Fibrocyte: A missing piece in the pathogenesis of fibrous epulis.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of fibrocytes in the recurrence and calcification of fibrous epulides. METHODS: Different subtypes of fibrous epulides and normal gingival tissue specimens were first collected for histological and immunofluorescence analyses to see if fibrocytes were present and whether they differentiated into myofibroblasts and osteoblasts upon stimulated by transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1). Electron microscopy and elemental analysis were used to characterize the extracellular microenvironment in different subtypes of fibrous epulides. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were subsequently isolated from in vitro models to mimic the microenvironment in fibrous epulides to identify whether TGF-ß1 as well as the calcium and phosphorus ion concentration in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of a fibrous epulis trigger fibrocyte differentiation. RESULTS: Fibrous epulides contain fibrocytes that accumulate in the local inflammatory environment and have the ability to differentiate into myofibroblasts or osteoblasts. TGF-ß1 promotes fibrocytes differentiation into myofibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner, while TGF-ß1 stimulates the fibrocytes to differentiate into osteoblasts when combined with a high calcium and phosphorus environment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed fibrocytes play an important role in the fibrogenesis and osteogenesis in fibrous epulis, and might serve as a therapeutic target for the inhibition of recurrence of fibrous epulides.

Periodontal disease and emotional disorders: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship of periodontal disease with depression and anxiety via a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHOD: We systematically searched the EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and SinoMed databases (until August 4, 2019) with language restricted to English and Chinese. Case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies that calculated the risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR)/prevalence OR (POR), and hazard ratio (HR) of depression/anxiety with periodontal disease or the OR/POR/RR/HR of periodontal disease caused by depression/anxiety were included. Observational studies that reported the depression/anxiety scale score of patients with periodontal disease and healthy periodontal subjects aged ≥14 years were also included. We used the standard format to extract the following information from each included study: author/s, survey year, study design, age of participants, periodontal disease definition, depression/anxiety measurement, and summary of results. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to ascertain the quality of the included citations. RESULTS: After screening, 40 studies were included. A meta-analysis of the case-control studies showed that periodontal disease was positively associated with depression (OR = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] â€Š= 1.01-2.83). A meta-analysis of 12 studies showed that periodontal disease was significantly correlated with anxiety (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.11-1.66). A meta-analysis of 18 studies showed that subjects with periodontal disease had higher depression scale score (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.68-1.41) and anxiety scale score (SMD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.44-0.96). CONCLUSION: Periodontal disease is associated with emotional disorders. However, the high degree of heterogeneity among studies should be considered. More high-quality prospective studies are required to confirm the relationship.

Inhibitory Effect of 2R,3R-Dihydromyricetin on Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus aureus.

The adherence and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus on food contact surfaces are a major concern for the food industry. Development of antibiofilm agents from polyphenols has drawn much attention due to their potent activity. The present study explored the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of 2R,3R-dihydromyricetin (DMY) against S. aureus ATCC 29213. It was found that DMY exerted excellent antibacterial and bactericidal properties against S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of 0.125 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. Crystal violet staining and 2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide sodium salt reduction assay demonstrated that DMY significantly reduced the biofilm biomass of S. aureus and decreased the metabolic activity of biofilm cells. Micrographs of light microscope and scanning electron microscope confirmed that DMY inhibited the biofilm formation and caused a disintegration of the complex biofilm architecture. Moreover, DMY was highly efficient in reducing the number of sessile S. aureus cells adhered to stainless steel. These results suggested that DMY could have potential application to control S. aureus contamination in a food processing environment.

Delivery of hypoxia and glioma dual-specific suicide gene using dexamethasone conjugated polyethylenimine for glioblastoma-specific gene therapy.

