PagARGOS promotes low-lignin wood formation in poplar.

Wood formation, which occurs mainly through secondary xylem development, is important not only for supplying raw material for the 'ligno-chemical' industry but also for driving the storage of carbon. However, the complex mechanisms underlying the promotion of xylem formation remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that overexpression of Auxin-Regulated Gene involved in Organ Size (ARGOS) in hybrid poplar 84 K (Populus alba × Populus tremula var. glandulosa) enlarged organ size. In particular, PagARGOS promoted secondary growth of stems with increased xylem formation. To gain further insight into how PagARGOS regulates xylem development, we further carried out yeast two-hybrid screening and identified that the auxin transporter WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1) interacts with PagARGOS. Overexpression of PagARGOS up-regulated WAT1, activating a downstream auxin response promoting cambial cell division and xylem differentiation for wood formation. Moreover, overexpressing PagARGOS caused not only higher wood yield but also lower lignin content compared with wild-type controls. PagARGOS is therefore a potential candidate gene for engineering fast-growing and low-lignin trees with improved biomass production.

Artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of dental diseases on panoramic radiographs: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has been introduced to interpret the panoramic radiographs (PRs). The aim of this study was to develop an AI framework to diagnose multiple dental diseases on PRs, and to initially evaluate its performance. METHODS: The AI framework was developed based on 2 deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs), BDU-Net and nnU-Net. 1996 PRs were used for training. Diagnostic evaluation was performed on a separate evaluation dataset including 282 PRs. Sensitivity, specificity, Youden's index, the area under the curve (AUC), and diagnostic time were calculated. Dentists with 3 different levels of seniority (H: high, M: medium, L: low) diagnosed the same evaluation dataset independently. Mann-Whitney U test and Delong test were conducted for statistical analysis (ɑ=0.05). RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and Youden's index of the framework for diagnosing 5 diseases were 0.964, 0.996, 0.960 (impacted teeth), 0.953, 0.998, 0.951 (full crowns), 0.871, 0.999, 0.870 (residual roots), 0.885, 0.994, 0.879 (missing teeth), and 0.554, 0.990, 0.544 (caries), respectively. AUC of the framework for the diseases were 0.980 (95%CI: 0.976-0.983, impacted teeth), 0.975 (95%CI: 0.972-0.978, full crowns), and 0.935 (95%CI: 0.929-0.940, residual roots), 0.939 (95%CI: 0.934-0.944, missing teeth), and 0.772 (95%CI: 0.764-0.781, caries), respectively. AUC of the AI framework was comparable to that of all dentists in diagnosing residual roots (p > 0.05), and its AUC values were similar to (p > 0.05) or better than (p < 0.05) that of M-level dentists for diagnosing 5 diseases. But AUC of the framework was statistically lower than some of H-level dentists for diagnosing impacted teeth, missing teeth, and caries (p < 0.05). The mean diagnostic time of the framework was significantly shorter than that of all dentists (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The AI framework based on BDU-Net and nnU-Net demonstrated high specificity on diagnosing impacted teeth, full crowns, missing teeth, residual roots, and caries with high efficiency. The clinical feasibility of AI framework was preliminary verified since its performance was similar to or even better than the dentists with 3-10 years of experience. However, the AI framework for caries diagnosis should be improved.

A New Reversible Thermosensitive Liquid-Solid TENG Based on a P(NIPAM-MMA) Copolymer for Triboelectricity Regulation and Temperature Monitoring.

Intelligent and highly precise control of liquid-solid triboelectricity is of great significance for energy collection and electrostatic prevention. However, most of the traditional methods are irreversible and complex, greatly limiting their applicability. Here, a reversible thermosensitive liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator (L-S TENG) is assembled based on P(NIPAM-MMA) (PNM) copolymer for tunable triboelectrification. Through temperature regulation, the conformation between acylamino and isopropyl groups changes with the interfacial wettability and triboelectricity of PNM. When the temperature rises from 20 to 60 °C, the contact angle of PNM rises from 22.49° to 82.08°, and the output of the PNM-based L-S TENG shows a 27-fold increase. In addition, this transformation is reversible and repeatable with excellent durability for up to 60 days. Other organic liquids, such as glycol, exhibit positive response to temperature for this PNM-based L-S TENG. Polymers including polymethylmethacrylic, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyimide are verified to not have such thermo-sensitivity properties. In addition, a droplet-based wireless warning system based on PNM is designed and actuated for monitoring specific temperature. The introduction of thermal PNM not only provides new material for reversible manipulation of L-S TENG, but also provides a new method for designing highly sensitive temperature warning sensors.

