Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis and Machine Learning Validation for Identifying Major Genes Related to Sjogren's Syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by dry mouth and dry eyes. Its pathogenic mechanism is currently unclear. This study aims to integrate weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning to identify key genes associated with SS. We downloaded 3 publicly available datasets from the GEO database comprising the gene expression data of 231 SS and 78 control cases, including GSE84844, GSE48378 and GSE51092, and carried out WGCNA to elucidate differences in the abundant genes. Candidate biomarkers for SS were then identified using a LASSO regression model. Totally 6 machine-learning models were subsequently utilized for validating the biological significance of major genes according to their expression. Finally, immune cell infiltration of the SS tissue was assessed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. A weighted gene co-expression network was built to divide genes into 10 modules. Among them, blue and red modules were most closely associated with SS, and showed significant enrichment in type I interferon signaling, cellular response to type I interferon and response to virus, etc. Combined machine learning identified 5 hub genes, including OAS1, EIF2AK2, IFITM3, TOP2A and STAT1. Immune cell infiltration analysis showed that SS was associated with CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, gamma delta T cell, NK cell and dendritic cell activation. WGCNA was combined with machine learning to uncover genes that may be involved in SS pathogenesis, which can be utilized for developing SS biomarkers and appropriate therapeutic targets.

Occlusal change in posterior implant-supported single crowns and its association with peri-implant bone level: a 5-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze the 5-year occlusal change in posterior implant-supported single crowns and the association between the relative occlusal force (ROF) and peri-implant bone level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Partially edentulous patients who had received implant-supported single crowns in the posterior region were included. Occlusal examinations with a computerized occlusion analysis system were conducted at 0.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after delivery of the implant-supported single crown. The ROFs of implant-supported single crowns, mesial adjacent teeth, and control natural teeth were recorded. Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken at each follow-up time to evaluate marginal bone level (MBL). Ordinary least square regression was used to analyze the association between ROF and MBL. RESULTS: Thirty-seven posterior implant-supported single crowns in 33 participants (23.9 to 70.0 years) were followed up for 0.5 to 60 months [(42.4 ± 26.0) months]. The ROF of implant-supported single crowns increased from 2 weeks to 3 months (P < 0.01) and increased continuously between all two sequential time points from 6 to 36 months, with significant differences (P < 0.05). Then ROFs of implant-supported single crowns were significantly higher than those of control teeth at 48 and 60 months (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that ROF was significantly associated with MBL with a coefficient of 0.008 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The ROFs of posterior implant-supported single crown have significant change during 5 years' follow-up. The association between ROF and MBL has limited clinical significance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-ROC-17012240. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The occlusion of implant-supported single crowns should be carefully monitored during follow-up examinations, and occlusal adjustment should be considered to prevent overloading.

Amphiphilic branched polymer-nitroxides conjugate as a nanoscale agent for potential magnetic resonance imaging of multiple objects in vivo.

BACKGROUND: In order to address the potential toxicity of metal-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents (CAs), a concept of non-metallic MRI CAs has emerged. Currently, paramagnetic nitroxides (such as (2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-oxyl, PROXYL), (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxide, TEMPO), etc.) are being extensively studied because their good stability and imaging mechanism are similar to metal-based contrast agents (such as Gd3+ chelate-based clinical CAs). However, a lower relaxivity and rapid in vivo metabolism of nitroxides remain to be addressed. Previous studies have demonstrated that the construction of macromolecular nitroxides contrast agents (mORCAs) is a promising solution through macromolecularization of nitroxides (i.e., use of large molecules to carry nitroxides). Macromolecular effects not only increase the stability of nitroxides by limiting their exposure to reductive substances in the body, but also improve the overall 1H water relaxation by increasing the concentration of nitroxides and slowing the molecular rotation speed. RESULTS: Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL with a high molecular weight (MW = 160 kDa) and a nitroxides content (0.059 mmol/g) can form a nanoscale (~ 28 nm) self-assembled aggregate in a water environment and hydrophobic PROXYL can be protected by a hydrophilic outer layer to obtain strong reduction resistance in vivo. Compared with a small molecular CA (3-Carboxy-PROXYL (3-CP)), Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL displays three prominent features: (1) its longitudinal relaxivity (0.50 mM- 1 s- 1) is about three times that of 3-CP (0.17 mM- 1 s- 1); (2) the blood retention time of nitroxides is significantly increased from a few minutes of 3-CP to 6 h; (3) it provides long-term and significant enhancement in MR imaging of the tumor, liver, kidney and cardiovascular system (heart and aortaventralis), and this is the first report on nitroxides-based MRI CAs for imaging the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: As a safe and efficient candidate metal-free magnetic resonance contrast agent, Branched pDHPMA-mPEG-Ppa-PROXYL is expected to be used not only in imaging the tumor, liver and kidney, but also the cardiovascular system, which expands the application scope of these CAs.

