[Brief Analysis of Clinical Evaluation Concerns of Personalized Abutments and Abutment Crown Bridge Products].

Objective: The applications of personalized abutments and abutment crown bridge products have increased year by year, but there is no clear requirement for clinical evaluation of the same variety of such products. This study mainly introduces the clinical evaluation concerns of personalized abutments and abutment crown bridge products, in order to provide reference for the declaration and registration of such products. Methods: The clinical evaluation of personalized abutments and crown bridge products are summarized, and the research content of clinical evaluation is clarified. Results: The clinical evaluation requirements that need to be considered by enterprises are introduced. Conclusion: Personalized abutment and abutment crown bridge products can refer to this study when they are launched in China, mainly using in vitro performance comparison tests for equivalence verification.

Oral microbiome contributes to the failure of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs).

BACKGROUND: The stability of temporary anchorage devices (TADs) is critical in orthodontic clinics. The failure of TADs is multifactorial, and the role of the oral microbiome has not been clearly defined. Herein, we attempted to analyze the contribution of the oral microbiome to the failure of TADs. METHODS: Next-generation sequencing was adopted for analyzing the microbiome on the TADs from orthodontic patients. 29 TADs (15 failed TADs and 14 successful TADs) were used for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A total of 135 TADs (62 failed TADs and 73 successful TADs) were collected to conduct metagenomic sequencing. Additionally, 34 verified samples (18 failed TADs and 16 successful TADs) were collected for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Successful and failed TADs demonstrated discrepancies in microbiome structure, composition, and function. Clear separations were found in ß-diversity in 16S rRNA gene sequencing as well as metagenomic sequencing (p < 0.05). Metagenomic sequencing showed that Prevotella intermedia, Eikenella corrodens, Parvimonas spp., Neisseria elongata, and Catonella morbi were enriched in the failed groups. qRT-PCR also demonstrated that the absolute bacteria load of Prevotella intermedia was higher in failed TADs (p < 0.05). Considering functional aspects, the failed group showed enriched genes involved in flagellar assembly, bacterial chemotaxis, and oxidative phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrated the compositional and functional differences of microorganisms found on successful and failed TADs, indicating that controlling bacterial adhesion on the surface of TADs is essential for their success rate.

[Analysis on Focus of Clinical Evaluation of Dental Implants (Systems)].

From the perspective of technical evaluation, this article introduces the focus of clinical evaluation of dental implants (systems) in comparison with the comparable devices and discusses the clinical evaluation of such products，combined with the clinical evaluation review of dental implants (systems) products in recent years, in order to provide reference for the registration of these products.

Antimicrobial Peptide-Conjugated Hierarchical Antifouling Polymer Brushes for Functionalized Catheter Surfaces.

Catheter-related infection is a great challenge to modern medicine, which causes significant economic burden and increases patient morbidity. Hence, there is a great requirement for functionalized surfaces with inherently antibacterial properties and biocompatibility that prevent bacterial colonization and attachment of blood cells. Herein, we developed a strategy for constructing polymer brushes with hierarchical architecture on polyurethane (PU) via surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Surface-functionalized PU (PU-DMH) was readily prepared, which comprised of poly(3-[dimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy)ethyl]azaniumyl]propane-1-sulfonate) (PDMAPS) brushes as the lower layer and antimicrobial peptide-conjugated poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) brushes as the upper layer. The PU-DMH surface showed excellent bactericidal property against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and could prevent accumulation of bacterial debris on surfaces. Simultaneously, the PU-DMH samples possessed good hemocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the integrated antifouling and bactericidal properties of PU-DMH under hydrodynamic conditions were confirmed by an in vitro circulating model. The functionalized surface possessed persistent antifouling and bactericidal performances both under static and hydrodynamic conditions. The microbiological and histological results of animal experiments also verified the in vivo anti-infection performance. The present work might find promising clinical applications for preventing catheter-related infection.

Morphometric Analysis of the Facial Profile: Contour of the Side Face and its Variations.