Trends in Labor Unionization Among US Health Care Workers, 2009-2021.

Importance: Labor unionization efforts have resurged in the US, and union membership has been shown to improve worker conditions in some industries. However, little is known about labor unionization membership and its economic effects across the health care workforce. Objectives: To examine the prevalence of labor unionization among health care workers and its associations with pay, noncash benefits, and work hours. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Current Population Survey and Annual Social and Economic Supplement from 2009 through 2021. The US nationally representative, population-based household survey allowed for a sample of 14 298 self-identified health care workers (physicians and dentists, advanced practitioners, nurses, therapists, and technicians and support staff). Exposures: Self-reported membership status or coverage in a labor union. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence and trend in labor unionization. Further comparisons included mean weekly pay, noncash benefits (pension or other retirement benefits; employer-sponsored, full premium-covered health insurance; and employer's contribution to the worker's health insurance plan), and work hours. Results: The 14 298 respondents (81.5% women; 7.1% Asian, 12.0% Black, 8.5% Hispanic, 70.4% White individuals; mean [SD] age, 41.6 [13.4] years) included 1072 physicians and dentists, 981 advanced practitioners, 4931 nurses, 964 therapists, and 6350 technicians and support staff. After weighting, 13.2% (95% CI, 12.5% to 13.8%) of respondents reported union membership or coverage, with no significant trend from 2009 through 2021 (P = .75). Among health care workers, those who were members of a racial or ethnic minority group (Asian, Black, or Hispanic individuals compared with White individuals) and those living in metropolitan areas were more likely to report being labor unionized. Reported unionization was associated with significantly higher reported weekly earnings ($1165 vs $1042; mean difference, $123 [95% CI, $88 to $157]; P < .001) and higher likelihood of having a pension or other retirement benefits at work (57.9% vs 43.4%; risk ratio [RR], 1.33 [95% CI, 1.26 to 1.41]; P < .001) and having employer-sponsored, full premium-covered health insurance (22.2% vs 16.5%; RR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.17 to 1.53]; P < .001). Union members reported more work hours (37.4 vs 36.3; mean differences, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.46 to 1.75]; P < .001) per week. White workers reported mean weekly earnings that were significantly more than members of racial and ethnic minority groups among nonunionized workers ($1066 vs $1001; mean difference, $65 [95% CI, $40 to $91]; P < .001), but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups among unionized workers ($1157 vs $1170; mean difference, -$13 [95% CI, -$78 to $52]; P = .70). Conclusions and Relevance: From 2009 through 2021, labor unionization among US health care workers remained low. Reported union membership or coverage was significantly associated with higher weekly earnings and better noncash benefits but greater number of weekly work hours.

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

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

Preparation and characterization of a novel polyethyleneimine cation-modified persimmon tannin bioadsorbent for anionic dye adsorption.

A novel and recyclable bioadsorbent (PTP) has been prepared by the cationization of persimmon tannin (PT) using polyethyleneimine (PEI) for application in the removal of the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of the prepared PTP were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Zeta potential measurements, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller and thermogravimetric analysis. Systematic batch adsorption experiments were carried out with pH, bioadsorbent dosage, initial MO concentration and contact time. Kinetic regression analysis indicated that the adsorption processes followed the pseudo-second order model. The equilibrium isotherm was in good fit with the Freundlich model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 225.74 mg/g. Thermodynamics data revealed that the adsorption of MO onto PTP was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. A possible biosorption mechanism was presented where electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions dominated the adsorption of MO onto PTP. Moreover, the regeneration of the PTP was easily achieved and MO removal efficiency remained high (81.47%) after six cycles. The actual sewage treatment simulation was evaluated and the PTP had a good preference to adsorption MO. All these results indicated that PTP could be considered a high performance and promising candidate for the effective removal of anionic dyes from aqueous solutions.

