Application of Indian ink markers for locating gastric varices under endoscopic ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) combined with Indian ink in locating target vessels of gastric varices (GVs) compared with conventional endoscopic techniques. Additionally, the characteristics of GVs under conventional endoscopy were also explored. METHODS: All 50 cirrhotic patients with GVs between August 2021 and December 2022 were included in the study. Firstly, conventional endoscopy was employed to identify GVs and to record the expected injection sites. Subsequently, EUS was used to locate the perforated vessel and the injection site was them marked with India ink followed by injection with cyanoacrylate (CYA). Finally, conventional endoscopy was used to examine GVs, to identify the marker points of Indian ink and to compare whether the injection points under conventional endoscopy were consistent with those marked with Indian ink. Furthermore, patients with consistent and inconsistent distribution of endoscopic markers and injection sites were divided into two groups. RESULTS: EUS could detect the perforating vessels in real time and intuitively. The distribution of markers using EUS was significantly different compared with the injection points obtained by conventional endoscopy (P < 0.001). Therefore, 20 cases were allocated to the consistent group and 30 cases to the non-consistent group. 16 patients who showed red wale signs were obtained in the consistent group and 11 patients in the non-consistent group (P = 0.048). The diameter of the largest GVs was 13.5 (10-15) mm in the consistent group compared with 10 (7.5-10) mm in the non-consistent group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: EUS could provide the exact location of GVs, thus more accurately describing the endoscopic characteristics of the GVs. Furthermore, the red wale signs and diameter of the largest GVs obtained using conventional endoscopy were helpful in determining the location of target GVs.

Effect of a Thermosensitive Hydroxybutyl Chitosan Hydrogel on Postoperative Sequalae and Quality of Life After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction.

BACKGROUND: Third molar (M3) extraction is a common surgery in oral and maxillofacial surgery, and composite wound dressings such as hydroxybutyl chitosan (HBC) may improve postoperative sequala following M3 removal. PURPOSE: The study purpose was to measure and compare differences in pain, swelling, trismus, wound healing, and quality of life (QOL) between the HBC and the control sides in patients undergoing M3 removal. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: This study is a double-blind, split-mouth, randomized clinical trial. Patients who required M3 removal between June 2022 and May 2023 were included. Exclusion criteria included seafood allergies, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and systemic diseases. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variable was the socket treatment technique. Subjects were randomly assigned to the HBC or control (physiological saline) side. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The primary outcome variables, including pain assessed by visual analog scale, swelling, and maximal incisional opening, were measured on the first, third, and seventh postoperative days. The secondary outcome variables included QOL and wound healing score measured on the third and seventh days after surgery. COVARIATES: The covariates included age, sex, and operation time. ANALYSES: The Shapiro‒Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data distribution. The paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was adopted. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The study included 60 patients (mean age: 25.81 ± 4.91; 23 (38%) males, 37 (62%) females). A statistically significant difference in the level of pain (HBC: 37.58 ± 4.39 mm, control: 47.00 ± 4.33 mm, day 1, P < .001; 21.88 ± 3.25 mm, 35.95 ± 1.57 mm, day 3, P < .001), maximal incisional opening (23.92 ± 1.38 mm, 18.22 ± 1.82 mm, day 1, P < .001; 30.00 ± 1.61 mm, 23.78 ± 1.70 mm, day 3, P < .001), and swelling (6.86 ± 0.70 mm, 7.15 ± 0.80 mm, day 3, P = .006) was detected after surgery. A statistically significant difference in QOL was detected (HBC: 13.70 ± 1.65, control: 18.60 ± 2.14, day 3, P < .001). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The application of HBC hydrogels to wounds after impacted mandibular M3 extraction reduces postoperative sequalae, promotes wound healing and improves postoperative QOL.

A digital technique to adjust the disc-condyle relationship based on CBCT-MRI fused 3D images.

