Universal Signal Switch Based on a Mesostructured Silica Xerogel-Confined ECL Polymer for Epigenetic Quantification.

The development of a highly accurate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal switch to avoid nonspecific stimulus responses is currently a significant and challenging task. Here, we constructed a universal signal switch utilizing a luminophore-quencher pair of mesostructured silica xerogel-confined polymer and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) that can accurately detect low-abundance epigenetic markers in complex sample systems. Notably, the ECL polymer encapsulated in mesostructured silica xerogel acts as a luminophore, which demonstrated a highly specific dependence on the Au NPs-mediated energy transfer quenching. To demonstrate the feasibility, we specifically labeled the 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) site on the random sequence using a double-stranded (dsDNA) tag that was skillfully designed with the CRISPR/Cas12a activator and recombinant polymerase amplification (RPA) template. After amplification by RPA, a large amount of dsDNA tag was generated as the activator to initiate the trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a and subsequently activate the signal switch, allowing for precise quantification of 5hmC. The ECL signal switch improves the stability of the luminophore and prevents nonspecific stimulus responses, providing a new paradigm for constructing high-precision biosensors.

Ectoine hyperproduction by engineered Halomonas bluephagenesis.

Ectoine, a crucial osmoprotectant for salt adaptation in halophiles, has gained growing interest in cosmetics and medical industries. However, its production remains challenged by stringent fermentation process in model microorganisms and low production level in its native producers. Here, we systematically engineered the native ectoine producer Halomonas bluephagenesis for ectoine production by overexpressing ectABC operon, increasing precursors availability, enhancing product transport system and optimizing its growth medium. The final engineered H. bluephagenesis produced 85 g/L ectoine in 52 h under open unsterile incubation in a 7 L bioreactor in the absence of plasmid, antibiotic or inducer. Furthermore, it was successfully demonstrated the feasibility of decoupling salt concentration with ectoine synthesis and co-production with bioplastic P(3HB-co-4HB) by the engineered H. bluephagenesis. The unsterile fermentation process and significantly increased ectoine titer indicate that H. bluephagenesis as the chassis of Next-Generation Industrial Biotechnology (NGIB), is promising for the biomanufacturing of not only intracellular bioplastic PHA but also small molecular compound such as ectoine.

Modulation of macrophages by a phillyrin-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel promotes skin wound healing in mice.

BACKGROUND: Impaired wound healing in traumatic skin injuries remains a severe clinical challenge due to impaired re-vascularization, harmful bacteria infection, and inflammation dysregulation. Macrophages are recognized as prominent immune cells in tissue regeneration and wound healing. Consequently, the modulation of macrophages provides a promising therapeutic target for wound healing disorders. Here, we aimed to explore whether a novel constructed combination of thermosensitive hydrogel Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) and phillyrin (PH, the main active compound of forsythia suspensa) could improve skin wound healing. METHODS: Firstly, the biological effects of pH on the phenotype and inflammation of macrophages were assessed by flow cytometry and ELISA. The biocompatibility of the PF-127 plus PH combination was investigated on keratinocytes and red blood cells. The biological effect of PF-127/PH hydrogel on the migratory ability of keratinocytes in vitro was evaluated using the scratch and transwell migration assays. In addition,S. aureusandE. coliwere employed to test the antibacterial properties of the PF-127 plus PH combination. Finally, PF-127 plus PH scaffold was appliedto the full-thickness skin defect in mice. Histomorphological evaluation and immunochemistry were performed to explore the wound-healing activity of PF-127/PH hydrogel. RESULTS: PH can promote the polarization of macrophages from the M1 (pro-inflammatory) phenotype to the M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype. The PF-127/PH hydrogel was highly biocompatible and showed a potent stimulative effect on the migration of keratinocytesin vitro. The combination of PF-127 and PH exerted a pronounced antibacterial activity onS. aureusandE. coli in vitro.PF-127/PH hydrogel potently accelerates the healing of full-thickness skin defects by promoting skin cell proliferation, accelerating angiogenesis, and inhibiting inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that PF-127/PH hydrogel has excellent potential for treating traumatic skin defects.

