Two novel polymorphisms in PLCE1 are associated with the susceptibility to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in Chinese population.

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) gene was found to be associated with the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by three large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Chinese populations. To evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PLCE1 gene and ESCC risk, a case-control study including 550 patients with ESCC and 550 age, gender-matched controls was carried out to investigate the genetic susceptibility of three SNPs (rs3765524 C/T and two unreported potentially functional SNPs rs10882379 G/A and rs829232 G/A) as well as the interactions of gene-gene and gene-environment in the development of ESCC. And the results showed that GA genotype of rs10882379 was significantly associated with reduced ESCC risk compared with GG genotype (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.66 [0.51, 0.86]), while AA genotype of rs829232 was significantly associated with increased ESCC risk compared with GG genotype (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.37 [1.12, 1.67]). The haplotype analysis showed increased ESCC risk in Grs10882379Crs3765524Ars829232 and Grs10882379Trs3765524Ars829232 haplotypes with OR (95% CI) of 1.40 (1.13, 1.73) and 1.66 (1.18, 2.34), respectively and inversely reduced ESCC risk in Ars10882379Crs3765524Grs829232 haplotype with OR (95% CI) of 0.74 (0.61, 0.91). The gene-environment interaction analysis emerged a best model consisted of four factors (rs10882379, rs3765524, rs829232 and family history of ESCC) that could increase the ESCC risk in the 'high risk group' with 4.45-fold (OR [95% CI]: 5.45 [4.13, 7.19]), compared to the 'low risk group.' Our results further validate that the SNPs in PLCE1 gene may contribute to the ESCC susceptibility in Chinese Han population. Also the gene-gene and gene-environment interactions play a certain crucial role in the ESCC progression.

Glucodynamics of long-acting basal insulin peglispro compared with insulin glargine at steady state in patients with type 1 diabetes: substudy of a randomized crossover trial.

AIMS: To compare, in an open-label, randomized, crossover phase II substudy, the glucodynamics of insulin glargine and those of basal insulin peglispro (BIL) in patients with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Patients (n = 23) underwent 24-h euglycaemic clamps after 8 weeks of treatment with glargine or with BIL. Clinically-titrated basal insulin doses (BIL group 16-64 U; glargine group 19-60 U) were administered on the morning of the clamp. RESULTS: At baseline, the patients' mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) body mass index was 26.78 ± 4.20 kg/m2 and glycated haemoglobin was 7.69 ± 0.99%. The mean ± s.d. endpoint dose for the BIL group was 0.42 ± 0.13 U/kg and for the glargine group was 0.42 ± 0.10. The daily mean ± s.d. blood glucose concentration was 7.7 ± 1.2 in the BIL group and 7.9 ± 1.2 mmol/l in the glargine group (p = 0.641). The mean ± s.d. total and nocturnal hypoglycaemia rates/30 days were 2.7 ± 2.3 and 0.5 ± 0.8, respectively, for the BIL group, and 3.0 ± 2.4 and 0.7 ± 1.1, respectively, for the glargine group (p = 0.112 and 0.428). The mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) normalized to insulin unit was lower for BIL than for glargine. One patient in the glargine group and eight patients in the BIL group had minimal (<0.8 g/kg) GIRs over 24 h. The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused over 24 h (GTOT(0-24) ) was 1.22 ± 0.82 g/kg in the BIL group and 1.90 ± 1.01 g/kg in the glargine group (p = 0.002). The mean ± s.d. total glucose infused during hours 0-6 (GTOT(0-6) ) was 0.21 ± 0.22 in the BIL group and 0.41 ± 0.22 g/kg in the glargine group (p < 0.001), while the mean total glucose infused during hours 18-24 (GTOT(18-24) ) in the BIL group was 0.28 ± 0.18 g/kg and in the glargine group was 0.35 ± 0.23 g/kg (p = 0.198). The peak-to-trough ratio was 1.41 for BIL versus 2.22 for glargine. CONCLUSIONS: BIL has a flatter profile than glargine, with potentially more stable metabolic control. The lower GTOT(0-24) observed in the BIL group is consistent with BIL's reduced peripheral action.

