Binary Nano-inhalant Formulation of Icariin Enhances Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia via BDNF/TrkB Signaling and Anti-inflammatory Effects.

Vascular dementia (VaD) has a serious impact on the patients' quality of life. Icariin (Ica) possesses neuroprotective potential for treating VaD, yet its oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability remain challenges. This research introduced a PEG-PLGA-loaded chitosan hydrogel-based binary formulation tailored for intranasal delivery, enhancing the intracerebral delivery efficacy of neuroprotective agents. The formulation underwent optimization to facilitate BBB crossing, with examinations conducted on its particle size, morphology, drug-loading capacity, in vitro release, and biodistribution. Using the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) rat model, the therapeutic efficacy of this binary formulation was assessed against chitosan hydrogel and PEG-PLGA nanoparticles loaded with Ica. Post-intranasal administration, enhanced cognitive function was evident in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) rats. Further mechanistic evaluations, utilizing immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-PCR, and ELISA, revealed augmented transcription of synaptic plasticity-associated proteins like SYP and PSD-95, and a marked reduction in hippocampal inflammatory markers such as IL-1ß and TNF-α, highlighting the formulation's promise in alleviating cognitive impairment. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) pathway was activated significantly in the binary formulation compared with the other two. Our study demonstrates that the intranasal application of chitosan hydrogel loaded with Ica-encapsulated PEG-PLGA could effectively deliver Ica into the brain and enhance its neuroprotective effect.

Dilute Povidone-Iodine Solution Soaking Is Ineffective in Improving Outcomes of Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Diabetic Foot.

ABSTRACT: Wound soaking is a physical debridement method that helps reduce bacterial colonization and consequently promotes wound healing. Although soaking in povidone-iodine solution was ineffective in reducing bacterial colonization in acute trauma wounds, there is still a lack of evidence supporting the efficacy of this method in treating severe soft tissue infection. This study aimed to explore the effects of wound soaking in 1% dilute povidone-iodine solution on necrotizing fasciitis caused by diabetic foot ulcers. We retrospectively reviewed and finally included 153 patients who were admitted because of diabetic foot ulcers after undergoing fasciotomy for necrotizing infection from January 2018 to December 2021. Results showed no statistical difference in the outcomes between patients in the soaking and nonsoaking groups. End-stage renal disease (P = 0.029) and high serum C-reactive protein level (P = 0.007) were the only independent factors for below-knee amputation in the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Therefore, soaking diabetic wounds with severe infection in 1% dilute povidone-iodine solution may not reduce the hospital length of stay, risk of below-knee amputation, and readmission rate.

Bulked Segregant RNA-Seq Reveals Different Gene Expression Patterns and Mutant Genes Associated with the Zigzag Pattern of Tea Plants (Camellia sinensis).

The unique zigzag-patterned tea plant is a rare germplasm resource. However, the molecular mechanism behind the formation of zigzag stems remains unclear. To address this, a BC1 genetic population of tea plants with zigzag stems was studied using histological observation and bulked segregant RNA-seq. The analysis revealed 1494 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the upright and zigzag stem groups. These DEGs may regulate the transduction and biosynthesis of plant hormones, and the effects on the phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways may cause the accumulation of lignin. Tissue sections further supported this finding, showing differences in cell wall thickness between upright and curved stems, potentially due to lignin accumulation. Additionally, 262 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across 38 genes were identified as key SNPs, and 5 genes related to zigzag stems were identified through homologous gene function annotation. Mutations in these genes may impact auxin distribution and content, resulting in the asymmetric development of vascular bundles in curved stems. In summary, we identified the key genes associated with the tortuous phenotype by using BSR-seq on a BC1 population to minimize genetic background noise.

The structural and functional properties of hemp protein isolate-epigallocatechin-3-gallate biopolymer covalent complex during heating.

