Polydopamine Synergizes with Quercetin Nanosystem to Reshape the Perifollicular Microenvironment for Accelerating Hair Regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia.

Accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their resultant vascular dysfunction in androgenic alopecia (AGA) hinder hair follicle survival and cause permanent hair loss. However, safe and effective strategies to rescue hair follicle viability to enhance AGA therapeutic efficiency remain challenging. Herein, we fabricated a quercetin-encapsulated (Que) and polydopamine-integrated (PDA@QLipo) nanosystem that can reshape the perifollicular microenvironment to initial hair follicle regeneration for AGA treatment. Both the ROS scavenging and angiogenesis promotion abilities of PDA@QLipo were demonstrated. In vivo assays revealed that PDA@QLipo administrated with roller-microneedles successfully rejuvenated the "poor" perifollicular microenvironment, thereby promoting cell proliferation, accelerating hair follicle renewal, and facilitating hair follicle recovery. Moreover, PDA@QLipo achieved a higher hair regeneration coverage of 92.5% in the AGA mouse model than minoxidil (87.8%), even when dosed less frequently. The nanosystem creates a regenerative microenvironment by scavenging ROS and augmenting neovascularity for hair regrowth, presenting a promising approach for AGA clinical treatment.

A Study on the Aesthetic Parameters and Proportions of the External Contour for Minimally Invasive Facial Injection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to further guide the diagnosis and treatment programs for clinical facial contouring with injectable fillers by studying the facial contour parameters and proportion preferences consistent with Asian aesthetics. METHODS: A total of 89 subjects (42 males and 47 females aged 20-60 years) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The subjects were grouped by age, sex, and external contour attractiveness score, and the external contour aesthetic parameters and proportions of the subjects in different groups were measured and analysed. RESULTS: The upper facial breadth and lower facial breadth decreased with age, with significant differences between the 50-60-year age group and other age groups (P < 0.01). The nasomental angle showed a decreasing trend with age, with significant differences between the 40-49-year age group and the 20-29-year and 30-39-year age groups (P < 0.05). Males and females were significantly different in calva height, total head height, lower facial height, and calva height to total head height ratio (P < 0.05). With increasing age, the external contour attractiveness scores of males and females both showed decreasing trends, with significant differences between the 50-60-year age group and other age groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The calva height and the cranioauricular angle have a significant impact on external contour attractiveness. In general, temporal depression, cheek sagging, lateral cheek depression, and an ill-defined mandibular border will occur due to ageing, collagen loss, ligament laxity and sagging, and soft tissue atrophy and sagging, reducing the attractiveness of the external contour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Analyses of Major Latex Protein Gene Family in Populus simonii × P. nigra.

Major latex proteins, or MLPs, are crucial to plants' capacity to grow, develop, and endure biotic and abiotic stresses. The MLP gene family has been found in numerous plants, but little is known about its role in Populus simonii × P. nigra. This study discovered and assessed 43 PtMLP genes that were unevenly dispersed throughout 12 chromosomes in terms of their physicochemical characteristics, gene structure, conserved motifs, and protein localization. Based on their phylogeny and protein structural characteristics, three separate subclasses of PtMLP family were identified. Segmental and tandem duplication were found to be essential variables in the expansion of the PtMLP genes. The involvement of the PtMLP genes in growth and development, as well as in the responses to different hormones and stresses, was demonstrated by cis-regulatory element prediction. The PtMLP genes showed varying expression patterns in various tissues and under different conditions (cold, salt, and drought stress), as demonstrated in RNA-Seq databases, suggesting that PsnMLP may have different functions. Following the further investigation of the genes demonstrating notable variations in expression before and after the application of three stresses, PsnMLP5 was identified as a candidate gene. Subsequent studies revealed that PsnMLP5 could be induced by ABA treatment. This study paves the way for further investigations into the MLP genes' functional mechanisms in response to abiotic stressors, as well as the ways in which they can be utilized in poplar breeding for improved stress tolerance.