A randomized clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 1.

AIMS: The primary objective was to demonstrate that basal insulin peglispro (BIL) was non-inferior compared with insulin glargine (GL) for haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at 26 weeks with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IMAGINE 1 was a Phase 3, open-label, parallel-arm study conducted in nine countries. Adults with type 1 diabetes (n = 455) were randomized (2:1) to bedtime BIL or GL in combination with prandial insulin lispro for 78 weeks, with a primary endpoint of 26 weeks. An electronic diary facilitated data capture and insulin dosing calculations for intensive insulin management. RESULTS: At 26 weeks, mean HbA1c was 7.06% ± 0.04% and 7.43% ± 0.06% for patients assigned to BIL (N = 295) and GL (N = 160), respectively (difference -0.37% [95% CI: -0.50 to -0.23], P < .001); more patients on BIL achieved HbA1c <7% (44.9% vs 27.5%, P < .001). Compared with GL, patients using BIL lost weight, with lower fasting serum glucose and between-day fasting blood glucose variability, and 36% less nocturnal hypoglycemia, 29% more total hypoglycemia and more severe hypoglycemia. Total and prandial insulin doses were lower with BIL; basal insulin doses were higher. Alanine aminotransferase increased with BIL, with more patients having elevations ≥3 × ULN. BIL treatment was associated with more frequent injection site reactions and an increase from baseline in serum triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared to GL for 26 weeks was associated with lower HbA1c, less nocturnal hypoglycemia, lower glucose variability and weight loss. Increases in total and severe hypoglycemia, triglycerides, aminotransferases and injection site reactions were also noted.

Randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing basal insulin peglispro and insulin glargine, in combination with prandial insulin lispro, in patients with type 1 diabetes: IMAGINE 3.

AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of basal insulin peglispro (BIL), which has a flat pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile and a long duration of action, with insulin glargine (GL) in patients with type 1 diabetes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this phase III, 52-week, blinded study, we randomized 1114 adults with type 1 diabetes in a 3 : 2 distribution to receive either BIL (n = 664) or GL (n = 450) at bedtime, with preprandial insulin lispro, using intensive insulin management. The primary objective was to compare glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the groups at 52 weeks, with a non-inferiority margin of 0.4%. RESULTS: At 52 weeks, mean (standard error) HbA1c was 7.38 (0.03)% with BIL and 7.61 (0.04)% with GL {difference -0.22% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.32, -0.12]; p < 0.001}. At 52 weeks more BIL-treated patients reached HbA1c <7% (35% vs 26%; p < 0.001), the nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate was 47% lower (p < 0.001) and the total hypoglycaemia rate was 11% higher (p = 0.002) than in GL-treated patients, and there was no difference in severe hypoglycaemia rate. Patients receiving BIL lost weight, while those receiving GL gained weight [difference -1.8 kg (95% CI -2.3, -1.3); p < 0.001]. Treatment with BIL compared with GL at 52 weeks was associated with greater increases from baseline in levels of serum triglyceride [difference 0.19 mmol/l (95% CI 0.11, 0.26); p < 0.001] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels [difference 6.5 IU/l (95% CI 4.1, 8.9), p < 0.001], and more frequent injection site reactions. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with type 1 diabetes, treatment with BIL compared with GL for 52 weeks resulted in a lower HbA1c, more patients with HbA1c levels <7%, and reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia, but more total hypoglycaemia and injection site reactions and higher triglyceride and ALT levels.

Basal insulin peglispro: Overview of a novel long-acting insulin with reduced peripheral effect resulting in a hepato-preferential action.