A nature-inspired multifunctional adhesive for cartilage tissue-biomaterial integration.

Surgical adhesives play a crucial role in tissue integration and repair, yet their application in wet conditions has been severely limited by inadequate adhesive strength and subpar biocompatibility. Furthermore, tissue adhesives have rarely been reported in cartilage tissue repair. In this study, a three-armed dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid derivative adhesive was prepared to function as a bio-inspired adhesive in moist environments. To meet the clinical requirements for cartilage tissue adhesion, we studied its chemical structure, including microscopic morphology, adhesion properties with materials and tissues, in vivo degradation rules, and biological evaluation. The OGMHA8-DOPA adhesive with the optimal aldehyde substitution degree and dopamine-grafting rate was determined by analyzing the experimental conditions. SEM results revealed that the cartilage tissue adhered to a porous interconnected structure. The excellent biocompatibility of the material not only facilitated chondrocyte adhesion but also supported their proliferation on its surface. Animal experiments have demonstrated that this material has no observable inflammatory response or incidence of fibrous capsule formation. The degradation timeline of the material extends beyond the duration of two weeks. The dopamine-modified adhesive exhibited a tight interfacial binding force between the biomaterial and cartilage tissue and excellent biocompatibility in watery tissue, revealing its potential for application in cartilage tissue repair and minimally invasive surgery.

MOF-polymer composites with well-distributed gold nanoparticles for visual monitoring of homocysteine.

The distribution of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the surface of a metal-organic framework (MOF) plays a crucial role in the catalytic performance of MOF-AuNP composites. This study describes how the physical adsorption (PH@AuNPs-on-U) and chemical modification of AuNPs on the surface of UiO-66-NH2 (U) affect the composites' catalytic efficiency. After 2-vinyl-4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (VD) linked to poly(N-2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (PH) with U (UVD-PH), UVD-PH@AuNPs composites were constructed with PH as the capping and reducing reagent. The composites exhibited higher peroxidase (POD)-like activity than PH@AuNPs-on-U for oxidising 3,3'5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with H2O2. The approach demonstrated that the proposed composite-based nanozymes could significantly enhance their catalytic activity and had a highly uniform distribution of PH@AuNPs on the surface of UVD. An assay with the nanozymes for visual detection of homocysteine (Hcy) was developed, displaying a good linear relationship (R2 = 0.998) ranging from 3.34 µM to 30.0 µM and a detection of limit of 0.3 µM. Additionally, the UVD-PH@AuNPs-TMB-H2O2 system successfully monitored serum Hcy after intraperitoneal injection in rats. This study paves a new way for developing MOF-AuNPs with highly uniform surface distribution of polymer@AuNPs to boost its catalytic activity and to detect drugs in real bio-samples.

Potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease based on bioinformatics analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: As a chronic inflammatory disease, periodontitis threatens oral health and is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). There is growing evidence that these two diseases are closely related. However, current research is still incomplete in understanding the common genes and common mechanisms between periodontitis and AD. In this study, we aimed to identify common genes in periodontitis and AD and analyze the relationship between crucial genes and immune cells to provide new therapeutic targets for clinical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to periodontitis and AD. Co-expressed genes were identified by obtaining gene expression profile data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Using the STRING database, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed, and essential genes were identified. We also used four algorithms to identify critical genes and constructed regulatory networks. The association of crucial genes with immune cells and potential therapeutic effects was also assessed. RESULTS: PDGFRB, VCAN, TIMP1, CHL1, EFEMP2, and IGFBP5 were obtained as crucial common genes. Immune infiltration analysis showed that Natural killer cells and Myeloid-derived suppressor cells were significantly differentially expressed in patients with PD and AD compared with the normal group. FOXC1 and GATA2 are important TFs for PD and AD. MiR-23a, miR-23b, miR-23a, and miR-23b were associated with AD and PD. Finally, the hub genes retrieved from the DSigDB database indicate multiple drug molecule and drug-target interactions. CONCLUSION: This study reveals commonalities in common hub genes and immune infiltration between periodontitis and AD, and the analysis of six hub genes and immune cells may provide new insights into potential therapeutic directions for the pathogenesis of periodontitis complicated by AD.

