METTL3 promotes immature dental pulp stem cells-induced angiogenesis by regulating ETS1 mRNA stability in an m6A-HuR-dependent manner.

Angiogenesis serves as the determinate element of pulp regeneration. Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) implantation can promote the regeneration of dental pulp tissue. Herein, the role of m6A methyltransferase methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in regulating DPSCs-induced angiogenesis during pulp regeneration therapy was investigated. Cell DPSC viability, HUVEC migration, and angiogenesis ability were analyzed by CCK-8 assay, wound healing, Transwell assay, and tube formation assay. The global and EST1 mRNA m6A levels were detected by m6A dot blot and Me-RIP. The interactions between E26 transformation-specific proto-oncogene 1(ETS1), human antigen R(HuR), and METTL3 were analyzed by RIP assay. The relationship between METTL3 and the m6A site of ETS1 was performed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. ETS1 mRNA stability was examined with actinomycin D. Herein, our results revealed that human immature DPSCs (hIDPSCs) showed stronger ability to induce angiogenesis than human mature DPSCs (hMDPSCs), which might be related to ETS1 upregulation. ETS1 knockdown inhibited DPSCs-induced angiogenesis. Our mechanistic experiments demonstrated that METTL3 increased ETS1 mRNA stability and expression level on DPSCs in an m6A-HuR-dependent manner. ETS1 upregulation abolished sh-METTL3's inhibition on DPSCs-induced angiogenesis. METTL3 upregulation promoted DPSCs-induced angiogenesis by enhancing ETS1 mRNA stability in an m6A-HuR-dependent manner. This study reveals a new mechanism by which m6A methylation regulates angiogenesis in DPSCs, providing new insights for stem cell-based tissue engineering.

Inhibition of DCUN1D1 attenuates periodontitis by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling-mediated inflammation contributes greatly to the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Neddylation, a ubiquitin-like posttranslational modification, is known to regulate NF-κB signaling. DCUN1D1 (defective in cullin neddylation 1 domain containing 1) is a critical factor in neddylation and has been shown to regulate NF-κB activation. However, the previse roles of DCUN1D1 in periodontitis are not fully elucidated. To explore the roles of DCUN1D1 in periodontitis, the expression of DCUN1D1 was measured in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis. We inhibited DCUN1D1 by siRNA knocking down or using inhibitor in gingival fibroblasts and the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced expression of IL-6 and TNF-α, and activation of NF-κB were measured. The expression of DCUN1D1 was increased in gingival tissues of patients with periodontitis. Knocking down or inhibiting DCUN1D1 suppressed LPS-induced production of IL-6 and TNF-α, decreased NF-κB activity, and inhibited LPS-induced activation of NF-κB. Inhibiting DCUN1D1 ameliorates periodontitis by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

The influence of mild versus severe hypodontia on facial soft tissues? A three-dimensional optical laser scanning-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are differences in the facial soft tissue morphology between participants with mild (up to two) or severe (six or more) hypodontia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective hospital-based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Ninety-two participants, aged 11-16 years, with confirmed hypodontia were recruited. Participants were sub-grouped based on the severity (mild, two or less and severe, six or more) and distribution of the missing teeth and age. They underwent a three-dimensional (3D) optical surface scan of the facial soft tissues. Facial surface scans were compared quantitatively, applying landmark measurements and surface-based analysis. RESULTS: In total, 92 participants, with an equal distribution between the mild (n=46) and severe (n=46) categories, were recruited. Patients with severe hypodontia displayed a reduced alar base, lower facial height, nasolabial angle (P = 0.02) and transgonial width (P < 0.001) compared to those with milder hypodontia. Furthermore, significant differences were observed between mild-male and severe-female groups regarding alar base, lower anterior face height and transgonial width and between mild-male and mild-female groups regarding nasolabial angle and transgonial width. CONCLUSION: Significant reductions were seen in the 3D soft tissue morphology of participants with severe hypodontia, in terms of the nasolabial angle, lower facial height, alar base and transgonial widths, emphasising the importance of using facial scanning as a relatively simple non-invasive method of assessment.

