A highly accurate and semi-automated method for quantifying spherical microplastics based on digital slide scanners and image processing.

Microplastics (MPs), the emerging pollutants appeared in water environment, have grabbed significant attention from researchers. The quantitative method of spherical MPs is the premise and key for the study of MPs in laboratory researches. However, the manual counting is time-consuming, and the existing semi-automated analysis lacked of robustness. In this study, a highly accurate quantification method for spherical MPs, called VS120-MC was proposed. VS120-MC consisted of the digital slide scanner VS120 and the MPs image processing software, MPs-Counter. The full-area scanning photography was employed to fundamentally avoid the error caused by random or partition sampling modes. To accomplish high-performance batch recognition, the Weak-Circle Elimination Algorithm (WEA) and the Variable Coefficient Threshold (VCT) was developed. Finally, lower than 0.6% recognition error rate of simulated images with different aggregated indices was achieved by MPs-Counter with fast processing speed (about 2 s/image). The smallest size for VS120-MC to detect was 1 µm. And the applicability of VS120-MC in real water body was investigated. The measured value of 1 µm spherical MPs in ultra-pure water and two kinds of polluted water after digestion showed a good linear relationship with the Manual measurements (R2 = 0.982,0.987 and 0.978, respectively). For 10 µm spherical MPs, R2 reached 0.988 for ultra-pure water and 0.984 for both of the polluted water. MPs-Counter also showed robustness when using the same set of parameters processing the images with different conditions. Overall, VS120-MC eliminated the error caused by traditional photography and realized an accurate, efficient, stable image processing tool, providing a reliable alternative for the quantification of spherical MPs.

Sex estimation using maxillary sinus volume for Chinese subjects based on cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Sex estimate is a key stage in forensic science for identifying individuals. Some anatomical structures may be useful for sex estimation since they retain their integrity even after highly severe events. However, few studies are focusing on the Chinese population. Some researchers used teeth for sex estimation, but comparison with maxillary sinus were lack. As a result, the objective of this research is to develop a sex estimation formula for the northwestern Chinese population by the volume of the maxillary sinus and compare with the accuracy of sex estimation based on teeth through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: CBCT images from 349 samples were used to establish and verify the formula. The volume of both the left and right maxillary sinuses was measured and examined for appropriate formula coefficients. To create the formula, we randomly picked 80% of the data as the training set and 20% of the samples as the testing set. Another set of samples, including 20 males and 20 females, were used to compare the accuracy of maxillary sinuses and teeth. RESULTS: Overall, sex estimation accuracy by volume of the left maxillary sinus can reach 78.57%, while by the volume of the right maxillary sinus can reach 74.29%. The accuracy for females, which can reach 91.43% using the left maxillary sinus, was significantly higher than that for males, which was 65.71%. The result also shows that maxillary sinus volume was higher in males. The comparison with the available results using measurements of teeth for sex estimation performed by our group showed that the accuracy of sex estimation using canines volume was higher than the one using maxillary sinus volume, the accuracies based on mesiodistal diameter of canine and first molar were the same or lower than the volume of maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates that measurement of maxillary sinus volume based on CBCT scans was an available and alternative method for sex estimation. And we established a method to accurately assess the sex of the northwest Chinese population. The comparison with the results of teeth measurements made the conclusion more reliable.

