Relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar and adjacent second molar' external root resorption by cone-bean computed tomography analysis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between the impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) and the external root resorption (ERR) of the mandibular second molar (MSM) was analysed with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The risk factors affecting the ERR of the MSM were examined to provide a reference. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 327 patients (total: 578 teeth) admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University for IMTM extraction from January 2017 to December 2019 was chosen and divided according to gender and age. The correlation between the IMTM and ERR of MSM was analysed, including inclination angle, impaction direction and depth. The relationship of mandibular ascending ramus classification with ERR of MSM was also analysed. In addition, the correlation between the MTM impaction type and the severity of ERR was analysed. RESULTS: The incidence of ERR of MSM in male patients was higher than in females (27.9% vs.17.6%, p = 0.018). The occurrence and the site of ERR showed statistical differences in the inclination angle [(≤20°, 3.6%) vs. (21°-40°, 27.1%) vs. (41°-60°, 27.6%) vs. (61°-80°, 25.6%) vs. (>80°, 31.7%), p <0.001], impaction direction [(Vertical, 1.1%) vs. (Mesial, 32.7%) vs. (Horizontal, 25.3%), p <0.001] and depth of MTM [(Low position, 38.6%) vs. (Median position, 32.0%) vs. (High position, 13.7%), p <0.001]. Also, there was a significant difference in the mandibular ascending ramus type [(Class I, 17.4%) vs. (Class II, 32.3%) vs. (Class III, 44.9%), p <0.001]. In addition, the severity of ERR showed statistical differences in the mesial (40.9%, p<0.05), lower impaction (54.5%, p<0.05) depth of MTM and type III of mandibular ascending ramus (63.6%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The inclination angle, impaction direction, and depth of MTM were the influencing factors for the occurrence and site of ERR. Also, mandibular ascending ramus type was the impact fact. For MTM with mesioangular, lower impaction, and mandibular ascending ramus with type III, the ERR of the MSM was severer.

[Efficacy and safety analysis of bupivacaine liposome for pericapsular nerve group block for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients with hip replacement].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of bupivacaine liposome for pericapsular nerve group block (PENGB) for postoperative analgesia in elderly patients with total hip replacement. Methods: A total of 42 elderly patients underwent total hip replacement were selected in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from May to July in 2023, including 19 males and 23 females, aged (68.8±6.3) years, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade Ⅰ to Ⅲ. They were divided into bupivacaine liposome group (observation group) and levobupivacaine hydrochloride group (control group) according to random number table, with 21 cases in each group. All the patients were anesthetized by lumbar anesthesia combined with PENGB. During PENGB, the observation group was injected with 10 ml (133 mg) bupivacaine liposome+5 ml normal saline, and the control group was injected with 10 ml (75 mg) levobupivacaine hydrochloride+5 ml normal saline. The primary outcome measures included the rest and movement visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 h after operation, the sufentanil consumption in analgesic pump, the numbers of analgesic pump compressions, and the rates of additional parexib sodium use in ward. The secondary outcome measures were the changes in lower limb muscle strength, the length of hospital stay and the occurrence of adverse reactions. Results: There was no significant difference in the rest and movement VAS scores between the two groups at pre-operation and at 6 h after operation (P>0.05);but the rest and movement VAS scores at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after operation in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05); the rest and movement VAS scores at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after operation were lower than those at pre-operation in two group (P<0.05). The consumption of sufentanil in analgesic pump and parexib sodium usage in observation group were lower than those in control group at 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after operation (P<0.05). The total number of analgesic pump compressions, the number of effective compressions and the number of ineffective compressions in 48 h in observation group were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The muscle strength of the lower limbs of all patients were able to move against gravity at 12 h after operation. The incidence of nausea in 48 h after operation in observation group was 9.5% (2/21), which was lower than 42.9% (9/21) in control group (P=0.014). No postoperative vomiting occurred in all patients. The length of the hospital stay was (9.3±2.2) d in observation group and (8.9±1.9) d in control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.500). Conclusion: Compared with levobupivacaine hydrochloride, liposomal bupivacaine in PENGB provides analgesic effects for up to 72 h after total hip replacement in elderly patients, reduces postoperative opioid and other analgesics usage, decreases the incidence of postoperative nausea, and has a minor effect on lower limb movement without prolonging hospitalization.

Effect of artesunate on cardiovascular complications in periodontitis in a type I diabetes rat model and related mechanisms.