Meta-analysis on the association between the frequency of tooth brushing and diabetes mellitus risk.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies suggested that the frequency of tooth brushing might be associated with the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM), but the results were inconsistent, and no systematic review was conducted to focus on this topic. In this meta-analysis, we synthesized available observational epidemiological evidences to identify the association between tooth brushing and DM risk and investigate the potential dose-response relationship of them. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase from their inception through December 2017 to identify observational studies examining the association between tooth brushing and the risk of DM. Reference lists from retrieved articles were also reviewed. We quantitatively combined results of the included studies using a random-effects model. Dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to further examine the effect of tooth brushing frequency on DM risk. RESULTS: We identified 20 relevant studies (one cohort study, 14 case-control studies, and 5 cross-sectional studies) involving 161 189 participants and 10 884 patients with DM. Compared with the highest tooth brushing frequency, the lowest level was significantly associated with an increased risk of DM (OR 1.32; 95% CI, 1.19-1.47), and there was no significant heterogeneity across the included studies (p = 0.119, I2  = 28.1%). Exclusion of any single study did not materially alter the combined risk estimate. The dose-response analysis indicated that the summary odds of DM for an increment of one time of tooth brushing per day was 1.20 (95% CI, 1.16-1.24). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that low frequency of tooth brushing may be a risk factor of DM, and lower frequencies of tooth brushing were significantly associated with higher risk of DM.

A three-dimensional soft tissue analysis of Class III malocclusion: a case-controlled cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study used the optical surface laser scanning technique to compare the facial features of patients aged 8-18 years presenting with Class I and Class III incisor relationship in a case-control design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects with a Class III incisor relationship, aged 8-18 years, were age and gender matched with Class I control and underwent a 3-dimensional (3-D) optical surface scan of the facial soft tissues. RESULTS: Landmark analysis revealed Class III subjects displayed greater mean dimensions compared to the control group most notably between the ages of 8-10 and 17-18 years in both males and females, in respect of antero-posterior (P = 0.01) and vertical (P = 0.006) facial dimensions. Surface-based analysis, revealed the greatest difference in the lower facial region, followed by the mid-face, whilst the upper face remained fairly consistent. CONCLUSION: Significant detectable differences were found in the surface facial features of developing Class III subjects.

The Stability, Sustained Release and Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Curcumin Nanoliposomes.

Curcumin is a multifunctional and natural agent considered to be pharmacologically safe. However, its application in the food and medical industry is greatly limited by its poor water solubility, physicochemical instability and inadequate bioavailability. Nanoliposome encapsulation could significantly enhance the solubility and stability of curcumin. Curcumin nanoliposomes exhibited good physicochemical properties (entrapment efficiency = 57.1, particle size = 68.1 nm, polydispersity index = 0.246, and zeta potential = -3.16 mV). Compared with free curcumin, curcumin nanoliposomes exhibited good stability against alkaline pH and metal ions as well as good storage stability at 4 °C. Curcumin nanoliposomes also showed good sustained release properties. Compared with free curcumin, curcumin nanoliposomes presented an equal cellular antioxidant activity, which is mainly attributed to its lower cellular uptake as detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. This study provide theoretical and practical guides for the further application of curcumin nanoliposomes.

The reliability of thermoform retainers: a laboratory-based comparative study.

AIM: Despite a very significant increase in the use of thermoform retainers, within orthodontics, to date, there is no evidence regarding the quality of fit between the dental cast and retainer. The current study aims to compare the fit of different thermoform retainer materials, under laboratory standardized conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, laboratory-based study design was adopted to compare the fit of four different commercially available thermoform retainer materials. A master dental cast was fabricated in dental stone, to which three and five specific reference points were located on the central incisors and upper first molars, respectively. The master cast was then duplicated to produce a total of 40 such dental casts. The performance of the following four test materials was investigated: ACE, C+ (Raintree Essix Glenroe), True Tain (True Tain Inc.), and Iconic Clear (DB Orthodontics). For each material, 10 thermoform retainers were fabricated within the dental laboratory. Subsequent scanning and analysing of the casts and thermoform retainers was performed in a dedicated area, using the co-ordinate measuring machine, in order to calculate their respective fit at the incisor and first molar regions. RESULTS: At all eight recorded landmark points, the mean values for the following thermoform materials: ACE, True Tain, and Iconic Clear, a similar trend was observed. At all eight points, there was a significant difference between the performance of the four different materials (P < 0.001), with the greatest difference observed in the mean values in relation to material C+. CONCLUSION: Statistically significant differences were observed in the fit behaviour of all four thermoform materials being tested.