BACKGROUND: It is well known that hemp proteins have the disadvantages of poor solubility and poor emulsification. To improve these shortcomings, an alkali covalent cross-linking method was used to prepare hemp protein isolate-epigallocatechin-3-gallate biopolymer (HPI-EGCG) and the effects of different heat treatment conditions on the structure and emulsifying properties of the HPI-EGCG covalent complex were studied. RESULTS: The secondary and tertiary structures, solubility, and emulsification ability of the HPI-EGCG complexes were evaluated using particle size, zeta potential, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy indices. The results showed that the absolute value of zeta potential of HPI-EGCG covalent complex was the largest, 18.6 mV, and the maximum binding amount of HPI to EGCG was 29.18 µmol g-1 . Under heat treatment at 25-35 °C, the α-helix content was reduced from 1.87% to 0%, and the ß-helix content was reduced from 82.79% to 0% after the covalent binding of HPI and EGCG. The solubility and emulsification properties of the HPI-EGCG covalent complexes were improved significantly, and the emulsification activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) were increased by 2.77-fold and 1.21-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: A new HPI-EGCG covalent complex was developed in this study to provide a theoretical basis for the application of HPI-EGCG in food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Total Surface Area of a Through-and-Through Oromandibular Defect Is Associated With Thromboembolic Events for Reconstruction With a Single Fibula Free Flap.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of through-and-through composite oromandibular defects (COMDs) has been a challenge to plastic surgeons for decades. When using a free osteoseptocutaneous fibular flap, the skin paddle is restricted by the orientation of the peroneal vessels and the inset of bone segment(s). Although the combination of double flaps for extensive COMDs is viable and reliable, the decision of single- or double-flap reconstruction is still debated, and the risk factors leading to complications and flap failure of single-flap reconstruction are less discussed. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine objectively predictive factors for postoperative vascular complications in through-and-through COMDs reconstructed with a single fibula flap. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in patients who underwent single free fibular flap reconstruction for through-and-through COMDs in a tertiary medical center from 2011 to 2020. The enrolled patients' characteristics, surgical methods, thromboembolic event, flap outcomes, intensive care unit care, and total hospital length of stay were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 43 consecutive patients were included in this study. Patients were categorized into a group without thromboembolic events (n = 35) and a group with thromboembolic events (n = 8). The 8 subjects with thromboembolic events were failed to be salvaged. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and history of radiotherapy. The length of bony defect (6.70 ± 1.95 vs 9.04 ± 2.96, P = 0.004) and the total surface area (105.99 ± 60.33 vs 169.38 ± 41.21, P = 0.004) were the 2 factors that showed a significant difference between the groups. Total surface area was the only significant factor in univariate logistic regression for thromboembolic event (P = 0.020; odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003-1.033) and also in multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjusting confounding factors (P = 0.033; odds ratio, 1.026; 95% CI, 1.002-1.051).The cutoff level of total surface area in determining thromboembolic event development was 159 cm2 (P = 0.005; sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 82.9%; 95% CI, 0.684-0.952). CONCLUSIONS: Free fibula flap has its advantages and drawbacks on mandible restoration. Because there is a lack of indicators before, a large total surface area may be an objective reference for single-flap reconstruction of through-and-through COMDs due to an elevated risk of thromboembolic event.

Characterization of structural and functional properties of soy protein isolate and sodium alginate interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels.

BACKGROUND: This study used enzymatic and Ca2+ cross-linking methods to prepare edible soy protein isolate (SPI) and sodium alginate (SA) interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels to overcome the disadvantages of traditional interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, such as poor performance, high toxicity, and inedibility. The influence of changes in SPI and SA mass ratio on the performance of SPI-SA IPN hydrogels was investigated. RESULTS: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the structure of the hydrogels. Texture profile analysis (TPA), rheological properties, swelling rate, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) were used to evaluate physical and chemical properties and safety. The results showed that, compared with SPI hydrogel, IPN hydrogels had better gel properties and structural stability. As the mass ratio of SPI-SA IPN changed from 1:0.2 to 1:1, the gel network structure of hydrogels also tended to be dense and uniform. The water retention and mechanical properties of these hydrogels, such as storage modulus (G'), loss modulus (G"), and gel hardness increased significantly and were greater than those of the SPI hydrogel. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed. The biocompatibility of these hydrogels was good. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a new method to prepare food-grade IPN hydrogels with mechanical properties of SPI and SA, which may have strong potential for the development of new foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Sewage sludge pretreatment by microwave irradiation combined with activated carbon fibre at alkaline pH for anaerobic digestion.