Analysis of sputum microbial flora in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with different phenotypes during acute exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Increasing studies have shown that the imbalance of the respiratory microbial flora is related to the occurrence of COPD, the severity and frequency of exacerbations and mortality.However, it remains unclear how the sputum microbial flora differs during exacerbations in COPD patients manifesting emphysema phenotype, chronic bronchitis with emphysema phenotype and asthma-COPD overlap phenotype. METHODS: Sputum samples were obtained from 29 COPD patients experiencing acute exacerbations who had not received antibiotics or systemic corticosteroids within the past four weeks.Patients were divided into three groups;emphysema phenotype(E);chronic bronchitis with emphysema phenotype(B+E) and asthma-COPD overlap phenotype(ACO).We utilized metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) technology to analyze the sputum microbial flora in COPD patients with different phenotypes during exacerbations. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in alpha diversity and beta diversity among three groups.The microbial flora composition was similar in all three groups during exacerbations except for a significant increase in Streptococcus mitis in ACO.Through network analysis,we found Candidatus Saccharibacteria oral taxon TM7x and Fusobacterium necrophorum were the core nodes of the co-occurrence network in ACO and E respectively.They were positively correlated with some species and play a synergistic role.In B+E,Haemophilus pittmaniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae had a synergistic effect.Besides,some species among the three groups play a synergistic or antagonistic role.Through Spearman analysis,we found the relative abundance of Streptococcus mitis was negatively correlated with the number of hospitalizations in the past year(r = -0.410,P = 0.027).We also observed that the relative abundance of Prevotella and Prevotella melaninogenica was negatively correlated with age(r = -0.534,P = 0.003;r = -0.567,P = 0.001),while the relative abundance of Streptococcus oralis and Actinomyces odontolyticus was positively correlated with age(r = 0.570,P = 0.001;r = 0.480,P = 0.008).In addition,the relative abundance of Prevotella melaninogenica was negatively correlated with peripheral blood neutrophil ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(r = -0.479,P = 0.009;r = -0.555,P = 0.002),while the relative abundance of Streptococcus sanguinis was positively correlated with peripheral blood neutrophil ratio and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.450,P = 0.014;r = 0.501,P = 0.006).There was also a significant positive correlation between Oribacterium and blood eosinophil counts(r = 0.491,P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Overall,we analyzed the sputum microbiota of COPD patients with different phenotypes and its relationship with clinical indicators, and explored the relationships between microbiota and inflammation in COPD.We hope to alter the prognosis of patients by inhibiting specific bacterial taxa related to inflammation and using guide individualized treatment in the future research.

Understanding work-related travel and its relation to malaria occurrence in Thailand using geospatial maximum entropy modelling.

BACKGROUND: Estimating malaria risk associated with work locations and travel across a region provides local health officials with information useful to mitigate possible transmission paths of malaria as well as understand the risk of exposure for local populations. This study investigates malaria exposure risk by analysing the spatial pattern of malaria cases (primarily Plasmodium vivax) in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces of Thailand, using an ecological niche model and machine learning to estimate the species distribution of P. vivax malaria and compare the resulting niche areas with occupation type, work locations, and work-related travel routes. METHODS: A maximum entropy model was trained to estimate the distribution of P. vivax malaria for a period between January 2019 and April 2020, capturing estimated malaria occurrence for these provinces. A random simulation workflow was developed to make region-based case data usable for the machine learning approach. This workflow was used to generate a probability surface for the ecological niche regions. The resulting niche regions were analysed by occupation type, home and work locations, and work-related travel routes to determine the relationship between these variables and malaria occurrence. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to understand the relationship between predicted malaria occurrence and occupation type. RESULTS: The MaxEnt (full name) model indicated a higher occurrence of P. vivax malaria in forested areas especially along the Thailand-Cambodia border. The ANOVA results showed a statistically significant difference between average malaria risk values predicted from the ecological niche model for rubber plantation workers and farmers, the two main occupation groups in the study. The rubber plantation workers were found to be at higher risk of exposure to malaria than farmers in Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket provinces of Thailand. CONCLUSION: The results from this study point to occupation-related factors such as work location and the routes travelled to work, being risk factors in malaria occurrence and possible contributors to transmission among local populations.