[Measurement and analysis of the nasopalatine canal and its relative position by cone-beam computed tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dimensions of the nasopalatine canal and the relationship between the canal and the central incisors, and the canal and the crest, by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: This study included 129 CBCTs, and the sagittal slices were used to measure the lower diameter (Sda), median diameter (Sdb), and higher diameter (Sdc), for calculating the average sagittal diameter (Sd); the coronal slices through canals were used to measure the lower diameter (Hda), median diameter (Hdb), and higher diameter (Hdc) for calculating the average horizontal diameter (Hd), length (H); the sagittal slices were used to measure the buccal bone thickness off the canal (Bt), and the distance to the crest off the lowest point (At), the horizontal slices were used to measure the distance between the canal and the central incisors (Id). These subjects were divided into two groups by gender; and divided into three groups by ages: (1) ≤ 30 years old, (2) 31-50 years old, and (3) ≥ 51 years old. SPSS 17.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall Sd was (3.41 ±0.87) mm, the Hd was (5.16±0.93) mm, and the difference was statistically significant. The H was (14.29 ± 3.27) mm, the Bt was (7.49 ± 1.05) mm, the At was (8.25 ± 1.71) mm, and the Id was (2.71±0.89) mm. Of the male and female, the Sd were (3.64 ± 0.90) mm and (3.28 ± 0.82) mm, P=0.017; the Hd were (4.98 ± 0.89) mm and (5.27 ± 0.94) mm, P=0.081; the H were (15.47 ± .75) mm and (13.59 ± 3.32) mm, P=0.001; the Bt were (7.90 ± 0.96) mm and (7.25 ± 1.03) mm, P=0.001; the At were (7.41 ± 1.86) mm and (8.44 ± 1.90) mm, P=0.001; the Id were (2.71 ± 0.87) mm and (2.72 ± 0.91) mm, P=0.983. Among the groups, no statistically significant differences were detected of the Sd (P=0.325), of the Hd (P=0.636), of the H (P=0.292), and of the Bt (P=0.116); statistically significant differences were detected of the At (P=0.010), and of the Id (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The nasopalatine canal anatomy is highly variable. Gender is related to the nasopalatine canal length, Bt width, and At distance. While age was related to At, and Id, but no effect on nasopalatine dimensions. The CBCT is a useful device for studying the nasopalatine canal in three dimensions, prior to dental implant placement.

[Comparison of soft and hard tissue stability between immediate implant and delayed implant in maxillary anterior region after loading 2 years].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the peri-implant tissue stability between immediate implant and delayed implant in maxillary anterior region after loading 2 years. METHODS: In the study, 38 patients with single anterior tooth loss in the Second Clinical Division of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from October 2010 to December 2011 were enrolled, and 43 implants were inserted. The gingival contour was induced using implant-supported temporary crowns prior to restoration till permanent prostheses delivered. The gingival papilla height, labial gingival margin level and peri-implant bone level were measured immediately after the permanent restoration and 2 years later. RESULTS: In the study, 16 patients were treated by immediate implant for 17 implants; 22 patients were treated by delayed implant for 26 implants. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) value of the 2 groups showed no significant difference before permanent restoration (P>0.05). In all the cases after loading 2 years, the average mesial gingival papilla height in the implant area of the immediate group and delayed group increased by (0.15 ± 0.42) mm and (0.06 ± 0.65) mm, respectively; the distal gingival papilla height increased by (0.06 ± 0.50) mm and (0.02 ± 0.57) mm respectively; while the labial gingival margin level shrinkages were (0.15 ± 0.23) mm and (0.15 ± 0.46) mm, respectively. The peri-implant bone losses in the mesial side were (0.67 ± 0.35) mm and (0.6 9 ± 0.49) mm, respectively, while in the distal side were (0.73 ± 0.31) mm and (0.75 ± 0.48) mm, respectively. All these indicators showed no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the cases obtained optimizer results after loading 2 years, and the soft and hard tissues around the implant were very stable, which means that both the protocols can achieve reliable therapeutic effects. If we can handle the indications, immediate implant for anterior teeth shows similar efficacy with delayed implant in the short term. But immediate implant in terms of shortening the course of treatment is clearly superior to delayed implant.

Abrasive wear of enamel by bioactive glass-based toothpastes.