A digital workflow that can adjust the disc-condyle relationship rapidly and precisely is described. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and an intraoral scan at maximal intercuspal position are superimposed depending on the anatomic structure, and the disc-condyle relationship is adjusted on the fused display of the articular disc and condyle in the CBCT-MRI 3-dimensional spatial environment. An occlusal device is then directly designed and fabricated on the achieved maxillomandibular position, and the occlusal device is finely adjusted intraorally to improve function as needed. This technique can also be seamlessly integrated into the virtual environment to allow clinicians and dental laboratory technicians to design prostheses or treatment planning devices in a fully digital workflow.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided injection of cyanoacrylate in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices type 1: a single-center randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: First, it has been demonstrated that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided cyanoacrylate (CYA) injection (EUS-CYA) has greater efficacy than direct endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate (DEI-CYA) for treating type 1-isolated gastric varices. However, it is necessary to conduct further studies to determine whether EUS has any advantage over the current guidelines for treating gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1). Second, liver function is an important prognostic factor in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, we evaluated the liver function of patients treated with EUS-CYA. METHODS: In a single-center study, a prospective cohort from February 2021 to September 2022 involving 89 patients with cirrhosis with GOV1 were assigned to undergo EUS-CYA (n = 45) or DEI-CYA (n = 44). The success rate of CYA injection, the rate of overall rebleeding, the rate of reintervention, the complications during the follow-up period, and the liver function were compared. RESULTS: In both groups, 100% of the operations were successful. The follow-up time of the two groups was 290 (153-398) days and 267 (177-416) days, respectively. In the EUS group, the perforating veins had an average diameter of 7.0 ± 2.7 mm, and they had a 100% occlusion rate. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the number of sessions needed to eradicate GV (p = 0.005, pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni correction method.), the late rebleeding rate after EUS-CYA [n = 3 (6.7%) vs n = 10 (22.7%); p = 0.032], and the incidence of postinjection ulcers [n = 4 (8.9%) vs n = 12 (27.3); p = 0.023)]. Following EUS or DEI-CYA treatment, the patient's liver function did not show any significant deterioration or decline. CONCLUSION: EUS-CYA has a higher eradication success rate and fewer complications, recurrences, and rebleeding episodes than DEI-CYA used for GOV1 treatment. In addition, EUS-CYA did not impair liver function.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on orthodontic dental alignment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to systematically summarize the available evidence regarding low-level laser therapy (LLLT) speed-up effect on dental alignment in comprehensive orthodontic treatment. An extensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus up to February 20, 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form were used by two authors independently to assess the risk of bias (RoB). Statistical analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.3. The eight eligible trials were reviewed and included in qualitative synthesis. Four studies reported the overall time of leveling and alignment (OLAT, days), enabling a synthesizing of the data. The meta-analysis results showed that LLLT significantly reduced the overall time of leveling and alignment compared to control group (MD=-30.36, 95% CI range -41.50 to -19.22, P<0.0001), with moderate heterogeneity (χ2=4.10, P=0.25, I2=27%). Based on the data available, statistically significant evidence with moderate risk of bias suggests that LLLT may have a positive effect on accelerating dental alignment. However, due to the differences in intervention strategy and evaluating method, the conclusions should be interpreted with caution.

Quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint therapy in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the quantitative and qualitative condylar changes following stabilization splint (S.S) therapy, including condylar position, morphology, and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective clinical study, we enrolled 40 TMD subjects (80 joints) aged 18 to 35 years, for whom a S.S was used to treat TMD. The 80 TMD consists of 32 masticatory muscle disorders (myalgia) and 48 TMJ disorders (arthralgia). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to scan the TMJs of subjects pre- and post-treatment for three-dimensional analysis (3D). Using Mimics software v.21.0, quantitative (3D condylar and joint spaces dimensions parameters were measured using linear measurements in millimeters, according to the Kamelchuk method and Ikeda method, while the assessment of anteroposterior condyle position within the glenoid fossa was based on the method of Pullinger and Hollender), and qualitative (a round bone tissue with an area of 2 mm2 in three representative areas according to the Kamelchuk method to measure condylar BMD) pre- and post-treatment. Intra- and inter-group statistical comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon signed ranks and the Kruskal-Wallis test, respectively. RESULTS: The course of treatment was 6-12 months, with an average of 9.1 months. For the pre- and post-treatment quantitative comparisons, there was a statistically significant difference in the anterior joint space (AJS) and coronal medial space, as well as the condyle length in the myalgia group and condylar width in the arthralgia group. For qualitative measurements, a significant difference was observed in the posterior slope of the myalgia group and the arthralgia group's anterior, superior, and posterior slopes. The inter-group comparisons revealed significant differences in AJS, condylar length, and anterior slope density. CONCLUSION: In short-term follow-up, the S.S influenced patients with TMD from different origins; it changes anterior and coronal medial joint space, condyle length in myalgia, and width in arthralgia. Furthermore, it improved the condyle bone density more evidently in arthralgia. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the influence of S.S on symptomatic populations with TMD of different origins from a qualitative and quantitative perspective.