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel basal insulin with a flat, prolonged activity profile. BIL has been demonstrated in a dog model, in healthy men and in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to have significant hepato-preferential action resulting from reduced peripheral activity. In the IMAGINE-Phase 3 clinical trial program, more than 6000 patients were included, of whom ~3900 received BIL. Of the 7 pivotal IMAGINE trials, 3 studies were double-blinded and 3 were in T1D patients. BIL consistently demonstrated a greater HbA1c reduction, less glycaemic variability and a clinically relevant reduction in the rates of nocturnal hypoglycaemia across comparator [glargine and isophane insulin (NPH)] studies. Trials using basal/bolus regimens had higher rates of total hypoglycaemia with BIL due to higher rates of daytime hypoglycaemia. Severe hypoglycaemia rates were similar to comparator among both patients with T1D or type 2 diabetes (T2D). T1D patients lost weight compared with glargine (GL). Patients with T2D tended to gain less weight with BIL than with glargine. Compared to glargine, BIL was associated with higher liver fat, triglycerides and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, including a higher frequency of elevation of ALT ≥3 times the upper limit of normal, but without severe, acute drug-induced liver injury. Injection site reactions, primarily lipohypertrophy, were more frequent with BIL. In conclusion, BIL demonstrated better glycaemic control with reduced glucose variability and nocturnal hypoglycaemia but higher triglycerides, ALT and liver fat relative to conventional comparator insulin. The hepato-preferential action of BIL with reduced peripheral activity may account for these findings.

Contrasting weight changes with LY2605541, a novel long-acting insulin, and insulin glargine despite similar improved glycaemic control in T1DM and T2DM.

AIMS: The basal insulin analogue LY2605541, a PEGylated insulin lispro with prolonged duration of action, was previously shown to be associated with modest weight loss in Phase 2, randomized, open-label trials in type 2 (N=288) and type 1 (N=137) diabetes mellitus (T2DM and T1DM), compared with modest weight gain with insulin glargine. Exploratory analyses were conducted to further characterize these findings. METHODS: Pearson correlations between change in body weight and other variables were calculated. Continuous variables were analysed using a mixed linear model with repeated measurements. Proportions of subjects with weight loss were analysed using Fisher's exact test for T2DM and Nagelkerke's method for T1DM. RESULTS: Weight loss was more common in LY2605541-treated patients than in patients treated with insulin glargine (T2DM: 56.9 vs. 40.2%, p=0.011; T1DM: 66.1 vs. 40.3%, p<0.001). More LY2605541-treated patients experienced ≥5% weight loss compared to patients treated with glargine (T2DM: 4.8 vs. 0%, p=0.033; T1DM: 11.9 vs. 0.8%, p<0.001). In both the T1DM and T2DM studies, weight change did not correlate with baseline body mass index (BMI), or change in HDL-cholesterol in either treatment group. No consistent correlations were found across both studies between weight change and any of the variables assessed; however, weight change was significantly correlated with hypoglycaemia rate in glargine-treated T2DM patients. CONCLUSION: In two Phase 2 trials, improved glycaemic control with long-acting basal insulin analogue LY2605541 is associated with weight loss in previously insulin-treated patients. This weight change is independent of baseline BMI or hypoglycaemia.

Functionalized bio-artifact fabricated via selective slurry extrusion. Part 2: Fabrication of ceramic dental crown.

Functionalized ceramic dental crown was successfully fabricated through selective slurry extrusion (SSE) based technique of solid freeform fabrication (also known as rapid prototyping). After sintering, the decomposed tourmaline powders were embedded in ZrO2 matrix. The far infrared emission properties of the ceramic dental crown were improved due to the increase of the numbers of infrared active bonds from tourmaline. This new dental restoration process presents potential to provide dental patients with functionalized artificial teeth, which benefits the body health by the way of emitting far infrared rays in ambient temperatures.

Posterior open wound healing in immediate implant placement using reactive soft tissue versus absorbable collagen sponge: a retrospective cohort study.

The soft and hard tissue healing of open wounds in immediate implant placement are yet to be explored. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of open wound healing using reactive soft tissue (RST) and absorbable collagen sponge (ACS). Forty implants placed immediately in posterior sockets were included; autologous RST was used in 20 and ACS substitute was used in 20. Soft tissue healing was primarily assessed through a novel scoring system and the evaluation of gingival recession. The horizontal bone width (HBW) and interproximal marginal bone level (MBL) were measured on radiographs to observe the hard tissue healing. No significant difference in total soft tissue healing score was observed at 2 weeks postoperatively. Notably, the ACS group showed better tissue colour (P = 0.016) but worse fibrous repair (P = 0.043) scores than the RST group. Gingival recession levels were comparable in the two groups, both before tooth extraction and after placement of the restoration. Regarding hard tissue, HBW and MBL changes showed no intergroup differences. Within the limitations of this study, both RST and ACS seemed effective for open wound closure, achieving ideal soft and hard tissue healing in immediate implant placement.

