The Morphological and Functional Effects of the Endoscope-Assisted One-Stage Approach for Crooked Nose.

BACKGROUND: A crooked nose is an external nose deformity predominantly caused by congenital aplasia or acquired secondary to trauma or surgery, often accompanied by a deviated nasal septum. Patients with crooked nose have dual needs to improve both esthetic and functional problems. METHODS: The clinical and photographic information of 48 patients diagnosed with a crooked nose and nasal septum deviation treated from January 2018 to January 2022 was acquired. The morphology and functional effects were investigated by evaluating the general condition of the operation, measuring the esthetic indexes of the nose, and subjectively scoring. RESULTS: For both morphology and function, endoscopy-assisted one-stage correction showed positive results in this study. The external nose deviation distance postoperatively measured 1.28 (0.85, 1.97) mm, which significantly decreased from the preoperative value of 3.96 (3.31, 5.29) mm. The scores of doctors and irrelevant medical students on nose morphology increased significantly from 4.75±1.88 and 3.84±0.76 to 6.48±1.21 and 7.21±0.67, respectively. The rhinoplasty outcome evaluation score and the "nasal obstruction symptom evaluation "score of patients were both significantly improved ( t = -7.508 and t =6.310, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted one-stage correction of the crooked nose can restore nasal morphology, improve the symptoms of nasal obstruction, and achieve patient satisfaction. It is a minimally invasive, safe, effective, and fast recovery approach for patients who need to solve both esthetic and functional problems.

Hand-sewn expanded polytetrafluoroethylene valved conduit for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction. / 手工缝制的膨体聚四氟乙烯带瓣管道在右室流出道重建中的应用.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the lack of large-sized pulmonary valved conduit products in clinical practice, hand-sewn expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) valved conduit has been used for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction in many heart centers around the world. This study aims to summarize the early results of the ePTFE valved conduit and the sewing technology of the conduit in combination with the latest progress, and to provide a reference for the application of ePTFE valved conduit. METHODS: A total of 21 patients using ePTFE valved conduit for RVOT reconstruction in the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from October 2018 to October 2020 were prospectively enrolled in this study. The age at the implantation of the conduit was 4.3 to 43.8 (median 15.1) years old, with weight of (38.9±4.1) kg. In this cohort, 14 patients underwent re-reconstruction of RVOT, including 12 patients with pulmonary regurgitation at 6.3 to 31.0 (median 13.8) years after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair, and 2 patients with failed bovine jugular vein conduit (BJVC). Seven patients underwent Ross operations. Among them, 3 were for aortic valve stenosis, 2 were for aortic regurgitation, and 2 were for both stenosis and regurgitation. The ePTFE valved conduits were standard hand-sewn during the surgery. The 3 leaflets were equal in size with arc-shaped lower edge of the valve sinus. The free edge of the valve leaflets was straight with the length of about 1 mm longer than the diameter. The height of the valve sinus was 4/5 of the diameter. The junction of the valve leaflet was 3/4 of the height of the sinus. The designed leaflets were then continuous non-penetrating sutured into the inner surface of Gore-Tex vessel to make a valved conduit. Valved conduits with diameter of 18, 20, and 22 mm were used in 2, 9, and 10 cases, respectively. The surgical results, postoperative recovery time, and serious complications were summarized, and the changes of postoperative cardiac function status and hemodynamic status of the conduits were investigated. RESULTS: During the implantation of ePTFE valved conduit for RVOT reconstruction, 2 patients underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement with Ross operation, 2 patients with pulmonary regurgitation with repaired TOF underwent left and right pulmonary artery angioplasty, and 1 patient with failed BJVC underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty. The cardiopulmonary bypassing time for patients underwent re-reconstruction of RVOT was (130.9±16.9) min, with aorta clamping for 1 patient to repair the residual defect of the ventricular septum. The cardiopulmonary bypassing and aorta clamping time for Ross operation were (242.7±20.6) min and (145.6±10.5) min, respectively. The duration of postoperative ventilator assistance, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were 3.5 h to 7.7 d (median 17.1 h),11.2 h to 29.5 d (median 1.9 d), and 6.0 to 56.0 (median 13.0) d, respectively. All patients survived after discharge from hospital. The follow-up rate after discharge was 100% with median time at 15.0 (13.0 to 39.0) months. No death happened during the follow-up. One patient underwent stent implantation due to right coronary stenosis 2 months after Ross operation. One patient underwent balloon dilation due to right pulmonary artery ostium stenosis 1 year after re-reconstruction of RVOT. The cardiac function of all patients recovered to NYHA class I 6 months after operation. The peak pressure gradient across the valve measured by transthoracic echocardiography before discharge was (9.4±2.6) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), and (18.3±6.1) mmHg at the last follow-up. There was no significant increase in the gradient during the follow-up (P=0.134). No patient suffered from mild or more pulmonary regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Hand-sewn ePTFE valved conduit is feasible for RVOT reconstruction. It is a promising material for RVOT reconstruction which can effectively meet clinical need. In our experience, the ePTFE valved conduit is simple to manufacture with satisfactory early outcomes.In the application of ePTFE valved conduit, attention should be paid to implantation indications and postoperative anticoagulation management, especially to the preparation details of the valved conduit, to obtain better function and durability of the conduit after implantation.