Much research has been conducted on the morphological characteristics of the Chinese. However, very few facial measurements have been documented, especially of the side face. This study uses geometirc morphometric method to analyze the contour and variations of the side face in Bai and Yi ethnic minorities from Yunnan province, China. The mark collection proves that for the Bai ethnicity, the variations of the nose are comparatively large, while the forehead variations are small. Variations around the lips and the chin are the largest. For the Yi ethnicity, the forehead also witnesses small variations and the nose again has large variations. The area around the glabella has large variations. Through the comparisons, the area around the glabella tends to extrude more in males both in Bai and Yi. The situation, however, is much more different when it comes to the trichion landmark collection where we see an apparent intrusion in males. For the trichion, Yi people are more intruded than the Bai. Similarities between Bai and Yi are demonstrated by principal component analysis: one can roughly set the males apart from the females using the vertical axis. Profile at the end of horizontal axis suggests that the female facial profile has the following features: the nose is not so prominent as the male, the forehead and the nose are linked by an noticeable arc, the forehead is comparatively steep and is almost in a vertical plane with the lips and the chin. By comparison, the male has a flatter forehead, a more prominent nose, an obvious sellion, and an intruded chin. The common morphologic features of the Chinese face may be reflected through these similarities.

Effects of orthodontic camouflage treatment vs orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment on condylar stability in Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe temporomandibular joint osteoarthrosis: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the differences in profile changes and stability of the condyles between orthodontic camouflage treatment assisted by vertical control and that accomplished via orthognathic surgery in Class II hyperdivergent patients with TMJ osteoarthrosis (TMJOA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 27 Class II hyperdivergent TMJOA patients (54 condyles) who received orthodontic camouflage treatment (13 patients) or orthognathic surgery (14 patients) Cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before treatment (T1) and 1 year after treatment (T2). Cephalometric and TMJ measurement analyses were conducted to evaluate the change in profile and condyles from T1 to T2 using independent samples t-test and paired t-test. Three-dimensional (3D) deviation analysis was also performed to evaluate the stability of condyles from T1 to T2. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant profile improvement from T1 to T2. The changes in Z angle and ANB angle were larger in the surgical group than in the orthodontic group. Condylar width, length, and height remained stable after treatment in the orthodontic group (P > .05), while they reduced by 0.67 ± 0.85 mm, 1.14 ± 1.10 mm, and 1.07 ± 1.34 mm, respectively, in the surgical group (P < .05). Superior, posterior, medial, and lateral joint spaces were significantly reduced in the orthodontic group (P < .05). 3D deviations intuitively showed that condylar bone in the orthodontic group was more stable than that in the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: For Class II hyperdivergent patients with severe TMJOA, orthodontic camouflage treatment with vertical control can effectively maintain the stability of condyles while significantly improving the profile. Surgical treatment yields a better profile but may increase the risk of condyle resorption.

Recent advances in cellulosic materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: An overview.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs), with the merits of high safety, environmental friendliness, abundant resources, and competitive energy density are recognized as a promising secondary battery technology and are anticipated to be a great alternative to organic lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the commercial application of AZIBs is severely hindered by intractable issues, including high desolvation barrier, sluggish ion transport kinetics, growth of zinc dendrite, and side reactions. Nowadays, cellulosic materials are frequently employed in the fabrication of advanced AZIBs, because of the intrinsically excellent hydrophilicity, strong mechanical strength, sufficient active groups, and unexhaustible production. In this paper, we start from reviewing the success and dilemma of organic LIBs, followed by introducing the next-generation power source of AZIBs. After summarizing the features of cellulose with great potential in advanced AZIBs, we comprehensively and logically analyze the applications and superiorities of cellulosic materials in AZIBs electrodes, separators, electrolytes, and binders with an in-depth perspective. Finally, a clear outlook is delivered for future development of cellulose in AZIBs. Hopefully, this review can offer a smooth avenue for future direction of AZIBs by means of cellulosic material design and structure optimization.