Analyzing the occlusion variation of single posterior implant-supported fixed prostheses by using the T-scan system: A prospective 3-year follow-up study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Osseointegrated implants can be prone to occlusal overloading because of the absence of the periodontal ligament and limited tactile sensitivity. However, current scientific evidence of the occlusion variation of implant-supported fixed prostheses is lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to analyze changes in occlusal force distribution and occlusal contact in single posterior partial fixed implant-supported prostheses over time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Partially edentulous patients who had received implant-supported single crowns in the posterior region between December 2012 and December 2013 were enrolled. The participants underwent occlusal examinations by using the T-Scan III system at 0.5, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after implant prosthesis delivery. The relative occlusal forces (ROFs) of implant prostheses, mesial adjacent teeth, and control natural teeth were recorded, and implant prosthesis occlusion time ratios were calculated. The paired t test was used to compare the implant prosthesis occlusion time ratios and ROFs of implant prostheses at 2 different times as a self-control. The differences in ROFs between implant prostheses and control teeth in the same participant at the same time were also analyzed by using a paired t test. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the statistical correlation between implant prosthesis occlusal force and the implant prosthesis occlusion time ratio (α=.05). RESULTS: Thirty-seven posterior partial fixed implant-supported prostheses in 33 participants (18 women and 15 men aged 23.9 to 70 years) were followed up for 3 to 36 months (mean: 31.4 months). The ROFs of implant prostheses increased significantly (P<.05) from 2 weeks (7.46 ±4.21%) to 3 months (9.87 ±6.79%), whereas those of control natural teeth decreased significantly (P<.05) from 13.78 ±6.00% to 11.43 ±5.47%. The ROFs of implant prostheses continued to increase from 6 to 12 months and from 12 to 24 months, with significant differences (P<.05). However, they were statistically similar to those of control natural teeth at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after restoration. Implant prosthesis occlusion time ratios also increased significantly between 2 weeks and 3 months and between 3 and 6 months (P<.05). No significant differences were found between the other time points (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The occlusal force and occlusal contact time of implant prostheses changed significantly with time.

The molecular mechanism study of insulin in promoting wound healing under high-glucose conditions.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is a complex process in bone development. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism study of insulin in promoting wound healing. METHODS: Firstly, the acute human monocyte leukemia cell lines were induced to differentiate into macrophages. Secondly, the porphyromonas gingivalis was applied to mix with the differentiated macrophages. Thirdly, the effect of different concentrations of insulin (0 ng/mL, 5 ng/mL, 50 ng/mL, 100 ng/mL, 200 ng/mL, 500 ng/mL, and 1,000 ng/mL) on the phagocytosis of macrophages and production of reactive oxygen species was investigated. Depending on these experiments, the optimal insulin concentration was used to treat the macrophages at different time points (0 hours and 0.5 hours) to identify the differentially expressed mRNAs. Finally, functional analysis including gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was carried out to explore the biological function of these differentially expressed mRNAs. RESULTS: The test of phagocytosis function and production of reactive oxygen species showed that 200 ng/mL insulin treatment had a significant influence on antibacterial and production of reactive oxygen species. In RNA sequencing, a total of 415 (245 upregulated and 170 downregulated) differentially expressed mRNAs were identified between different time points. Two important signaling pathways including endocytosis and systemic lupus erythematosus were found in the KEGG enrichment analysis. In the PPI network, several hub proteins encoded by differentially expressed mRNA including ALB, HIP1R, RAB5A, HIST1H2BJ, HIST1H3G, and HIST1H2BO were identified. CONCLUSION: Our work demonstrated that several differentially expressed mRNAs, such as EGR1, RAB34, ALB, HIP1R, RAB5A, HIST1H2BJ, HIST1H3G, and HIST1H2BO and two important signaling pathways including endocytosis and systemic lupus erythematosus may play important roles in the bone wound healing.