[Influence of Meteorological Factors on HFMD and Construction of Prediction Model in Sichuan Province].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Sichuan Province from 2013 to 2019. To study the correlation between meteorological factors and the incidence of HFMD and construct a prediction model. METHODS: The HMFD surveillance data and meteorological data from 2013 to 2019 in Sichuan Province were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the China Meteorological data Network. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between HFMD incidence and meteorological factors. Multiple regression model and support vector regression (SVR) model were used to construct HFMD incidence prediction models respectively. RESULTS: A total of 615 840 cases of HFMD and 81 deaths were reported from 2013 to 2019. The average annual incidence rate was 107.31/105, and the mortality rate was 0.16/106. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the monthly incidence rate of HFMD was correlated with monthly average relative humidity (r=0.342), monthly average temperature (r=0.284), monthly average water vapor pressure (r=0.304) and monthly average days of precipitation (r=0.259). The prediction effect of the SVR model (R2=0.836) was better than the multiple regression model (R2=0.375). The SVR model provided a good fit to the monthly incidence of HFMD from 2013 to 2018, and can predict the peak incidence of HFMD in 2019. CONCLUSION: Relative humidity has the greatest influence on the incidence of HFMD. The fitting value of SVR model is in good agreement with the actual value, which is valuable in predicting the incidence of HFMD in Sichuan Province.

Three-dimensional printing biotechnology for the regeneration of the tooth and tooth-supporting tissues.

The tooth and its supporting tissues are organized with complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture, including the dental pulp with a blood supply and nerve tissues, complex multilayer periodontium, and highly aligned periodontal ligament (PDL). Mimicking such 3D complexity and the multicellular interactions naturally existing in dental structures represents great challenges in dental regeneration. Attempts to construct the complex system of the tooth and tooth-supporting apparatus (i.e., the PDL, alveolar bone, and cementum) have made certain progress owing to 3D printing biotechnology. Recent advances have enabled the 3D printing of biocompatible materials, seed cells, and supporting components into complex 3D functional living tissue. Furthermore, 3D bioprinting is driving major innovations in regenerative medicine, giving the field of regenerative dentistry a boost. The fabrication of scaffolds via 3D printing is already being performed extensively at the laboratory bench and in clinical trials; however, printing living cells and matrix materials together to produce tissue constructs by 3D bioprinting remains limited to the regeneration of dental pulp and the tooth germ. This review summarizes the application of scaffolds for cell seeding and biofabricated tissues via 3D printing and bioprinting, respectively, in the tooth and its supporting tissues. Additionally, the key advantages and prospects of 3D bioprinting in regenerative dentistry are highlighted, providing new ideas for dental regeneration.

Amplification of Oxidative Stress in MCF-7 Cells by a Novel pH-Responsive Amphiphilic Micellar System Enhances Anticancer Therapy.