Effect of full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic in adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The authors studied the treatment effect of full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic in adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. METHODS: Eighty-one adult permanent teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis in 78 patients aged 18 through 72 years were evaluated for inclusion in the study. After caries excavation, the pulp was amputated to the level of the canal orifices. After hemostasis was achieved, calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic was placed as the capping agent. The cavity was sealed temporarily with a glass ionomer cement and then restored with flowable resin and composite resin after 2 weeks if no positive symptoms were reported or detected. Postoperative evaluation was performed by means of clinical and radiographic examination at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Overall success rates of the procedure were 96.3% (78 of 81), 93.8% (76 of 81), 92.6% (75 of 81), and 92.6% (75 of 81) at the 2-week, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month recall visits, respectively. Six of the 81 teeth failed and required root canal therapy. In these 6 teeth, 3 exhibited severe cold stimuli pain and spontaneous pain at the 2-week follow-up, 2 had no response to electric pulp testing with apical percussion pain and periapical rarefaction at the 3-month follow-up, and 1 tooth exhibited periapical rarefaction and labial mucosal fistula at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, full pulpotomy using a calcium silicate-based bioactive ceramic was a successful option for the treatment of adult permanent teeth with carious originated symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Vital pulp therapy is no longer impossible for adult permanent teeth with carious originated symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis.

Cyclopeptide-ß-cyclodextrin/γ-glycerol methoxytrimethoxysilane film for potential vascular tissue engineering scaffolds.

The mortality rate of cardiovascular diseases is the highest among all mortality rates worldwide. Allotransplantation and autotransplantation are limited by rejection reaction and availability. Tissue engineering provides new avenues for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the current small-diameter (<6 mm) vascular tissue-engineered scaffolds have many challenges, including thrombosis, stenosis, and infection. Small-diameter vascular scaffolds have structural and compositional requirements such as biocompatibility, porosity, and appropriate phase separation. We used liquid-crystal cyclopeptide（CYC）to modify ß-cyclodextrin and mixed it with γ-glycerol methoxytrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) to prepare CYC-ß-cyclodextrin (ßCD)/GPTMS film by sol-gel. The chemical structure of CYC-ßCD was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance. The chemical characterization of CYC-ßCD/GPTMS film was performed by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering. The surface morphology and phase separation microstructure of the film were determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, and the image of polarizing microscopy showed the liquid-crystal structure of the film. Cell culture experiments showed that CYC-ßCD/GPTMS film had good cytocompatibility and induced growth and proliferation of cells. These results indicated the potential applications of CYC-ßCD/GPTMS film in tissue engineering scaffolds.

Electrochemical aptasensor based on the target-induced strand displacement strategy-driven for T-2 toxin detection.

Herein, an aptasensor based on target-induced strand displacement (TISD) strategy was developed for sensitive detection of T-2 toxin. Gold nanoparticles@ aminated manganese dioxide (AuNPs@NH2-MnO2) exhibited excellent electrical conductivity and provided more binding sites for aptamer (Apt). Besides, polyethyleneimine-reduced graphene oxide/gold­platinum core-shell nanorods composites (PEI-rGO/Pt@Au NRs) were used to be carriers for signaling tags, as their sufficiently large specific surface area improved the loading capacity for signal molecules. In the presence of T-2, the Apt sequence was more inclined to form an Apt-T-2 complex, and the cDNA was displaced from the Apt-cDNA duplex, while the signal tag was released, resulting in a weakened MB signal, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was used to record the signal change. Under optimal conditions, the signal response of the constructed electrochemical aptasensor exhibited a good linear relationship with the concentration of T-2. The detection limit was 8.74 × 10-7 ng mL-1over a wide range of concentration from 5 × 10-6 ng mL-1 to 5 ng mL-1. Furthermore, the proposed aptasensor had excellent specificity, good stability and can be well applied to the detection of real samples. It provided a new avenue for the research and development of sensitive aptasensors in food detection and analysis.

A Zwitterionic Polyurethane Nanoporous Device with Low Foreign-Body Response for Islet Encapsulation.