Differentially Charged Nanoplastics Induce Distinct Effects on the Growth and Gut of Benthic Insects (Chironomus kiinensis) via Charge-Specific Accumulation and Perturbation of the Gut Microbiota.

Nanoplastics (NPs), as an emerging contaminant, have usually been found charged in the environment, posing threats to aquatic animals. However, the underlying mechanisms governing the gut toxicity of differentially charged NPs to benthic insects are not well understood. In this study, the gut toxicity in larvae of Chironomus kiinensis exposed to negatively charged NPs (PS-COOH, 50 nm) and positively charged NPs (PS-NH2, 50 nm) at 0.1 and 1 g/kg was investigated through fluorescence imaging, histopathology, biochemical approaches, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that PS-NH2 caused more adverse effect on the larval growth performance and induced more severe oxidative stress, epithelial damage, and inflammatory responses in the gut than PS-COOH. The stronger impact caused by PS-NH2 was because the gut accumulated PS-NH2 more readily than PS-COOH for its negatively charged cell membrane. In addition, PS-NH2 were less agglomerated compared with PS-COOH, leading to an increased interaction with gut cell membranes and microbiota. Furthermore, alpha diversity and relative abundance of the keystone microbiota related to gut barrier and nutrient absorption were markedly lower exposed to PS-NH2 than PS-COOH, indirectly exacerbating stronger gut and growth damage. This study provides novel insights into the effect mechanisms underlying differentially charged NPs on benthic insects.

Double-Interpenetrating-Network Lignin-based Epoxy Resin Adhesives for Resistance to Extreme Environment.

The gradually depleting fossil resources and the biosafety of bisphenol A have always restricted the green development of the traditional epoxy resin field. In this Article, biomass macromolecule lignin sulfonates are selected as the raw material instead of traditional bisphenol A to prepare lignin-based epoxy resin adhesives. Lignin sulfonates are chemically modified and combined with a cross-linking agent to form lignin-based epoxy resin adhesives with double-interpenetrating-network structures. The resulting lignin-based epoxy adhesive exhibits a maximum tensile shear strength of 11.29 MPa, which is 213% higher than the strength before chemical modification. The tensile shear strength of the adhesive is still 10.13 MPa after 12 h of immersion in water (20 °C), and its tensile shear strength is 9.30 MPa after 12 h of immersion in boiling water (100 °C). The high-temperature and high-humidity environment has no significant effect on the properties of the resulting lignin-based epoxy adhesive.

Hsa-miRNA-143-3p regulates the odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla by targeting NFIC.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of hsa-miRNA-143-3p on the cytodifferentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs) and the post-transcriptional regulation of Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC). METHODOLOGY: miRNA expression profiles in human immature permanent teeth and during hSCAP differentiation were examined. hSCAPs were treated with miR-143-3p overexpression or silencing viruses, and the proliferation and odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of these stem cells, and the involvement of the NFIC pathway, were investigated. Luciferase reporter and NFIC mutant plasmids were used to confirm NFIC mRNA as a direct target of miR-143-3p. NFIC expression analysis in the miR-143-3p overexpressing hSCAPs was used to investigate whether miR-143-3p functioned by targeting NFIC. Student's t-test and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: miR-143-3p expression was screened by microarray profiling and was found to be significantly reduced during hSCAP differentiation (p < .05). Overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited the mineralization of hSCAPs significantly (p < .05) and downregulated the levels of odontogenic differentiation markers (NFIC [p < .05], DSP [p < .01] and KLF4 [p < .01]), whereas silencing of miR-143-3p had the opposite effect. The luciferase reporter gene detection and bioinformatic approaches identified NFIC mRNA as a potential target of miR-143-3p. NFIC overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-143-3p on the odontogenic differentiation of hSCAPs. CONCLUSIONS: miR-143-3p maintained the stemness of hSCAPs and modulated their differentiation negatively by directly targeting NFIC. Thus, inhibition of this miRNA represents a potential strategy to promote the regeneration of damaged tooth roots.