The excessive increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) makes tumor cells usually in the state of oxidative stress. Although tumor cells can adapt to this state to a certain extent by upregulating antioxidant systems, the further ROS insults disrupt the transient intracellular redox balance, eventually leading to apoptosis and necrosis. Therefore, increasing the intracellular ROS level can effectively amplify the oxidative stress and induce apoptosis, which can be employed as a strategy for tumor treatment. Herein, a unique pH-responsive ROS inducing micellar system was reported in this study to specifically amplify the ROS signal in tumor cells. This micellar system was constructed by a new amphiphilic polymer, PIAThydCA, composed of poly(itaconic acid) (PIA) as the hydrophilic backbone, d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as the hydrophobic side chain, and cinnamaldehyde (CA) as the ROS-generating agent, which were linked to PIA by the pH-sensitive hydrazone bond. PIAThydCA micelles could be degraded in the intracellular acidic environment through the hydrolysis of hydrazone bond and release CA. CA and TPGS could amplify oxidative stress cooperatively to kill MCF-7 human breast cells preferentially through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Therefore, we anticipate that the PIAThydCA micelles could exert great potential in anticancer therapy.

Enhancing osseointegration of titanium implants through large-grit sandblasting combined with micro-arc oxidation surface modification.

PURPOSE: The demand for titanium dental implants has risen sharply. However, the clinical success rate of implant surgery needs to be improved. In this paper, we report a novel surface modification strategy, large-grit sandblasting combined with micro-arc oxidation (SL-MAO), aiming to promote peri-implant bone formation and osseointegration of titanium implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Modified titanium samples were prepared by large-grit sandblasting and acid etching (SLA), micro-arc oxidation (MAO), and SL-MAO. The resulting topographical changes and chemical composition of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively, and the biocompatibility and bioactivity were analyzed by bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) adhesion tests. Modified titanium implants were also inserted into the femurs of beagle dogs, and their competence of osseointegration was appraised by quantitative histomorphometry and micro-computed-tomography (micro-CT) analyses. RESULTS: Compared to SLA and MAO techniques, SL-MAO surface modification further enhanced titanium surfaces by creating a topographic morphology characterized by both micron-sized craters and sub-micron-scale pits, and resulted in superior chemical composition, which promoted cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. SL-MAO-modified titanium implants osseointegrated more efficiently than SLA or MAO controls, with significantly higher bone-area (BA) ratio and bone-implant contact (BIC) in the peri-implant region. CONCLUSIONS: The SL-MAO surface modification technique optimized the surface properties of titanium implants and enhanced peri-implant bone formation and osseointegration.

Colorimetric immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin by using peroxidase-mimicking MnO2 nanorods immobilized in microplate wells.

A colorimetric immunoassay is described for the pregnancy marker human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The assay is based on the use of MnO2 nanorods acting as a peroxidase mimic. The nanorods were prepared by a hydrothermal method using EDTA as a template. They exhibit excellent peroxidase-like activity and stability. The nanorods were immobilized in a chitosan matrix in the wells of a BSA-modified microplate which then were further modified with streptavidin and biotinylated capture antibodies. The specific recognition between HCG and the antibodies in wells inhibit the peroxidase-like activity of the nanorods. Hence, the substrate 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine is less efficiently catalytically oxidized by H2O2 to form a blue colored product. This results in a decrease in the absorbance at 652 nm. Response is linear in the 0.5 to 400 mIU·mL-1 HCG concentration range, and the detection limit is 0.36 mIU·mL-1 under optimized conditions. The method is highly specific, acceptably reproducible and stable. It was applied to the determination of HCG concentration in serum samples, and results were in good agreement with data obtained by the reference method." Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of colorimetric immunoassay for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) by using MnO2 nanorods with peroxidase-like activity immobilized in microplate wells. The specific recognition between HCG and the antibodies in wells inhibits the peroxidase-like activity of the nanorods. TMB: 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine.

The 3C protease of enterovirus A71 counteracts the activity of host zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP).