PURPOSE: Both cardiovascular disease and periodontitis are complications of diabetes that have a great impact on human life and health. Our previous research found that artesunate can effectively improve cardiovascular disease in diabetes and has an inhibitory effect on periodontal disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic possibility of artesunate in the protection against cardiovascular complications in periodontitis with type I diabetes rats and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Sprague‒Dawley rats were randomly divided into the healthy, diabetic, periodontitis, diabetic with periodontitis, and artesunate treatment groups (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg, i.g.). After artesunate treatment, oral swabs were collected and used to determine changes in the oral flora. Micro-CT was performed to observe changes in alveolar bone. Blood samples were processed to measure various parameters, while cardiovascular tissues were evaluated by haematoxylin-eosin, Masson, Sirius red, and TUNEL staining to observe fibrosis and apoptosis. The protein and mRNA expression levels in the alveolar bone and cardiovascular tissues were detected using immunohistochemistry and RT‒PCR. RESULTS: Diabetic rats with periodontitis and cardiovascular complications maintained heart and body weight but exhibited reduced blood glucose levels, and they were able to regulate blood lipid indicators at normal levels after artesunate treatment. The staining assays suggested that treatment with 60 mg/kg artesunate has a significant therapeutic effect on myocardial apoptotic fibrosis. The high expression of NF-κB, TLR4, VEGF, ICAM-1, p38 MAPK, TGF-ß, Smad2, and MMP9 in the alveolar bone and cardiovascular tissue in the type I diabetes and type I diabetes with periodontitis rat models was reduced after treatment with artesunate in a concentration-dependent manner. Micro-CT showed that treatment with 60 mg/kg artesunate effectively alleviated alveolar bone resorption and density reduction. The sequencing results suggested that each model group of rats had vascular and oral flora dysbiosis, but artesunate treatment could correct the dysbacteriosis. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis-related pathogenic bacteria cause dysbiosis of the oral and intravascular flora in type I diabetes and aggravate cardiovascular complications. The mechanism by which periodontitis aggravates cardiovascular complications involves the NF-κB pathway, which induces myocardial apoptosis, fibrosis, and vascular inflammation.

Disruptions to in-person medical visits across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: evolving disparities by medical specialty and socio-economic status.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate how people's health-seeking behaviors evolve in the COVID-19 pandemic by community and medical service category. STUDY DESIGN: This is a longitudinal study using mobility data from 19 million mobile devices of visits to all types of health facility locations for all US states. METHODS: We examine the variations in weekly in-person medical visits across county, neighborhood, and specialty levels. Different regression models are used for each level to investigate factors that influence the disparities in medical visits. County-level analysis explores associations between county medical visit patterns, political orientation, and COVID-19 infection rate. Neighborhood-level analysis focuses on neighborhood socio-economic compositions as potential determinants of medical visit levels. Specialty-level analysis compares the evolution of visit disruptions in different specialties. RESULTS: A more left-leaning political orientation and a higher local infection rate were associated with larger decreases in in-person medical visits, and these associations became stronger, moving from the initial period of stay-at-home orders into the post-lockdown period. Initial reactions were strongest for seniors and those of high socio-economic status, but this reversed in post-lockdown period where socio-economically disadvantaged communities stabilized at a lower level of medical visits. Neighborhoods with more female and young people exhibited larger decreases in in-person medical visits throughout the initial and post-lockdown periods. The evolution of disruptions diverges across medical specialties, from only short-term disruption in specialties such as dentistry to increasing disruption, as in cardiology. CONCLUSIONS: Given distinct patterns in visit between communities, medical service categories, and between different periods in the pandemic, policy makers, and providers should concentrate on monitoring patients in disrupted specialties who overlap with the at-risk contexts and socio-economic factors in future health emergencies.

[A real-world study on the efficacy and safety analysis of paclitaxel liposome in advanced breast cancer].