Smart Materials for Dynamic Thermal Radiation Regulation.

Thermal radiation in the mid-infrared region profoundly affects human lives in various fields, including thermal management, imaging, sensing, camouflage, and thermography. Due to their fixed emissivities, radiance features of conventional materials are usually proportional to the quadruplicate of surface temperature, which set the limit, that one type of material can only present a single thermal function. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to design materials for dynamic thermal radiation regulations to fulfill the demands of the age of intelligent machines. Recently, the ability of some smart materials to dynamically regulate thermal radiation has been evaluated. These materials are found to be competent enough for various commands, thereby, providing better alternatives and tremendously promoting the commercial potentials. In this review, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms and recent progress in the evaluation of these smart materials are summarized, including thermochromic materials, electrochromic materials, mechanically and humidity responsive materials, with the potential applications, insufficient problems, and possible strategies highlighted.

Injectable Filler Technique for Face Lifting Based on Dissection of True Facial Ligaments.

BACKGROUND: Strengthening weakened ligament tissues with injectable fillers to improve their supportive effect may achieve the aesthetic goal of face lifting. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to design an injectable technique for enhancing the true facial ligaments and dissect the ligaments to provide anatomical guidance for effective injection. METHODS: Six true facial ligaments were chosen as target anatomical sites for injection. Specimens were dissected, and 3-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed to confirm the exact location of each injection site and to confirm that the proposed injection routes will not cause dangerous vascular damage. A total of 5 patients received the injections; 3D images were taken before and after the injections for comparison and clinical outcome assessments. RESULTS: The injection technique was designed to target 6 true facial ligaments, as follows. Site 1 targeted the temporal ligamentous adhesion region to lift the lateral ends of the eyebrows. Site 2 targeted the region of the lateral orbital thickening to lift the lateral canthus. Site 3 and site 4 targeted the zygomatic retaining ligaments and zygomatic cutaneous ligaments, respectively, to augment the soft tissues of the midface. Site 5 targeted the region of the maxillary ligament to lessen the nasolabial folds, and site 6 targeted the mandibular ligament to reduce the marionette line. CONCLUSIONS: This site-specific injection technique targeting the true ligaments may lead to increased efficiency and accuracy of face rejuvenation and exert a lifting effect.

Draft Genome Sequence of Thermophilic Bacillus sp. TYF-LIM-B05 Directly Producing Ethanol from Various Carbon Sources Including Lignocellulose.

Bacillus sp. TYF-LIM-B05, which is isolated from spoilage vinegar, is resistant to high temperature, high concentrated alcohol, acid, and salt, and can produce ethanol from mono-, di-, polysaccharide, and complex biomass as the sole carbon source. Thus, this strain is a potential candidate for consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of fermenting lignocellulose to ethanol in a single step. To provide insight into the key enzymes involved in lignocellulose degradation and ethanol production, a draft genome of TYF-LIM-B05 was developed in this study. The results indicated that 348 genes are related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism according to the clusters of orthologous groups of proteins and annotated 187 CAZy domains from a total of 61 different families. The presence of genes encoding laccases, quinone oxidoreductases/reductases, and aryl-alcohol dehydrogenases further implies that TYF-LIM-B05 has the potential to degrade lignin. Remarkably, this strain has the ability to catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA by pyruvate dehydrogenase complexes. The genomic information provided in this study will help researchers to better understand the mechanisms of the lignocellulose degradation and ethanol production pathway in thermophiles.

Risk factors for postoperative residual back pain after percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for residual back pain in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) patients after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) treatment, we performed a retrospective analysis of prospective data. METHODS: Patients who underwent bilateral PKP and met this study's inclusion criteria were retrospectively reviewed. Back pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) after surgery. Residual back pain was defined as the presence of postoperative moderate-severe pain (average VAS score ≥ 4), and the variables included patient characteristics, baseline symptoms, radiological parameters and surgical factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 809 patients were included, and residual back pain was identified in 63 (7.8%) patients. Of these patients, 52 patients had complete data for further analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that risk factors for back pain included the presence of an intravertebral vacuum cleft (OR 2.93, P = 0.032), posterior fascia oedema (OR 4.11, P = 0.014), facet joint violations (OR 12.19, P < 0.001) and a separated cement distribution (OR 2.23, P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The incidence of postoperative residual back pain was 7.8% among 809 OVCF patients following PKP. The presence of an intravertebral vacuum cleft, posterior fascia oedema, facet joint violations and a separated cement distribution were identified as independent risk factors for residual back pain.