Complete idiopathic resorption of distobuccal root of a maxillary first molar: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: This case report provides a rare case of idiopathic root resorption in maxillary first molar and suggests the importance of CBCT in the diagnosis and treatment outcome of complex endodontic diseases. Endodontic surgery is an effective method for treating teeth with persistent apical periodontitis. Abstract: Idiopathic root resorption is an unexplained root resorption when the patient experiences root resorption without any local or systemic factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term outcomes.

Anesthesia management for patient with bipolar disorder complicated with hypothyroidism during oral surgery: a case report.

Bipolar disorder is a major mental illness that is difficult to treat and has a high degree of recurrence. This article reports general anesthesia for oral surgery in a patient with bipolar disorder complicated with hypothyroidism. It also discusses the rational application of antipsychotic drugs and anesthetics with reference to the literature to improve the understanding of the disease and help patients with mental disorders complete the surgical treatment quietly and smoothly.

Impairing Tumor Metabolic Plasticity via a Stable Metal-Phenolic-Based Polymeric Nanomedicine to Suppress Colorectal Cancer.

Targeting metabolic vulnerability of tumor cells is a promising anticancer strategy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of existing metabolism-regulating agents is often compromised due to tolerance resulting from tumor metabolic plasticity, as well as their poor bioavailability and tumor-targetability. Inspired by the inhibitive effect of N-ethylmaleimide on the mitochondrial function, a dendronized-polymer-functionalized metal-phenolic nanomedicine (pOEG-b-D-SH@NP) encapsulating maleimide-modified doxorubicin (Mal-DOX) is developed to enable improvement in the overall delivery efficiency and inhibition of the tumor metabolism via multiple pathways. It is observed that Mal-DOX and its derived nanomedicine induces energy depletion of CT26 colorectal cancer cells more efficiently than doxorubicin, and shifts the balance of programmed cell death from apoptosis toward necroptosis. Notably, pOEG-b-D-SH@NP simultaneously inhibits cellular oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, thus potently suppressing cancer growth and peritoneal intestinal metastasis in mouse models. Overall, the study provides a promising dendronized-polymer-derived nanoplatform for the treatment of cancers through impairing metabolic plasticity.

Biopolymers from vegetable oils via catalyst- and solvent-free "click" chemistry: effects of cross-linking density.

New monomers were prepared by introducing the azide groups in castor, canola, corn, soybean, and linseed oils. Polymerization of the azidated oils with alkynated soybean oil under thermal "click" chemistry conditions (without using a solvent or a catalyst) yielded fully cross-linked elastomers (1-5) of almost the same density (1.05 × 10(-3) kg/m(3)). The degree of cross-linking gradually increased from the castor-derived polymer (220 mol/m(3)) to the linseed-derived polymer (683 mol/m(3)). A systematic correlation between the degree of cross-linking and the thermal and mechanical properties was observed in these biopolymers. Tensile strength (0.62-3.39 MPa) and glass transition temperature (-5 to 16 °C) increased and the linear thermal expansion coefficient decreased in the series from the canola-derived polymer (2) to the linseed-derived polymer (5). The castor-derived polymer (1) that possesses an additional hydroxyl group per fatty acid chain behaved differently.

Case Report: Application of Mixed Reality Combined With A Surgical Template for Precise Periapical Surgery.

Objective: The etiology of apical diseases is diverse, and most are due to incomplete root canal therapy. The common clinical manifestations include gingival abscess, fistula and bone destruction. The currently existing limitation of procedures is that surgeons cannot visually evaluate the surgical areas. We sought to combine mixed reality (MR) technology with a 3-dimensional (3D) printed surgical template to achieve visualization in apical surgery. Notably, no reports have described this application. Methods: We created visual 3D (V3D) files and transferred them into the HoloLens system. We explained the surgical therapy plan to the patient using a mixed reality head-mounted display (MR-HMD). Then, the 3D information was preliminarily matched with the operative area, and the optimal surgical approach was determined by combining this information with 3D surgical guide plate technology. Results: We successfully developed a suitable surgical workflow and confirmed the optimal surgical approach from the buccal side. We completely exposed the apical lesion and removed the inflammatory granulation tissue. Conclusion: We are the first group to use the MR technique in apical surgery. We integrated the MR technique with a 3D surgical template to successfully accomplish the surgery. Desirable outcomes using minimally invasive therapy could be achieved with the MR technique.