Three-dimensional Analysis of the Temporal Bone Morphology in Patients with Craniofacial Microsomia.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the morphology of temporal bone in patients with craniofacial microsomia (CFM). DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: A craniofacial centre. PATIENTS: Ninety-four patients with unilateral craniofacial microsomia. INTERVENTIONS: Mimics 21.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium) was used to locate temporal bone landmarks on preoperative computed tomography data. The spatial Cartesian coordinate system was established in 3-matic 13.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium). The coordinates of each landmark and the distances and angles between the landmarks were calculated. A classification system was used to quantify the severity of the zygomatic arch deformity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The bilateral differences in coordinates, linear and angular measurements, and the severity of temporal bone deformity (TTL δ, Psag δ, Paxiδ, and Tsag δ) among the groups were compared using the paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to those of the unaffected side, the landmarks of the inner ear and petrous part on the affected side showed a decrease in the Z-coordinate or an increase in the X-coordinate. A superolateral rotation tendency of the temporal bone on the affected side was found. There were no significant differences in the linear and angular measurements between the groups. The degree of zygomatic arch deformation was lower in the mild group; however, no significant difference was found between the moderate and severe groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CFM, asymmetry of the temporal bone and its inner organs (vestibulocochlear organ, facial nerve, and vessels) exists in multiple dimensions; its severity is not completely consistent with the degree of mandibular involvement.

Automatic Classification and Segmentation of Multiclass Jaw Lesions in Cone-Beam Computed Tomography using Deep Learning.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a modified deep learning (DL) model based on nnU-net for classifying and segmenting five-class jaw lesions using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 368 CBCT scans (37 168 slices) were used to train a multi-class segmentation model. The data underwent manual annotation by two oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) to serve as ground truth. Sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1-score, and accuracy were used to evaluate the classification ability of the model and doctors, with or without artificial intelligence assistance. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC), average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) and segmentation time were used to evaluate the segmentation effect of the model. RESULTS: The model achieved the dual task of classifying and segmenting jaw lesions in CBCT. For classification, the sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy of the model were 0.871, 0.974, 0.874 and 0.891, respectively, surpassing oral and maxillofacial radiologists (OMFRs) and OMSs, approaching the specialist. With the model's assistance, the classification performance of OMFRs and OMSs improved, particularly for odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and ameloblastoma (AM), with F1-score improvements ranging from 6.2% to 12.7%. For segmentation, the DSC was 87.2% and the ASSD was 1.359 mm. The model's average segmentation time was 40 ± 9.9 s, contrasting with 25 ± 7.2 min for OMSs. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed DL model accurately and efficiently classified and segmented five classes of jaw lesions using CBCT. In addition, it could assist doctors in improving classification accuracy and segmentation efficiency, particularly in distinguishing confusing lesions (e.g., AM and OKC).

Inhibition of ZDHHC16 promoted osteogenic differentiation and reduced ferroptosis of dental pulp stem cells by CREB.

BACKGROUND: The repair of bone defects caused by periodontal diseases is a difficult challenge in clinical treatment. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are widely studied for alveolar bone repair. The current investigation aimed to examine the specific mechanisms underlying the role of Zinc finger DHHC-type palmitoyl transferases 16 (ZDHHC16) in the process of osteogenic differentiation (OD) of DPSCs. METHODS: The lentiviral vectors ZDHHC16 or si-ZDHHC16 were introduced in the DPSCs and then the cells were induced by an odontogenic medium for 21 days. Subsequently, Quantitate Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), immunofluorescent staining, proliferation assay, ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and western blot analysis were used to investigate the specific details of ZDHHC16 contribution in OD of DPSCs. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that ZDHHC16 exhibited a suppressive effect on cellular proliferation and oxidative phosphorylation, while concurrently inducing ferroptosis in DPSCs. Moreover, the inhibition of ZDHHC16 promoted cell development and OD and reduced ferroptosis of DPSCs. The expression of p-CREB was suppressed by ZDHHC16, and immunoprecipitation (IP) analysis revealed that ZDHHC16 protein exhibited interconnection with cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) of DPSCs. The CREB suppression reduced the impacts of ZDHHC16 on OD and ferroptosis of DPSCs. The activation of CREB also reduced the influences of si-ZDHHC16 on OD and ferroptosis of DPSCs. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide evidences to support a negative association between ZDHHC16 and OD of DPSCs, which might be mediated by ferroptosis of DPSCs via CREB.

