Clinical Effects of the Combination of Rhytidectomy and Temporomandibular Joint Disc Repositioning Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the clinical effects of the combination of rhytidectomy and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc repositioning surgery in internal derangement (ID) stage IV-V and facial aging patients. METHODS: Eighteen facial aging with bilateral ID IV-V patients were enrolled in this study. All of them had undergone temporomandibular disc repositioning surgery and rhytidectomy by the same surgeon (Yao Min Zhu). Pre-/post-surgical clinical manifestations, facial photography, radiographic data were recorded and analyzed, as well as doctor, patient, third-party evaluation of postsurgical facial appearance satisfaction. RESULTS: The average age of 18 female patients was 52.9. The average of presurgical visual analog pain scale score was 5.94, ranged from 4 to 8. After 6 months, the average of postsurgical visual analog pain scale score was 0.28, ranged from 0 to 1 ( P   >  0.05). The average maximal mouth opening of presurgical and postsurgical was 2.19 and 3.29 cm, ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 cm and 3.0 to 3.5 cm, respectively ( P  < 0.05). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed the location of the bilateral TMJ discs directly above the mandibular condyle. The satisfaction rate of doctors, patients and third-party with facial appearance was 95% to 98%, 96% to 99% and 96% to 99%, respectively, with an average of 95.72%, 98.11%, and 97.50%. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with bilateral ID IV-V and facial aging, the combination of disc repositioning surgery and rhytidectomy is a very feasible procedure to treat TMJ disorders and improve patients' facial appearance and satisfaction.

Outcomes of Treatment With Manipulative Reduction Combine With the Disc-condyle Repositioning Splint in Acute Anterior Disc Displacement Without Reduction.

ABSTRACT: In this report, the authors describe a case of the acute anterior disc displacement without reduction treated by manipulative reduction combined with the disc-condyle repositioning splint to improve the limited mouth opening and relieve the pain, including diagnostic images and treatment performed.

Tumor subsites and risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw in patients with oral cavity cancer: a national-based cohort study.

PURPOSE: The association between the tumor subsites of the oral cavity and the risk of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) remains unclear. We study the correlation between oral cavity tumor subsites and the risk of ORNJ in a nationwide population-based database. METHODS: We enrolled 16,701 adult patients with oral cavity cancers who were treated with radiotherapy between 2000 and 2013. The subsites of the oral tumor, treatments of oral cavity cancers, and the timing of tooth extraction were examined for their association with ORNJ in oral cancer patients. RESULTS: 903 patients (5.40%) developed ORNJ. Of the relevant variables, pre-RT mandible surgery, tooth extraction either before or after RT, and tumor sites were associated with the risk of ORNJ. The adjusted HRs for ORNJ in the mouth floor, gums, retromolar, and buccal cancer were 2.056 (1.490-2.837), 1.909 (1.552-2.349), 1.683 (1.105-2.562), and 1.303 (1.111-1.528), respectively, compared with the risk of tongue cancer. There was no significant difference in the risk of ORNJ between the pre-RT extraction group, the during-RT extraction group, and the post-RT extraction (less than 6 months) group; the post-RT extraction (more than 6 months) group had a significantly higher risk of ORNJ. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that oral cavity tumor subsite is an independent risk factor of ORNJ after RT. Post-RT extraction (less than 6 months) group did not carry a significantly higher risk of ORNJ compared with pre-RT extraction group or during RT extraction group.

Anchoring protein crystals to mounting loops with hydrogel using inkjet technology.

X-ray crystallography is an important technique for structure-based drug discovery, mainly because it is the only technique that can reveal whether a ligand binds to the target protein as well as where and how it binds. However, ligand screening by X-ray crystallography involves a crystal-soaking experiment, which is usually performed manually. Thus, the throughput is not satisfactory for screening large numbers of candidate ligands. In this study, a technique to anchor protein crystals to mounting loops by using gel and inkjet technology has been developed; the method allows soaking of the mounted crystals in ligand-containing solution. This new technique may assist in the design of a fully automated drug-screening pipeline.

Oral health management in children with severe congenital neutropenia with periodontitis: Case report.