Dental Age Estimation in Northern Chinese Han Children and Adolescents Using Demirjian's Method Combined with Machine Learning Algorithms.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the application value of combining the Demirjian's method with machine learning algorithms for dental age estimation in northern Chinese Han children and adolescents. METHODS: Oral panoramic images of 10 256 Han individuals aged 5 to 24 years in northern China were collected. The development of eight permanent teeth in the left mandibular was classified into different stages using the Demirjian's method. Various machine learning algorithms, including support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting regression (GBR), linear regression (LR), random forest regression (RFR), and decision tree regression (DTR) were employed. Age estimation models were constructed based on total, female, and male samples respectively using these algorithms. The fitting performance of different machine learning algorithms in these three groups was evaluated. RESULTS: SVR demonstrated superior estimation efficiency among all machine learning models in both total and female samples, while GBR showed the best performance in male samples. The mean absolute error (MAE) of the optimal age estimation model was 1.246 3, 1.281 8 and 1.153 8 years in the total, female and male samples, respectively. The optimal age estimation model exhibited varying levels of accuracy across different age ranges, which provided relatively accurate age estimations in individuals under 18 years old. CONCLUSIONS: The machine learning model developed in this study exhibits good age estimation efficiency in northern Chinese Han children and adolescents. However, its performance is not ideal when applied to adult population. To improve the accuracy in age estimation, the other variables can be considered.

Immunized Microspheres Engineered Hydrogel Membrane for Reprogramming Macrophage and Mucosal Repair.

The "double-edged sword" effect of macrophages under the influence of different microenvironments determines the outcome and prognosis of tissue injury. Accurate and stable reprogramming macrophages (Mφ) are the key to rapid wound healing. In this study, an immunized microsphere-engineered GelMA hydrogel membrane is constructed for oral mucosa treatment. The nanoporous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microsphere drug delivery system combined with the photo-cross-linkable hydrogel is used to release the soybean lecithin (SL)and IL-4 complexes (SL/IL-4) sustainedly. In this way, it is realized effective wound fit, improvement of drug encapsulation, and stable triphasic release of interleukin-4 (IL-4). In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, it is demonstrated that the hydrogel membrane can reprogram macrophages in the microenvironment into M2Mφ anti-inflammatory types, thereby inhibiting the local excessive inflammatory response. Meanwhile, high levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) secreted by M2Mφ macrophages enhanced neovascular maturation by 5.7-fold, which assisted in achieving rapid healing of oral mucosa. These findings suggest that the immuno-engineered hydrogel membrane system can re-modulating the biological effects of Mφ, and potentiating the maturation of neovascularization, ultimately achieving the rapid repair of mucosal tissue. This new strategy is expected to be a safe and promising immunomodulatory biomimetic material for clinical translation.

Choroidal vascular changes in silicone oil-filled eyes after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments.

INTRODUCTION: The tamponade of silicone oil (SO) can affect both the structure and blood flow of the retina. However, there are few studies on the effect of SO tamponade on choroidal blood flow. Our study aimed to compare the effects of SO tamponade on the choroidal vascular index (CVI) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with operated eyes and fellow healthy eyes. METHODS: We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data from 36 patients who underwent 23G pars plana vitrectomy and SO tamponade for unilateral complicated RRD. Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans were performed both within 1 week before SO removal and at the last follow-up visit after SO removal. Using ImageJ software, images were binarized to segment the total choroidal area, luminal area, and stromal area, respectively. The CVI was calculated as CVI=(luminal area)/(total choroidal area), and CT was also evaluated. RESULTS: During SO tamponade, the CVI and luminal area in operated eyes were significantly lower compared to fellow eyes (57.616 ± 0.030 vs. 60.042 ± 0.019, P < 0.0001; 0.909 [0.694; 1.185] vs. 1.091 [0.785; 1.296], P = 0.007). Even after SO removal, the CVI remained lower in operated eyes than in fellow eyes (59.530 ± 0.018 vs. 60.319 ± 0.020, P = 0.031). Both CVI and luminal area were lower in operated eyes before SO removal than after SO removal (57.616 ± 0.030 vs. 59.530 ± 0.018, P = 0.0003; 0.909 [0.694; 1.185] vs. 0.994 [0.712; 1.348], P = 0.028). The duration of SO tamponade was positively correlated with the difference in CVI between fellow eyes and operated eyes during SO tamponade (P = 0.035). Total choroidal area, stromal area, and CT did not differ significantly between fellow eyes and operated eyes or between pre- and post-SO removal. CONCLUSIONS: SO tamponade reduces CVI and decreases choroidal blood circulation in patients with retinal detachments required vitrectomy combined with SO tamponade. The longer the SO tamponade time, the more CVI reduction. In future work, we will aim to reduce these side effects by shortening the duration of silicone oil filling.