Switchable Hydrophobic Pockets in DNA Protocells Enhance Chemical Conversion.

Synthetic cell models help us understand living cells and the origin of life. Key aspects of living cells are crowded interiors where secondary structures, such as the cytoskeleton and membraneless organelles/condensates, can form. These can form dynamically and serve structural or functional purposes, such as protection from heat shock or as crucibles for various biochemical reactions. Inspired by these phenomena, we introduce a crowded all-DNA protocell and encapsulate a temperature-switchable DNA-b-polymer block copolymer, in which the synthetic polymer phase-segregates at elevated temperatures. We find that thermoreversible phase segregation of the synthetic polymer occurs via bicontinuous phase separation, resulting in artificial organelle structures that can reorient into larger domains depending on the viscoelastic properties of the protocell interior. Fluorescent sensors confirm the formation of hydrophobic compartments, which enhance the reactivity of bimolecular reactions. This study leverages the strengths of biological and synthetic polymers to construct advanced biohybrid artificial cells that provide insights into phase segregation under crowded conditions and the formation of organelles and microreactors in response to environmental stress.

Platinum Drug-Incorporating Polymeric Nanosystems for Precise Cancer Therapy.

Platinum (Pt) drugs are widely used in clinic for cancer therapy, but their therapeutic outcomes are significantly compromised by severe side effects and acquired drug resistance. With the emerging immunotherapy and imaging-guided cancer therapy, precise delivery and release of Pt drugs have drawn great attention these days. The targeting delivery of Pt drugs can greatly increase the accumulation at tumor sites, which ultimately enhances antitumor efficacy. Further, with the combination of Pt drugs and other theranostic agents into one nanosystem, it not only possesses excellent synergistic efficacy but also achieves real-time monitoring. In this review, after the introduction of Pt drugs and their characteristics, the recent progress of polymeric nanosystems for efficient delivery of Pt drugs is summarized with an emphasis on multi-modal synergistic therapy and imaging-guided Pt-based cancer treatment. In the end, the conclusions and future perspectives of Pt-encapsulated nanosystems are given.

Enhancing the catalytic performance of MOF-polymer@AuNP-based nanozymes for colorimetric detection of serum L-cysteine.

The dispersion of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a metal-organic framework (MOF) surface greatly affects the catalytic activity of the material. However, regulating the catalytic performance of AuNP-MOF composite-based nanozymes is a great challenge. Herein, poly(dimethylvinyloxazolinone) (PV) was chemically bonded on the surface of UiO-66-NH2 (U66), followed by modification of pepsin (Pep) on the PV chains. U66-PV-Pep@AuNP composite nanozymes were fabricated after the AuNPs formed in situ with Pep as the capping and reducing reagent. Compared to Pep@AuNPs that were physically adsorbed onto the surface of U66, the U66-PV-Pep@AuNP composites exhibited superior peroxidase (POD)-mimetic activity in the oxidation of 3,3'5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) with H2O2. Considering the surface dispersion uniformity and local concentration of Pep@AuNPs on the surface of the U66-PV-Pep@AuNP composites, the principle for improving the catalytic performance of the proposed nanozymes was explored. Furthermore, it was observed that the introduction of L-cysteine (L-Cys) into the U66-PV-Pep@AuNP-TMB-H2O2 system significantly reduced its oxidation activity and faded the color, allowing the development of a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric method for L-Cys detection. The UV-vis absorption intensity of oxTMB showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of L-Cys in the range of 2.5-40.0 µM (R2 = 0.996), with a detection limit of 0.33 µM. The proposed protocol using U66-PV-Pep@AuNP nanozymes was applied to monitor rat serum L-Cys following intraperitoneal injection. This study paves the way for the design and construction of MOF-polymer@AuNP nanozymes for drug detection in real bio-samples.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation versus Endoscopic Tissue Adhesive Injection in the Treatment of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and endoscopic tissue adhesive injection (TAI) in the treatment of esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB). METHODS: A total of 245 patients with EVB who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from December 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected. The participants were divided into the esophageal EVL (E-EVL) + gastric EVL (G-EVL) group (n = 103) and E-EVL + gastric TAI (G-TAI) group (n = 142), according to the procedure, comparing and assessing the clinical characteristics, laboratory results, operation time, rebleeding rate, efficacy, and complications. RESULTS: The E-EVL + G-EVL group had significantly less varicose vein diameter and operative time than the E-EVL + G-TAI group (p < 0.05). No statistical difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups was noted (p > 0.05). The total rebleeding rate in the E-EVL + G-EVL group was 9.7%, whereas that of the E-EVL + G-TAI group was 11.9%; no statistical difference between the two groups was noted (p > 0.05). The overall effective rate of the E-EVL + G-EVL group was 90.21%, whereas that of the E-EVL + G-TAI group was 92.81%; no statistical difference between the two groups was observed (p > 0.05). The postoperative ulcer in the E-EVL + G-EVL group was smaller and more superficial than that in the E-EVL + G-TAI group, and the wound surface was smoother. CONCLUSION: Both EVL and TAI have good therapeutic effects on EVB. Furthermore, owing to its effectiveness in preventing rebleeding, no reduction in efficacy and no increase in complications, shortened operative time, smaller and superficial ulcer, and smoother wounds, gastric EVL is worthy of further clinical promotion.