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a positive-strand RNA virus that causes hand-foot-mouth disease and neurological complications in children and infants. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be further defined, impaired immunity is thought to play an important role. The host zinc-finger antiviral protein (ZAP), an IFN-stimulated gene product, has been reported to specifically inhibit the replication of certain viruses. However, whether ZAP restricts the infection of enteroviruses remains unknown. Here, we report that EV-A71 infection upregulates ZAP mRNA in RD and HeLa cells. Moreover, ZAP overexpression rendered 293 T cells resistant to EV-A71 infection, whereas siRNA-mediated depletion of endogenous ZAP enhanced EV-A71 infection. The EV-A71 infection stimulated site-specific proteolysis of two ZAP isoforms, leading to the accumulation of a 40 kDa N-terminal ZAP fragment in virus-infected cells. We further revealed that the 3C protease (3Cpro) of EV-A71 mediates ZAP cleavage, which requires protease activity. Furthermore, ZAP variants with single amino acid substitutions at Gln-369 were resistant to 3Cpro cleavage, implying that Gln-369 is the sole cleavage site in ZAP. Moreover, although ZAP overexpression inhibited EV-A71 replication, the cleaved fragments did not show this effect. Our results indicate that an equilibrium between ZAP and enterovirus 3Cpro controls viral infection. The findings in this study suggest that viral 3Cpro mediated ZAP cleavage may represent a mechanism to escape host antiviral responses.

Unsaturation of very-long-chain ceramides protects plant from hypoxia-induced damages by modulating ethylene signaling in Arabidopsis.

Lipid remodeling is crucial for hypoxic tolerance in animals, whilst little is known about the hypoxia-induced lipid dynamics in plants. Here we performed a mass spectrometry-based analysis to survey the lipid profiles of Arabidopsis rosettes under various hypoxic conditions. We observed that hypoxia caused a significant increase in total amounts of phosphatidylserine, phosphatidic acid and oxidized lipids, but a decrease in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Particularly, significant gains in the polyunsaturated species of PC, PE and phosphatidylinositol, and losses in their saturated and mono-unsaturated species were evident during hypoxia. Moreover, hypoxia led to a remarkable elevation of ceramides and hydroxyceramides. Disruption of ceramide synthases LOH1, LOH2 and LOH3 enhanced plant sensitivity to dark submergence, but displayed more resistance to submergence under light than wild type. Consistently, levels of unsaturated very-long-chain (VLC) ceramide species (22:1, 24:1 and 26:1) predominantly declined in the loh1, loh2 and loh3 mutants under dark submergence. In contrast, significant reduction of VLC ceramides in the loh1-1 loh3-1 knockdown double mutant and lacking of VLC unsaturated ceramides in the ads2 mutants impaired plant tolerance to both dark and light submergences. Evidence that C24:1-ceramide interacted with recombinant CTR1 protein and inhibited its kinase activity in vitro, enhanced ER-to-nucleus translocation of EIN2-GFP and stabilization of EIN3-GFP in vivo, suggests a role of ceramides in modulating CTR1-mediated ethylene signaling. The dark submergence-sensitive phenotypes of loh mutants were rescued by a ctr1-1 mutation. Thus, our findings demonstrate that unsaturation of VLC ceramides is a protective strategy for hypoxic tolerance in Arabidopsis.

[A de novo GJA1 mutation identified by whole-exome sequencing in a patient with oculodentodigital dysplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a patient with oculodentodigital dysplasia. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and his parents. Whole-exome sequencing was carried out for the trio family. Suspected mutation was verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A de novo c.412G>A mutation of the GJA1 gene was identified in the patient, which was validated by Sanger sequencing. CONCLUSION: The c.412G>A mutation of the GJA1 gene probably underlies the disease in the patient.

Swine manure treatment by anaerobic membrane bioreactor with carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus recovery.

Swine manure wastewater was treated in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) that combined a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane, and the feasibility of ammonia and phosphorus recovery in the permeate was investigated. The AnMBR system was operated steadily with a high mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration of 32.32 ± 6.24 g/L for 120 days, achieving an average methane yield of 280 mL/gVSadded and total chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of 96%. The methane yield of the AnMBR is 83% higher than that of the single CSTR. The membrane fouling mechanism was examined, and MLSS and the polysaccharide contents of the extracellular polymeric substances were found to be the direct causes of membrane fouling. The effects of the permeation/relaxation rate and physical, chemical cleaning on membrane fouling were assessed for membrane fouling control, and results showed that a decrease in the permeation/relaxation rate together with chemical cleaning effectively reduced membrane fouling. In addition, a crystallization process was used for ammonia and phosphorus recovery from the permeate, and pH 9 was the optimal condition for struvite formation. The study has an instructive significance to the industrial applications of AnMBRs in treating high strength wastewater with nutrient recovery.

[Preparation and quality evaluation of comet-shaped hydroxy camptothecin-loaded amphiphilic block copolymer].