MicroRNA857 Is Involved in the Regulation of Secondary Growth of Vascular Tissues in Arabidopsis.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs that repress target gene expression posttranscriptionally, and are critically involved in various developmental processes and responses to environmental stresses in eukaryotes. MiRNA857 is not widely distributed in plants and is encoded by a single gene, AtMIR857, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The functions of miR857 and its mechanisms in regulating plant growth and development are still unclear. Here, by means of genetic analysis coupled with cytological studies, we investigated the expression pattern and regulation mechanism of miR857 and its biological functions in Arabidopsis development. We found that miR857 regulates its target gene, Arabidopsis LACCASE7, at the transcriptional level, thereby reducing laccase activity. Using stimulated Raman scattering and x-ray microtomography three-dimensional analyses, we showed that miR857 was involved in the regulation of lignin content and consequently morphogenesis of the secondary xylem. In addition, miR857 was activated by SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE7 in response to low copper conditions. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the role of miR857 in the regulation of secondary growth of vascular tissues in Arabidopsis and reveal a unique control mechanism for secondary growth based on the miR857 expression in response to copper deficiency.

Development of anti-bacterial adhesion and antibacterial sulfobetaines modified chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol composite films as packaging materials.

Chitosan exhibits a wide source, non-toxic and biodegradable, and is the optimal functional raw material for preparing food packaging materials. However, the pure chitosan film has some disadvantages such as limited antibacterial activity and weak mechanical properties. In this study, sulfobetaines modified chitosan (CS-SBMA) was synthesized by grafting copolymerized betaine methacrylate sulfonate onto the chain of chitosan to improve the anti-bacterial adhesion and antibacterial properties of chitosan, aiming to develop antibacterial and anti-bacterial adhesion films based on CS-SBMA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by the casting method. The structure of CS-SBMA was characterized by 1H NMR and FTIR. The appropriate proportion of CS-SBMA/PVA was determined to be 1/1 and 1/2, by characterizing the composite films with FTIR, XRD, SEM, mechanical, optical, and water resistance behaviors. In addition, CS-SBMA/PVA films showed excellent antibacterial, anti-bacterial adhesion and biofilm control function. The colonies number of E. coli and S. aureus on the surface of CS-SBMA/PVA 1/1 film decreased 94.15 % and 94.27 %, respectively, and 92.93 % of S. aureus and 94.87 % of E. coli colonies were inactivated within 60 min contact. These results indicate that CS-SBMA/PVA film exhibits potential antibacterial and anti-bacterial adhesion properties, which is suitable for food packaging materials.

Efficient dispersive solid phase extraction of trace nitrophenol pollutants in water with triazine porous organic polymer modified nanofiber membrane.

Detecting trace endocrine disruptors in water is crucial for evaluating the water quality. In this work, a innovative modified polyacrylonitrile@cyanuric chloride-triphenylphosphine nanofiber membrane (PAN@CC-TPS) was prepared by in situ growing triazine porous organic polymers on the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, and used in the dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) to enrich trace nitrobenzene phenols (NPs) in water. The resluted PAN@CC-TPS nanofiber membrane consisted of numerous PAN nanofibers cover with CC-TPS solid spheres (∼2.50 µm) and owned abundant functional groups, excellent enrichment performance and good stability. In addition, the method based on PAN@CC-TPS displayed outstanding capacity in detecting the trace nitrobenzene phenols, with 0.50-1.00 µg/L of the quantification, 0.10-0.80 µg/L of the detection limit, 85.35-113.55 % of the recovery efficiency, and 98.08-103.02 of the enrichment factor, which was comparable to most materials. Meanwhile, when PAN@CC-TPS was adopted in the real water samples (sea water and river water), the high enrichment factors and recovery percentages strongly confirmed the feasibility of PAN@CC-TPS for enriching and detecting the trace NPs. Besides, the related mechanism of extracting NPs on PAN@CC-TPS mainly involved the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking and hydrophobic effect.

Variation pattern in the macromolecular (cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin) composition of cell walls in Pinus tabulaeformis tree trunks at different ages as revealed using multiple techniques.

The plant cell wall is a complex, heterogeneous structure primarily composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Exploring the variations in these three macromolecules over time is crucial for understanding wood formation to enhance chemical processing and utilization. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the chemical composition of cell walls in the trunks of Pinus tabulaeformis using multiple techniques. In situ analysis showed that macromolecules accumulated gradually in the cell wall as the plant aged, and the distribution pattern of lignin was opposite that of polysaccharides, and both showed heterogenous distribution patterns. In addition, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) results revealed that the molecular weights of hemicelluloses decreased while that of lignin increased with age. Two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-HSQC NMR) analysis indicated that hemicelluloses mainly comprised galactoglucomannan and arabinoglucuronoxylan, and the lignin types were mainly comprised guaiacyl (G) and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units with three main linkage types: ß-O-4, ß-ß, and ß-5. Furthermore, the C-O bond (ß-O-4) signals of lignin decreased while the C-C bonds (ß-ß and ß-5) signals increased over time. Taken together, these findings shed light on wood formation in P. tabulaeformis and lay the foundation for enhancing the processing and use of wood and timber products.

Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network in Populus associated with xylem development.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in numerous biological processes in plants, such as regulating the gene expression. However, only a few studies have looked into their potential functions in xylem development. High-throughput sequencing of P. euramericana 'Zhonglin46' developing and mature xylem was performed in this study. Through sequencing analysis, 14,028 putative lncRNA transcripts were identified, including 4525 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs). Additional research revealed that in mature xylem, a total of 2320 DELs were upregulated and 2205 were downregulated compared to developing xylem. Meanwhile, there were a total of 8122 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) that were upregulated and 16,424 that were downregulated in mature xylem compared with developing xylem. The cis- and trans-target genes of DELs were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, which indicated that these DELs participate in controlling the phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthesis pathway as well as the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway. Among the cis-regulated DELs, LNC_006291, LNC_006292, and LNC_006532 all participate in regulating multiple HCT gene family membranes. As targets, POPTR_001G045900v3 (CCR2) and POPTR_018G063500v3 (SUS) both have only one cis-regulatory lncRNA, referred to as LNC_000057 and LNC_006212, respectively. Moreover, LNC_004484 and two DELs named LNC_008014 and LNC_010781 were revealed to be important nodes in the co-expression network of trans-lncRNAs and mRNAs associated to the lignin biosynthesis pathway and cellulose and xylan biosynthetic pathways, respectively. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to confirme 34 pairs of lncRNA-mRNA. Taken together, these findings may help to clarify the regulatory role that lncRNAs play in xylem development and wood formation.

Polymeric micelle-based nanoagents enable phototriggering combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy with high sensitivity.

A new type of polymeric nanomicelle-based nanoagent (denoted as PT@MFH hereafter) capable of the highly sensitive release of the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX) upon exposure to a near-infrared (NIR) laser trigger was developed. Specifically, PTX and a photothermal polymer (T-DPPT) were encapsulated in the cavity of nanomicelles, which were constructed from an amphiphilic block copolymer (PCL-PEEP) with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of ∼54 °C. Owing to the unprecedented ability of the T-DPPT moiety to harvest near-infrared light, with a mass extinction coefficient at 808 nm of up to ∼80.8 L g-1 cm-1, and convert NIR light to heat, with a photothermal conversion efficiency (η) of up to ∼70%, local hyperthermia was promptly realized via irradiation from an 808 nm laser with extraordinarily low output power. This enabled remarkable contrast in the local temperature and drug release between the "silent" state (prior to phototriggering) and the "activated" state (after phototriggering). This NIR-light-activated local hyperthermia and drug release presented the basis for combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) in antitumor treatment and displayed superb therapeutic efficacy. This pattern together with the high spatial precision imparted by laser triggering jointly contributed to the maximum combined antitumor efficacy to the tumor, while exhibiting minimal side effects on the normal tissues, as preliminarily verified in the in vivo experiment regarding the ability of PT@MFH to efficiently inhibit tumor growth in tumor-bearing model mice.

Engineering biomimetic periosteum with ß-TCP scaffolds to promote bone formation in calvarial defects of rats.