RATIONALE: Severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare and heterogeneous genetic disease. By describing the diagnosis and treatment of a child with SCN and periodontitis, this case provides a reference for the oral health management of a child with SCN and periodontitis. PATIENT CONCERNS: We describe a boy with clinical manifestations of oral bleeding, neutropenia, recurrent fever, and other recurrent infections. The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was <0.50 × 109/L most of the time. Morphological examination of bone marrow cells showed active granulocyte hyperplasia and dysmaturation. DIAGNOSES: According to the clinical manifestations, hematological examination and gene detection results, the child was diagnosed as SCN with chronic periodontitis. INTERVENTIONS: Periodontal treatment was performed after informed consent was obtained from the child guardian. These included supragingival and subgingival cleaning, hydrogen peroxide and saline irrigation, placement of iodoglycerin in the gingival sulcus, and oral hygiene instruction. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed later. OUTCOMES: One month after initial periodontal treatment, oral hygiene was well maintained and gingival swelling had subsided. Probing depth (PD) index on periodontal probing and bleeding was significantly reduced. However, there was no significant change in blood routine and other indicators before and after periodontal treatment. CONCLUSION: Once SCN is diagnosed, individualized treatment plans can be developed according to the characteristics of the disease and its impact on oral health, which can effectively control the interaction between SCN and periodontal disease and reduce the occurrence of serious infection.

Combined influence of the nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on microbial community in seawater environment.

Nanoplastics (NPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognized as persistent organic pollutant (POPs) with demonstrated physiological toxicity. When present in aquatic environments, the two pollutants could combine with each other, resulting in cumulative toxicity to organisms. However, the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater is not well understood. In this study, we conducted an exposure experiment to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of NPs and PAHs on the composition, biodiversity, co-occurrence networks of microbial communities in seawater. Exposure of individuals to PAHs led to a reduction in microbial community richness, but an increase in the relative abundance of species linked to PAHs degradation. These PAHs-degradation bacteria acting as keystone species, maintained a microbial network complexity similar to that of the control treatment. Exposure to individual NPs resulted in a reduction in the complexity of microbial networks. Furthermore, when PAHs and NPs were simultaneously present, the toxic effect of NPs hindered the presence of keystone species involved in PAHs degradation, subsequently limiting the degradation of PAHs by marine microorganisms, resulting in a decrease in community diversity and symbiotic network complexity. This situation potentially poses a heightened threat to the ecological stability of marine ecosystems. Our work strengthened the understanding of the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater.

ROS-responsive nano-medicine for navigating autophagy to enhance targeted therapy of inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by immune dysregulation and intestinal inflammation. Rapamycin (Ra), an mTORC1 pathway inhibitor, has shown promise for autophagy induction in IBD therapy but is associated with off-target effects and toxicity. To address these issues, we developed an oral liposome responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) using lipids and amphiphilic materials. We combined ketone thiol (TK) for ROS responsive and hyaluronic acid (HA) with high affinity for CD44 receptors to prepare rapamycin-loaded nanoparticle (Ra@TH). Owing to its ROS responsive characteristic, Ra@TH can achieve inflammatory colonic targeting. Additionally, Ra@TH can induce autophagy by inhibiting the mTORC1 pathway, leading to the clearance of damaged organelles, pathogenic microorganisms and oxidative stress products. Simultaneously, it also collaboratively inhibits the NF-κB pathway suppressed by the removal of ROS resulting from TK cleavage, thereby mediating the expression of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, Ra@TH enhances the expression of typical tight junction proteins, synergistically restoring intestinal barrier function. Our research not only expands the understanding of autophagy in IBD treatment but also introduces a promising therapeutic approach for IBD patients.

Directed evolution and structural analysis of NADPH-dependent Acetoacetyl Coenzyme A (Acetoacetyl-CoA) reductase from Ralstonia eutropha reveals two mutations responsible for enhanced kinetics.