Gene therapy has been considered a promising approach for glioblastoma therapy. To avoid side effects and increase the specificity of gene expression, gene expression should be tightly regulated. In this study, glioma and hypoxia dual-specific plasmids (pEpo-NI2-SV-Luc and pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk) were developed by combining the erythropoietin (Epo) enhancer and nestin intron 2 (NI2). In the in vitro studies, pEpo-NI2-SV-Luc showed higher gene expression under hypoxia than normoxia in a glioblastoma-specific manner. The MTT and caspase assays demonstrated that pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk specifically induced caspase activity and cell death in hypoxic glioblastoma cells. For in vivo evaluation, subcutaneous and intracranial glioblastoma models were established. Dexamethasone-conjugated-polyethylenimine (PEI-Dexa) was used as a gene carrier, since PEI-Dexa efficiently delivers plasmid to glioblastoma cells and also has an antitumor effect due to the effect of dexamethasone. In the in vivo study in the subcutaneous and intracranial glioblastoma models, the tumor size was reduced more effectively in the pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk group than in the control and pSV-HSVtk groups. In addition, higher levels of HSVtk gene expression and TUNEL-positive cells were observed in the pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk group compared with the control and pSV-HSVtk groups, suggesting that pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk increased the therapeutic efficacy in hypoxic glioblastoma. Therefore, pEpo-NI2-SV-HSVtk/PEI-Dexa complex may be useful for glioblastoma-specific gene therapy.

Bacteria-mediated resistance of neutrophil extracellular traps to enzymatic degradation drives the formation of dental calculi.

Dental calculi can cause gingival bleeding and periodontitis, yet the mechanism underlying the formation of such mineral build-ups, and in particular the role of the local microenvironment, are unclear. Here we show that the formation of dental calculi involves bacteria in local mature biofilms converting the DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from being degradable by the enzyme DNase I to being degradation resistant, promoting the nucleation and growth of apatite. DNase I inhibited NET-induced mineralization in vitro and ex vivo, yet plasma DNases were ineffective at inhibiting ectopic mineralization in the oral cavity in rodents. The topical application of the DNA-intercalating agent chloroquine in rodents fed with a dental calculogenic diet reverted NET DNA to its degradable form, inhibiting the formation of calculi. Our findings may motivate therapeutic strategies for the reduction of the prevalence of the deposition of bacteria-driven calculi in the oral cavity.

Biomimetic Self-Maturation Mineralization System for Enamel Repair.

Enamel repair is crucial for restoring tooth function and halting dental caries. However, contemporary research often overlooks the retention of organic residues within the repair layer, which hinders the growth of dense crystals and compromises the properties of the repaired enamel. During the maturation of natural enamel, the organic matrix undergoes enzymatic processing to facilitate further crystal growth, resulting in a highly mineralized tissue. Inspired by this process, a biomimetic self-maturation mineralization system is developed, comprising ribonucleic acid-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (RNA-ACP) and ribonuclease (RNase). The RNA-ACP induces initial mineralization in the form of epitaxial crystal growth, while the RNase present in saliva automatically triggers a biomimetic self-maturation process. The mechanistic study further indicates that RNA degradation prompts conformational rearrangement of the RNA-ACP, effectively excluding the organic matter introduced earlier. This exclusion process promotes lateral crystal growth, resulting in the generation of denser enamel-like apatite crystals that are devoid of organic residues. This strategy of eliminating organic residues from enamel crystals enhances the mechanical and physiochemical properties of the repaired enamel. The present study introduces a conceptual biomimetic mineralization strategy for effective enamel repair in clinical practice and offers potential insights into the mechanisms of biomineral formation.

Highly hygroscopicity and antioxidant nanofibrous dressing base on alginate for accelerating wound healing.

The removal of bacterium and free radicals is important for wound healing. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare biological dressings with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In this study, high-performance calcium alginate/carbon polymer dots/forsythin composite nanofibrous membrane (CA/CPDs/FT) was explored under the influence of carbon polymer dots and forsythin. The addition of carbon polymer dots improved the nanofiber morphology and therefore enhanced the mechanical strength of the composite membrane. Moreover, CA/CPDs/FT membranes displayed satisfactory antibacterial and antioxidant properties because of the natural properties of forsythin. Meanwhile, outstanding hygroscopicity over 700% was also obtained for the composite membrane. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that the CA/CPDs/FT nanofibrous membrane could prevent the invasion of bacteria, scavenge free radicals, and promote wound healing. Moreover, its good hygroscopicity and antioxidation characteristics were friendly for the clinical application of high-exudate wounds.

Wet-spinning fluorescent alginate fibres achieved by doping PEI modified CPDs for multiple anti-counterfeiting.

Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) with satisfactory excitation-dependent-emission and biocompatibility had great potential in anti-counterfeiting fibres field. However, it was difficult for CPDs to combined into the fibres due to the unstable interaction between CPDs and spinnable polymer matrix. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to modify CPDs (namely PEI-CPDs) for achieving stable interactions with sodium alginate (SA) by a simple method, which including the physical interaction between the amino groups of PEI-CPDs and carboxyl groups of SA and the chain entanglement between two types of polymer chains. Then alginate fibres based on PEI-CPDs (PEI-CPDs/CaALG fibres) were successfully prepared by wet-spinning for the first time with less loss of PEI-CPDs. The high mechanical strength, excellent thermal stability and good biocompatibility achieved by PEI-CPDs/CaALG fibres. Furthermore, the fibres exhibited the excitation-dependent-emission property. Anti-counterfeiting of the fibres was conducted on both textile and papers, which showed higher security than the existing anti-counterfeiting fibres.

Advances in materials-based therapeutic strategies against osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is caused by the disruption in homeostasis between bone formation and bone resorption. Conventional management of osteoporosis involves systematic drug administration and hormonal therapy. These treatment strategies have limited curative efficacy and multiple adverse effects. Biomaterials-based therapeutic strategies have recently emerged as promising alternatives for the treatment of osteoporosis. The present review summarizes the current status of biomaterials designed for managing osteoporosis. The advantages of biomaterials-based strategies over conventional systematic drug treatment are presented. Different anti-osteoporotic delivery systems are concisely addressed. These materials include injectable hydrogels and nanoparticles, as well as anti-osteoporotic bone tissue engineering materials. Fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, electrostatic spinning and artificial intelligence are appraised in the context of how the use of these adjunctive techniques may improve treatment efficacy. The limitations of existing biomaterials are critically analyzed, together with deliberation of the future directions in biomaterials-based therapies. The latter include discussion on the use of combination strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy in the osteoporosis niche.

Optimization of Lactoferrin-Derived Amyloid Coating for Enhancing Soft Tissue Seal and Antibacterial Activity of Titanium Implants.

A poor seal of the titanium implant-soft tissue interface provokes bacterial invasion, aggravates inflammation, and ultimately results in implant failure. To ensure the long-term success of titanium implants, lactoferrin-derived amyloid is coated on the titanium surface to increase the expression of cell integrins and hemidesmosomes, with the goal of promoting soft tissue seal and imparting antibacterial activity to the implants. The lactoferrin-derived amyloid coated titanium structures contain a large number of amino and carboxyl groups on their surfaces, and promote proliferation and adhesion of epithelial cells and fibroblasts via the PI3K/AKT pathway. The amyloid coating also has a strong positive charge and possesses potent antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Porphyromonas gingivalis. In a rat immediate implantation model, the amyloid-coated titanium implants form gingival junctional epithelium at the transmucosal region that resembles the junctional epithelium in natural teeth. This provides a strong soft tissue seal to wall off infection. Taken together, lactoferrin-derived amyloid is a dual-function transparent coating that promotes soft tissue seal and possesses antibacterial activity. These unique properties enable the synthesized amyloid to be used as potential biological implant coatings.

Preparation and application of functionalized cellulose acetate/silica composite nanofibrous membrane via electrospinning for Cr(VI) ion removal from aqueous solution.

Novel NH(2)-functionalized cellulose acetate (CA)/silica composite nanofibrous membranes were successfully prepared by sol-gel combined with electrospinning technology. Tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a silica source, CA as precursor and 3-ureidopropyltriethoxysilane as a coupling agent were used in membrane preparation. The membrane's chemical and morphological structures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images, X-ray diffraction (XRD), element analyzer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and N(2) adsorption-desorption isotherms. The composite nanofibrous membranes exhibited high surface area and porosity. The membranes were used for Cr(VI) ion removal from aqueous solution through static and dynamic experiments. The adsorption behavior of Cr(VI) can be well described by the Langmuir adsorption model, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) is estimated to be 19.46 mg/g. The membrane can be conveniently regenerated by alkalization. Thus the composite membrane prepared from biodegradable raw material has potential applications in the field of water treatment.