Objective: To explore the application and efficacy of paclitaxel liposome in the treatment of advanced breast cancer among Chinese population in the real world. Methods: The clinical characteristics of patients with advanced breast cancer who received paclitaxel liposome as salvage treatment from January 1, 2016 to August 31, 2019 in 11 hospitals were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcome included objective response rate (ORR) and safety. The survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox regression model were used for the multivariate analysis. Results: Among 647 patients with advanced breast cancer who received paclitaxel liposome, the first-line treatment accounted for 43.3% (280/647), the second-line treatment accounted for 27.7% (179/647), and the third-line and above treatment accounted for 29.1% (188/647). The median dose of first-line and second-line treatment was 260 mg per cycle, and 240 mg in third line and above treatment. The median period of paclitaxel liposome alone and combined chemotherapy or targeted therapy is 4 cycles and 6 cycles, respectively. In the whole group, 167 patients (25.8%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with capecitabine±trastuzumab (TX±H), 123 patients (19.0%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome alone (T), and 119 patients (18.4%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with platinum ± trastuzumab (TP±H), 108 patients (16.7%) were treated with paclitaxel liposome combined with trastuzumab ± pertuzumab (TH±P). The median PFS of first-line and second-line patients (5.5 and 5.5 months, respectively) were longer than that of patients treated with third line and above (4.9 months, P<0.05); The ORR of the first line, second line, third line and above patients were 46.7%, 36.8% and 28.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that event-free survival (EFS) and the number of treatment lines were independent prognostic factors for PFS. The common adverse events were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions, hand foot syndrome and abnormal liver function. Conclusion: Paclitaxel liposomes is widely used and has promising efficacy in multi-subtype advanced breast cancer.

[Meta analysis of the prevalence and influencing factors of WMSDs among dentists in China].

Objective: To explore the relevant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists through Meta analysis, providing a basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs among dentists. Methods: In April 2022, cross-sectional research literatures on the prevalence correlation of WMSDs among Chinese dentists were searched in databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and Em Base database. The search was conducted from the establishment of the database until April 2022, literatures were selected using keywords such as musculoskeletal disorders and dentists. To extract gender, age, length of service, disease classification and other related influencing factors as indicator, and prevalence was selected as the outcome indicator. After evaluating the quality of the literatures, RevMan 5.3 software was used to calculate the combined RD (95%CI) values of the included literatures. Results: A total of 15 articles were included, with a total sample size of 3646 people. Meta analysis results showed that the prevalence of WMSDs among dentists in China was 80%, and the top three parts of the incidence rates were 65% of the waist, 58% of the neck, and 50% of the back. Gender, age, length of service, region and disease classification all increased the risk of WMSDs, and the combined effect size were 75%, 78%, 71%, 77% and 82% respectively (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occurrence of WMSDs among dentists in China is related to multiple factors such as gender, age, length of service and disease classification. The above risk factors should be taken into account in the workplace and preventive measures should be actively implemented to prolong the working life of dentists.

Optimization of environmental factors in a dual in vitro biofilm model of Candida albicans-Streptococcus mutans.

The biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans-Candida albicans is an important virulence factor for dental caries. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of some environmental conditions on the biofilm formation like inoculation concentration, temperature, sugar, amino acid, metal ions and saliva, and then establish a persistent in vitro biofilm model for further research. Based on the single factor experiment, the factors participating in the biofilm formation including sugar, inoculation concentration, and saliva increased the biofilm mass, while amino acid, metal ions, temperatures reduced biofilm mass. Optimal conditions for biofilm formation were the inoculation dosage of S. mutans and C. albicans of 108 and 107 , respectively, the addition of 0·3 g l-1 sucrose and sterile saliva. These results contribute to a deep understanding of the factors involved in oral biofilm formation of the important cariogenic pathogen S. mutans and the opportunistic pathogen C. albicans to study better for biofilm and promote the design of new therapeutic approaches. The present research also provides a model for evaluating the therapeutic potential for drugs in the future.