Recent Advances in Digital Technology in Implant Dentistry.

Digital technology has emerged as a transformative tool in dental implantation, profoundly enhancing accuracy and effectiveness across multiple facets, such as diagnosis, preoperative treatment planning, surgical procedures, and restoration delivery. The multiple integration of radiographic data and intraoral data, sometimes with facial scan data or electronic facebow through virtual planning software, enables comprehensive 3-dimensional visualization of the hard and soft tissue and the position of future restoration, resulting in heightened diagnostic precision. In virtual surgery design, the incorporation of both prosthetic arrangement and individual anatomical details enables the virtual execution of critical procedures (e.g., implant placement, extended applications, etc.) through analysis of cross-sectional images and the reconstruction of 3-dimensional surface models. After verification, the utilization of digital technology including templates, navigation, combined techniques, and implant robots achieved seamless transfer of the virtual treatment plan to the actual surgical sites, ultimately leading to enhanced surgical outcomes with highly improved accuracy. In restoration delivery, digital techniques for impression, shade matching, and prosthesis fabrication have advanced, enabling seamless digital data conversion and efficient communication among clinicians and technicians. Compared with clinical medicine, artificial intelligence (AI) technology in dental implantology primarily focuses on diagnosis and prediction. AI-supported preoperative planning and surgery remain in developmental phases, impeded by the complexity of clinical cases and ethical considerations, thereby constraining widespread adoption.

Longitudinal Microbiome Changes in Supragingival Biofilm Transcriptomes Induced by Orthodontics.

INTRODUCTION: Common oral diseases are known to be associated with dysbiotic shifts in the supragingival microbiome, yet most oral microbiome associations with clinical end points emanate from cross-sectional studies. Orthodontic treatment is an elective procedure that can be exploited to prospectively examine clinically relevant longitudinal changes in the composition and function of the supragingival microbiome. METHODS: A longitudinal cohort study was conducted among 24 adolescent orthodontic patients who underwent saliva and plaque sampling and clinical examinations at time points: before fixed appliance bonding and at 1, 6, and 12 wk thereafter. Clinical indices included bleeding on probing (BOP), mean gingival index (GI), probing depths (PDs), and plaque index (PI). To study the biologically (i.e., transcriptionally) active microbial communities, RNA was extracted from plaque and saliva for RNA sequencing and microbiome bioinformatics analysis. Longitudinal changes in microbiome beta diversity were examined using PERMANOVA tests, and the relative abundance of microbial taxa was measured using Kruskal-Wallis tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and negative binomial and zero-inflated mixed models. RESULTS: Clinical measures of oral health deteriorated over time-the proportion of sites with GI and PI ≥1 increased by over 70% between prebonding and 12 wk postbonding while the proportion of sites with PD ≥4 mm increased 2.5-fold. Streptococcus sanguinis, a health-associated species that antagonizes cariogenic pathogens, showed a lasting decrease in relative abundance during orthodontic treatment. Contrarily, caries- and periodontal disease-associated taxa, including Selenomonas sputigena, Leptotrichia wadei, and Lachnoanaerobaculum saburreum, increased in abundance after bonding. Relative abundances of Stomatobaculum longum and Mogibacterium diversum in prebonding saliva predicted elevated BOP 12 wk postbonding, whereas Neisseria subflava was associated with lower BOP. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers insights into longitudinal community and species-specific changes in the supragingival microbiome transcriptome during fixed orthodontic treatment, advancing our understanding of microbial dysbioses and identifying targets of future health-promoting clinical investigations. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Bonding braces was associated with subsequent changes in the oral microbiome characterized by increases in disease-associated species, decreases in health-associated species, and worsened clinical measures of oral health.

Use of reactive soft tissue for primary wound closure during immediate implant placement: a two-year retrospective study.