Bioactive fatty acid analog-derived hybrid nanoparticles confer antibody-independent chemo-immunotherapy against carcinoma.

Typical chemo-immunotherapy against malignant carcinoma, is characterized by the combined application of chemotherapeutic agents and monoclonal antibodies for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Temporary ICB with antibodies would not depress tumor intrinsic PD-L1 expression and potential PD-L1 adaptive upregulation during chemotherapy, thus exerting limited immunotherapy efficacy. Herein, we developed novel polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (2-BP/CPT-PLNs) for inducing PD-L1 degradation by inhibiting palmitoylation with bioactive palmitic acid analog 2-bromopalmitate (2-BP) to replace PD-L1 antibody (αPD-L1) for ICB therapy, thus achieving highly efficient antitumor immune via immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by potentiated chemotherapy. GSH-responsive and biodegradable polymer-prodrug CPT-ss-PAEEP10 assisted as a cationic helper polymer could help to stabilize 2-BP/CPT-PLNs co-assembled with 2-BP, and facilitate the tumor site-specific delivery and intracellular release of water-insoluble camptothecin (CPT) in vivo. 2-BP/CPT-PLNs would reinforce cytotoxic CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune response via promoting intratumoral lymphocytes cells infiltration and activation. 2-BP/CPT-PLNs significantly prevented melanoma progression and prolonged life survival of mice beyond the conventional combination of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) and αPD-L1. Our work first provided valuable instructions for developing bioactive lipid analogs-derived nanoparticles via lipid metabolism intervention for oncotherapy.

Morphologic Changes of the Temporomandibular Joint in Pruzansky-Kaban Type IIa Hemifacial Microsomia Postmandibular Distraction Osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is a powerful tool for the correction of hemifacial microsomia (HFM). The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the focus of attention in the diagnosis and treatment of HFM. This observational retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate morphologic changes in TMJ post-MDO in type IIa HFM. METHODS: We recruited 48 patients with unilateral type IIa HFM who had completed MDO and mandibular distractor extraction (MDE). Data relating to the length, distance, angle, and volume of the TMJ were measured on 3-dimension models created by the analysis of computed tomography data. Normality analysis was performed by using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Data were compared with the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-ranks test. RESULTS: The spaces between the affected condyle and the affected glenoid fossa before MDO were all significantly larger than before MDE (P<0.05). The breadth of the affected glenoid fossa before MDO was significantly longer than before MDE (P<0.001). The height of the affected condyle before MDO was significantly longer than before MDE (P<0.001). The volume of the affected condyle before MDO was significantly larger than before MDE (P<0.001). The ratio between the volume of the affected condyle and unaffected condyle before MDO was 0.20±0.13. The ratio between the volume of the affected condyle before MDE and MDO was 0.65±0.32. The resorption rate of the affected condyle post-MDO was 0.35±0.32. CONCLUSION: Herein, we characterized anatomic changes of the TMJ in type- IIa HFM post-MDO. Condylar resorption and the compression of space between the condyle and the glenoid fossa on the affected side were 2 typical manifestations. Our findings enhanced the understanding of the application of MDO on HFM.