In this study, we used Shirasu porous glass membrane(SPG) as a template and hydroxy camptothecin (HCPT) as a model drug to prepare the comet-shaped Me PEG [methoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)]- PLGA [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-HCPT amphiphilic block copolymer. Our method was optimized by the orthogonal design method. The partical size, zeta potential, drug-loaded content, yield, shape and status of the obtained comet-shaped Me PEG-PLGA-HCPT particles were further characterized by dynamic light scattering(DLS), scanning electron microscopy(SEM)/transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) et al, respectively. In vitro release was preliminary evaluated. MTT assay to preliminary evaluate the cytotoxicity of particles against human liver BEL-7402 cells. Based on these experimental results, the optimal preparation conditions contain: weight ratio of HCPT to Me PEG-PLGA was 1:1, nitrogen pressure was 100 k Pa and SPG membrane pore size was 1.1 µm. The particles exhibited a comet-shaped shape, fairly uniform size and were well dispersed. The drug-loading content was 46.2%, with yield of 96.4%, and zeta-31.4 m V. The distribution of HCPT in particles was very uniform, and HCPT showed a amorphous state existed in particles. The release behavior in vitro showed sustained releasing, and with the drug loading content in proportion to the release of the drug. MTT test indicated that the HCPT-loaded comet-shaped particles had enhanced the cytotoxicity against human liver BEL-7402 cells relatively to the HCPT-loaded spherical particles in vitro. The results showed a promising potential application of the preparation in clinical treatment of tumor.

Bridging laboratory and large scale production: preparation and in vitro-evaluation of photosensitizer-loaded nanocarrier devices for targeted drug delivery.

PURPOSE: Industrial production of nanosized drug delivery devices is still an obstacle to the commercialization of nanomedicines. This study encompasses the development of nanoparticles for peroral application in photodynamic therapy, optimization according to the selected product specifications, and the translation into a continuous flow process. METHODS: Polymeric nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation of Eudragit® RS 100 in presence and in absence of glycofurol. The photosensitizer temoporfin has been encapsulated into these carrier devices. Process parameters were optimized by means of a Design of Experiments approach and nanoparticles with optimal characteristics were manufactured by using microreactor technology. The efficacy was determined by means of cell culture models in A-253 cells. RESULTS: Physicochemical properties of nanoparticles achieved by nanoprecipitation from ethanolic solutions were superior to those obtained from a method based upon glycofurol. Nanoencapsulation of temoporfin into the matrix significantly reduced toxicity of this compound, while the efficacy was maintained. The release profiles assured a sustained release at the site of action. Finally, the transfer to continuous flow technology was achieved. CONCLUSION: By adjusting all process parameters, a potent formulation for application in the GI tract was obtained. The essential steps of process development and scale-up were part of this formulation development.

Activation of TLR9-dependent p38MAPK pathway in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome in NOD/Ltj mouse.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential role of Toll-like receptor 9-dependent p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) in NOD/Ltj mouse, aiming to identify an ideal target therapy model for human pSS. METHODS: NOD/Ltj mice were chosen as a model of pSS. The Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38 MAPK double-positive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 4-, 5-, 8-, 10-, and 15-week-old NOD/Ltj mouse were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expressions of Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38 MAPK in the submandibular gland (SMG) were also examined by immunohistochemistry. The change of stimulated salivary flow rate was dynamically measured, and the histopathology of SMG was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin stain. RESULTS: The stimulated salivary flow rate in NOD/Ltj was reduced to 50-60% of the flow rate of control mice since the fifth week onwards. The Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38 MAPK double-positive PBMCs in both groups increased gradually from 5 weeks, peaked at 8 weeks and then gradually decreased at 10 weeks, yet the percentage of Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38MAPK double-positive PBMCs in 5-, 8-, and 10-week-old NOD/Ltj mouse was significantly increased compared with those in control subjects. After the 10th week onwards, there were no significant differences in the Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38 MAPK double-positive PBMCs between NOD/Ltj mice and controls. Immunohistochemical staining showed that Toll-like receptor 9 was positive in the acinar epithelium cells and infiltrating lymphocytes in NOD/Ltj mice. p-p38 MAPK was detected in infiltrating lymphocytes and few ductal or acinar epithelium cells adjacent to infiltrating lymphocytes in NOD/Ltj mice. CONCLUSIONS: From the fifth week till the tenth week, Toll-like receptor 9 and p-p38 MAPK double-positive PBMCs were significantly increased in NOD/Ltj mice, accompanied with reduced stimulated salivary flow rate and Toll-like receptor 9 or p-p38 MAPK positive infiltrating lymphocytes observed in the SMG of NOD/Ltj mouse. Our results indicated that activation of Toll-like receptor 9-depended p38 MAPK signal pathway in PBMCs was an early event in pSS which made NOD/Ltj as an ideal therapy model to test the treatment effects of p38 MAPK or Toll-like receptor 9 inhibitors on pSS.