Novel balloon compression-assisted endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation in the treatment of esophageal varices: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Herein, our group designed a novel technology, termed balloon compression-assisted endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (bc-EIS), which was applied to improve the efficiency of eradicating esophageal varices (EVs). The present study aimed to compare the rate of eradication and efficacy between bc-EIS and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in the management of EVs. METHODS: Ninety-five patients with esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) were randomly assigned to receive bc-EIS or ligation alone. Additional treatment sessions were held 1 month later and then at 3-month intervals until eradication of the varices was achieved. Endoscopic follow-up examinations were carried out at 6-month intervals in the absence of recurrence or immediately if there was any recurrent bleeding. RESULTS: The mean physical injection points per session were 2.89 ± 0.79, and the mean volume of lauromacrogol used per session was 17.74 ± 7.09 ml in the bc-EIS group. The mean band per session was 6.13 ± 0.86. The rate of eradication after one to three rounds of bc-EIS was obviously higher than that of the EVL group (89.36%, 97.87%, and 100% vs. 37.5%, 43.75%, and 47.92%, respectively). Retrosternal pain or discomfort in the bc-EIS group was slightly lower than that in the EVL group (23.4%, 11/47 vs. 31.25%, 15/48). Two and five patients showed mild abdominal bloating and distension between the bc-EIS and EVL groups, respectively (2/47, 4.26% vs. 5/48, 10.42% P > 0.05). Nausea and vomiting were reported in one patient (1/47, 2.13%) in the bc-EIS group and three patients (3/48, 6.25%) in the EVL group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). No fatal or severe complications, such as esophageal perforation, esophageal stricture or ectopic embolism, were observed. CONCLUSION: The bc-EIS method was effective in eradicating EVs and was accompanied by fewer complications.

Efficacy and safety of sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal in pediatric patients: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: A recent survey revealed that extensive off-label use of sugammadex in pediatric anesthesia deserved particular attention. The present study with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to evaluate the effects of sugammadex for antagonizing neuromuscular blockade (NMB) in pediatric patients, and to investigate whether the findings achieved the required information size to draw conclusions. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to April 2021. All randomized controlled trials used sugammadex as reversal agent in pediatric patients were enrolled. Time from NMB reversal to recovery of the train-of-four ratio (TOFr) to 0.9 and extubation time were considered as co-primary outcomes, and incidences of adverse events were considered as secondary outcomes. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to rate the quality of evidences. RESULTS: Data from 18 studies involving 1,065 pediatric patients were acquired. The results revealed that use of sugammadex was associated with shorter duration from administration of reversal agents to TOFr > 0.9 (MD = -14.42, with 95% CI [-17.08, -11.75]) and shorter interval from reversal from NMB to extubation (MD = -13.98, with 95% CI [-16.70, -11.26]) compared to control groups. TSA also indicated that the current sample sizes were sufficient with unnecessary further trials. Analysis of secondary outcomes indicated that administration of sugammadex was associated with less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), bradycardia, and dry mouth compared to control groups. CONCLUSION: Considering of satisfactory and rapid neuromuscular blockade reversal with low incidences of adverse events, sugammadex might be considered as the preferred option for children in clinical anesthesia practice compared to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. However, overall low-quality evidences in present study rated by GRADE system indicated that superiority of sugammadex employed in pediatric patients needs to be confirmed by more studies with high quality and large sample size in future.

Theoretical and in vivo experimental investigation of laser hyperthermia for vascular dermatology mediated by liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles.