[Effect of a novel radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharge plasma jet treatment on crosslinking of dentin collagen].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of a noval radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure glow discharge (RF-APGD) plasma jet on crosslinking of dentin collagen. METHODS: (1) Twenty intact third molars were collected. The middle dentin discs were prepared for each tooth by low-speed water-cooled Isomet saw, and then immersed in 10% (mass fraction) H3PO4 solution for 16 h to obtain fully demine-ralized dentin collagen. The twenty dentin discs were then randomly divided into five groups. The control group was untreated while the four experimental groups were treated by plasma jet with gas temperature of 4 ℃ for different times (20 s, 30 s, 40 s, and 50 s). The structure and crosslinking degree of dentin collagen were characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The surface morphology of demineralized dentin was observed by scanning electron microscope, and the microstructure was observed by transmission electron microscope. (2) Fourty non-caries third molars were collected to prepare 5 g fine dentin powder, then completely demineralized with 10% H3PO4 solution. The control group was untreated, while the four experimental groups were treated by plasma jet for 20 s, 30 s, 40 s and 50 s. The crosslinking degree of each group was determined by ninhydrin colorimetric method. (3) Forty intact third molars were collected to obtain dentin strips. Only two central symmetrical dentin strips (nasty 80) were taken from each tooth and immersed in 10% H3PO4 solution for 16 h to obtain fully demineralized dentin collagen. Eighty dentine collagen fiber strips were randomly divided into five groups. The control group was untreated and the axial surfaces of dentin collagen fiber strips in the expe-rimental groups were treated with the plasma jet for 20 s, 30 s, 40 s and 50 s. The ultimate tensile strength of dentin was measured by universal mechanical machine. RESULTS: (1) The surface morphology of demineralized dentin observed by scanning electron microscope showed that the network structure of collagen fibers on the surface of demineralized dentin treated with the plasma jet for 20 s, 30 s and 40 s could maintain the uncollapsed three-dimensional structure, and part of the microstructure was destroyed after plasma jet treated for 50 s. After being treated by plasma jet for 20 s, 30 s and 40 s, the three-dimensional structure was uncollapsed, and the typical periodic transverse pattern of natural type Ⅰ collagen fiber could be seen. The results of infrared spectra showed that the secondary conformation of dentin collagen fibers was the same as that of the control group after being treated with the plasma jet, and the intensity of amide band was significantly increased after being treated for 30 s and 40 s. (2) The results of ninhydrin crosslinking test showed that the crosslinking ratio of dentin collagen treated by plasma jet for 30 s and 40 s was the highest, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). (3) The results of dentin ultimate tensile strength showed that the control group was (1.67±0.24) MPa, and the plasma jet treated 20 s, 30 s, 40 s and 50 s groups were (4.21±0.15) MPa, (7.06±0.30) MPa, (7.32±0.27) MPa, and (6.87±0.17) MPa, which were significantly different from that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The novel RF-APGD plasma jet treatment can promote the crosslinking degree of demineralized dentin collagen and improve their ultimate tensile strength.

[One case of extensive high-pressure injection injury of hand caused by polyurethane material].

This article reports a patient with extensive high-pressure injection injury of the hand caused by mistaken injection of polyurethane material into the index finger, who was diagnosed and treated in the Department of Orthopedics of Huzhou Central Hospital in 2019. Both the digital artery and digital nerve were involved, and the polyurethane involved the right palm along the flexor tendon sheath of the index finger and wrist. Due to the lack of X-ray development, the scope of the first debridement was small, and the blood supply to the fingertip was poor. Finally, the patient's right index finger was amputated due to infection and necrosis. MR or B-ultrasound should be perfected before operation to clarify the extent of polyurethane involvement. The initial thorough debridement or multiple debridements are necessary to improve the prognosis. If the blood supply of the fingers is poor, the blood supply can be reconstructed by skin flap transplantation.

Improvement of fermentation quality and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage by inoculation of cellulolytic bacteria from Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens).

AIMS: To isolate and identify cellulolytic bacteria from yak rumen and further evaluate the effects of the isolates on the silage quality, structural carbohydrates degradation and cellulose convertibility of Napier grass silage. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two out of 218 strains were selected based on their most extensive transparent zone and the highest filter paper disintegration rate. The two isolates (JFL12 and JF85) could grow normally at 15-55°C, pH 3·0-7·0 and NaCl (3·0, 6·5%), and were identified as Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus faecalis by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, respectively. Napier grass was ensiled with no additive control (C), Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp), JFL12, JF85, JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp for 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and 60 days. All inoculated silages had higher lactic acid content, lower pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3 -N) and lignocellulose contents than the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had the lowest pH and NH3 -N contents, the highest lactic acid content and lignocellulose degradation among all treatments. The isolates with or without Lp significantly (P < 0·01) increased water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), glucose, fructose and sucrose contents as compared with the control silage. Silages treated with JFL12 + Lp and JF85 + Lp had higher glucose yield and cellulose convertibility than the other silages. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the application of isolates (JFL12 and JF85) with Lp had synergistic effects on accelerating the degradation of structural carbohydrates and improving the silage quality. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Napier grass presents difficulty to ensiling due to its low WSC and high structural carbohydrates contents. The screened cellulolytic bacteria could be a candidate strain in improving fermentation quality and structural carbohydrates degradability of ensiled forages.