Dual stimuli-responsive dendronized prodrug derived from poly(oligo-(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)-based copolymers for enhanced anti-cancer therapeutic effect.

In this study, we developed an enzyme- and pH-responsive dendronized poly(oligo-(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (pOEGMA)-doxorubicin (DOX) polymeric prodrug, which combined the pOEGMA structure with a degradable peptide dendron. The introduction of the dendron in the prodrug hindered the entanglement of brush oligo-(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chains, allowed the prodrug to possess dual stimuli-responsiveness, and mediated self-assembly of the polymeric prodrug to form stable nanoparticles (NPs). Brush conformation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains endowed the NPs with long-term circulation with a half-life of 16.0 h. The dual-responsive dendritic structure enhanced cellular uptake of NPs and facilitated drug release in response to overexpressed cathepsin B and an acidic pH in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in an enhanced therapeutic effect with a tumor inhibition rate of 72.9% for 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. The NPs were demonstrated to possess great hemocompatibility and biosafety. Therefore, this strategy could provide great insight for the design of poly(oligo-(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)-based copolymers as drug delivery carriers. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We propose a dual-stimuli-responsive dendronized strategy for improving the cancer therapeutic effect of the poly(oligo-(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (pOEGMA)-based drug conjugates. The introduction of the functional dendron promotes self-assembly of the polymeric prodrug into nanoparticles, hindering the entanglement of brush oligo-(ethylene glycol) (OEG) chains in the conjugated drugs. The obtained poly OEGMA-GFLG-Dendron-NH-N=DOX nanoparticles maintains long circulation, while addresses the drug release issue due to the presence of high-density PEG. The drug delivery system exhibits a high therapeutic potentcy with negligible side effects.

A Transformable Amphiphilic and Block Polymer-Dendron Conjugate for Enhanced Tumor Penetration and Retention with Cellular Homeostasis Perturbation via Membrane Flow.

Efficient penetration and retention of therapeutic agents in tumor tissues can be realized through rational design of drug delivery systems. Herein, a polymer-dendron conjugate, POEGMA-b-p(GFLG-Dendron-Ppa) (GFLG-DP), is presented, which allows a cathepsin-B-triggered stealthy-to-sticky structural transformation. The compositions and ratios are optimized through dissipative particle dynamics simulations. GFLG-DP displays tumor-specific transformation and the consequently released dendron-Ppa is found to effectively accumulate on the tumor cell membrane. The interaction between the dendron-Ppa and the tumor cell membrane results in intracellular and intercellular transport via membrane flow, thus achieving efficient deep penetration and prolonged retention of therapeutic agents in the solid tumor tissues. Meanwhile, the interaction of dendron-Ppa with the endoplasmic reticulum disrupts cell homeostasis, making tumor cells more vulnerable and susceptible to photodynamic therapy. This platform represents a versatile approach to augmenting the tumor therapeutic efficacy of a nanomedicine via manipulation of its interactions with tumor membrane systems.

Symmetry-Broken Patches on Gold Nanoparticles through Deficient Ligand Exchange.

Symmetry-broken nanoparticles (NPs) are important building blocks with directional interparticle interaction as a key to access the precise organization of NPs macroscopically. We report a facile, one-pot synthetic approach to prepare high-quality symmetry-broken plasmonic gold NPs (AuNPs). Symmetry-broken patterning is achieved through deficient ligand exchange of isotropic AuNPs with thiol-terminated polystyrene (PS-SH) in the presence of an amphiphilic polymer surfactant. The concentration of PS-SH plays a dominant role in tuning surface patterning and coverage of AuNPs. The formation of asymmetric surface patches arises from the interplay between the conformational entropy of polymer ligands and the interfacial energy between polymer-grafted AuNPs and the solvent. Our method illustrates new paradises to design asymmetric NPs with directional interparticle interactions to access the precise organization of NPs.

Synergistic Therapy of a Naturally Inspired Glycopolymer-Based Biomimetic Nanomedicine Harnessing Tumor Genomic Instability.