BACKGROUND: There is a critical need for the management of large bone defects. The purpose of this study was to engineer a biomimetic periosteum and to combine this with a macroporous ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) scaffold for bone tissue regeneration. METHODS: Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were harvested and cultured in different culture media to form undifferentiated rBMSC sheets (undifferentiated medium (UM)) and osteogenic cell sheets (osteogenic medium (OM)). Simultaneously, rBMSCs were differentiated to induced endothelial-like cells (iECs), and the iECs were further cultured on a UM to form a vascularized cell sheet. At the same time, flow cytometry was used to detect the conversion rates of rBMSCs to iECs. The pre-vascularized cell sheet (iECs/UM) and the osteogenic cell sheet (OM) were stacked together to form a biomimetic periosteum with two distinct layers, which mimicked the fibrous layer and cambium layer of native periosteum. The biomimetic periostea were wrapped onto porous ß-TCP scaffolds (BP/ß-TCP) and implanted in the calvarial bone defects of rats. As controls, autologous periostea with ß-TCP (AP/ß-TCP) and ß-TCP alone were implanted in the calvarial defects of rats, with a no implantation group as another control. At 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery, implants were retrieved and X-ray, microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), histology, and immunohistochemistry staining analyses were performed. RESULTS: Flow cytometry results showed that rBMSCs were partially differentiated into iECs with a 35.1% conversion rate in terms of CD31. There were still 20.97% rBMSCs expressing CD90. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that cells from the wrapped cell sheet on the ß-TCP scaffold apparently migrated into the pores of the ß-TCP scaffold. The histology and immunohistochemistry staining results from in vivo implantation indicated that the BP/ß-TCP and AP/ß-TCP groups promoted the formation of blood vessels and new bone tissues in the bone defects more than the other two control groups. In addition, micro-CT showed that more new bone tissue formed in the BP/ß-TCP and AP/ß-TCP groups than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Inducing rBMSCs to iECs could be a good strategy to obtain an endothelial cell source for prevascularization. Our findings indicate that the biomimetic periosteum with porous ß-TCP scaffold has a similar ability to promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis in vivo compared to the autologous periosteum. This function could result from the double layers of biomimetic periosteum. The prevascularized cell sheet served a mimetic fibrous layer and the osteogenic cell sheet served a cambium layer of native periosteum. The biomimetic periosteum with a porous ceramic scaffold provides a new promising method for bone healing.

Fluvastatin Prevents Lung Adenocarcinoma Bone Metastasis by Triggering Autophagy.

Bone is one of the most preferred sites of metastasis in lung cancer. Currently, bisphosphonates and denosumab are major agents for controlling tumor-associated skeletal-related events (SREs). However, both bisphosphonates and denosumab significantly increase the risk for jaw osteonecrosis. Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors and the most frequently prescribed cholesterol-lowering agents, have been reported to inhibit tumor progression and induce autophagy in cancer cells. However, the effects of statin and role of autophagy by statin on bone metastasis are unknown. In this study, we report that fluvastatin effectively prevented lung adenocarcinoma bone metastasis in a nude mouse model. We further reveal that fluvastatin-induced anti-bone metastatic property was largely dependent on its ability to induce autophagy in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Atg5 or Atg7 deletion, or 3-methyadenine (3-MA) or Bafilomycin A1 (Baf A1) treatment prevented the fluvastatin-induced suppression of bone metastasis. Furthermore, we reveal that fluvastatin stimulation increased the nuclear p53 expression, and fluvastatin-induced autophagy and anti-bone metastatic activity were mostly dependent on p53.

Si/PEDOT hybrid core/shell nanowire arrays as photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water-splitting.

Si/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) core/shell nanowire arrays have been prepared by chemical etching of Si nanowires followed by vapor-phase polymerization of PEDOT as hybrid photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water-splitting. The PEDOT layer is employed as a multi-functional coating to prevent photocorrosion of Si nanowires, collect photogenerated holes and catalyze the water oxidation reaction. The amino silane modified Si nanowire surface improves PEDOT layer adhesion, and the resulting photoanode exhibits better photoresponse and improved stability. By tuning the length of the nanowires, we identify that the competition between the carrier recombination and catalytic water oxidation reaction is the primary factor determining the photoelectrocatalytic activity of the hybrid photoanode.

Preparative separation of dryofragin and aspidin BB from Dryopteris fragrans extracts by macroporous resin column chromatography.

A simple, efficient and environment-friendly chromatographic separation method was developed for preparative separation and enrichment of dryofragin and aspidin BB from Dryopteris fragrans. The adsorption properties of twelve macroporous adsorption resins were evaluated. The three selected resins were further screened depending on the separation performance of their packed columns, in which AB-8 resin showed better separation efficiency for dryofragin and aspidin BB. In order to maximize column efficiency, the operating parameters (flow rate, ethanol concentration and volume) of the resin column chromatography were optimized and compared with the conventional resin column adsorption. After preparative separation and enrichment on resin column chromatography, the contents of dryofragin and aspidin BB in the product were 8.39- and 5.99-fold increased with recovery yields of 91.22% and 75.64%, respectively. Moreover, the regenerated adsorbent exhibited excellent reusability within at least five cycles of adsorption/desorption. It suggested that multi-targets would be enriched effectively by resin column chromatography.