Sorption Behavior and Mechanisms of Organic Contaminants to Nano and Microplastics.

Nano and microplastics (NPs/MPs) have received widespread attention in recent years. Because of their large specific surface area and hydrophobicity, NPs/MPs can adsorb various organic contaminants. This article gives a brief review of the sorption behavior of organic contaminants to NPs/MPs, summarizes the possible sorption mechanisms, and analyzes the influencing factors in the environment on the sorption behavior and mechanisms of NPs/MPs. The main mechanisms of sorption of organic contaminants to NPs/MPs are partitioning, surface sorption (hydrogen bonding, π-π interaction, electrostatic interaction, and van der Waals force), and pore filling. The sorption behavior of organic contaminants to NPs/MPs is not only affected by the properties of the NPs/MPs and the organic contaminants, but also by the solution chemistry, such as the pH, ionic strength, and dissolved organic matter.

Association of interleukin-10-1082 (-1087) A > G polymorphisms and periodontitis risk: An updated meta-analysis based on 26 case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: The association between interleukin-10 (IL-10)-1082 (-1087) A > G polymorphism and either chronic (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP) susceptibility was conflicting. This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively estimate the association. METHODS: Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and WANFAN databases were searched for relevant studies that were submitted prior to January 31, 2018, and meta-analyses were performed using STATA 14.0. RESULTS: Database mining yielded 26 studies of interest. For the IL-10-1082 (-1087) A > G (rs1800896) polymorphism and its relation to CP susceptibility, the overall analysis showed no significant estimates, but subgroup analysis revealed significant associations in the AA versus GG + GA model in the Caucasian population (odds ratio [OR] = 1.274, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.069-1.518, P = 0.007; I2  = 0.0%, P = 0.483) and in the GG versus AA + AG model in the Han population (OR = 6.66, 95% CI = 7.72-9.41, P = 0.000; I2  = 0.0%, P = 0.82), which all showed no obvious publication bias by Egger's linear regression test. For the association between an IL-10-1082 (-1087) A > G polymorphism and AgP susceptibility, the overall analysis and Caucasian subgroup analysis yielded nonsignificant estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis indicated that the IL-10-1082 (-1087) AA genotype in the Caucasian population, and the GG genotype in the Han population might be putative risk factors for CP. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The IL-10-1082 (-1087) AA genotype and the GG genotype might be potential biomarkers for Caucasian CP and for Han CP, respectively. However, additional research will be required to validate the findings of this meta-analysis.

Synthesis of Polypeptoid-Polycaprolactone-Polytetrahydrofuran Heterograft Molecular Polymer Brushes via a Combination of Janus Polymerization and ROMP.

Janus polymerization is a novel and efficient way to synthesize diblock and multiblock copolymers in one step by using Lu(OTf)3 and propylene epoxide as a catalytic system. By modifying the epoxide initiator, which is located at the block junction with various functional groups, the possibility for future topological design is provided. Herein, 2-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-yl oxirane (NB-EO) is used as an alternative for propylene epoxide to synthesize a poly(THF-co-CL)-b-PCL diblock copolymer featuring a norbornene group at this position. This also results in multiblock [poly(THF-co-CL)-b-PCL]m copolymers carrying multiple norbornene moieties through Janus polymerization. Subsequent ring-opening metathesis copolymerization (ROMP) of the resulting poly(THF-co-CL)-b-PCL macromonomers with norbornenyl-terminated polysarcosine (PSar-NB) allows the facile preparation of heterograft molecular polymer brushes (MPBs). The MPBs feature three heterografts of PCL, P(CL-co-THF) and PSar, potentially equipping these structures with biocompatibility, biodegradability, semi-crystallinity, and amphiphilicity. A phase separation is observed after annealing in both TEM and AFM analysis. Due to their amphiphilic nature, the MPBs also undergo self-assembly into micelles in aqueous solution. Such materials combining polypeptoids, polyesters, and polyethers segments are expected to attract wide attention in drug delivery applications.