This research focuses on the effects of microwave-assisted activated carbon fibre (ACF) (MW-ACF) treatment on sewage sludge at alkaline pH. The disintegration and biodegradability of sewage sludge were studied. It was found that the MW-ACF process at alkaline pH provided a rapid and efficient process to disrupt the microbial cells in the sludge. The results suggested that when irradiated at 800 W MW for 110 s with a dose of 1.0 g ACF/g solid concentration (SS) at pH 10.5, the MW-ACF pretreatment achieved 55% SS disintegration, 23% greater than the value of MW alone (32%). The concentration of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, supernatant soluble chemical oxygen demand, protein, and polysaccharide increased by 60%, 144%, 145%, 74%, and 77%, respectively. An increase in biogas production by 63.7% was achieved after 20 days of anaerobic digestion (AD), compared to the control. The results indicated that the MW-ACF pretreatment process at alkaline pH provides novel sludge management options in disintegration of sewage sludge for further AD.

Enrichment and purification of deoxyschizandrin and γ-schizandrin from the extract of Schisandra chinensis fruit by macroporous resins.

In present study, the performance and separation characteristics of 21 macroporous resins for the enrichment and purification of deoxyschizandrin and γ-schizandrin, the two major lignans from Schisandra chinensis extracts, were evaluated. According to our results, HPD5000, which adsorbs by the molecular tiers model, was the best macroporous resin, offering higher adsorption and desorption capacities and higher adsorption speed for deoxyschizandrin and γ-schizandrin than other resins. Columns packed with HPD5000 resin were used to perform dynamic adsorption and desorption tests to optimize the technical parameters of the separation process. The results showed that the best adsorption time is 4 h, the rate of adsorption is 0.85 mL/min (4 BV/h) and the rate of desorption is 0.43 mL/min (2 BV/h). After elution with 90% ethanol, the purity of deoxy-schizandrin increased 12.62-fold from 0.37% to 4.67%, the purity of γ-schizandrin increased 15.8-fold from 0.65% to 10.27%, and the recovery rate was more than 80%.

Preparation of baicalin-loaded ligand-modified nanoparticles for nose-to-brain delivery for neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia.

Neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia (CI) has received increasing attention. However, efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain remains a major challenge due to the complex environment of the brain. Nose-to-brain-based delivery is a promising approach. Here, we optimized a nanocarrier formulation of neuroprotective agents that can be used for nose-to-brain delivery by obtaining RVG29 peptide-modified polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles (PEG-PLGA RNPs) that have physicochemical properties that lead to stable and sustained drug release and thereby improve the bioavailability of neuroprotective agents. The brain-targeting ability of PEG-PLGA RNPs administered through nasal inhalation was verified in a rat model of CI. It was found that delivery to the whole brain can be achieved with little delivery to the peripheral circulation. Baicalin (BA) was selected as the neuroprotective agent for delivery. After intranasal administration of BA-PEG-PLGA RNPs, the neurological dysfunction of rats with ischemic brain injury was significantly alleviated, the cerebral infarction area was reduced, and nerve trauma and swelling were relieved. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of BA in a rat model of CI may be mediated by inhibition of inflammation and alleviation of oxidative stress. The immunohistochemical results obtained after treatment with nanoparticles loaded with BA showed that Nrf2/HO-1 was activated in the area in which ischemic brain damage had occurred and that its expression was significantly higher in the group treated with BA-PEG-PLGA RNPs than in the other groups. The ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were abnormally increased in the serum of rats with cerebral ischemia. After treatment with BA-loaded nanoparticles, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels decreased significantly. Oxidative stress was alleviated; the levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase increased; and the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde decreased, in animals to which BA-PEG-PLGA RNPs were delivered by intranasal inhalation. In conclusion, BA-PEG-PLGA RNPs can effectively deliver BA to rats and thereby exert neuroprotective effects against CI.

Dental service in 2008 Summer Olympic Games.

OBJECTIVE: How to organise an appropriate team to provide quality dental care during the Olympic Games has become an important consideration for each successive host country. The aims of this study were to document dental services provided at the Olympic Games and to provide data for planning future events. SET-UP OF THE DENTAL CARE DEPARTMENT: There were six dental chairs in six independent treatment rooms, one technical laboratory, a sterilising room and an x-ray room equipped with one digital panoramic screening machine and one intraoral x-ray machine in the polyclinic in the Olympic Village in Beijing. Shifts comprised 80 dentists and 28 nurses who were organised into three shifts working from 08:00 until 23:00. RESULTS: In the 2008 Olympic Games, there were 1607 cases involving 1126 patients requiring dental care: 795 cases from 516 athletes; 483 cases from 370 coaches and other staff; and 99 cases from volunteers. Endodontic treatments, permanent fillings, oral hygiene, mouthguards and treatment of pericoronitis were the most frequent procedures in dental care. The Mouthguard Service was extremely popular and well utilised. 122 athletes received new custom-made mouthguards in Beijing. CONCLUSIONS: As the utilisation of the dental service grows, and the burden of providing care for such a large cohort increases, a well-organised dental team becomes increasingly important. More general-practice dentists were needed in the team. Different kinds of specialist were suggested for working in the team-for example, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, sport dentists for mouthguards and endodontists.