[Determination of ochratoxin A in human urine by HPLC-FLD after cleaned-up by molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction column].

A method was developed for the determination of ochratoxin A (OTA) in human urine by HPLC-FLD after molecularly imprinted polymer solid phase extraction (MIP-SPE) column. After the pH being adjusted to 2.5 with 0.1 mol x L(-1) HC1, sample was cleaned up with MIP-SPE column for ochratoxin A, the analyte was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD), and finally all the positive results were confirmed by LC-MS/MS. Recoveries from urine samples spiked with OTA at levels ranging from 2 to 20 ng x mL(-1) were 90.6%-101.9%, and RSDs were 0.1%-1.6%. Sixty-five volunteers living in Beijing took part in the study, of which 5 were found containing OTA in their urine and the highest value was 0.091 ng x mL(-1). The MIP-SPE column was firstly applied to purify and concentrate OTA in human urine, this method is simple, rapid and reliable and can be used to determine the contents of OTA in human urine.

Biomaterials based on advanced oxidation processes in tooth whitening: fundamentals, progress, and models.

The increasing desire for aesthetically pleasing teeth has resulted in the widespread use of tooth whitening treatments. Clinical tooth whitening products currently rely on hydrogen peroxide formulations to degrade dental pigments through oxidative processes. However, they usually cause side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation due to the use of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or long-time contact. In recent years, various novel materials and reaction patterns have been developed to tackle the issues related to H2O2-based tooth whitening. These can be broadly classified as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). AOPs generate free radicals that have potent oxidizing properties, which can thereby increase the oxidation power and/or reduce the exposure time and can probably minimize the side effects of tooth bleaching. While there have been several reviews on clinical tooth whitening and the application of novel nanomaterials, a review based on the concept of AOPs in tooth bleaching application has not yet been conducted. This review describes the common types and mechanisms of AOPs, summarizes the latest research progress of new tooth bleaching materials based on AOPs, and proposes a model for tooth bleaching and a rate control step at the molecular level. The paper also reviews the shortcomings and suggests future development directions.

Notch Signaling Hydrogels Enable Rapid Vascularization and Promote Dental Pulp Tissue Regeneration.

Successful dental pulp regeneration is closely associated with rapid revascularization and angiogenesis, processes driven by the Jagged1(JAG1)/Notch signaling pathway. However, soluble Notch ligands have proven ineffective in activating this pathway. To overcome this limitation, a Notch signaling hydrogel is developed by indirectly immobilizing JAG1, aimed at precisely directing the regeneration of vascularized pulp tissue. This hydrogel displays favorable mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Cultivating dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) on this hydrogel significantly upregulate Notch target genes and key proangiogenic markers expression. Three-dimensional (3D) culture assays demonstrate Notch signaling hydrogels improve effectiveness by facilitating encapsulated cell differentiation, enhancing their paracrine functions, and promoting capillary lumen formation. Furthermore, it effectively communicates with the Wnt signaling pathway, creating an odontoinductive microenvironment for pulp-dentin complex formation. In vivo studies show that short-term transplantation of the Notch signaling hydrogel accelerates angiogenesis, stabilizes capillary-like structures, and improves cell survival. Long-term transplantation further confirms its capability to promote the formation of pulp-like tissues rich in blood vessels and peripheral nerve-like structures. In conclusion, this study introduces a feasible and effective hydrogel tailored to specifically regulate the JAG1/Notch signaling pathway, showing potential in advancing regenerative strategies for dental pulp tissue.