[Estrogen receptors gene polymorphisms in patients with chronic periodontitis].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor (ER) genes are associated with chronic periodontitis in a Chinese population overall the Shanxi territory. METHODS: 109 patients with chronic periodontitis and 99 healthy controls were recmited in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from oral mucosa swab sample of each subject by the Chelex-100 method. Determination of the ER-alpha and -beta polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), respectively. RESULTS: The analysis of the Xba I polymorphisms in ER-alpha gene revealed significant differences between patients and controls. The detection frequency of XX genotype was significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis patients than in control subjects. The difference between the female chronic periodontitis patients and healthy controls was statistically significant, but no difference was found between the male patients and controls. Nevertheless, no significant association was noted in the frequency of both Rsa I and Alu I polymorphisms in ER-beta gene between chronic periodontitis and controls. CONCLUSION: It is indicated that the ER-alpha XX genotype may be a susceptible indicator for chronic periodontitis in female Han Chinese subjects.

Preliminary enrichment and separation of genistein and apigenin from extracts of pigeon pea roots by macroporous resins.

Enrichment and separation of genistein and apigenin from extracts of pigeon pea roots were studied using eleven macroporous resins with different physical and chemical properties. ADS-5 resin showed the maximum effectiveness among the tested resins. The solute affinity towards ADS-5 resin at different temperatures was described in terms of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and the equilibrium experimental data were well-fitted to the two isotherms. In order to optimize the operating parameters for separating genistein and apigenin, dynamic adsorption and desorption tests were carried out. After one run treatment with ADS-5 resin, the contents of genistein and apigenin in the product were 9.36-fold and 11.09-fold increased with recovery yields of 89.78% and 93.41%, respectively. The process achieved easy and effective enrichment and separation of genistein and apigenin by using ADS-5 resin, and it is a promising basis for large-scale preparation of genistein and apigenin from pigeon pea or other plants extracts.

Correlation of estrogen receptor alpha gene polymorphisms and bone mineral density in Chinese women with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are one of the frequently encountered diseases in post-menopausal women. Estrogen receptors (ERs) regulated bone metabolism. To investigate the possible effect of ER-alpha (α) gene polymorphisms on bone mineral density (BMD) in pre- and post- menopausal Chinese women with chronic periodontitis (CP), we provided sufficient quantitative information concerning the correlation between ER gene polymorphisms and BMD in periodontitis. METHODS: Sixty-five post-menopausal and eighty pre-menopausal CP women, and sixty post-menopausal healthy individuals were recruited in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted from oral mucosa swab sample of each subject by the Chelex-100 method. Determination of the ER-α polymorphisms was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique with XbaI and PvuII enzyme. The index for periodontal examination includes clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD). BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the ER-α genotypes of PvuII and XbaI and BMD in post-menopausal and pre-menopausal CP patients, respectively (P >0.05). However, there was association between pre- and post-menopausal CP patients at BMD of lumbar spine L2­L4 (P=0.027) and Ward's BMD (P=0.004). Furthermore, the post-menopausal CP women who carried PvuII TT genotype presented significantly lower Ward's BMD than the pre-menopausal CP women (P=0.007), meanwhile, the post-menopausal CP women who carried XbaI AA genotype presented significantly lower spine L2­L4 BMD than the pre-menopausal CP women (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: ER-α gene polymorphisms may be a susceptible indicator for BMD variation of lumbar spine L2­L4 and Ward in Chinese pre- and post-menopausal women patients with CP.

The tissue diagnostic instrument.

Tissue mechanical properties reflect extracellular matrix composition and organization, and as such, their changes can be a signature of disease. Examples of such diseases include intervertebral disk degeneration, cancer, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and tooth decay. Here we introduce the tissue diagnostic instrument (TDI), a device designed to probe the mechanical properties of normal and diseased soft and hard tissues not only in the laboratory but also in patients. The TDI can distinguish between the nucleus and the annulus of spinal disks, between young and degenerated cartilage, and between normal and cancerous mammary glands. It can quantify the elastic modulus and hardness of the wet dentin left in a cavity after excavation. It can perform an indentation test of bone tissue, quantifying the indentation depth increase and other mechanical parameters. With local anesthesia and disposable, sterile, probe assemblies, there has been neither pain nor complications in tests on patients. We anticipate that this unique device will facilitate research on many tissue systems in living organisms, including plants, leading to new insights into disease mechanisms and methods for their early detection.