[Effects of extracellular matrix PDMS stiffness on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of extracellular matrix stiffness on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based cell culture substrate model. METHODS: The premolars removed during orthodontic treatment in Changzhou NO.2 People's Hospital were collected for DPSCs culture. PDMS matrix membranes were prepared, and divided into three groups according to the different stiffness degrees, group A (binder/hardener: 10∶1; 135 kPa), group B (binder/hardener: 20∶1; 54 kPa), and group C (binder/hardener: 30∶1; 16 kPa). Group free from PDMS was set as control group. Thereafter, DPSCs cells were cultured on PDMS matrix, and various indexes were detected. The proliferation rate of DPSCs was detected by CCK-8, the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs was detected by alizarin red staining, and the protein expression levels of osteocalcin(OCN), RUNX2, Wnt1 and ß-catenin were detected by Western blot. The data were processed with SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: Alizarin red staining showed that DPSCs cells in group A had obvious morphological changes, and the cell arrangement showed obvious orientation, its morphology gradually changed from polygon and spindle shape to square shape, and calcified nodules were also observed. The number of calcified nodules among four groups were the most in the group A, followed by group B and group C, which was the lowest in control group, with significant difference (P<0.05). The cell proliferation rate and the expression of OCN, RUNX2, Wnt1 and ß-catenin were the highest in group A, followed by group B and group C, which was the lowest in control group, with significant difference(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The extracellular matrix with high stiffness may promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs by activating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, which may provide a theoretical basis for periodontal tissue engineering.

RVG29-modified microRNA-loaded nanoparticles improve ischemic brain injury by nasal delivery.

Effective nose-to-brain delivery needs to be developed to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Regulating miR-124 can effectively improve the symptoms of ischemic brain injury and provide a certain protective effect from brain damage after cerebral ischemia. We used rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO) with ischemic brain injury, and we delivered RVG29-NPs-miR124 intranasally to treat neurological damage after cerebral ischemia. Rhoa and neurological scores in rats treated by intranasal administration of RVG29-PEG-PLGA/miRNA-124 were significantly lower than those in PEG-PLGA/miRNA-124 nasal administration and RVG29-PLGA/miRNA-124 nasal administration group treated rats. These results indicate that the nose-to-brain delivery of PLGA/miRNA-124 conjugated with PEG and RVG29 alleviated the symptoms of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus, nasal delivery of RVG29-PEG-PLGA/miRNA-124 could be a new method for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Management strategy in patient with familial gigantiform cementoma: A case report and analysis of the literature.

RATIONALE: Familial gigantiform cementoma (FGC) is a rare benign autosomal dominant fibrocemento-osseous lesion generally limited to the facial bones, typically in the anterior portion of the mandible; it is often associated with abnormalities of the long bones and prepubertal pathologic fractures. Owing to the small number of such patients, a uniform treatment criterion has not been established. This paper presents a patient with FGC who was treated in our department, and offers a systematic review of the patients reported in the literature. Our aim was to explore the treatment strategy for patients with FGC. PATIENT CONCERNS: Our patient, a 13-year-old boy, presented with a painless enlargement of the mandible first noted 2 years earlier. It had grown rapidly over the preceding 8 months, affecting both his appearance and ability to chew. DIAGNOSIS: Based on the pathologic, clinical, and radiographic features, FGC was diagnosed. INTERVENTIONS: Mandibuloectomy was performed. The mandibular defect was immediately reconstructed with his right vascularized iliac crest flap. At the same time, a PubMed search was conducted to identify studies reporting on other patients with FGC. OUTCOMES: A 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scan demonstrated appropriate height of the new alveolar bone. Follow-up results showed recovery of the patient's appearance and mandibular function. He was free of recurrence at 4-year follow-up. LESSONS: FGC is a rare benign fibrocemento-osseous lesion of the jaws that can cause severe facial deformity. Incomplete removal leads to more rapid growth of the residual lesion. Therefore, extensive resection is a suitable strategy to avoid recurrence. Defects of the facial bones found intraoperatively should be repaired with resort to an appropriate donor site. However, it is important to be aware that patients with FGC always have concomitant abnormalities of skeletal metabolism and structure, as well as a vulnerability to fractures of the long bones of the lower extremity. Therefore, the optimal management strategy should include a review of treatment options for other patients as reported in the literature. An optimal protocol can not only provide sufficient high-quality bone suitable for the reconstruction of bone defects, but also minimize complications and maximize quality of life.