Inspired by natural saccharide-protein complexes, a stimuli-responsive biodegradable and branched glycopolymer-pyropheophorbide-a (Ppa) conjugate (BSP) with saccharide units for cancer therapy is constructed. A linear glycopolymeric conjugate (LSP), a branched glycopolymeric conjugate (BShP) from Ppa with long carbon chains, and a branched conjugate (BHSP) based on poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (polyHPMA) without saccharide units are prepared as controls. Through structure-activity relationship studies, BSP with a 3D network structure forms stable nanostructures via weak intermolecular interactions, regulating the stacking state of Ppa to improve the singlet oxygen quantum yield and the corresponding photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect. BSP shows high loading of olaparib, and are further coated with tumor cell membranes, resulting in a biomimetic nanomedicine (CM-BSPO). CM-BSPO shows highly efficient tumor targeting and cellular internalization properties. The engulfment of CM-BSPO accompanied with laser irradiation results in a prominent antitumor effect, evidenced by disruption of cell cycles in tumor cells, increased apoptosis and DNA damage, and subsequent inhibition of repair for damaged DNA. The mechanism for the synergistic effect from PDT and olaparib is unveiled at the genetic and protein level through transcriptome analysis. Overall, this biodegradable and branched glycopolymer-drug conjugate could be effectively optimized as a biomimetic nanomedicine for cancer therapy.

Catalyst- and solvent-free "click" chemistry: a facile approach to obtain cross-linked biopolymers from soybean oil.

A series of highly cross-linked biopolymers (1-10) was obtained by the copper-catalyzed and the thermal polyaddition of alkynated and azidated soybean oil with suitable diazides and diynes, respectively. Thermal polymerization (heating at 100 °C), which requires no catalyst and no solvent, was observed to be a superior approach, yielding polymers (6-10) with more homogeneous cross-linking. The temperature of decomposition of 6-10 was narrower (∼170 °C) than that of the polymers (1-5) obtained by the copper-catalyzed method (∼210 °C). The glass-transition temperatures of 1-5 were higher (Tg ranging from 9 to 80 °C) than those of the comparable polymers obtained thermally (Tg ranging from -13 to 45 °C) because of the catalyst entrapped in the networks of 1-5. Furthermore, the thermal approach requires less time and is higher yielding, establishing the suitability and ease of polymerization of vegetable oil-derived alkynes or azides through thermal "Click" chemistry. The effects of the structure of the monomers and the nature of the linkers on the thermal properties of 1-10 (e.g., Tg and decomposition temperatures) are detailed.

Clinical outcomes after intentional replantation of permanent teeth: A systematic review.

This study aimed to systematically assess the outcomes of intentional replantation (IR) of teeth and to determine the survival rate, success rate, and prognostic factors related to the treatment. A search was conducted for all relevant English language articles published from January 2000 to October 2017. The search terms included "intentional replantation" and "teeth" according to the inclusion criteria. The Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Twelve studies were identified as relevant for the systematic review. In total, 896 patients with 905 teeth were examined for intentional teeth replantation. The success rate was greater than 90% in four studies (33.33%) and between 70% and 80% in five studies. At short-term follow-up (<6 months), the survival rate was approximately 90% in four studies. At longer-term follow-up (>36 months), the survival rates of teeth were slightly reduced in four studies, and tended to be stable after 48 months. In conclusion, the long-term success and survival rate of IR are likely dependent upon short extraoral time, reduced pocket depth, type of tooth, type of root-end filling material, and the prevention of atraumatic tooth root damage.

[Negative pressure pulmonary edema secondary to laryngospasm: a case report].

Negative pressure pulmonary edema is a rare complication of general anesthesia. This paper presents a case of acute negative pressure pulmonary edema that occurred during general anesthesia resuscitation. The patient is a young male that underwent bimaxillary surgery under general anesthesia. Laryngospasm spasm ensued after extubation. The treatment for laryngeal spasm retained the smoothness of the nasopharyngal airway, and the pulse oxygen saturation rapidly decreased after anesthesia resuscitation. Pink foam sputum was sucked out from the cavity due to respiratory shortness from mouth and nose. Highly concentrated oxygen was immediately given to assist ventilation and as a symptomatic support (diuretics, hormones), and the condition evidently improved. The diagnosis and treatment of this case suggest that when acute pulmonary edema occurs during general anesthesia resuscitation, negative pressure pulmonary edema should be highly suspected. The first line of treatment is to relieve respiratory tract obstruction. Supplying highly concentrated oxygen to assist positive pressure ventilation is an effective treatment to alleviate pulmonary edema.