Encapsulation of insulin-producing cells is a promising strategy for treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, engineering an encapsulation device that is both safe (i.e., no cell escape and no breakage) and functional (i.e., low foreign-body response (FBR) and high mass transfer) remains a challenge. Here, a family of zwitterionic polyurethanes (ZPU) with sulfobetaine groups in the polymer backbone is developed, which are fabricated into encapsulation devices with tunable nanoporous structures via electrospinning. The ZPU encapsulation device is hydrophilic and fouling-resistant, exhibits robust mechanical properties, and prevents cell escape while still allowing efficient mass transfer. The ZPU device also induces a much lower FBR or cellular overgrowth upon intraperitoneal implantation in C57BL/6 mice for up to 6 months compared to devices made of similar polyurethane without the zwitterionic modification. The therapeutic potential of the ZPU device is shown for islet encapsulation and diabetes correction in mice for ≈3 months is demonstrated. As a proof of concept, the scalability and retrievability of the ZPU device in pigs and dogs are further demonstrated. Collectively, these attributes make ZPU devices attractive candidates for cell encapsulation therapies.

Morphometric variations and growth of the profile of the face in Chinese boys aged 4-15 years.

Much research has been conducted on the morphological growth and development of Chinese children. However, very few facial measurements have been documented, especially of the sagittal plane of the face. Morphometric variations and growth of the sagittal plane of the face in children were analyzed using geometric morphometric method in this study. The studied sample consisted of 108 boys (4-15 years) from Huzhu County in Qinghai Province of China, which were divided into three groups: 4-6 years old, 7-11 years old and 12-15 years old. It was revealed that the landmark-groups of nose area were relatively long, indicating large variation in the direction of the nasal protuberance, which possibly reflected the vigorous growth of the children's nose. There were larger landmark-groups' variability ranges in children aged 7-11 years, which may be related to the rapid growth in this period. The average morphology of the sagittal plane of the face changed a lot with age, which was showed in the comparison of the averaged graph of three groups: (1) the proportion of the forehead to entire face became smaller; (2) the 7th landmark extruded more noticeably; (3) the nose became protruding; (4) the position of the mouth was relatively getting more upward, and the angle formed between the upper lip and the lower lip increased, and the lower lip moved forward; (5) the chin protuberated. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed significant differences in the main distribution areas between age group 4-6 years and 12-15 years, even though there was a lot of overlap in the three age groups. Allometric analysis showed that the sagittal plane of the face aged 4-6 years and 7-11 years changed in the following way as the size increased: the forehead became vertical and the upper lip turned to be smaller. Additionally, as the size increased in age group 12-15 years, the most prominent landmark of the forehead became more conspicuous, and the bridge of the nose got more upturned. These may reflect the common morphological features and growing development of the facial sagittal plane of Chinese children.

Ultrasound Assisted a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)γ Agonist-Loaded Nanoparticle-Microbubble Complex to Attenuate Renal Interstitial Fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antifibrotic effect of the combination of a PPARγ agonist-loaded nanoparticle-microbubble complex with ultrasound (US) exposure on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles were used to load PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone, RSG) and prepare PLGA-RSG nanoparticles (PLNPs-RSG); then, a novel complex between PLNPs-RSG and SonoVue microbubbles (MBs) (PLNPs-RSG-MBs) was prepared. The size distribution, zeta potentials, RSG-loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were measured, and the release of RSG was assessed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo systemic toxicity assays were performed. The cellular uptake assessment was performed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The in vivo biodistribution assessment was performed using fluorescence imaging with a near-infrared (NIR) imaging system. Furthermore, this complex was administered to a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model with the assistance of US exposure to investigate the antifibrotic effect. RESULTS: This PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex had a size of 2199.5± 988.1 nm and a drug-loading efficiency of 28.5%. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo systemic toxicity assays indicated that the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex displayed excellent biocompatibility. In addition, the complex showed high cellular uptake efficiency in vitro and kidney-targeting ability in vivo. In a UUO rat model, the combination of the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex with US exposure significantly reduced collagen deposition and successfully attenuated renal fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The combination of the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex with US exposure may be a promising approach for the treatment of RIF.