Three-Dimensional Measurement of the Temporomandibular Joint in Pruzansky-Kaban Type IIa Hemifacial Microsomia.

OBJECTIVE: This observational retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the morphological characteristics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in type IIa hemifacial microsomia (HFM). METHODS: We recruited 88 patients with unilateral type IIa HFM. Data relating to the length, distance, and angle of the TMJ, were measured on 3-dimensional models created by the analysis of computed tomography data. Normality analysis was performed by using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Data were compared with the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The height, long axis, and short axis of the affected condyle were significantly shorter than the unaffected side ( P <0.001); the ratios were 0.41±0.15, 0.75±0.20, and 0.95±0.24, respectively. The spaces between the condyle and the glenoid fossa were significantly larger in affected TMJs ( P <0.001). The ratio between the ipsilateral and contralateral anterior space in the sagittal plane was 4.62±2.59; this was significantly different than the ratio of inner space (1.50±1.70), superior space (1.70±0.97), and lateral space (1.28±0.62) in the coronal plane ( P <0.001) and the ratio of superior space (1.43±1.05) and posterior space (1.47±0.98) in the sagittal plane ( P <0.001); there were no statistical differences between the 5 spaces ( P >0.05). The breadth and depth of the glenoid fossa were significantly shorter in affected TMJs ( P <0.001), the ratio of the breadth in the affected and unaffected glenoid fossa was between 0.5 and 1 and the depth of the affected glenoid fossa was almost half of that on the unaffected side. The ratio between the ipsilateral and contralateral height of the condyle was significantly different when compared with the length of the mandibular ramus ( P <0.001). The ratio between the ipsilateral height of the condyle and the length of the mandibular ramus was significantly different when compared with that of the contralateral side ( P <0.001). The height of the affected condyle were significantly different ( P =0.005) among different ages. CONCLUSIONS: We found that hypoplasia was more severe in terms of the height of the condyle than the long axis and short axis of the condyle. The degree of condyle deformity was more severe than the mandible. And the affected condyle still had growth potential in the vertical direction with age.

Comprehensive Analysis of Major Latex-Like Protein Family Genes in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and Their Potential Roles in Phytophthora Blight Resistance.

Major latex-like proteins (MLPs) play crucial roles in abiotic and biotic stresses. However, little was known about this gene family in cucumbers. In this study, a total of 37 putative cucumber MLP genes were identified on a genome-wide level and classified into three groups by sequence homologous comparison with Arabidopsis thaliana. Chromosome mapping suggested that only tandem duplication occurred in evolution. The multiple regulatory cis-elements related to stress, hormone, light and growth response were found in the promoter region of these CsMLP genes, indicating that CsMLPs might be widely involved in the process of plant growth, development and various stress conditions. Transcriptome analysis indicated a strong reprogramming of MLPs expression in response to Phytophthora melonis infection in cucumber. Knockdown of CsMLP1 reduced the P. melonis tolerance, while transient overexpression of CsMLP1 improved disease tolerance in cucumber. Conversely, the silence of CsMLP5 decreased the lesion area caused by P. melonis in the cotyledons, and overexpression of CsMLP5 promoted lesion expansion. Taken together, our results provide a comprehensive basis for further mining the function of CsMLP members and will also be significant for elucidating the evolutionary relationship in cucumber.