Effect of Age on Transalveolar Sinus Floor Elevation with Simultaneous Placement of Dental Implants: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: To analyze the effects of age on the sinus graft remodeling of transalveolar sinus floor elevation (SFE) with simultaneous placement of dental implants. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study design was adopted. A total of 222 sites in 216 patients who underwent transalveolar SFE with immediate implant placement were included. The clinical and radiographic data were collected at preoperative, postoperative, and postloading time points. Age was divided into three groups: < 30 years, 30 to 50 years, and > 50 years. The ratio of sinus graft resorption (Ratio) was used to evaluate the outcomes of the surgery and loading. ANOVA was applied to explore the correlation of total elevation height (TEH) with implant loading. The Ridge regression model was used to explore the relationship between Ratio and age and other possible factors. Results: A total of 222 implants in 216 patients were included for implant-based analysis. The TEH averaged 6.983 ± 2.251 mm on the day after surgery (T1), and sinus graft resorption was found during the healing period and after implant loading (P < .01). Age was found to be a reliable correlation with the Ratio (P < .01). A significantly decreased bone formation efficiency was found with aging. Conclusion: According to the results of this retrospective chart review, age was the main factor affecting the outcomes when applying transalveolar SFE with simultaneous implant placement. This finding could be a guide for clinical treatment.

One-Step Generation of O/W/O Double Pickering Emulsions Utilizing Biocompatible Gliadin/Ethyl Cellulose Complex Particles as the Exclusive Stabilizer.

Double emulsions hold great potential for various applications due to their compartmentalized internal structures. However, achieving their long-term physical stability remains a challenging task. Here, we present a simple one-step method for producing stable oil-in-water-in-oil (O/W/O) double emulsions using biocompatible gliadin/ethyl cellulose complex particles as the sole stabilizer. The resulting O/W/O systems serve as effective platforms for encapsulating enzymes and as templates for synthesizing porous microspheres. We investigated the impact of particle concentration and water fraction on the properties of Pickering O/W/O emulsions. Our results demonstrate that the number and volume of inner oil droplets increased proportionally with both the water fraction and particle concentration after a 60-day storage period. Moreover, the catalytic reaction rate of the encapsulated lipase within the double emulsion exhibited a significant acceleration, achieving a substrate conversion of 80.9% within 15 min. Remarkably, the encapsulated enzyme showed excellent recyclability, enabling up to 10 cycles of reuse. Additionally, by utilizing the O/W/O systems as templates, we successfully obtained porous microspheres whose size can be controlled by the outer water droplet. These findings have significant implications for the future design of Pickering complex emulsion-based systems, opening avenues for extensive applications in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, material synthesis, and (bio)catalysis.

Near-Infrared-Enhanced Dual Enzyme-Mimicking Ag-TiO2-x@Alginate Microspheres with Antibactericidal and Oxygeneration Abilities to Treat Periodontitis.

The effective treatment for periodontitis is to completely and sustainedly eradicate the bacterial pathogens from the complex periodontal pockets. Local sustained-release antibiotics as a complementary treatment after scaling and root planning can sustainedly combat bacterial pathogens in the periodontal pockets to help treat the disease, but the increasing concern of bacterial resistance limits its future use. Here, we reported a local antibacterial system based on microsized multifunctional Ag-TiO2-x encapsulated in alginate (ATA) microspheres. We confirmed that ATA displayed strong photothermally enhanced dual enzyme-mimicking (peroxidase-like and catalase-like) activities and weak photocatalytic activity under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, which could boost the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2 in the presence of low-level H2O2. As a result, the ATA/H2O2/NIR system exhibited efficient antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii in both planktonic and biofilm forms. With the help of ROS, ATA could release Ag+ in concentrations sufficient to inhibit periodontal pathogens as well. Moreover, the in situ-generated oxygen was supposed to alleviate the local hypoxic environment and would help downregulate the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response of periodontal stem cells. The in vivo rat periodontitis treatment results demonstrated that the ATA/H2O2/NIR system reduced the bacterial load, relieved inflammation, and improved tissue healing. Our work developed a new local prolonged bactericidal and oxygenation system for enhanced periodontitis. Avoiding the usage of antibiotics and nanomaterials, this strategy showed great promise in adjunctive periodontitis treatment and also in other biomedical applications.