The effects of perineal disinfection on infant's oral microflora after transvaginal examination during delivery.

BACKGROUND: Early life microflora is an important determinant of immune and metabolic development and may have lasting consequences. However, the mode of delivery and the effect of povidone iodine disinfection on neonatal oral microflora colonization are still unclear. The objective of the study was to understand the effects of the use of polyvidone iodine on infant's oral microflora after transvaginal examination during delivery, provided data support for the establishment of neonatal oral microflora health. METHODS: A total of 20 cases of full-term neonatal delivered in October 2017 in Shenzhen Bao'an Maternity and Child Health Hospital through vaginal delivery. These neonates were randomly divided into two groups, the conventional disinfection group and the non-disinfection group. Simultaneously, 10 infants with elective cesarean section were taken as comparison. With Illumina MiSeq platform, 16S rRNA V3-V4 sequencing method was used to analyze bacterial DNA of oral secretions. RESULTS: At the phylum level, compared to the non-disinfection group, higher relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, and lower proportion of Firmicutes were observed in the cesarean section group and the disinfection group. As main composition of phylum Firmicutes, genus Lactobacillus presented extremely low in the cesarean section group and the disinfection group, whereas it was the absolute dominant bacteria in the non-disinfection group. Compared with the caesarean section group, only Lactobacillus increased in majority of the non-disinfection group. There was no increase in Lactobacillus in the disinfection group, but Prevotella, Escherichia-Shigella, Staphyloccus, and Klebsiella increased significantly. Through KEGG pathway analysis, we found that there were more harmful pathways such as staphylococcus aureus infection, viral myocarditis and sporulation in the disinfection group. CONCLUSIONS: The mode of delivery affects the infant's Lactobacillus obtained from the mother. Moreover, vulvar disinfection played an important part in the colonization of neonatal oral microbiota. And the impact of the first oral colonizers on infant health needs further follow-up investigations.

Incidence and risk factors of facet joint violation following percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) has been widely used to osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). No previous investigations have reported the incidence and risk factors of facet joint violation (FJV) caused by PKP. PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and risk factors of FJV following PKP in patients with OVCFs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed a total of 153 patients who underwent bilateral PKP. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were assessed to determine the degree of FJV owing to invasion by a puncture trocar. Clinical outcomes, including visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, were collected from all patients. Clinical and radiological data were analyzed to identify the risk factors for FJV. RESULTS: FJV caused by PKP affected 18.9% of patients and 9.6% of facet joints; approximately 3.9% and 5.7% of facet joints were considered to have grade 1 and grade 2 violations, respectively. There were significant differences between the FJV and non-FJV groups in VAS and ODI scores after surgery. Significant differences were found with respect to the facet joint angle (FJA), the pedicle diameter (PD), and the distance from the entry point to the facet joint space (DEF). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that an FJA > 55°, a PD < 5 mm, and a DEF < 5 mm were independent risk factors for FJV. CONCLUSION: The placement of a puncture trocar can cause FJV in patients with OVCFs and impact clinical outcomes after PKP. Special attention should be given to patients with an FJA > 55°, a PD < 5 mm, and a DEF < 5 mm.