Regeneration of pulp-dentine complex-like tissue in a rat experimental model under an inflammatory microenvironment using high phosphorous-containing bioactive glasses.

AIM: To investigate the effects of a bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus (BG-hP) on the repair and regeneration of dental pulps in rats under an inflammatory microenvironment. METHODOLOGY: Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) stimulated with 1 µg mL-1 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were co-cultured with 0.1 mg mL-1 BG-hP. Cell proliferation was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The expression of inflammation-related genes and odontogenic differentiation-related genes was determined by real-time PCR. Alizarin red staining was used to detect the formation of mineralized nodules. Coronal pulp tissues of rat molars were stimulated with 10 mg mL-1 LPS and then treated with BG-hP. The expression of inflammation-related genes in pulp tissue was determined by real-time PCR. Haematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining were performed to observe the inflammatory response and mineralized matrix formation, after subcutaneous implantation in nude mice, at 3 days and 4 weeks, respectively. Analysis of variance was performed to measure statistical significance (P < 0.05). RESULTS: BG-hP significantly reduced expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and significantly upregulated the expression of IL-10, IL-4 and transforming growth factor-ß1 of the LPS-stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). BG-hP significantly inhibited the initial cell number (P < 0.05), but the hDPCs stimulated by LPS and co-cultured with BG-hP maintained the same proliferation rate as the untreated hDPCs. BG-hP significantly promoted the expression of dentine matrix protein-1 and dentine sialophosphoprotein and the mineralization capacity of the LPS-stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BG-hP significantly downregulated the expression of Il-6 and reduced the inflammatory response of the LPS-stimulated pulp tissue 3 days after subcutaneous implantation (P < 0.05). Four weeks after subcutaneous implantation, BG-hP induced the formation of a continuous layer of dentine-like structure with dentinal tubules and polarizing odontoblast-like cells aligned along it in the LPS-stimulated pulp tissue. CONCLUSION: The present preliminarily results demonstrated that the bioactive glass with a high proportion of phosphorus inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted the formation of a pulp-dentine complex in a rat experimental model. This study provides a foundation for the construction of materials with the dual functions of exerting anti-inflammatory effects and promoting tissue regeneration to meet the needs of dental pulp repair and regeneration.

[Drug-coated balloons versus bare metal stent for treatment of femoropopliteal lesions:36 month follow-up results of single center].

Objective: To examine the therapeutic effects of drug-coated balloon (DCB) and bare metal stent (BMS) on primary femoropopliteal disease (FPAD) in the real world. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of single-center follow-up results at 12,24,and 36 months of patients with FPAD lesions that were treated with DCB and BMS at Department of Aortic and Vascular Surgery, Fu Wai Hospital.One-to-one propensity score matching(PSM) was performed to balance the covariance between DCB group (137 cases) and BMS group (100 cases). Freedom from clinically driven target lesion reintervention rate(fCD-TLR) was determined by Kaplan-Meier curve.Log-rank test was used to compare the rates of fCD-TLR between DCB and BMS groups at 12,24,36 months post-operation. Results: After PSM, there were both 71 patients in each group,aged (68.0±9.6) years(range: 46 to 90 years) and (68.8±7.3) years(range: 48 to 87 years),lesion lengths were (119.6±14.2)mm(range:40 to 380 mm) and (110.8±13.1)mm(range:40 to 400 mm). The median follow-up period were 24.3 months (range:5.8 to 55.1 months).There was no death,amputation or reintervention within the 30 days after operation.The rates of fCD-TLR for DCB group at 12,24 and 36 months were 97.2%,85.9%,69.1%, and 95.8%,83.1%,59.2% for BMS group.There was no statistical difference between the two groups by Log-rank test (P=0.551). Conclusion: DCB and BMS can both maintain favorable clinical effects in FPAD patients at 12,24,36 months post-operation.