Nasal Tip and Alar Groove Plasty Through External Nasal Cutting in Asians: A Clinical Study.

OBJECTIVE: Nasal tip hypertrophy is common in Asians, and its reshaping is very critical in rhinoplasty. For patients who refuse any implant placed in the nose, there are limited options for tip reshaping. Herein, we introduce a new procedure of nasal tip and alar groove plasty through external nasal cutting in Asians. METHODS: A total of 20 patients who had hypertrophic nasal tip and refused to have any implants were included in this study. They were performed this procedure of nasal tip and alar groove plasty through external nasal cutting. The authors carefully reviewed the patients' medical records and preoperative and postoperative photographs. Self-reported satisfactions of patients with the scar morphology and correction effect were assessed at postoperative every follow-up using a questionnaire survey. RESULTS: All of the patients' procedures were completely successful, and the hypertrophic nasal tip was improved. In the long-term postoperative follow-up, the patients' wound showed no abnormalities such as scar contracture deformity, scar bumps, and nasal deformation. In 1 patient, the nasal wound developed significant scarring, and we performed reoperation to remove the superficial scar tissue. Surgical scars in the remaining patients were not obvious. Eight patients (8/20) reported "very satisfied" with scar shape and nasal tip shape improvement results, and 10 patients (10/20) reported "satisfied" with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure of nasal tip and alar groove plasty could be an alternative for making the nasal tip more refined. However, the surgical indications for this procedure need to be strictly limited to specific patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Complications and Treatments of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection After Rhinoplasty With Implants: A Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen, and because of its specificity, its treatments appear tricky in postrhinoplasty infections with internal implants. This study summarizes the clinical characteristics and treatment of this type of infections to provide some reference for clinical work. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients who were diagnosed with a nasal infection of P. aeruginosa after implant nasal augmentation. The results of the bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test of the patients' wound secretions were summarized and analyzed. We summarized the characteristics of the patients' infection and the treatments, and we also summarized the patients' prognosis. RESULTS: In these 10 cases, their implants included rib cartilage and ear cartilage alone, as well as their own cartilage combined with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and silicone. All patients developed wound infections within 1 month after rhinoplasty, with bacterial cultures of P. aeruginosa . Prolonged use of sensitive antibiotics, as well as wound dressing changes, failed to keep the infection well under control. Patients whose implant was removed and thoroughly debrided within 1 week of infection did not experience any serious complications. In patients who were infected for >1 week before surgery to remove the implants, complications such as nasal column necrosis and nasal contracture occurred, and later the nasal repair was performed after multiple surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: For bacterial infections in postrhinoplasty wounds with implants, we recommend early bacterial culture. If the infection is clearly P. aeruginosa , the implant should be removed and thoroughly debrided as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Drug-loaded nanoparticles conjugated with genetically engineered bacteria for cancer therapy.

Drug-loaded nanoparticles have been widely used as synergists in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) tumor ablation therapy. However, these synergists have certain limitations, such as poor tumor targeting and low accumulation at the tumor site, that restrict the therapeutic efficacy of HIFU. In this study, we utilized drug-loaded nanoparticles conjugated with genetically engineered bacteria which can selectively colonize the hypoxic areas of tumor to facilitate HIFU ablation. Genetically modified Escherichia coli carrying gas vesicles (GVs-E. coli), which were gas-filled protein nanostructures, had a negatively charged surface and could specifically target into the tumor. In contrast, paclitaxel (PTX) and perfluorohexane (PFH) co-loaded cationic lipid nanoparticles (PTX-CLs) had a positively charged surface, hence, GVs-E. coli was used as a vehicle by conjugating with PTX-CLs via electrostatic adsorption and subsequently attracting more PTX-CLs to the tumor site. To improve the therapeutic efficiency of HIFU, the GVs in GVs-E. coli and PFH encapsulated in PTX-CLs could act as cavitation nuclei to enhance the HIFU cavitation effect, while PTX entrapped in PTX-CLs was released at the tumor site under HIFU irradiation, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of HIFU and chemo-synergistic therapy. This novel combination strategy has great potential for cancer treatment.