Sockets with both hard and soft tissue defects present a challenge for immediate implant placement. A modified technique harnessing the reactive soft tissue in the extraction socket for primary closure has been reported to contribute to hard and soft tissue augmentation after immediate implantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this novel technique on the hard and soft tissues of sockets with both buccal bone and soft tissue defects (group B) and to compare the outcomes with those obtained for sockets with intact soft tissue but buccal bone dehiscence (group A). Thirty-two implants placed in the posterior region were included: 17 in group A, 15 in group B. The implants were inserted immediately utilizing reactive soft tissue from the socket for primary closure in both groups. The changes in buccal bone dimensions after 6 months were generally comparable between the two groups. A keratinized mucosa reduction of 0.56 mm in group A and keratinized mucosa gain of 0.67 mm in group B were observed at 6 months (P = 0.009). The bone and soft tissue levels were well maintained in both groups after 2 years. This technique may be a potential treatment method for tissue augmentation during immediate implantation in posterior sockets, even when a buccal bony defect and mucogingival recession need to be repaired at the same time.

Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-3 inhibits concurrent tumor necrosis factor-α- and interleukin-1ß-induced expression of adhesion molecules on human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-3 (CORM-3) is a newly reported compound that has shown anti-inflammatory effects in a number of cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of CORM-3 on concurrent tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- and interleukin (IL)-1ß-induced expression of adhesion molecules on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: HGF were cultured from the explants of normal gingival tissues. Cells were costimulated with TNF-α and IL-1ß in the presence or absence of CORM-3 for different periods of time. The expression of adhesion molecules, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and phosphorylated p38 was studied using western blotting. RT-PCR was applied to check the expression of the adhesion molecules at the mRNA level. The activity of NF-κB was analysed using a reporter gene assay. RESULTS: CORM-3 inhibited the up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule in HGF after costimulation with TNF-α and IL-1ß, which resulted in the decreased adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to these cells. Sustained activation of the NF-κB pathway by costimulation with TNF-α and IL-1ß was suppressed by CORM-3, which was reflected by a reduced NF-κB response element-dependent luciferase activity and decreased nuclear NF-κB-p65 expression. CORM-3 inhibited MAPK p38 phosphorylation in response to stimulation with proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION: The results of this study bode well for the application of CORM-3 as an anti-inflammatory agent to inhibit NF-κB activity and to suppress the expression of adhesion molecules on HGF, which suggests a promising potential for CORM-3 in the treatment of inflammatory periodontal disease.

Genome shuffling improves production of cellulase by Penicillium decumbens JU-A10.

AIMS: Improvement of cellulase production of Penicillium decumbens by genome shuffling of an industrial catabolite-repression-resistant strain JU-A10 with its mutants. METHODS AND RESULTS: After two rounds of genome shuffling, three fusants, GS2-15, GS2-21 and GS2-22, were obtained, showing 100%, 109% and 94% increase in FPase activity than JU-A10 respectively. The cellulase production of the fusants on various substrates, such as corn stover, wheat straw, bagasse and the corncob residue, was studied. The maximum productivities of GS2-15, GS2-21 and GS2-22 were 92.15, 102.63 and 92.35 FPU l(-1) h(-1) on the corncob residue at 44 h respectively, which were 117%, 142% and 118% higher than that of JU-A10 (42.44 FPU l(-1) h(-1), at 90 h). The improvements of the fusants were possibly because of their enhanced growth rates, earlier cellulase synthesis and higher secretion of extracellular proteins. CONCLUSIONS: The fusants obtained after genome shuffling could produce abundant cellulase much earlier, and they could be potential candidates for bioconversion process. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report on the improvement of cellulase production in fungi by genome shuffling, and this is a good technique to improve other important phenotypes in fungi.

Apical U-shape splitting technique for undercut areas of the anterior alveolar ridge: a prospective non-randomized controlled study.