[Rapamycin activates autophagy by inhibiting mTOR pathway to alleviate early osteoporosis in rats with skeletal fluorosis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of rapamycin target protein (mTOR) pathway and autophagy on bone formation and bone resorption in fluorosis osteoporosis in rats. Methods: In September 2018, a rat model of skeletal fluorosis was established by intragastric administration of fluorine. The experimental animals were divided into control group, 10 mgF(-)/kg group, 20 mgF(-)/kg group, 2 mg/kg rapamycin (RAPA) +10 mgF(-)/kg group and 2 mg/kg RAPA+20 mgF(-)/kg group, 20 per group. The experiment lasted for 3 months. The changes of bone tissue in rats were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical indexes, such as Modulus of elasticity, Stiffness, Maximum stress and Maximum load, were measured by BMD and biomechanical biometer. Serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) , osteocalcin (BGP) , osteoprotectin (OPG) , type I procollagen amino-terminal peptide (PINP) , tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) and nuclear factor kappa B receptor activator ligand (RANKL) were determined by enzymatic linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Bone tissue phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) , autophagy-related index selective autophagy adaptor protein p62, microtubule associated protein II (LC3-II) , ALP, osteoblastic transcription factor (Osterix) , and RNT Expression of related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and bone resorption indicator RANKL were detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the control group, dental fluorosis in the 10 mgF(-)/kg and 20 mgF(-)/kg groups was significantly increased, periosteum thickness and absorption lacunae appeared, and BGP, OPG, PINP, TRACP and RANKL in serum contents were increased (P<0.05) , BMD, Modulus of elasticity, Stiffness, Maximum stress and Maximum load of bone tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05) , and the expressions of p-mTOR and p62 were decreased (P<0.05) , also the expressions of ALP, Osterix, Runx2 and RANKL were increased (P<0.05) . Compared with 10 mgF(-)/kg and 20 mgF(-)/kg groups, there were no obvious dental fluorosis symptoms in 2 mg/kg RAPA+10 mgF(-)/kg group and 2 mg/kg RAPA+20 mgF(-)/kg group, and serum ALP, BGP and OPG levels were significantly increased (P<0.05) . TRACP and RANKL contents were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . BMD, Modulus of elasticity, Stiffness, Maximum stress and Maximum load were significantly increased (P<0.05) . The levels of p-mTOR, p62 and RANKL in bone tissues were decreased (P<0.05) , and the expressions of LC3-II, LC3-II/LC3-I, ALP, Osterix and Runx2 were increased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: RAPA may activate autophagy by inhibiting mTOR phosphorylation, and inhibit bone resorption while promoting bone formation, thus alleviating early osteoporosis in skeletal fluorosis rats.

CCL18 overexpression predicts a worse prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) presents severe morbidity and high mortality owing to local recurrence or remote metastasis. Molecular markers, including chemokines, might provide more efficient prognostic information or even therapeutic targets for the treatment of OSCC. Using quantitative RT-qPCR, we found that CCL18 was dramatically overexpressed in 30 OSCC tissues at the mRNA level in comparison with their adjacent non-cancerous oral mucosa tissues and 15 oral mucosa tissues from non-malignant patients. We then analyzed the relationship between CCL18 overexpression and patient clinical characters and outcomes using immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) in 102 paired OSCC cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues; the increase in CCL18 expression was significantly higher in male patients (p=0.047), tumors of the palate and floor of the mouth (p=0.014), patients with positive lymph node metastasis (p=0.007), and patients with poor tumor differentiation (p=0.029). The median overall survival time and time-to-recurrence were 80.6 and 61.4 months in patients with high CCL18 expression, respectively, as against 93.4 and 81.6 months in patients with comparatively lower CCL18 expression, respectively (p=0.033 and 0.012, respectively; log-rank test). Multivariate analyses indicated age, poor differentiation, and CCL18 levels to be independent prognostic factors for predicting both overall and disease-free survival time. Our study suggests that CCL18 is a novel candidate marker for the OSCC malignancy and prognosis, including lymph node metastasis, time-to-recurrence, and disease-free survival time.