FOLDABLE CAPSULAR VITREOUS BODY IMPLANTATION FOR COMPLICATED RETINAL DETACHMENT CAUSED BY SEVERE OCULAR TRAUMA.

PURPOSE: To explore the effectiveness, safety and psychological impact of foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) implantation for complicated retinal detachment caused by severe ocular trauma. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-arm, surgical interventional case series study. A standard 3-port 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed, and the FCVB was implanted into the vitreous cavity. Observed indicators, including the best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal reattachment, complications, and patient satisfaction, were analyzed to evaluate the study. RESULTS: A total of 28 cases (eyes) were enrolled, with a mean follow-up of 16.93 ± 9.67 months and an average age of 51.11 ± 10.14 years, including 22 men (78.57%). The FCVB was successfully implanted, and the retina was reattached in all cases. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity improved in 7 cases, and remained unchanged in 21 cases ( P > 0.05). The average IOP was 7.01 ± 2.43 mmHg before surgery and 8.54 ± 2.93 mmHg after surgery ( P < 0.05). Complications such as FCVB displacement, endophthalmitis, secondary glaucoma, silicone oil emulsification, and escape did not occur during the follow-up period. Patients with FCVB implantation are highly satisfied. Most patients feel hope, positive, and optimistic about life. CONCLUSION: Foldable capsular vitreous body implantation for complicated retinal detachment caused by severe ocular trauma is effective and safe, and it allows patients to face life positively and optimistically.

Factors influencing and long-term effects of manual myotomy phenomenon during physiotherapy for congenital muscular torticollis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors influencing and long-term effects of manual myotomy (MM) occurring during physiotherapy for congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). METHODS: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of children with CMT receiving physiotherapy between 2008 and 2018. The children were divided into manual myotomy (MM) and non-manual myotomy (NMM) groups according to whether MM occurred during treatment. We assessed physiotherapy outcomes in children with CMT using craniofacial asymmetry parameters and the Cheng-Tang rating score. By measuring the ear-eye distance, ear-nose distance, eye-mouth distance, ear-mouth distance, half-head circumference, and half-head top at two sides to evaluate craniofacial asymmetry. Based on the Cheng-Tang assessment criteria, we recorded the range of rotation, range of lateral flexion, the status of the contracted muscle, the hardness of the mass, the extent of head tilting during activities and sleeping, the status of daily activities, face size, type of head shape, cranial changes, and subjective head tilting to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Clinical data and outcome indicators (craniofacial asymmetry parameters and Cheng-Tang rating score) were compared. RESULTS: The MM group had a significantly higher total Cheng-Tang rating score than the NMM group (P < 0.05). Age at initial physiotherapy session was the risk factor for MM during physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Children with CMT developing MM during physiotherapy generally have a good outcome, although we do not recommend MM as a goal of treatment. Physiotherapists should understand this phenomenon, assess relevant factors to predict risk, and carefully observe treatment to prevent possible complications.

Polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles conjugated with tumor-homing bacteria facilitate high intensity focused ultrasound-mediated tumor ablation.