NADPH-dependent acetoacetyl-coenzyme A (acetoacetyl-CoA) reductase (PhaB) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], along with ß-ketothiolase (PhaA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase (PhaC). In this study, PhaB from Ralstonia eutropha was engineered by means of directed evolution consisting of an error-prone PCR-mediated mutagenesis and a P(3HB) accumulation-based in vivo screening system using Escherichia coli. From approximately 20,000 mutants, we obtained two mutant candidates bearing Gln47Leu (Q47L) and Thr173Ser (T173S) substitutions. The mutants exhibited kcat values that were 2.4-fold and 3.5-fold higher than that of the wild-type enzyme, respectively. In fact, the PhaB mutants did exhibit enhanced activity and P(3HB) accumulation when expressed in recombinant Corynebacterium glutamicum. Comparative three-dimensional structural analysis of wild-type PhaB and highly active PhaB mutants revealed that the beneficial mutations affected the flexibility around the active site, which in turn played an important role in substrate recognition. Furthermore, both the kinetic analysis and crystal structure data supported the conclusion that PhaB forms a ternary complex with NADPH and acetoacetyl-CoA. These results suggest that the mutations affected the interaction with substrates, resulting in the acquirement of enhanced activity.

Comparison between unilateral curved and bilateral straight percutaneous vertebral augmentation in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety of unilateral curved and bilateral straight percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search from electronic databases including Springer, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library databases and ScienceDirect up to July 2022. Three randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) and one retrospective study which met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the operative time, injected bone cement volume, bone cement leakage rate and X-ray frequency between the bilateral straight PVA and unilateral curved PVA. No significant differences were found regarding postoperative Cobb angle, Visual Analog Scale or Oswestry Disability Index between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to bilateral straight PVA, unilateral curved PVA may decrease operative time, injected bone cement volume, bone cement leakage rate, and X-ray frequency in the treatment of OVCFs. However, the Cobb angle, pain, and clinical scores are comparable. Due to the limited quality and data of the evidence currently available, more high-quality RCTs are required.

Dental caries and risk of newly-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether patients with history of dental caries are associated with an increased risk of newly-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A total of 501,461 carious patients and 258,918 controls without carious teeth were enrolled between 1997 and 2013 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on restorative materials including amalgam, composite resins, or both. The cumulative incidence and hazard ratios (HRs) of SLE development were derived after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, income, insured classification, comorbidities, and frequency of dental visit in a multivariable model. RESULTS: The risk of SLE was significantly higher in carious patients (HR = 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.65-2.38) compared to controls. Dose-dependent relationship between caries and risk of SLE was identified. The risk of SLE was higher among those who had dental visits ≧11 (HR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.86-3.43), followed by those with 3-10 dental visits (HR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.36-2.54), when compared to those with 1-2 visits, and was higher among those who had carious teeth extractions ≧5 (HR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.19-2.97), followed by those with 1-4 carious teeth extractions (HR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.17-1.59) than those without extraction. The risk of SLE for dental caries management among different restorative materials, including amalgam, composite resins, or both, was not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with dental caries were associated with higher SLE risks. The relationship between dental caries and risk of SLE was dose-dependent, regardless of the material used for the restoration.

Structural snapshot of a glycoside hydrolase family 8 endo-ß-1,4-glucanase capturing the state after cleavage of the scissile bond.

Bacterial cellulose (BC), which is produced by bacteria, is a biodegradable and biocompatible natural resource. Because of its remarkable physicochemical properties, BC has attracted attention for the development and manufacture of biomedical and industrial materials. In the BC production system, the enzyme endo-ß-1,4-glucanase, which belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 8 (GH8), acts as a cleaner by trimming disordered cellulose fibers to produce high-quality BC. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the endo-ß-1,4-glucanase would help in developing a reasonable biosynthesis of BC. Nevertheless, all of the steps in the reaction of this endo-ß-1,4-glucanase are not clear. This study confirms the BC hydrolytic activity of the endo-ß-1,4-glucanase from the BC-producing bacterium Enterobacter sp. CJF-002 (EbBcsZ) and reports crystal structures of EbBcsZ. Unlike in previously reported GH8 endo-ß-1,4-glucanase structures, here the base catalyst was mutated (D242A) and the structure of this mutant bound to cellooligosaccharide [EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT] was analyzed. The EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT structure showed two cellooligosaccharides individually bound to the plus and minus subsites of EbBcsZ. The glucosyl unit in subsite -1 presented a distorted 5S1 conformation, a novel snapshot of a state immediately after scissile-bond cleavage. In combination with previous studies, the reaction process of endo-ß-1,4-glucanase is described and the ß-1,4-glucan-trimming mechanism of EbBcsZ is proposed. The EbBcsZ(D242A)CPT structure also showed an additional ß-1,4-glucan binding site on the EbBcsZ surface, which may help to accept the substrate.