A novel elastic liposome for skin delivery of papain and its application on hypertrophic scar.

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of papain elastic liposomes (PEL) on hypertrophic scar through topical application. PEL were prepared using the reverse-phase evaporation method and optimized by response surface methodology. The transdermal absorption of optimized PEL was tested by vertical Franz diffusion cells in vitro. The effects of PEL were investigated in rabbit model of hypertrophic scar in vivo, histological analysis and scar-related proteins were detected to reveal potential scar repair mechanism. The best formulation of PEL had EE (43.8±1.4%), particle size (100.9±2.2nm), PDI (0.037±0.003), zeta potential (-26.3±1.3mV), and DI (21.9±3.1). PEL gave the cumulative amounts and steady state fluxes in the receiver solution of 381.9±32.4µg/cm2, 11.4±1.5µg/cm2/h, and showed drug deposition in skin of 19.1±3.2% after 24h. After topical application, the scar elevation index, microvascular density, and collagen fiber were significantly decreased with regular arrangement. The expressions of TGF-ß1, P-Smad-3, P-NF-κB p65, and P-IKBa in hypertrophic scar were significantly down regulated in contrast with those in model group. PEL were proven as an excellent topical preparation for hypertrophic scar treatment.

Clinicopathological and prognostic factors for long-term survival in Chinese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sorafenib: a single-center retrospective study.

Data on long-term survival and prognostic significance of demographic factors and adverse events (AEs) associated with sorafenib, an orally administered multikinase inhibitor in Chinese population with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are limited. Outcome data from adult patients (n = 256) with advanced RCC who received sorafenib (400 mg twice daily) either as first-line or second-line therapy between April 2006 and May 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was median overall survival (OS), determined to be 22.2 (95% CI: 17.1-27.4) months, and the secondary endpoint was overall median progression-free survival (PFS), determined to be 13.6 (95% CI: 10.7-16.4) months at a median follow-up time of 61.8 (95% CI: 16.2-97.4) months. Analysis of the incidence of AEs revealed the most common side effect as hand-foot skin reactions (60.5%) followed by diarrhea (38.7%), fatigue (35.5%), alopecia (34.0%), rash (24.6%), hypertension (21.5%) and gingival hemorrhage (21.1%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed older age (≥ 58 years), lower Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center score, time from nephrectomy to sorafenib treatment, number of metastatic tumors and best response as significant and independent demographic predictors for improved PFS and/or OS (p ≤ 0.05). Alopecia was identified as a significant and independent predictor of increased OS, whereas vomiting and weight loss were identified as significant predictors of decreased OS (p ≤ 0.05). Sorafenib significantly improved OS and PFS in Chinese patients with advanced RCC. Considering the identified significant prognostic demographic factors along with the advocated prognostic manageable AEs while identifying treatment strategy may help clinicians select the best treatment modality and better predict survival in these patients.

Human endostatin gene transfer, either naked or with liposome, has the same inhibitory effect on growth of mouse liver tumor cells in vivo.