The acoustic propagation characteristic of ultrasound determines that the energy of ultrasound beam will decrease with the increase of its propagation depth in the body. Similarly, the energy of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) will be attenuated with the increase of HIFU propagation depth in the body. Ensuring sufficient ultrasound energy deposition in the HIFU ablation region for tumor ablation is usually achieved by increasing the ultrasound irradiation power or prolonging the ultrasound ablation time. However, these two methods may damage the normal tissue adjacent to the HIFU ablation region. Herein, we constructed the nanoparticles conjugated with tumor-homing bacteria as the biological tumor-homing synergist to facilitate HIFU-mediated tumor ablation avoiding the potential safety risk. In our strategy, Bifidobacterium bifidum (B.bifidum) was selectively colonized in the hypoxic region of solid tumors after been injected into 4T1 breast cancer bearing-BALB/c mice via the tail vein due to its anaerobic growth characteristic. The amount of B. bifidum with negative surface potential in the hypoxic region of solid tumors was increased by its anaerobic proliferation. Polyethylenimine (PEI) -modified Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles loaded sodium bicarbonate (PEI-PLGA-NaHCO3-NPs) with positive surface potential injected into 4T1 breast cancer bearing-BALB/c mice via the tail vein displayed the tumor-homing ability by the electrostatic adsorption with B. bifidum colonized solid tumors. PEI-PLGA-NaHCO3-NPs could release NaHCO3 to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) as cavitation nuclei inside the acidic microenvironment of solid tumors. When HIFU irradiated solid tumors contained with more cavitation nuclei, the ultrasound energy deposition at the tumor region was increased to destroy the tumors more effectively. Meanwhile, the improved efficiency of HIFU-mediated tumor ablation reduced the dependence of the tumor ablation on the ultrasound energy dose, which improved the safety of HIFU-mediated tumor ablation to the non-targeted ablation tissue. This tumor-homing synergist shows the potential application value on the HIFU-mediated tumor ablation in the clinical.

Silica Gel-mediated Oxidation of Prenyl Motifs Generates Natural Product-Like Artifacts.

Prenyl moieties are commonly encountered in the natural products of terpenoid and mixed biosynthetic origin. The reactivity of unsaturated prenyl motifs is less recognized and shown here to affect the acyclic Rhodiola rosea monoterpene glycoside, kenposide A (8: ), which oxidizes readily on silica gel when exposed to air. The major degradation product mediated under these conditions was a new aldehyde, 9: . Exhibiting a shortened carbon skeleton formed through the breakdown of the terminal isopropenyl group, 9: is prone to acetalization in protic solvents. Further investigation of minor degradation products of both 8: and 8-prenylapigenin (8-PA, 12: ), a flavonoid with an ortho-prenyl substituent, revealed that the aldehyde formation was likely realized through epoxidation and subsequent cleavage at the prenyl olefinic bond. Employment of 1H NMR full spin analysis (HiFSA) achieved the assignment of all chemical shifts and coupling constants of the investigated terpenoids and facilitated the structural validation of the degradation product, 9: . This study indicates that prenylated compounds are generally susceptible to oxidative degradation, particularly in the presence of catalytic mediators, but also under physiological conditions. Such oxidative artifact/metabolite formation leads to a series of compounds with prenyl-derived (cyclic) partial structures that are analogous to species formed during Phase I metabolism in vivo. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies should take precautions or at least consider the impact of (unavoidable) exposure of prenyl-containing compounds to catalytic and/or oxidative conditions.

Microplastics Aggravate the Bioaccumulation of Two Waterborne Veterinary Antibiotics in an Edible Bivalve Species: Potential Mechanisms and Implications for Human Health.

Edible bivalves are one of the major types of seafood and may be subject to antibiotic and microplastics (MPs) coexposure under realistic scenarios. However, the effect of MPs on the bioaccumulation of antibiotics in edible bivalves and subsequent health risks for consumers remain poorly understood. Therefore, the bioaccumulation of two frequently detected veterinary antibiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FLO), with or without the copresence of MPs was investigated in the blood clam. Health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated clams were also assessed. Furthermore, the activity of GST and expression of key detoxification genes were analyzed as well. The bioaccumulation of OTC and FLO in clams was found to be aggravated by MPs. Because the estimated target hazard quotients (THQs) were far less than the critical value, direct toxic effects of consuming contaminated clams are negligible. However, the dietary exposure doses of the human gut microbiota (DEGM) to the antibiotics tested were greater than or similar to corresponding minimum selective concentrations (MSC), indicating a potential antibiotic resistance risk. Moreover, the GST activity and expression of detoxification genes were significantly suppressed by MPs, suggesting that the disruption of detoxification represents one possible explanation for the aggravated bioaccumulation observed here.