Self-adaptive antibacterial surfaces with bacterium-triggered antifouling-bactericidal switching properties.

Catheter-induced infection is a severe problem in clinical practice, which induces significant morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. Therefore, there is a great requirement for developing antibacterial surfaces of catheter materials. In the present study, we develop a strategy for constructing self-adaptive antibacterial surfaces with bacterium-triggered antifouling-bactericidal switching properties on polyurethane (PU) via surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Polymer coating with one hierarchical structure was readily constructed on the PU surface (PU-PQ-PEG), which was composed of poly[2-(dimethyl decyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate] (PQDMAEMA) brushes as the bactericidal lower layer and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the antifouling upper layer. The two layers were incorporated with Schiff base structures, which could be broken by the metabolism of bacteria. Under normal and mild infection conditions, PU-PQ-PEG showed excellent antifouling and biocompatible properties against proteins and bacteria. When serious infection occurred and bacteria colonized on the PU-PQ-PEG surface, the bacteria could trigger the self-adaptive antifouling-bactericidal switching of the surface. Furthermore, the self-adaptive antibacterial properties of PU-PQ-PEG were also confirmed by an in vitro circulating model to simulate hydrodynamic conditions. PU-PQ-PEG showed self-adaptive antibacterial performances both under static and hydrodynamic conditions. The results of animal experiments also demonstrated the in vivo anti-infection performance. The present work will provide a promising strategy for developing antibacterial surfaces of catheter materials with hemocompatibility.

Well-Defined Gold Nanorod/Polymer Hybrid Coating with Inherent Antifouling and Photothermal Bactericidal Properties for Treating an Infected Hernia.

Biomedical device-associated infection (BAI) is a great challenge in modern clinical medicine. Therefore, developing efficient antibacterial materials is significantly important and meaningful for the improvement of medical treatment and people's health. In the present work, we developed a strategy of surface functionalization for multifunctional antibacterial applications. A functionalized polyurethane (PU, a widely used biomedical material for hernia repairing) surface (PU-Au-PEG) with inherent antifouling and photothermal bactericidal properties was readily prepared based on a near-infrared (NIR)-responsive organic/inorganic hybrid coating which consists of gold nanorods (Au NRs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PU-Au-PEG showed a high efficiency to resist adhesion of bacteria and exhibited effective photothermal bactericidal properties under 808 nm NIR irradiation, especially against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the PU-Au-PEG could inhibit biofilm formation long term. The biocompatibility of PU-Au-PEG was also proved by cytotoxicity and hemolysis tests. The in vivo photothermal antibacterial properties were first verified by a subcutaneous implantation animal model. Then, the anti-infection performance in a clinical scenario was studied with an infected hernia model. The results of animal experiment studies demonstrated excellent in vivo anti-infection performances of PU-Au-PEG. The present work provides a facile and promising approach to develop multifunctional biomedical devices.

Inflammatory monocyte/macrophage modulation by liposome-entrapped spironolactone ameliorates acute lung injury in mice.

AIM: To examine the therapeutic/preventive potential of liposome-encapsulated spironolactone (SP; Lipo-SP) for acute lung injury (ALI) and fibrosis. MATERIALS & METHODS: Lipo-SP was prepared by the film-ultrasonic method, and physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterized for oral administration (10 and 20 mg/kg for SP-loaded liposome; 20 mg/kg for free SP) in a mouse model bleomycin-induced ALI. RESULTS: Lipo-SP enhanced bioavailability of SP with significant amelioration in lung pathology. Mechanistically, SP-mediated mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism contributes to inflammatory monocyte/macrophage modulation via an inhibitory effect on Ly6C(hi) monocytosis-directed M2 polarization of alveolar macrophages. Moreover, Lipo-SP at lower dose (10 mg/kg) exhibited more improvement in body weight gain. CONCLUSION: Our data highlight Lipo-SP as a promising approach with therapeutic/preventive potential for ALI and fibrosis.