The 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser shows a good prospect for the treatment of port-wine stain (PWS), but it is necessary to enhance the blood absorption to laser energy by exogenous chromophore. Owing to the conjunction effect of local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) by gold nanoparticle and drug delivery as well as lumen blockage abilities by liposome, liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles are used as exogenous chromophore, and the efficiency of photothermal therapy is studied systematically. In this work, theoretical simulations were conducted to investigate the electric field and solid heat conduction of liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles with various size and particles distance, aiming to achieve maximum photothermal conversion efficiency during the laser irradiation. Thereafter, liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles with optimal size and structure were prepared, and in vivo experiments were conducted to evaluate the thermal damage of blood vessels enhanced by liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles. Theoretical results imply that maximum temperature rise (167 K) is obtained when radius is 45 nm and shell thickness is 5 nm with distance of 4 nm. Liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles were prepared with diameter of 101 nm and shell thickness of 5 nm according to the finite element simulation of electric field and solid heat conduction. When the molar ratio of chloroauric acid to phospholipid is 2.25, the LSPR absorption peak is about 981 nm, which is close to the wavelength of Nd:YAG laser. In vivo experiments show that injecting liposome@Au core-shell nanoparticles into the blood vessels can effectively reduce the number of laser pulses and the corresponding energy density required for obvious vasoconstriction.

An Indirect Digital Technique to Transfer 3D Printed Casts to a Mechanical Articulator With Individual Sagittal Condylar Inclination Settings Using CBCT and Intraoral Scans.

With the widespread application of digital impression techniques in prosthetic dentistry, accurate intraoral scan mounting, and virtual articulator parameters setting as per patients' anatomic structures are essential for treatment planning and restoration fabrication, especially for complex rehabilitation cases; meanwhile, marginal fit checking, occlusal adjustment, and porcelain layering of restorations are also crucial procedures in all cases in which the analog procedure to mount maxillary arches on a mechanical articulator is still required. This technique article presents an indirect digital approach that can first achieve virtual intraoral scan mounting and sagittal condylar inclination value setting of an Artex virtual articulator based on bony structures provided by a single cone beam computed tomography scan. It then facilitates the transfer of virtually mounted intraoral scans from the virtual articulator to the matched Artex mechanical articulator by relating a digitally scanned mounting plate of the Artex mechanical articulator to the virtual articulator, printing the intraoral scan and mounting plate scan assembly, and then mounting the printed casts on the mechanical articulator based on the printed mounting plate. This technique eliminates the conventional facebow transfer and protrusive bite registration procedures and offers a straightforward approach for the seamless integration of virtual environments and analog workflows into clinical practice. It aids in the design of restorations that are harmonious with the mandibular movements and reduces chairside adjustment time.

Agricultural Plastic Pollution in China: Generation of Plastic Debris and Emission of Phthalic Acid Esters from Agricultural Films.

Agricultural plastic films have been proven highly advantageous, but they also cause pollution of plastic debris and associated chemicals. Phthalates (phthalic acid esters, PAEs), an important additive of agricultural films, can be released and contaminate the environment. Here, we analyzed the agricultural plastic usage and assessed plastic debris in China and developed a method to estimate PAE emissions from agricultural films. Additionally, the environmental fate of PAEs was evaluated using a fugacity-based multimedia model. The agricultural plastic film usage in China in 2017 was 2,528,600 tons. After agricultural film recycling and water erosion, the plastic debris amount was estimated as 465,016 tons. The water erosion process carried 4329 tons of plastic debris into the aquatic environment. During its lifetime, the agricultural film released a total of 91.5 tons of two typical types of PAEs. PAEs from the mulching film would mostly be removed through degradation, while those from the greenhouse film accumulate in vegetables. Populated regions exhibited more serious PAE pollution in vegetables but with no immediate health risks. The model was well evaluated using comparable measured concentrations and uncertainty analysis based on the Monte Carlo method. The findings from this study demonstrate the serious agricultural plastic pollution problem and associated PAE contamination in China.

