ß-defensin-1, and VEGF-A than the control. The present BRONJ POE revealed the rapid progress of bony wound healing through increased molecular signaling for inflammation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis compared to the control. Therefore, it was suggested that the POE obtained from the postoperative bony lesions should be collected and analyzed by the IP-HPLC method to predict the prognosis of seriously complicated inflammatory bony diseases such as BRONJ.

Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Polymorphisms and Nitric Oxide Levels in Individuals with Chronic Periodontitis.

This study aimed to investigate whether the -1026(A>C)(rs2779249) and +2087(A>G)(2297518) polymorphisms in the NOS2 gene were associated with chronic periodontitis (CP) and with salivary levels of nitrite (NO2-) and/or nitrate + nitrite (NOx). A group of 113 mixed-race patients were subjected to periodontal, genetic, and biochemical evaluations (65 CP/48 periodontally healthy subjects). DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells and used for genotyping by polymerase chain reaction (real-time). Salivary NOx concentrations were determined using an ozone-based chemiluminescence assay. Association of CP with alleles and genotypes of the -1026(A>C) polymorphism was found (X² test, p = 0.0075; 0.0308), but this was not maintained after multiple logistic regression, performed to estimate the effect of covariates and polymorphisms in CP. This analysis demonstrated, after correction for multiple comparisons, that only the female gender was significantly associated with CP. Polymorphisms analyzed as haplotypes were not associated with CP. NOx levels were significantly higher in the control group of heterozygous individuals for both polymorphisms. In conclusion, the female gender was significantly associated with CP, and higher levels of salivary NOx were found in control subjects and associated with the heterozygous state of the NOS2 polymorphisms, reinforcing the potential of NO metabolites as markers of periodontitis status.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation in the lingual area of the mandibular body versus osteochondroma at the mandibular condyle.

BACKGROUND: Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) is benign and usually occurs in the small tubular bones of the hands and feet, but it is extremely rare in the oral and maxillofacial region. METHODS: The present study compares a case of BPOP occurring in the lingual area of the right mandibular body with a representative case of osteochondroma occurring in the left mandibular condyle using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: BPOP showed no continuity to the cortical bone of the mandible on X-ray and was histologically composed of immature cartilage and bone tissues, whereas osteochondroma showed overgrowth of hypertrophic chondrocytes accompanied by mature bone with endochondral ossification. Although BPOP showed no features of cellular atypia or malignant transformation, it expressed more osteogenic proteins, including BMP-2, BMP-4, RUNX2, OC, AP, OPG, RANKL, CTGF, and bFGF, than osteochondroma. Furthermore, the perichondral spindle cells and marrow osteoblasts/fibroblasts of BPOP showed stronger immunoreaction of PCNA, p53, ß-catenin, BCL2, pAKT, survivin, 14-3-3, CEA, EMA, pan-K, and S-100 than the tumor cells of osteochondroma. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it was presumed that similar to embryonal osteochondroid tissue, BPOP might be activated by osteogenic and oncogenic signaling and that this increased signaling may explain the rapid growth and high recurrence of BPOP.

Quantification of nanoparticle release from polymer nanocomposite coatings due to environmental stressing.

Certain engineered nanoparticles (ENP) reduce the flammability of components used in soft furnishings (mattresses and upholstered furniture). However, because of the ENP's small size and ability to interact with biological molecules, these fire retardant ENPs may pose a health and environmental risks, if they are released sometime during the life cycle of the soft furnishing. Quantifying the released amount of these ENPs under normal end-use circumstances provides a basis for assessing their potential health and environmental impact. In this article, we report on efforts to identify suitable methodologies for quantifying the release of carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes, and sodium montmorillonites from coatings applied to the surfaces of barrier fabric and polyurethane foam. The ENPs released in simulated chewing and mechanical stressing experiments were collected in aqueous solution and quantified using Ultraviolet-Visible and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The microstructures of the released ENPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The reported methodology and results provide important milestones to estimate the impact and toxicity of the ENP release during the life cycle of the nanocomposites. To our knowledge, this is the first study of ENP release from the soft furnishing coating, something that can be important application area for fire safety.

Structural insights into the dual nucleotide exchange and GDI displacement activity of SidM/DrrA.

GDP-bound prenylated Rabs, sequestered by GDI (GDP dissociation inhibitor) in the cytosol, are delivered to destined sub-cellular compartment and subsequently activated by GEFs (guanine nucleotide exchange factors) catalysing GDP-to-GTP exchange. The dissociation of GDI from Rabs is believed to require a GDF (GDI displacement factor). Only two RabGDFs, human PRA-1 and Legionella pneumophila SidM/DrrA, have been identified so far and the molecular mechanism of GDF is elusive. Here, we present the structure of a SidM/DrrA fragment possessing dual GEF and GDF activity in complex with Rab1. SidM/DrrA reconfigures the Switch regions of the GTPase domain of Rab1, as eukaryotic GEFs do toward cognate Rabs. Structure-based mutational analyses show that the surface of SidM/DrrA, catalysing nucleotide exchange, is involved in GDI1 displacement from prenylated Rab1:GDP. In comparison with an eukaryotic GEF TRAPP I, this bacterial GEF/GDF exhibits high binding affinity for Rab1 with GDP retained at the active site, which appears as the key feature for the GDF activity of the protein.

Synthesis and pharmacokinetic characterization of a pH-sensitive polyethylene glycol ginsenoside CK (PEG-CK) conjugate.

The ginsenosides in Panax ginseng have vast structural and pharmacological efficacies. We covalently conjugated polyethylene glycol on the surface of CK (PEG-CK) through an acid-labile ester-linkage that showed increased solubility of CK. HPLC analysis showed that the release of CK was enhanced at acidic pH 5, whereas it was dramatically decreased at physiological pH 7.4. This might enhance the efficacy of CK.

Condylar positional changes up to 12 months after bimaxillary surgery for skeletal class III malocclusions.

PURPOSE: Postsurgical changes in the condylar position are of great importance to surgical stability, especially in asymmetric double-jaw surgery. The aims of this study were to evaluate positional changes of the condyle up to 12 months after surgery in patients with Class III malocclusion and to identify the factors affecting postsurgical condylar position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 33 adult patients diagnosed with skeletal Class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary surgery and had full cone-beam volumetric imaging (CBVI) records up to 1 year after surgery. The CBV images were obtained before surgery and 2 weeks, 3 months (T2), 6 months (T3), and 12 months after surgery. Condyles with deviated and nondeviated sides were examined separately regardless of the degree of asymmetry. Analyses of variance and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify factors that could affect the position of the mandibular condyles. RESULTS: The condyles exhibited anterior displacement at T2, which returned to a more distal position afterward in the axial view, and an inward rotation in the coronal view up to T3. From the sagittal view, the deviated and nondeviated condylar sides rotated forward and remained stable after T2. The degree of menton deviation affected the angle of condylar rotation (horizontal angle). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that condyles tend to move in a certain direction, and this can influence postsurgical relapse up to 6 months after surgery. However, they remain relatively stable afterward.