The physiological and transcriptomic study of secondary growth in Neolamarckia cadamba stimulated by the ethylene precursor ACC.

Though many biological roles of ethylene have been investigated intensively, the molecular mechanism of ethylene's action in woody plants remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), the precursor of ethylene, on the growth of Neolamarckia cadamba seedlings, a fast-growing tropical tree. After 14 days of ACC treatment, the plants showed a reduced physiological morphology while stem diameter increased; however, this did not occur after the addition of 1-MCP. Meanwhile, the lignin content of N. cadamba also increased. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of the ethylene biosynthesis and signaling genes ACC oxidase (ACO) and ethylene insensitive 3 (EIN3) were up-regulated mainly at the 6th hour and the 3rd day of the ACC treatment, respectively. The transcription levels of transcription factors, mainly in the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), ethylene response factor (ERF), WRKY and v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) families, involved in the ethylene signaling and secondary growth also increased significantly. Furthermore, in accordance to the increased lignification of the stem, the transcriptional level of key enzymes in the phenylalanine pathway were elevated after the ACC treatment. Our results revealed the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the secondary growth stimulated by exogenous ACC treatment on N. cadamba seedlings.

Characterization of hemicelluloses in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) culm during xylogenesis.

Hemicelluloses are effective renewable biopolymers that can be used in many different industrial processes and preparations. In plants, the content of hemicellulose might change with different developmental stages and/or tissues. Thus, in here chemical and structural differences in hemicellulose isolated from the apical, middle and basal segments of sugarcane stem were characterized using chemical techniques. Further, difference in expression levels of genes related to synthesis of hemicelluloses from these three segments were studied by RNA-seq and qRT-PCR etc. The sugarcane hemicellulose backbone was xylose residues connected via ß-1,4 glycosidic linkages which was further substituted with arabinose, acetyl and glucuronic acid side chains. Hemicellulose content was higher in the middle and basal segments with less backbone substitutions compared to apical segments. In terms of gene expression, hemicellulose synthesis and modification genes were intensely expressed in middle and basal segments. Taken together, our research describes differences in hemicellulose content and substitutions in sugarcane during xylogenesis, which will increase our knowledge for finding more refined use of sugarcane bagasse.

[Effects of diaryliodonium on the properties of light-curing composite resin].

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of two kinds of diaryliodonium on the degree of conversion (DC), the compressive strength (CS) and the cure depth (CD) of the light-curing composite resin. METHODS: BisS-GMA was used as reisin matrix, with TEGDMA as diluent and SiO2 as inorganic filler. CQ, DMAEMA and two different kinds of diaryliodonium (diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate and bis (p-tolyl) iodonium hexafluorophosphate) were used as photoinitiator, respectively. The DC, CS, CD were measured and compared by the FTIR spectroscopy, and the tensile strength of machine et al. RESULTS: Diaryliodonium led to greater DC, CS, and CD of the light-curing composite resin. The DC, CS, and CD of the light-curing composite resin increased more with bis (p-tolyl) iodonium hexafluorophosphate than with diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate. CONCLUSION: Diaryliodonium can improve the DC, CS, and CD properties of light-curing composite resin. Bis (p-tolyl) iodonium hexafluorophosphate has better performance than diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate in improving photosensibility and solubility of the photoinitiator system.

[Effects of silicon carbide on the cure depth, hardness and compressive strength of composite resin].

The hardness, compressive strength and cure depth are important indices of the composite resin. This investigation was made with regard to the effects of silicon carbide on the cure depth, hardness and compressive strength of the light-curing composite resin. Different amounts of silicon carbide were added to the light-curing composite resin, which accounted for 0 wt%, 1 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.3 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.05 wt% and 0.005 wt% of the composite resin, respectively. The hardness, compressive strength and cure depth of the six afore-mentioned groups of composite resin were measured by the vernier caliper, the vickers hardness tester and the tensile strength of machine, respectively. The results showed that silicon carbide improved the hardness and compressive strength of the light-curing composite resin,when the concentration was 0.05 wt%. And the cure depth was close to that of control.