The BcsD subunit of type I bacterial cellulose synthase interacts dynamically with the BcsAB catalytic core complex.

Cellulose synthase has two distinct functions: synthesis of the cellulose molecule (polymerization) and assembling the synthesized cellulose chains into the crystalline microfibril (crystallization). In the type I bacterial cellulose synthase (Bcs) complex, four major subunits - BcsA, BcsB, BcsC and BcsD - work in a coordinated manner. This study showed that the crystallization subunit BcsD interacts with the polymerization complex BcsAB in two modes: direct protein-protein interactions and indirect interactions through the product cellulose. We hypothesized that the former and latter modes represent the basal and active states of type I bacterial cellulose synthase, respectively, and this dynamic behaviour of the BcsD protein regulates the crystallization process of cellulose chains.

A modified ionization difference UV-vis method for fast quantitation of guaiacyl-type phenolic hydroxyl groups in lignin.

An ionization difference UV-Vis method (Δε-spectrum method) is the most potentially simple method for fast quantitation of phenolic hydroxyl groups (ph-OH) in lignin. However, the underestimated results were calculated from the conventional Δε-spectrum method using one- or two-point wavelengths measurement. In this study, a modified Δε-spectrum method using multi-point wavelengths measurement was developed and the negative absorbance was also considered. Four main typical lignin models, e.g. vanilla alcohol, 5-5 biphenyl, stilbenoid and vanillin, were applied as the guaiacyl-type (G-type) phenolic models for the determination of ph-OH by the modified Δε-spectrum method. The 2-methoxyethanol/water/acetic acid = 8/2/0.2 (V/V/V) was used as the acidic solvent system and the 2-methoxyethanol/0.2 M NaOH solution = 1/9 (V/V) was used as the alkaline solvent system. The ph-OH contents in the spruce milled wood lignin (SMWL) and the spruce Kraft lignin (SKL) were respectively quantified by the modified Δε-spectrum method as 1.078 and 4.348 mmol/g, which were comparable to the counterparts determined by 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (31P NMR). The results revealed that the modified Δε-spectrum method can provide more accurate and reliable results compared to the conventional method.

Neuroinflammation and apoptosis after surgery for a rat model of double-level cervical cord compression.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most prevalent type of non-traumatic spinal cord injury. The pathological process of CSM is relatively complicated. Most of the chronic cervical cord compression animal models established using hydrophilic expanding polymer are single-segment compression, which was deviated from clinical practice with double-segment or multi-segment compression. This study aims to better mimic the actual clinical compression by using a new type of hydrophilic expanding polymer to establish an animal model of double-level cervical cord compression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Progressive cord compression was done with implantation of polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylamide hydrogel in the spinal canal at the C3-4 and C5-6 levels. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were divided into three groups: sham (no compression, n = 12) and screw compression group (n = 8), and hydrogel compression group (n = 12). Functional deficits were characterized using motor function scores, forelimb grip strength, hindlimb pain threshold, and gait analysis, while compression was imaged with magnetic resonance imaging. The apoptosis, inflammation, and demyelination were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Luxol fast blue staining, TUNEL assay, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Motor function scores for rats with cervical cord hydrogel compression were significantly decline in motor function scores, an increase in allodynia, neurons and oligodendrocytes apoptosis related to B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associated X (Bax)/cleaved caspase-3, and impaired axonal conduction, as well as neuroinflammation zone related to microglia or macrophages aggregation related to the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and activation of astrocytes, as well as oxidative stress were observed. CONCLUSION: We believe that this model utilizing compression on double-level cervical cord will allow researchers to investigate of translationally relevant therapeutic methods for CSM.