Neuroinflammation changes with periodontal inflammation status during periodontitis in wild-type mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate neuroinflammation under different periodontal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced by molar ligation (Lig group) or periodontal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, Lps group). Periodontal status was assessed by alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammation. Micro-computed tomography and haematoxylin-eosin staining were performed to assess alveolar bone resorption and periodontal inflammation, respectively. Neuroinflammation was assessed by glial cell proliferation and proinflammatory factor expression. Microgliosis was determined by immunofluorescence. Astrogliosis was determined by immunohistochemistry. Expressions of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1ß were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Microgliosis and astrogliosis in the Lig group were notable with molar ligation for 2 weeks and 4 weeks (p < .05), but were only slightly different similar from the control group by week 12. Microgliosis and astrogliosis in the Lps group were significant with LPS injection for 4 and 8 weeks (p < .05). The groups displayed a positive correlation between the degree of periodontal inflammation and the number of glial cells (p < .05). Expressions of IL-1ß and TNF-α in the Lps group were significantly increased with LPS injection for 8 weeks (p < .05). In the Lig group, only TNF-α was highly expressed with molar ligation for 12 weeks (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Both models demonstrated that the inflammatory response in the hippocampus of mice can change during periodontitis depending on the periodontal inflammation status.

Efficacy of mandibular molar distalization by clear aligner treatment. / æ— æ‰˜æ§½éšå½¢çŸ«æ²»å™¨è¿œç§»ä¸‹é¢Œç£¨ç‰™çš„ç–—æ•ˆ.

OBJECTIVES: At present, the research on clear aligner of molar distalization mainly focuses on the upper jaw, while the research on mandibular molars is few.This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of mandibular molars distalization with clear aligner via cone beam CT (CBCT) and Dolphin software. METHODS: Twenty cases of mandibular molars with clear aligner were included according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. CBCT was taken before treatment (T0) and when the first molar was moved in place (T1). Dolphin software was used to measure the effectiveness of molar distalization. Three-dimensional changes in direction and the impact on the incisors and facial soft and hard tissues were evaluated. RESULTS: The effective rates of crown and root distalization of the second and first mandibular molars were 74%, 49%, and 71%, 47%, respectively. The second and first molars were both the distal buccal cusp with the largest distalization [(2.15 ± 0.91) mm and (1.85±1.09) mm], respectively, with significant difference between the T0 and T1 (P<0.05). The second and first molars were accompanied by depression, distal tilt, and buccal tilt with 1.06 mm, 2.10°, 2.27°, and 0.91 mm, 1.62°, and 1.91°, respectively, with significant differences between the T0 and T1 (all P<0.05). There was no obvious difference between men and women. The mandibular central incisor showed a lip-side movement of 1.02 mm, a depression of 0.82 mm, a mesial incline of 0.66°, and a crown-lip torque of 1.51° after molar distalization, with significant differences between the T0 and T1 (all P<0.001). Only the lower lip thickness increased by 0.1 cm, the length of the lower lip increased by 0.1 cm, and the ANS-ME (distance from anterior nasal spine to submental point) decreased by 0.13 cm, with significant differences between the T0 and T1 (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Clear aligner can effectively move mandibular molars farther, the crown is more effective than the root, and it is tilted. The second mandibular molar is more effective than the first mandibular molar in its distant displacement and three-dimensional changes. Molar distalization causes minor changes in mandibular incisors and facial soft and hard tissues.

Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Evaluation of Novel Coumarin/2-Cyanoacryloyl Hybrids as Apoptosis Inducing Agents by Activation of Caspase-Dependent Pathway.

A series of novel coumarin/2-cyanoacryloyl hybrids were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro anticancer activity. Among them, two analogs 5p and 5q showed promising antiproliferative activity against a panel of cancer cell lines, including A549, H157, HepG2, MCF7, MG63, and U2OS. Particularly, 5q showed the most potent activity towards MG63 cells with an IC50 value of 5.06 ± 0.25 µM. Morphological observation and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining assay showed that 5q-treated MG63 cells displayed significant apoptosis characteristics. Moreover, flow cytometric detection of phosphatidylserine externalization revealed that 5q induced MG63 apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Real-time PCR and western blot assay further confirmed that 5q had strong effects to induce MG63 cell apoptosis, suggesting that the action was associated with down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, upregulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax, and induced activation of caspase-3, 8, and 9. The present results provide a new chemotype for anticancer drug development and continuing investigation into candidates with coumarin/2-cyanoacryloyl scaffold is warranted.