[Anti-inflammatory and repaired effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on human dental pulp cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on anti-inflammation and repair of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). METHODS: Primary hDPCs from the freshly extracted human third molars were cultured and passaged in vitro, and the following experiments were performed using the 4th-6th generations of hDPCs. HDPCs were cultured in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) containing 1 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to obtain LPS irritated hDPCs (LPS-hDPCs), which served as the inflammatory positive group. LPS-hDPCs in the experimental group were cultured in DMEM containing different concentrations (1, 10, and 100 µmol/L) of NSAIDs (aspirin or meloxicam). HDPCs cultured in DMEM were used as the negative control group. The effects of NSAIDs on the proliferation of hDPCs were assessed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day by MTT assay. The effects of NSAIDs on the expression of inflammation related genes interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) of LPS-hDPCs were detected at the 6th hour by real-time PCR. The expression of differentiation related markers dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were detected on the 7th day by real-time PCR. The effects of NSAIDs on the mineralization of LPS-hDPCs were assesd on the 14th day by alizarin red staining. Calcium mineralized nodules were semi-quantitatively determined by cetyl pyridine chloride. RESULTS: MTT assay showed that 1-100 µmol/L aspirin or meloxicam significantly promoted the proliferation of hDPC in a concentration dependent manner (P<0.05). Real-time PCR showed that 1-100 µmol/L meloxicam or 100 µmol/L aspirin down-regulated significantly the mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 of LPS-hDPCs (P<0.05), and 100 µmol/L meloxicam down-regulated IL-6 and TNF-α more significantly than 100 µmol/L aspirin of LPS-hDPCs (P<0.05). Real-time PCR showed that 100 µmol/L meloxicam up-regulated the mRNA expression of DMP-1 and DSPP of LPS-hDPCs significantly (P<0.05). Alizarin red staining showed the meloxicam at the concentration of 100 µmol/L significantly promoted the mineralization of LPS-hDPCs (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, meloxicam promoted the proliferation of hDPCs, inhibited the inflammatory reaction and promoted differentiation and mineralization of hDPCs under LPS irritation. The present results suggest that meloxicam may play a role in anti-inflammation and repair of pulp inflammation.

[Five million wear simulation and particle analysis of carbon-based nano-multilayer coatings titanium alloy femoral head].

Objective: To analyze the wear debris characteristics ofcarbon-based nano- multilayer coatings on Ti(6)Al(4)V alloys and compared with the cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy (CoCrMo) femoral head to evaluate the friction and wear performance of the new coated femoral head. Methods: Three groups were set up in the wear simulation experiment according to the type of femoral head. Group A: imported Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy femoral head (CoCrMo); group B: Titanium alloy femoral head (Ti(6)Al(4)V) with carbon-based nano-multilayer coatings; group C: domestic Cobalt-Chromium-Molybdenum alloy femoral head (CoCrMo). All heads were jointed with an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup. Serum samples were collected and stored in the hip joint simulator. After the sample has been digested and diluted, it was filtered through 5 µm, 1.2 µm and 0.4 µm filters, and the filter paper was collected for testing. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to randomly select regions on the filter to obtain images of wear debris. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine the elemental type of the particle and to eliminate possible contamination. The composition and structure of the abrasive chips were measured using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The parameters related to the wear debris includingparticle size, shape, number and volume were calculated. The differences in correlation parameters between the groups were compared to evaluate the friction and wear properties of the new coated joints. Results: The main component of the wear debris produced was UHMWPE, and the particle size was mostly below 1 µm. The submicron particle ratio of group B was 49.4%, which was significantly lower than that of the group A and C (75% and 60%, respectively; χ(2)=66.032, 31.754, both P<0.017). The shape was mainly round, and there was no statistical difference between the groups (χ(2)=0.590, P=0.744). The number of particles in group B was significantly less than that of group C on all filters (t=9.960, 8.019, 5.790, all P<0.01), and less than group A on the 0.4 µm filter (t=7.810, P=0.000). Conclusion: The frictional wear performance of the new carbon-based nano-multilayer coatings femoral head is significantly better than that of the domestic femoral head, and even partially exceeds the imported femoral head level, which helps to reduce the production of particles and prevent osteolysis and aseptic loosening induced by UHMWPE particles.

[Current situation and health harmful effects of microplastics in the environment].

As an emerging environmental pollutant, microplastics have attracted more and more attention for its influence on the ecological environment and human health. Due to its wide range of usage and production, difficult degradation and other characteristics, as well as the continuous and substantial increase in the use of plastic products, the number of plastic fragments in the environment continues to increase, which leads to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment and organisms, spread through the food chain, and ultimately poses a threat to human health. At the same time, in the plastic production, synthetic textile, and other industries, the incidence of workers related occupational diseases greatly increased. In this paper, the concept, classification, source, impact on biological and human health of microplastics are summarized, and propose solutions on the current situation of microplastics pollution in China, we hope this review could provide effective reference for further carry out risk assessment of microplastics pollution on human health and formulate legislation to control microplastics pollution.

[Association between occupational stress and carotid atherosclerosis among the workers in a steel plant].