Photochemical tissue bonding: a potential strategy for treating limbal stem cell deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of attaching human amniotic membrane (HAM), pre-cultured with limbal stem cells (LSCs), to cornea using a novel, light-activated tissue bonding method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LSCs were isolated from rabbit eyes, and then cultured on de-epithelialized HAM to create grafts (HAM/LSC). These were then transplanted onto rabbit eyes with surgically created limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The grafts were secured either by sutures or by a light-activated method called photochemical tissue bonding (PTB). Outcomes included corneal opacity, inflammation, neovascularization, and collagen alignment. RESULTS: The isolated and cultured cells were verified to be LSCs based on their K19+/intergrin ß1+/P63+/K3 profile. Securing the HAM/LSC graft with PTB provided better outcomes. At 28 days post-surgery, the corneal opacity scores were significantly lower after securing the graft with PTB compared with suture attachment (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.5, P < 0.01). Similarly, neovascularization scores were lower after PTB (0.8 ± 0.5 vs. 1.5 ± 0.6, P < 0.01). Quantification of MPO and CD31 levels from immunofluorecent staining indicated that PTB stimulated less neutrophil infiltration (5.3 ± 2.2 vs. 13.3 ± 3.1, P < 0.01) and less new blood vessels formation (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 6.3 ± 1.3, P < 0.01) at the wound site. The collagen alignment in PTB-treated corneas, as shown by immunofluorescence and second harmonic generation image, was better organized in the PTB-treated group than in the suture group. CONCLUSION: Bonding LSC grafts with PTB produced improved outcomes compared to suture attachment. This light-activated method is a promising modality for treating patients with LSCD.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Cellulose Synthase Subunit D Octamer with Cellulose Chains from Acetic Acid Bacteria: Insight into Dynamic Behaviors and Thermodynamics on Substrate Recognition.

The present study reports the building of a computerized model and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of cellulose synthase subunit D octamer (CesD) from Komagataeibacter hansenii. CesD was complexed with four cellulose chains having DP = 12 (G12) by model building, which revealed unexpected S-shaped pathways with bending regions. Combined conventional and accelerated MD simulations of CesD complex models were carried out, while the pyranose ring conformations of the glucose residues were restrained to avoid undesirable deviations of the ring conformation from the 4C1 form. The N-terminal regions and parts of the secondary structures of CesD established appreciable contacts with the G12 chains. Hybrid quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular mechanical (MM) simulations of the CesD complex model were performed. Glucose residues located at the pathway bends exhibited reversible changes to the ring conformation into either skewed or boat forms, which might be related to the function of CesD in regulating microfibril production.

808 nm NIR Laser-Excited Upconversion Nanoplatform for Combinatory Photodynamic and Chemotherapy with Deep Penetration and Acid Bursting Release Performance.

Combinatory photodynamic and chemotherapy have demonstrated superior performance in cancer ablation over singular therapeutics. However, photodynamic therapy (PDT) often exhibits suboptimal efficacy for deep-seated tumors, owing to the limited penetration depth of illumination light, while chemotherapy is generally accompanied by severe side effects. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a functional nanoplatform for combinatory PDT and chemotherapy, which could, for PDT, achieve enhanced light penetration and, for chemotherapy, realize reduced therapeutic threshold dosage and a controllable drug release profile (e.g., minimized release in blood circulation but bursting release in the tumor microenvironment). Herein, we demonstrate a therapeutic nanoplatform composed of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-modified silica-coated Nd3+-doped upconversion nanoparticles decorated with methylene blue (MB) and doxorubicin (DOX) in silica and a PAA layer, respectively. Notably, 808 nm light is used to excite upconversion nanoparticles and further trigger the photosensitization behavior of MB in PDT, while the quick acid response of the PAA layer in the tumor acid environment introduces DOX bursting for optimized chemotherapy with significantly decreased therapeutic threshold dosage and minimized side effects. Importantly, the anticancer efficiency of the nanoplatform in vitro and in vivo shows an IC50 and a tumor inhibition rate of 12.55 µg mL-1 and 89.81%, respectively. This study provides a strategy for combinatory cancer therapy.