Understanding of facial features in face perception: insights from deep convolutional neural networks.

Introduction: Face recognition has been a longstanding subject of interest in the fields of cognitive neuroscience and computer vision research. One key focus has been to understand the relative importance of different facial features in identifying individuals. Previous studies in humans have demonstrated the crucial role of eyebrows in face recognition, potentially even surpassing the importance of the eyes. However, eyebrows are not only vital for face recognition but also play a significant role in recognizing facial expressions and intentions, which might occur simultaneously and influence the face recognition process. Methods: To address these challenges, our current study aimed to leverage the power of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), an artificial face recognition system, which can be specifically tailored for face recognition tasks. In this study, we investigated the relative importance of various facial features in face recognition by selectively blocking feature information from the input to the DCNN. Additionally, we conducted experiments in which we systematically blurred the information related to eyebrows to varying degrees. Results: Our findings aligned with previous human research, revealing that eyebrows are the most critical feature for face recognition, followed by eyes, mouth, and nose, in that order. The results demonstrated that the presence of eyebrows was more crucial than their specific high-frequency details, such as edges and textures, compared to other facial features, where the details also played a significant role. Furthermore, our results revealed that, unlike other facial features, the activation map indicated that the significance of eyebrows areas could not be readily adjusted to compensate for the absence of eyebrow information. This finding explains why masking eyebrows led to more significant deficits in face recognition performance. Additionally, we observed a synergistic relationship among facial features, providing evidence for holistic processing of faces within the DCNN. Discussion: Overall, our study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of face recognition and underscores the potential of using DCNNs as valuable tools for further exploration in this field.

Carboxymethyl chitosan stabilized AuNPs/ACP nanohybrids in enamel white spot lesions.

Acidic bacterial biofilms-associated enamel white spot lesions (WSLs) are one of the hallmarks of early caries, causing demineralization and decomposition of dental hard tissues. Therefore, to effectively prevent and treat WSLs, it is important to inhibit the activity of cariogenic bacteria while promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) favors hard tissue remineralization due to its biological activity and ability to release large amounts of Ca2+ and PO4 3-. However, ACP-based biomineralization technology is not effective due to its lack of antimicrobial properties. Here, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) was employed as a reducing agent and stabilizer, and dual-functional nanohybrids CMCS/AuNPs/ACP with biofilm resistance and mineralization properties were successfully synthesized. The addition of AuNPs enhances the antimicrobial activity and participates in regulating the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAp). The nanohybrids exhibited significant destructive effects against cariogenic bacteria and their biofilms and showed bactericidal activity under bacteria-induced acidic conditions. More importantly, this nanohybrids showed superior results in promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel, compared to fluoride and CMCS/ACP in vitro. The CMCS/AuNPs/ACP nanohybrids not only reverse the cariogenic microenvironment at the microbial level, but also promote self-repairing of enamel WSLs regarding the microstructure. The present work offers a theoretical and experimental basis for using the CMCS/AuNPs/ACP nanohybrids as a potential dual-functional agent for the clinical treatment of enamel WSLs.

The efficacy and safety of corticotomy and periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontic interventions in tooth movement: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The surgically facilitated orthodontic strategy has been a promising strategy for orthodontic treatment recently. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was conducted to assess the available scientific evidence regarding the clinical outcomes, including the potential detrimental effects associated with these surgical procedures, with the aim of providing much more evidence-based information for clinical practice. METHODS: An electronic search of three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase) and a manual search of relevant articles published up to May 2023 were carried out. Clinical trials (≥ 10 subjects) that utilized surgically facilitated orthodontic strategies with clinical and/or radiographic outcomes were included. Meta-analyses and sub-group analyses were performed to analyze the standardized mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD), and confidence interval (CI) for the recorded variables. RESULTS: Nineteen studies published from Oct 2012 to May 2023 met the inclusion criteria. Based on the analysis outcomes, corticotomy treatment significantly decreased the alignment duration (WMD: -1.08 months; 95% CI = -1.65, -0.51 months, P = 0.0002), and accelerated the canine movement (WMD: 0.72 mm; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.81 mm, P < 0.00001) compared to the traditional orthodontic group. The periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontic (PAOO) strategy markedly reduced the total treatment duration (SMD: -1.98; 95% CI = -2.59, -1.37, P < 0.00001) and increased the bone thickness (SMD:1.07; 95% CI = 0.74, 1.41, P < 0.00001) compared to traditional orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that facilitated orthodontic treatment in terms of corticotomy and PAOO strategy may represent attractive and effective therapeutic strategy for orthodontic patients.