The aim of this study was to investigate a novel apical U-shape splitting technique for horizontal bone augmentation in undercut areas and to compare its efficacy with that of guided bone regeneration (GBR). This was a prospective non-randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 36 patients, who presented with a labial undercut that was not able to house a normally inclined implant, underwent the new technique or GBR. Radiographic and clinical data were obtained preoperatively, immediately after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Pairwise comparisons of changes in ridge width gain, marginal bone loss, and pink aesthetic score were performed; correlations with pristine ridge morphology were investigated. The results showed similar marginal bone loss in the two groups. The overall ridge width gains in the new technique group (2.56±1.92mm) and GBR group (0.73±1.21mm) differed significantly (P<0.05). The pink aesthetic score was higher for the new technique group (11.75±1.22) than for the GBR group (9.25±1.86) (P<0.01). The morphology of the concavity had different impacts on regeneration in the two groups. The apical U-shape splitting technique, as a safe and effective alternative to GBR, provided a significant increase in bone volume gain where labial fenestration was inevitable during implant placement.

[The effect of genioglossus activity to velopharyngeal surgery in patient with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the effect of genioglossus (GG) activation at sleep onset on the outcome of velopharyngeal surgery in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. Methods: Thirty-five patients between April 2014 and February 2015 in Beijing Tongren Hospital with OSAHS underwent overnight polysomnography with synchronous genioglossus electromyography (GGEMG) using intraoral electrodes. The upper airway (UA) anatomy was evaluated by three-dimensional computer tomography (3D-CT) in OSAHS patients. Then, all of the patients received velopharyngeal surgery, including revised uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) with uvula preservation or UPPP combined transpalatal advancement pharyngoplasty. All patients were followed-up using polysomnography 3-6 months after surgery. T-test or Wilcoxon test were used to compare the variables between groups, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between parameters. Results: Thirty-five patients received velopharyngeal surgery. Twenty-two patients (62.86%) were responders, and 13 patients (37.14%) were non-responders. Responders had a higher mean GGEMG during sleep onset (15.31±3.74 vs. 9.92±2.93, t=4.504, P=0.001). The decreased AHI was significantly positively related to the sleep onset mean GGEMG (r=0.541, P=0.004) and the change in GGEMG (r=0.422, P=0.028). The decreased AHI was significantly negatively related to the minimal cross sectional airway area (mCSA,ρ=0.629,P=0.000) and the minimal lateral airway dimension (mLAT, ρ=0.484, P=0.009) at velopharynx. Conclusions: The outcome of velopharyngeal surgery was affected by the mean GGEMG during sleep onset. We speculated that the patient with higher GGEMG at sleep onset and narrower velopharynx were more suitable candidates for velopharyngeal surgery.

Screening of a fungus capable of powerful and selective delignification on wheat straw.

AIMS: To screen and characterize a novel fungus with powerful and selective delignification capability on wheat straw. METHODS AND RESULTS: A fungus capable of efficient delignification under solid-state fermentation (SSF) conditions on wheat straw was screened. After 5 days of incubation, 13.07% of the lignin was removed by fungal degradation, and 7.62% of the holocellulose was lost. Furthermore, 46.53% of the alkali lignin was removed after 2 days of liquid fermentation. The fungus was identified as Fusarium concolor based on its morphology and an analysis of its 18S rDNA gene sequence. The molecular weight distribution of lignin was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography. Enzyme assay indicated that the fungus produced laccase, cellobiose dehydrogenase, xylanase and cellulase during the incubation period. Intracellular lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase were produced during liquid fermentation. CONCLUSIONS: We have successfully screened a fungus, F. concolor, which can efficiently degrade the lignin of wheat straw, with slight damage to the cellulose, after 5 days of SSF. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The newly isolated strain could be used in pretreatment of lignocellulose materials prior to biopulping, bioconversion into fuel and substrates for the chemical industry.

[Regulation of dentin remineralization progress by non-collagenous protein analogues].

The use of various biomimetic methods to achieve remineralization of demineralized dentin and the formation of an organic matrix-inorganic mineral complex with a certain mechanical strength has been a research hotspot in recent years in the field of stomatology, and it also provides a new idea for the restoration of dentin defect. Dentin biomineralization is a process that simulates the mineralization of biological tissue in nature in which the remineralization of dentin collagen is induced and regulated by organic macromolecules. This review summarizes the process of remineralization of decalcified dentin regulated by non-collagenous protein analogues in vitro.