AIM: To explore a safe and efficient strategy of tumor therapy using anti-angiogenetic agents. METHODS: Endostatin gene with a signal sequence of human IgGgamma chain was amplified by PCR and cloned into pVAX1 plasmid which was the only vector authorized by FDA in clinical trial to construct a recombinant plasmid named as pVAX-sEN. The recombinant plasmid was detected with EcoRI/KpnI and DNA sequencing. BALB/c mice bearing hepatocarcinoma cell line H22 were treated with naked pVAX-sEN or liposome-DNA complex in which the dose of DNA and the ratio of DNA and liposome were different from each other. To compare the efficiency of gene transfection, expression of endostatin at the treated tumor site was assayed with ELISA. To investigate the effect of pVAX1-sEN on hepatocellular carcinoma, pVAX-sEN either naked or in liposome-DNA complex was injected into BALB/c mice bearing H22, then the diameter of tumors was measured, microvessel density was detected by immunohistochemistry, endostatin expression in vivo was assayed at different time points. RESULTS: DNA sequencing showed the endostatin gene with the signal peptide was correctly cloned. In situ gene expression assay indicated that both the ratio of DNA and liposome and the dose of DNA could affect the gene transfection efficiency. Interestingly, naked pVAX-sEN had a similar in situ endostatin expression to pVAX-sEN with liposome. Animal experiments showed that pVAX-sEN together with pVAX-sEN-liposome complex could efficiently suppress the growth of mouse hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION: Naked endostatin plasmid intratumoral injection can get a similar gene transfection efficiency to liposome-DNA complex when used in situ.

[Department of a finite element model of the Head Model of HYBRID III Dummy with the Human Mandible].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biomechanics of impact injury in the condition of the simulate impact on mandible. METHODS: A finite element model of human mandible was developed from the CT scan images by the technologies of three-dimensional reconstruction, image processing and meshing. The mandible model was connected to a modified head model of HYBRID III dummy with joint according to the anatomic structure and mechanical characteristics of the temporomandibular joint. RESULTS: A finite element model of human head with true anatomic structure mandible has been developed. This model has been validated with the cadaver test results. The higher stress was showed in the condyle rejoins and coracoid in the model when mandible was in impact simulation. CONCLUSIONS: This model can be used to research the mechanism of craniofacial blunt-impact injury and assess the injury severity. The model of HYBRID III dummy with the human mandible was helpful for the boundary design of mandibular model in the impact simulations.

Floatation of flocculent and granular sludge in a high-loaded anammox reactor.

The floatation of flocculent and granular sludge was investigated in this study. An anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was operated for 665 days. During this time, the maximum nitrogen removal rate was 52.6 kg Nm(-3) d(-1). Floccule floatation occurred between days 100 and 140, which potentially resulted from the sudden increase in gas yield and the poor settling ability of the floccules. Increasing the shear rate from 0.084 to 0.135 s(-1) was effective at eliminating floccule floatation. In addition, granule floatation occurred between days 572 and 665, which likely resulted from the formation of hollows within the granules. Floatation may be effectively prevented by maintaining a shear rate of more than 0.778 s(-1). Furthermore, the mechanisms of granule floatation and the floatation processes were proposed. Overall, controlling the shear force may effectively overcome sludge floatation.

[Evaluation of masticatory efficiency of lingualized occlusal complete denture].

PURPOSE: To compare the masticatory efficiency of lingualized occlusal complete denture with that of semi-anatomical occlusal complete denture. METHODS: Sixty cases with flat or depressed residual ridges were selected from 2009 to 2011. After randomly divided into two groups, the patients were treated with lingualized and semi-anatomical occlusal complete dentures, respectively. A comparative study of masticatory efficiency was carried out on patients wearing lingualized occlusal complete dentures with those wearing semi-anatomical occlusal complete dentures in different period (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th month) after wearing. SAS6.16 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Once masticatory time or masticatory times were fixed, there was no significant difference between lingualized occlusal dentures and semi-anatomical occlusal complete dentures (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Lingualized occlusal complete denture can achieve good masticatory efficiency for edentulous patients with flat or depressed residual ridges.

Impacts of transient salinity shock loads on Anammox process performance.

The effect of salinity shock (5-60 g l(-1) NaCl) on anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) process performance was investigated. The response to the shock loads can be divided into three stages: a sensitive period, an interim stable period and a recovery period which lasted 6-26 d. When exposed to NaCl shocks for 12h, the sludge retention time (SRT) of the reactor decreased with increasing NaCl shock loads, ranging between 2.9 and 22.5d, meanwhile the biomass decreased by 0.8-37.4%. When shock loads were higher than 10 g l(-1) NaCl, the reactor was at risk of losing too much biomass. The granular surface was rough due to rapid growth of filamentous bacteria and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), also the EPS amount changed during all NaCl shock loads. In the latter of shocks, the microorganisms in the reactor showed a little adaption to the NaCl shock.