Reductive microenvironment responsive gadolinium-based polymers as potential safe MRI contrast agents.

Accumulation of nano-scale contrast agents in body tissues potentially induces adverse effects associated with free Gd(iii) ion release from the nano-scale system, such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and gadolinium deposition in the brain tissue. A novel formulation strategy was proposed herein for Gd-based macromolecular MRI contrast agents (Gd-mCAs), which may significantly reduce Gd(iii) retention but maintain sufficient imaging contrast. Biodegradable poly[N-(1,3-dihydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] copolymers (pDHPMA) were synthesized from N-(1,3-dihydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (DHPMA) as a monomer and enzyme-responsive short peptide (GFLG) as a chain transfer agent. Small molecular Gd-chelate (Gd-DOTA) was conjugated onto the copolymer backbone through a sulfide bond or a GSH-sensitive cleavable disulfide bond to produce two novel Gd-mCAs (pDHPMA-Cy5.5-DOTA-Gd or pDHPMA-Cy5.5-SS-DOTA-Gd) for tumor diagnosis. Their relaxivities were 10.49 and 10.24 mM-1 s-1 respectively, which were significantly higher than that of DTPA-Gd (3.97 mM-1 s-1). Compared with pDHPMA-Cy5.5-DOTA-Gd, pDHPMA-Cy5.5-SS-DOTA-Gd had a shorter Gd(iii) retention time but maintained a sufficient contrast efficacy. We have demonstrated that the conjugation of small molecular Gd-chelate to biodegradable macromolecular carriers through a ROX-sensitive biocleavable disulfide bond may be an efficient strategy for formulating safe biodegradable Gd-based pDHPMA copolymers as MRI contrast agents.

Engineering of pectin-dopamine nano-conjugates for carrying ruthenium complex: A potential tool for biomedical applications.

In this work, we designed polysaccharide-metal complex of dopamine-modified pectin linking ruthenium compound, which exhibited a certain inhibition specificity to human renal cell adenocarcinoma cell line 786-O. The chemical structure and physical properties of the polysaccharide-metal complex were well characterized by multiple analysis methods. The multi-spectral results revealed that pectin-dopamine have been successfully coordinated by ruthenium complex to form nano-conjugates, which self-assembled into relatively regular nanospheres of approximately 200 nm. The polysaccharide-metal complex has more amorphous and less viscosity than pectin, and cannot withstand as much strain as the pectin and pectin-dopamine systems. Pectin-dopamine can decrease the toxicity effect of Ru complex in normal cell line such as human normal renal epithelial cell line 293A.

Preliminary report of microwave ablation for the primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a large-cohort of 185 patients feasibility study.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) for primary papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) with a large sample of 185 patients. METHODS: A total of 185 patients underwent MWA for 206 primary PTMC nodules. They received ultrasound follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after MWA and every 6 months thereafter. Nodule volumes were calculated at each follow-up and compared with those before MWA. Additionally, the volume reduction rate (VRR) of the nodules was calculated. Patients' thyroid functions were tested before and 1 month after MWA. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time of the 185 patients was 20.7 ± 8.8 months (range 12-36 months). During the follow-up period, the mean volume of the 206 nodules was 100.1 ± 92.9 mm3 (range 3.6-423.9) before MWA, which decreased to 2.2 ± 5.6 mm3 (range 0-20.3 mm3) after MWA (P = 0.000). The mean VRR of the nodules was 98.65 ± 3.60% after MWA (range 83.85-100%). One hundred and seventy four of 206 nodules (84.5%) were fully absorbed. Compared with the preoperative results, no significant variation in thyroid function was observed 1 month after MWA. Thirty-eight patients (20.5%) had different types of complications, ranging from minor to major. Five patients (2.7%) had hoarseness, 11 patients (5.9%) had bleeding, 21 patients (11.4%) had earache or toothache, and one patient had another lesion 1 month after MWA. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that MWA is safe and effective in the treatment of primary PTMC and offers a new alternative for clinical treatment.