Comparison of odontoblast differentiation capacity between stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth and dental pulp stem cells. / 人脱落乳牙牙髓干细胞与恒牙牙髓干细胞成牙本质分化能力的比较.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the difference in odontoblast differentiation capacity between stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), and to examine the expression level of ephrinB1 in odontoblast differentiation of these stem cells. METHODS: The stems cells were divided into a SHED group and a DPSCs group. After odontoblast differentiation induction, the above 2 groups were also randomly divided into a 3 d group and a 7 d group, respectively.The calcium deposition was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining.The mRNA and protein expressions of ephrinB1, dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: ALP staining and alizarin red staining showed that there was stronger mineralization capacity in the SHED group than that in the DPSCs group. The relative mRNA and protein expressions of DMP-1, DSPP, and ephrinB1 in the SHED group were higher than those in the DPSCs group except for the protein expression of DMP-1 in the SHED 3 d group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SHED has stronger odontoblast differentiation capacity than DPSCs. In addition, ephrinB1 may be involved in the processes of odontoblast differentiation in the SHED and DPSCs.

Nanoparticles conjugated with bacteria targeting tumors for precision imaging and therapy.

The hypoxic region microenvironment reduces the susceptibility of the cancer cells to radiotherapy and anticancer drugs of the solid tumors. However, the reduced oxygen surroundings provide an appreciable habitat for anaerobic bacteria to colonize and proliferate. Herein, we present a biocompatible bacteriabased system that can deliver poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) nanoparticles(PLGA NPs) specifically targeting into solid tumor to achieve precision imaging and treatment. In our strategy, anaerobic bacterium Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) that colonizes selectively in hypoxic regions of animal body was successfully used as a vehicle to conjugate with PLGA NPs and transported into solid tumors. To improve the efficacy and specificity of tumor therapy, low-boiling point perfluorohexane (PFH) liquid was wrapped in the core of PLGA NPs (PFH/PLGA NPs), which could increase the deposition of energy by affecting the acoustic environment of the tumor and destroy cells after liquid-gas phase transition during High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) irradiation. This strategy shows an effective diagnosis and treatment integration for giving stronger imaging, longer retention period and more effective tumor therapy.

Histone acetyltransferase 1 up regulates Bcl2L12 expression in nasopharyngeal cancer cells.

The deregulation of Bcl2L12 expression in cancer has been recognized, but the causative factors are unknown. Histone acetyltransferases (HAT) play critical roles in the regulation gene transcription. This study tests a hypothesis that the aberrant activities of HAT induce deregulation of Bcl2L12 in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). In this study, human NPC tissues were collected from the clinic. The expression of Bcl2L12 and HATs in NPC cells was analyzed by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. NPC cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that by screening the subtypes of HAT, the levels of HAT1 were uniquely higher in NPC as compared with non-cancer nasopharyngeal tissue. The levels of Bcl2L12 in NPC cells were positively correlated with HAT1. HAT1 involved in the STAT5 binding to the Bcl2L12 promoter. HAT1 increased the expression of Bcl2L12. Bcl2L12 mediated the effects of HAT1 on suppressing NPC cell apoptosis. Absorption of the HAT1 shRNA plasmid-carrying liposomes induced NPC cell apoptosis. In conclusion, inhibition of HAT1 can induce NPC cell apoptosis via increasing Bcl2L12 expression, which can be a potential therapy for NPC treatment.

[Efficient discovery and capturing of nNOS-PSD-95 uncouplers from Trifolium pratense].