[In vitro remineralization effect of grape seed extract on artificial dentin caries].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on remineralization of artificial dentin caries. METHODS: Sixty human dentine fragments were stored in a demineralization solution for 24 h at 37 degrees centigrade to induce artificial dentin caries lesions. The fragments were then randomly divided into 4 groups: 10% GSE, 1 mg/L NaF, 10% GSE+1 mg/L NaF and distilled water (DDW, as control). The demineralized samples were pH-cycled for 8 days and surface dentine microhardness was assessed before and after pH-cycling regimen. The percentage surface microhardness recovery (SMHR) was calculated. The samples were subsequently analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS). The date was analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's tests by SPSS17.0 software package. RESULTS: The percentage surface microhardness recovery (SMHR) was obtained for GSE, NaF, GSE+NaF and DDW group(40.87 ± 9.92,44.60 ± 12.48, 48.54 ± 9.27 and 15.98 ± 8.33, respectively). The treatment groups significantly increased the microhardness of the lesions (P<0.05) compared to DDW group, with no statistically significant difference among the treatment groups(P>0.05). Scanning electron microscopy of the treatment groups revealed greater mineral deposition on dentinal tubules, and DDW group formed honeycomb structure. Furthermore, from EDXS data, the treatment groups had higher percentage of Ca and P than the control. CONCLUSIONS: GSE positively affects the remineralization processes of artificial dentinal caries lesions, which may be a promising natural agent for remineralization therapy instead of fluoride.

Application of endovascular coiling and subsequent Onyx 34 embolization in anterior communicating artery aneurysms with adjacent hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Small anterior communicating artery aneurysms with recurrent bleeding and adjacent hematoma may have a high risk of post-operative rebleeding. This clinical study summarizes our preliminary experience with this subset of aneurysms, which were treated with endovascular coiling and subsequent Onyx 34 embolization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 9 patients suffering from small anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated with the combination of coils and Onyx. The clinical characteristics, angiographic outcomes, and follow-up results are reviewed. RESULTS: Endovascular coiling and Onyx embolization were successfully accomplished in all 9 cases. The Raymond scale ratings of the treatments are all class I with the parent arteries kept patent. One patient died of severe brain edema on the 5th post-operative day. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) score for the other 8 patients at follow-ups (6m to 26m, 15.8m on average) was 0 in 5 cases, 1 in 2 cases, and 3 in 1 case. Seven of 8 patients (87.5%) underwent angiographic follow-up that demonstrated persistent durable occlusion with no recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular coiling and subsequent Onyx 34 embolization may be effective in treating anterior communicating artery aneurysms with adjacent hematoma. Further studies with larger sample size and adequate follow-up are required to verify its safety and efficacy as well as to evaluate the long-term outcome.

Sustained-release celecoxib from incubated acrylic intraocular lenses suppresses lens epithelial cell growth in an ex vivo model of posterior capsule opacity.

PURPOSE: To determine whether celecoxib (CXB) can be released from incubated intraocular lenses (IOLs) sufficiently to inhibit lens epithelial cell (LEC) growth in an ex vivo model of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). MATERIALS: LEC growth was evaluated for 14 days in canine lens capsules (LCs) that had been exposed to media containing 20 µM CXB for 1-5 days. After the incubation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic IOLs in CXB solution, the determination of the in vitro release of CXB from the IOLs was performed for up to 28 days. The incubated and nonincubated IOLs were evaluated in the ex vivo model of PCO, and the rate of LEC growth was evaluated over 28 days. RESULTS: The treatment of LCs with 20 µM CXB for 4 and 5 days completely inhibited LEC growth. LEC repopulation did not occur after the removal of CXB. IOLs incubated in CXB for 24 h resulted in a sustained release of CXB in vitro at levels theoretically sufficient to inhibit PCO. LCs in the ex vivo model of PCO treated with acrylic IOLs incubated in CXB had significantly suppressed LEC ingrowth compared with untreated and IOL-only LCs. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-day treatment of LCs with a concentration of 20 µM CXB may effectively prevent PCO. IOLs incubated in CXB for 24 h resulted in a sustained release of CXB in vitro at levels sufficient to inhibit LEC growth in the ex vivo model of PCO. Further studies are needed to determine whether CXB-incubated IOLs can effectively prevent the development of PCO in vivo.