[Initial osteoblast functions on a type of near ß-type titanium alloys surfaces modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology].

Objective: To evaluate the adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes and osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) of osteoblast-like cells on a type of near ß-type titanium alloys (Ti-5Zr-3Sn-5Mo-15Nb, TLM) surfaces modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology, and to investigate the effect of the modified surfaces on the initial functions of osteoblast-like cells. Methods: The surfaces of TLM were modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology. TLM surfaces without modification were used as control. Cell morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) method was used to measure cell proliferation. Cell ALP activity was evaluated by using reagent kits. The mRNA expression of Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), typeⅠcollagen alpha 1 chain (COLⅠ α1) and OPG/RANKL were examined by quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR). Results: Four hour following cell alture, cells on modified surfaces extend filopodia and intercellular junction was tight. Three days later, cell proliferation (0.277±0.007) was significantly higher than that in control group (0.249±0.004) (P<0.01). After two weeks, ALP activity on TLM modified layer (173.6±1.89) was significantly higher than that on unmodified TLM (162.6±2.4) (P<0.01). The mRNA expression of osteoblast marker RUNX2, COLⅠα1 were stronger than that in control group (P<0.05). The expression of OPG mRNA was higher than that in control group (P<0.01), and RANKL mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The TLM surface modified by the double glow plasma nitriding technology has a positive effect on osteoblasts initial adhesion, proliferation and differentiation, and it can also improve expression of OPG mRNA and has an inhibitory effect on RANKL mRNA expression of osteoblasts.

A hyaluronan hydrogel scaffold-based xeno-free culture system for ex vivo expansion of human corneal epithelial stem cells.

PurposeTo develop a hyaluronan hydrogel scaffold-based xeno-free culture system for ex vivo cultivation of human corneal epithelial stem cells (CESCs).Patients and MethodsCESCs were cultivated from donor limbal explants on the HyStem-C Hydrogel bio-scaffold in 12-well plates for 3 weeks. Group A used the traditional supplemented hormonal epidermal medium (SHEM) and group B used the defined SHEM (without fetal bovine serum and toxin A, adding 20% serum replacement). The growth and morphology of the cultured cells were assessed by phase contrast microscope. The expressions of specific cell markers were assessed by immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).ResultsSuccessful cultures of CESCs were obtained in both groups, resulting in multilayered stratified epithelia. Comparing to group A, the cells in group B was grown slightly slower and formed less cellular layers at the end of culture. The corneal specific cytokeratin (K) 12 and differentiation markers, involucrin, and connexin 43, were mainly expressed in the superficial cellular layers in both groups. Interestingly, certain basal cells were immune-positive to proposed stem cell markers such as K19, ABCG2, and integrin ß1 in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the gene expression levels of all these selected corneal markers (all P>0.05).ConclusionsThe hyaluronan hydrogel scaffold-based xeno-free culture system may support the expansion of regenerative CESCs without the risk of xeno component contamination. The regenerated epithelium maintains similar characteristics of native corneal epithelium.

Preparation of bioactive nanotitania ceramics with biomechanical compatibility.

In this article, bioactive nanotitania ceramics with biomechanical compatibility was prepared by using an additive of hydroxyapatite or MgO as particle growth inhibitor. After sintering at 1000 degrees C, the particle size of nanotitania ceramics prepared by using HA as additive (HT) was much smaller than that prepared by using MgO as additive (MT). In simulated body fluid (SBF), HT could induce apatite formation in 4 days, while no apatite could be found on MT even after it was soaked in SBF for 14 days. After Ros17/28 osteoblasts were cultured on the materials for 1, 4, and 6 days, MTT results showed that the osteoblasts on the HT differentiated faster than that on the MT. Mechanical tests results showed that the bending and compressive strength of HT were 160 and 200 MPa, while those of MT were 70 and 88 MPa, respectively. These results demonstrated that it is suitable to prepare bioactive nanotitania ceramics, with biomechanical compatibility, by using HA as particle growth inhibitor.