Differences in accelerated tooth movement promoted by recombinant human parathyroid hormone after mandibular ramus osteotomy.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of different doses of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on orthodontic tooth movement after mandibular ramus osteotomy and the associated dose-response relationship. METHODS: One-hundred twenty rabbits were divided into 2 experimental groups (A and B) and 2 control groups (control group and negative control group). An experimental model of mandibular ramus osteotomy with installation of an orthodontic tooth movement device was established in groups A and B and the control group. After surgery, groups A and B received intermittent subcutaneous injections of PTH, 20 and 40 µg/kg, respectively, and the control group received injections of normal saline solution. The negative control group underwent installation of the orthodontic tooth movement device without mandibular ramus osteotomy and received normal saline solution after surgery. Changes in expression of RANKL and RUNX2 in the periodontal tissues of the first molars were evaluated by means of immunohistochemical analysis and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Movement of the first molars was more rapid in group B than in group A in the 21 days after surgery. Significantly higher RANKL mRNA levels and lower RUNX2 mRNA levels were detected on the compression side of the periodontal tissues in groups A and B than in the control groups. There was a significant difference in RANKL and RUNX2 expression levels between group B and the control groups at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular ramus osteotomy combined with high-dose PTH can increase catabolism on the compressed periodontal tissues, thereby accelerating remodeling of periodontal bone and promoting orthodontic tooth movement after surgery.

A Combination of Chitosan, Cellulose, and Seaweed Polysaccharide Inhibits Postoperative Intra-abdominal Adhesion in Rats.

Intra-abdominal adhesion is a common complication after laparotomy. Conventional therapeutic strategies still cannot safely and effectively prevent this disorder. In this study, a combination of chitosan, cellulose, and seaweed polysaccharide (thereafter referred as CCS) was developed to significantly alleviate the formation of postoperative adhesion in rats with abdominal trauma. Transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1, an important promoter of fibrosis) and its downstream factors-namely, alpha-smooth muscle actin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)-were effectively suppressed by CCS in vivo, and as a result, the activation of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA, may generate plasmin that is a fibrinolytic factor capable of breaking down fibrin) was significantly promoted, presenting antifibrosis effects of CCS. In addition, the activity of kinases [e.g., transforming growth factor-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/Stress-activated Protein Kinase (SAPK), and p38] in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inflammation signaling pathway was also significantly suppressed by CCS in vivo, demonstrating anti-inflammatory functions of CCS. The histologic studies further confirmed the role of CCS in the inhibition of fibrosis, collagen deposition, inflammation, and vascular proliferation. These results indicate the clinical potential of CCS in the treatment of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion. CCS may induce both antifibrosis and anti-inflammatory effects, potentially inhibiting the postoperative intra-abdominal adhesion. For antifibrosis effects, the expression of PAI-1 (a key factor for the adhesion formation) can be regulated by different TGF-ß1-associated signaling pathways, such as the Smads/p53 pathway, metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases pathway, Mitogen-activated Extracellular signal-regulated Kinase (MEK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) pathway, and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif pathway. Following the downregulation of PAI-1 achieved by CCS, the activation of tPA (which may generate plasmin that is a fibrinolytic factor capable of breaking down fibrin) is significantly promoted. For anti-inflammation effects, CCS may suppress the phosphorylation of classic kinases (e.g., TAK1, JNK, and p38) in the MAPK signaling pathway. In addition to the MAPK pathway, inflammatory pathways, such as Nuclear Factor-κ-gene Binding(NF-κB), MEK/ERK, and Ras homologue protein/Rho associated coiled coil forming protein, are associated with the formation of intra-abdominal adhesion. Therefore, the prevention mechanisms of CCS will be further investigated in the future, with a hope of fully understanding of antiadhesion effects.

Preparation and characterization of molecularly-imprinted polymers for extraction of sanshool acid amide compounds followed by their separation from pepper oil resin derived from Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum).

Molecularly imprinted polymers were prepared using the molecular structure analogs of sanshool as template molecule, 2-vinylpyridine and ß-cyclodextrin as double functional monomers, ethylene dimethacrylate as cross linker, and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. The structural characteristics of the polymers were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Dynamic adsorption and isothermal adsorption were also investigated. The molecularly imprinted polymers were used to prepare a molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction column in order to separate acid amide components from pepper oil resin derived from Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum). After eluting, the percentage of acid amide components was enhanced to 92.40 ± 1.41% compared with 23.34 ± 1.21% in the initial pepper oil resin, indicating good properties of purification of molecularly imprinted polymers and potential industrial application.