Microcin C7-laden modified gelatin based biocomposite hydrogel for the treatment of periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an oral disease with the highest incidence globally, and plaque control is the key to its treatment. In this study, Microcin C7 was used to treat periodontitis, and a novel injectable temperature-sensitive sustained-release hydrogel was synthesized as an environmentally sensitive carrier for drug delivery. First, modified gelatin was formed from gelatin and glycidyl methacrylate. Then, Microcin C7-laden hydrogel was formed from cross-linking with double bonds between modified gelatin, N-isopropyl acrylamide, and 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine through radical polymerization, and the model drug Microcin C7 was loaded by electrostatic adsorption. The hydrogel has good temperature sensitivity, self-healing, and injectable properties. In vitro results showed that the hydrogel could slowly and continuously release Microcin C7 with good biocompatibility and biodegradability, with a remarkable antibacterial effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis. It also confirmed the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of Microcin C7-laden hydrogel in a periodontitis rat model. The results showed that Microcin C7-laden hydrogel is a promising candidate for local drug delivery systems in periodontitis.

Interactions between intestinal microbiota and metabolites in zebrafish larvae exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics: Implications for intestinal health and glycolipid metabolism.

Previous studies have shown the harmful effects of nanoscale particles on the intestinal tracts of organisms. However, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Our present study focused on examining the uptake and distribution of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) in zebrafish larvae, as well as its toxic effects on the intestine. It was found that PS-NPs, marked with red fluorescence, primarily accumulated in the intestine section. Subsequently, zebrafish larvae were exposed to normal PS-NPs (0.2-25 mg/L) over a critical 10-day period for intestinal development. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that PS-NPs caused structural changes in the intestine, resulting in inflammation and oxidative stress. Additionally, PS-NPs disrupted the composition of the intestinal microbiota, leading to alterations in the abundance of bacterial genera such as Pseudomonas and Aeromonas, which are associated with intestinal inflammation. Metabolomics analysis showed alterations in metabolites that are primarily involved in glycolipid metabolism. Furthermore, MetOrigin analysis showed a significant correlation between bacterial flora (Pedobacter and Bacillus) and metabolites (D-Glycerate 2-phosphate and D-Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate), which are related to the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathways. These findings were further validated through alterations in multiple biomarkers at various levels. Collectively, our data suggest that PS-NPs may impair the intestinal health, disrupt the intestinal microbiota, and subsequently cause metabolic disorders.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control and clinical studies of Cimicifugae Rhizoma: a comprehensive review.

Cimicifugae Rhizoma, generally known as "Sheng Ma" in China, has great medicinal and dietary values. Cimicifugae Rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Cimicifuga foetida L., Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim. and Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., which has been used to treat wind-heat headache, tooth pain, aphtha, sore throat, prolapse of anus and uterine prolapse in traditional Chinese medicine. This review systematically presents the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical studies, quality control and toxicity of Cimicifugae Rhizoma in order to propose scientific evidence for its rational utilization and product development. Herein, 348 compounds isolated or identified from the herb are summarized in this review, mainly including triterpenoid saponins, phenylpropanoids, chromones, alkaloids, terpenoids and flavonoids. The crude extracts and its constituents had various pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-osteoporosis and relieving menopausal symptoms. The recent research progress of Cimicifugae Rhizoma in ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects demonstrates the effectiveness of its utilization and supplies valuable guidance for further research. This review will provide a basis for the future development and utilization of Cimicifugae Rhizoma.