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers(MMIPs) were prepared with ZL006 as template, acrylamide(AA) as the functional monomer, and acetonitrile as pore-forming agent; then Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM) were used to characterize their forms and structures. Simultaneously, the MMIPs prepared previously were used as sorbents for dispersive magnetic solid phase extraction(DSPE) to capture and identify potential nNOS-PSD-95 uncouplers from extracts of Trifolium pratense and the the activities of the screened compounds were evaluated by the neuroprotective effect and co-immunoprecipitation test. The experiment revealed that the successfully synthesized MMIPs showed good dispersiveness, suitable particle size and good adsorption properties. Formononetin, prunetin and biochanin A were separated and enriched from Trifolium pratense by using the MMIPs as artificial antibodies and finally biochanin A was found to have higher cytoprotective action and uncoupling action according to the neuroprotective effect and co-immunoprecipitation test.

Stereoselective Stabilization of Polymeric Vitamin E Conjugate Micelles.

Vitamin E (α-tocopherol; TPGS) micelle is a robust nanocarrier in delivering hydrophobic active pharmaceutical ingredients, but it is suffering from poor stability that is essential in terms of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Taking advantage of the chirality of vitamin E, this work reports the stereoselective stabilization of polymer-vitamin E conjugate micelles. Vitamin E was covalently linked to multivalent methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-co-poly(glutamic acid), generating amphiphilic conjugates that could self-assemble into micelles. Eight types of micelles were produced via tailored combination of polymer backbone and side chain with different chirality. The particle size and critical micelle concentration analysis demonstrated a correlation between conjugate chirality and micelle stability. The most stable micelles were obtained when poly(glutamic acid) and vitamin E both are dextrorotatory, because of the high degree of α-helix revealed by both circular dichroism spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. This phenomenon was further verified by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis in HepG2 cells. The current work not only provides a method to enhance the stability of vitamin E micelles, but also adds an additional facile tool in regulating the stability of polymer conjugate micelles without changing the conjugate composition.

PEG-imbedded PEO membrane developed by a novel highly efficient strategy toward superior gas transport performance.

Low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is deliberately incorporated into synthesized swellable poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) membranes via a facile post-treatment strategy. The membranes exhibit both larger fractional free volume (FFV) and a higher content of CO2-philic building units, resulting in significant increments in both CO2 permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity. The separation performance correlates nicely with the microstructure of the membranes. This study may provide useful insights in the formation and mass transport behavior of highly efficient polymeric membranes applicable to clean energy purification and CO2 capture, and possibly bridge the material-induced technology gap between academia and industry.

Torsional resonance frequency analysis: a novel method for assessment of dental implant stability.

OBJECTIVES: To establish and experimentally validate a novel resonance frequency analysis (RFA) method for measurement of dental implant stability by analyzing torsional resonance frequency (TRF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A numerical study and in vitro measurements were performed to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the method of torsional RFA (T-RFA) using a T-shaped bilateral cantilever beam transducer. The sensitivity of this method was assessed by measuring the TRFs of dental implants with 8 sizes of T-shaped transducers during polymerization, which simulated the process of bone healing around an implant. The TRFs of the test implants detected using this new method and the bending resonance frequencies (BRFs) measured by Osstell(®) ISQ were compared. TRFs and BRFs on implant models in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blocks with three exposure heights were also measured to assess the specificity of this method. RESULTS: Finite element analysis showed two bending modes (5333 and 6008 Hz) following a torsional mode (8992 Hz) in the lower rank frequency. During in vitro measurements, a bending formant (mean 6075 Hz) and a torsional formant (mean 10225 Hz) appeared, which were verified by multipoint measurement with invariable excitation frequency in the laboratory. In the self-curing resin experiments, the average growth rate at all time points of TRFs using the new method with Transducer II was 2.36% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 1.97%. In the implant exposure height tests, the mean declined rate of TRFs was 2.06% and that of BRFs using Osstell(®) ISQ was 12.34%. CONCLUSION: A novel method for assessment of implant stability through TRF was established using a T-shape transducer, which showed high reliability and sensibility. The method alleviated the effects of implant exposure height on the measurements compared with Osstell(®) ISQ. The application of T-RFA represents another way in the investigation of dental implant osseointegration.