Objective: To investigate the association between occupational stress and carotid atherosclerosis among the workers in a steel plant. Methods: In October 2018, a total of 2947 workers from a steel plant, who underwent occupational health examination in the center for occupational health examination from March to May 2017, were selected as subjects. Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) were used to investigate the job content and the degree of occupational stress. According to the results of carotid artery examination, the subjects were divided into normal carotid artery group with 2013 workers, increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) group with 277 workers, stable plaque group with 236 workers, and unstable plaque group with 421 workers. A unified questionnaire was distributed to each group, and related physical and biochemical examinations were performed. A multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors for unstable plaque. Results: There were significant differences between the groups in sex, educational level, marital status, work in shifts, smoking, drinking, age, and working years (P<0.05) , while there was no significant difference in exercise between groups (P>0.05) . Based on the JCQ score, 761 (25.8%) had no stress, 959 (32.5%) had mild stress, 699 (23.7%) had moderate stress, and 528 (17.9%) had severe stress; based on the ERI score, 2526 (85.7%) had high effort and low reward and 421 (14.3%) did not have the high-effort and low-reward conditions. There was a significant difference in the composition of JCQ and ERI scores between groups (P<0.05) . Moderate stress (odds ratio [OR]=1.695) , severe stress (OR=5.443) , ERI (OR=7.391) , work in shift (OR=1.784) , old age (OR=1.009) , high systolic blood pressure (OR=1.105) , high fasting blood glucose (OR=1.212) , abnormal total cholesterol (OR=3.693) , abnormal apolipoprotein B (OR=39.215) , and abnormal high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (OR=1.632) were the risk factors for unstable plaque. Conclusion: Occupational stress may be involved in the development of carotid atherosclerosis.

MiR-15b is a key regulator of proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes from patients with condylar hyperplasia by targeting IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore potential microRNAs (miRNAs), which participate in the pathological process of condylar hyperplasia (CH) through targeting specific proliferation- and apoptosis- related genes of chondrocytes. METHODS: Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) in CH cartilage were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. MiRanda and TargetScanS algorithms were used to predict certain miRNAs in CH chondrocytes concurrently modulating the above three genes. MiR-15b was screened and identified using real-time PCR. After transfection of miR-15b mimics or inhibitor into CH chondrocytes, expression of the above three genes was detected by real-time PCR and western blot, meanwhile, cell proliferation and apoptosis was examined by CCK8, cell cycle assays, flow cytometry and Hoechst staining. Dual luciferase activity was performed to identify the direct regulation of miR-15b on IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2. RESULTS: Expression of IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2 increased in CH cartilage. Seven microRNAs concurrently correlated with IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2. Among them, only miR-15b significantly changed in CH chondrocytes. Overexpression of miR-15b in CH chondrocytes suppressed the expression of IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2, while it increased when miR-15b was knockdown. Furthermore, miR-15b suppressed their expression by directly binding to its 3'-UTR in these cells. Besides, miR-15b hampered chondrocytes proliferation through targeting IGF1 and IGF1R and accelerated chondrocytes apoptosis through targeting BCL2. CONCLUSION: Suppressed miR-15b contributed to enhanced proliferation capacity and weakened apoptosis of chondrocytes through augmentation of IGF1, IGF1R and BCL2, thereby resulting in development of CH.

Have Women Broken the Glass Ceiling in North American Dental Leadership?

In the last few decades, the number of women graduating from North American (NA) dental schools has increased significantly. Thus, we aimed to determine women's representation in leadership positions in NA dental and specialty associations/organizations, dental education, and dental journals, as well as the proportion of men/women researcher members of the American Association for Dental Research (AADR). We contacted NA dental associations to provide us with the total number and the men/women distribution of their members. Men/women distributions in leadership positions were accessible from the internet, as were data on the sex of deans of NA dental schools. Data on the editors in chief of NA dental journals were gathered from their websites, and the AADR provided the number and sex of its researcher members. Collected data underwent descriptive statistics and binomial tests (α = 0.05). Our findings suggest that women are underrepresented in leadership positions within the major NA dental professional associations. While the median ratio of women leaders to women members in professional associations is 0.91 in Canada, it is only 0.67 in the United States. The same underrepresentation of women is evident in the leadership of the Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association. We found that women are underrepresented as deans and editors in chief for NA oral health journals. Only 16 of 77 NA dental school deans are women, while 3 of 38 dental journals have women editors in chief. The probability of finding these ratios by chance is low. However, the number of women dental researcher AADR members underwent an overall increase in the past decade, while the number of men declined. These results suggest that, despite the increase in women dentists, it will take time and effort to ensure that they move through the pipeline to senior leadership positions in the same manner as their male colleagues.