Bone Density of the Condyle of Children with Craniofacial Microsomia and its Correlation with Condylar Resorption After Mandible Distraction Osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate condylar bone density (BD) in children with craniofacial microsomia (CFM) and identify factors that contribute to early stage condylar resorption (CR) after mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO). DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Craniofacial department of a plastic surgery hospital. PATIENTS: Fifty-one children with CFM classified as Pruzansky IIa based on complete pre-(T0) and post-MDO (T1) computed tomography (CT) data. INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Mimic 21.0 (Materialise Inc., Belgium) was used to measure bilateral BD and condylar height (CH) and volume (CV) of affected side. Children were split into groups based on either affected side BD or the distraction length (DL,25 mm as cutoff) .Bilateral BD was compared using a paired t-test in each group. The CH and CV of affected side at T0 and T1 were compared. The relative values of the CH and CV (CH ratio) and the volume (CV ratio) of the affected side were compared across the groups. RESULTS: The BD was lower on affected side than on unaffected side. Regarding BD, CH and CV decreased after MDO in group I, while the CH ratio and CV ratio of group I was lower than that of groups II and III. Regarding DL, the CV ratio was lower in Group L than Group S. CONCLUSIONS: The condylar bone quality on affected side is compromised in type IIa CFM. A low BD in combination with a larger distraction distance may increase the risk of CR; therefore, MDO in patients with such characteristics should be postponed.

Microcapsules and Nanoliposomes Based Strategies to Improve the Stability of Blueberry Anthocyanins.

Blueberry anthocyanins are water-soluble natural pigments that can be used as both natural antioxidants and natural colorants. However, their structural instability greatly limits their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In this study, blueberry anthocyanin microcapsules (BAM) and blueberry anthocyanin liposomes (BAL) were fabricated based on blueberry anthocyanins. Film dispersion methods were used to prepare the BAL. Their preparation processes were optimized and compared to improve the stability of the blueberry anthocyanins following exposure to light and high temperatures. The BAM were prepared through complex phase emulsification. The blueberry anthocyanins were protected by the shell materials composed of sodium alginate after being formed into BAM. Under the optimal conditions, the embedding rate of BAM and BAL can reach as high as 96.14% and 81.26%, respectively. In addition, the particle size, zeta potential, microtopography, and structure feature information of the BAM and BAL were compared. The average particle sizes of the BAM and BAL were 9.78 µm and 290.2 nm, respectively, measured using a laser particle size analyzer, and the zeta potentials of the BAM and BAL were 34.46 mV and 43.0 mV, respectively. In addition, the optimal preparation processes were determined through single-factor and response surface optimization experiments. The most important factors in the single-factor experiment for the preparation of microcapsules and liposomes were the content of CaCl2 and the amount of anthocyanin. The preservation rates in the light and dark were also compared, and the thermal stabilities of the BAM and BAL were characterized through differential thermal scanning. The results showed that both the BAM and BAL maintained the stability of blueberry anthocyanins, and no significant difference was found between the indices used to evaluate their stability. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the development of effective systems to maintain the stability of anthocyanins, thereby improving their bioavailability after ingestion by humans.

Postbiotics Derived from L. paracasei ET-22 Inhibit the Formation of S. mutans Biofilms and Bioactive Substances: An Analysis.

Globally, dental caries is one of the most common non-communicable diseases for patients of all ages; Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is its principal pathogen. Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) shows excellent anti-pathogens and immune-regulation functions in the host. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of L. paracasei ET-22 on the formation of S. mutans biofilms. The living bacteria, heat-killed bacteria, and secretions of L. paracasei ET-22 were prepared using the same number of bacteria. In vitro, they were added into artificial-saliva medium, and used to coculture with the S. mutans. Results showed that the living bacteria and secretions of L. paracasei ET-22 inhibited biofilm-growth, the synthesis of water-soluble polysaccharide and water-insoluble polysaccharide, and virulence-gene-expression levels related to the formation of S. mutans biofilms. Surprisingly, the heat-killed L. paracasei ET-22, which is a postbiotic, also showed a similar regulation function. Non-targeted metabonomics technology was used to identify multiple potential active-substances in the postbiotics of L. paracasei ET-22 that inhibit the formation of S. mutans biofilms, including phenyllactic acid, zidovudine monophosphate, and citrulline. In conclusion, live bacteria and its postbiotics of L. paracasei ET-22 all have inhibitory effects on the formation of S. mutans biofilm. The postbiotics of L. paracasei ET-22 may be a promising biological anticariogenic-agent.