PURPOSE: To determine the abrasivity of a 45S5 bioactive glass based toothpaste on enamel as a function of the particle size and shape of the glass. METHODS: 45S5 glass was synthesized ground and sieved to give various particle sized fractions < 38, 38-63 and 63-110 microns. Two different grinding routes were used: percussion milling and ball milling. The glass powders were formulated into toothpastes and their tooth brush abrasivity measured according to BS EN ISO11609 methodology. RESULTS: Enamel loss increased with increasing particle size. The percussion milled powder exhibited particles that had sharp edges and the pastes were significantly more abrasive than the pastes made with round ball milled powders. One interesting observation made during the present study was that there was preferential wear of the enamel at the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ), particularly with the coarse particle sized pastes.

Hypoxia-inducible Factor 1α Contributes to Matrix Metalloproteinases 2/9 and Inflammatory Responses in Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a prevalent condition characterized by inflammation and tissue destruction within the periodontium, with hypoxia emerging as a contributing factor to its pathogenesis. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) has a crucial role in orchestrating adaptive responses to hypoxic microenvironments and has been implicated in various inflammatory-related diseases. Understanding the interplay between HIF-1α, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and inflammatory responses in periodontitis could provide insights into its molecular mechanisms. We investigated the relationship between HIF-1α, MMP2, and MMP9 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from periodontitis patients. The expression levels of HIF-1α, MMP2, MMP9, and inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Additionally, osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was identified by alkaline phosphatase activity. Significantly elevated levels of HIF-1α, MMP2, and MMP9 were observed in GCF of periodontitis patients compared to controls. Positive correlations were found between HIF-1α and MMP2/MMP9, as well as with IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. Modulation of HIF-1α expression in PDLSCs revealed its involvement in MMP2/9 secretion and inflammatory responses, with inhibition of HIF-1α mitigating these effects. Furthermore, HIF-1α inhibition alleviated the reduction in osteogenic differentiation induced by inflammatory stimuli. Our findings elucidate the regulatory role of HIF-1α in MMP expression, inflammatory responses, and osteogenic differentiation in periodontitis. In conclusion, targeting HIF-1α signaling pathways may offer therapeutic opportunities for managing periodontitis and promoting periodontal tissue regeneration.

Association Between the Frequency of Tooth Brushing and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Several epidemiological studies suggested that frequency of tooth brushing may be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize frequency of tooth brushing and CVD risk using meta-analysis. Science Direct, PubMed, CINAHL, and OVID were searched through October 15, 2022. The random-effects model was used to quantitatively assess the combined risk estimation. In addition, we performed the sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of the study results by excluding the included studies one by one. A total of 9 cohort studies containing 10 reports with 803,019 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled results showed that compared with the lowest brushing frequency, the highest brushing frequency (relative risk = 0.85, 95% confidence interval: 0.80-0.90) significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. There was moderate heterogeneity among included studies (P = .002, I2 = 65.4%). The exclusion of any one study did not materially change the combined risk estimates. Our meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that higher frequency of tooth brushing can reduce the risk of CVD, which may have important implications for conducting research on the prevention strategies of CVD.

[Evaluation of short-term clinical therapeutic efficiency of computer aided design and manufacturing titanium-ceramic-fixed partial dentures for implant-supported restoration in posterior region].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) titanium-ceramic-fixed partial dentures for implant-supported restoration in posterior region. METHODS: In the study, 90 patients (47 males, 43 females, and the mean age of 48.7 years ranging from 30-62 years) with posterior tooth missing underwent implant-supported porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM titanium-base. A total of 135 prostheses (159 prosthetic units) were fabricated, and 152 implants were placed. The evaluators examined the integrity of restoration, gingival health, color match and marginal adaptation. The mean follow-up time was 51.9 months (24-80 months). RESULTS: No implant was lost during the loading time. All the patients were satisfied at the end of their treatment. The chipping rate of porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM titanium-base was 13.2%(21/159 prosthetic units), No fracture of titanium-base was observed, and 7.4% (10/135) prostheses were found loosening. The authors rated 97.8% (132/135) prosthesis as good or better in regard to color match, 100% (152/152) implants had excellent marginal adaptation. CONCLUSION: The implant-supported titanium-based porcelain fuse mental prostheses with CAD/CAM show good marginal integrity and shade stability, with a clinically acceptable chipping rate, and these restorations can achieve success in the case of posterior tooth missing. Further study is needed to determine the long-term results.