Outcomes of treatment with genioplasty and temporomandibular joint anchorage surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anterior Disc Displacement without Reduction (ADDwoR) in adolescence can result in condylar resorption which produces mandibular retrusion/deviation (MR/D) in adulthood. This study aims to analyze the therapeutic effect of simultaneous genioplasty and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anchorage surgery on ADDwoR with MR/D patients. METHODS: During 2016-2018, ADDwoR with MR/D cases were included and underwent TMJ anchorage surgery and genioplasty guided by digital design. Pre-/Post-surgical clinical manifestations, facial photography, radiographic data, facial shape satisfaction of clinicians/patients/third-party were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 32 cases (52 joints) were included. The average age was 24.09. Ratio of male/female was 4/28. Visual analog pain scale (VAS) score pre-/post-surgical ranged from 3 to 9 and 0-3, with an average of 6.03 and 1.18 (p < 0.01). Maximal mouth opening pre-/post-surgical ranged from 16 to 33 mm and 33-40 mm, with an average of 22.43 mm and 36.46 mm (p < 0.01). MRI was completed and showed stable disc reduction without recurrence 1 year postoperatively. MR/D was corrected and a better face shape was obtained. The satisfaction rate of clinicians, patients and third-parties was 92.375%, 94.156% and 94.218%, with an average of 93.583%. CONCLUSION: For ADDwoR with MR/D patients, simultaneous TMJ anchorage surgery and genioplasty can improve TMJ symptoms/functions, correct facial appearance, and enhance the degree of satisfaction. The postoperative effect is stable, safe and reliable, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Phototoxicity is not associated with photochemical tissue bonding of skin.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We have developed a light-activated method called photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) for closing wounds using green light and a photosensitizing dye (Rose Bengal-RB) to initiate photochemical crosslinking of wound surface proteins. These studies were designed to determine whether RB causes phototoxicity during closure of skin incisions with PTB. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: RB phototoxicity was evaluated after sealing incisions in porcine skin ex vivo and rabbit skin in vivo using PTB (1 mM RB, 100 J/cm(2), 532 nm, 0.3 or 0.5 W/cm(2).) Dead cells were identified by pyknotic nuclei and eosinophilic cytoplasm on H&E-stained sections. The influence on RB phototoxicity of penetration of RB into the wound wall (by confocal microscopy), RB concentration in the tissue (by extraction), and fluence of 532 nm reaching depths in skin (calculated from skin optical properties) were investigated. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the percent dead cells in PTB-treated and control incisions in porcine skin at 24 hours or in rabbit skin at 2 hours and 3 and 7 days after surgery. RB was retained in a approximately 100 microm wide band next to the wound wall. The mean RB concentration within this band was 0.42+/-0.03 mM. Monte Carlo modeling of light distribution indicated that the fluence rate decreased from the subsurface peak to 0.5 W/cm(2) in the mid-dermis (approximately 350 microm.) In vitro RB phototoxicity to dermal fibroblasts yielded an LD(50) of 0.50+/-0.09 J/cm(2) when the cells contained 0.46 mM RB. CONCLUSIONS: PTB does not cause phototoxicity when used to repair skin wounds even though the RB concentration and 532 nm fluence in the mid-dermis during PTB are much greater than the LD(50) for RB phototoxicity in vitro. These results indicate that phototoxicity is not a concern when using PTB for tissue repair.

Supramolecular coordination assemblies constructed from multifunctional azole-containing carboxylic acids.

This paper provides a brief review of recent progress in the field of metal coordination polymers assembled from azole-containing carboxylic acids and gives a diagrammatic summary of the diversity of topological structures in the resulting infinite metal-organic coordination networks (MOCNs). Azole-containing carboxylic acids are a favorable kind of multifunctional ligand to construct various metal complexes with isolated complexes and one, two and three dimensional structures, whose isolated complexes are not the focus of this review. An insight into the topology patterns of the infinite coordination polymers is provided. Analyzed topologies are compared with documented topologies and catalogued by the nature of nodes and connectivity pattern. New topologies which are not available from current topology databases are described and demonstrated graphically.