Long-term rice cultivation increases contributions of plant and microbial-derived carbon to soil organic carbon in saline-sodic soils.

Rice cultivation has been demonstrated to have the ability to improve saline-sodic soil. Whether this human activity can influence the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) in saline-sodic soil remains unclear. In this study, the impact of rice cultivation across different planting durations (1, 5, 10, 27 years and abandoned land) on the carbon (C) levels, derived from plant residues and microbial necromass, were assessed. Compared to the control, plant residues and microbial necromass greatly contributed to the carbon accumulation. For the short-term of rice cultivation (1-10 years), the C content originated from both microbial and plant residues gradually accumulated. In the prolonged cultivation phase (27Y), plant residues and microbial necromasses contributed 40.82 % and 21.03 % of the total SOC, respectively. Additionally, rice cultivation significantly reduced the pH by 13.58-22.51 %, electrical conductivity (EC) by 60.06-90.30 %, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) by 60.68-78.39 %. In contrast, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), SOC, particulate organic C, mineral-bound organic C, and microbial biomass all saw statistical increases. The activities of extracellular enzymes in paddy soils, such as peroxidase, phenol oxidase, and leucine aminopeptidase, were significantly reduced, and the decomposition of lignin, phenol, and amino sugars by soil microorganisms was consequently suppressed. The partial least squares path modeling results demonstrated that rice cultivation affected the accumulation of plant and microbial components via the corresponding chemical properties (pH, EC, and ESP), nutrient content (TN, TP, and SOC), enzyme activity (LAP, PER, and POX), microbial biomass, and plant biomass. These findings are crucial for understanding the organic carbon sequestration potential of sodic saline soils.

Meta-analysis on the association between the frequency of tooth brushing and hypertension risk.

It is unclear whether the frequency of tooth brushing affects the risk of hypertension; thus, we conducted the first meta-analysis to focus on this topic. In this meta-analysis, we systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from their inception to October 2021 to identify eligible studies, while reference lists from retrieved review paper were also reviewed. We then conducted a meta-analysis of the highest compared with the lowest tooth brushing frequency, along with a dose-response meta-analysis, to explore this association. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg's and Egger's tests. We found eight relevant studies, three cohort and five cross-sectional, involving a total of 274 124 patients. Compared to the highest tooth brushing frequency, the lowest increased the risk of hypertension by 84.0% (OR 1.84; 95% CI, 1.44-2.35). Furthermore, a nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed (P < .05). The exclusion of any studies did not significantly alter the combined risk estimate, and no publication bias was detected. In conclusions, we report that epidemiological evidence supports the hypothesis that a lower frequency of tooth brushing is significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension. Preventive interventions, such as adopting a good oral health routine, should be encouraged to maintain good general health.

Synthesis and photophysical properties of hyperbranched polyfluorenes containing 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine as the core.

A series of new hyperbranched polymers containing a 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core unit and polyfluorene chain arms have been synthesized via Suzuki coupling, and characterized by NMR, IR and GPC. All the polymers exhibit good thermal stability with a high decomposition temperature. By changing the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine/fluorene ratio the UV-vis absorption and emission spectra can be partially tuned. It has been found that the polymers containing a low ratio of 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine units (P1-P3) have an absorption maximum around 385 nm, localized in the polyfluorene chain, and a shoulder around 425 nm ascribable to a charge transfer state involving the fluorene and the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine core. Increasing the molar ratio of the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine unit enhances the charge transfer band which becomes dominant for P4. The LUMO level of these polymers is relatively low due to the electron affinity of the triazine group. The polymers show dual emission, with a structured band in the blue (410-440 nm), attributed to the polyfluorene, and a broad band in the red (470-500 nm) associated with the charge transfer state. All the polymers exhibit two-photon absorption activity in the range of 660 to 900 nm with the maximum two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section red-shifted from the corresponding linear absorption. The values of the TPA cross-sections vary from 1000 to 5000 GM, following the 2,4,6-tris(thiophen-2-yl)-1,3,5-triazine/fluorene ratio.

[Expression and distribution of transforming growth factor ß3 in the mouse tooth germ during development after advanced bell stage].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the expression and distribution of transforming growth factor ß3 (TGF-ß3) in the mouse tooth germ after advanced bell stage, and to discuss the role of TGF-ß3 during the development of tooth germs. METHODS: BALB/C's mouse tooth germs at 4, 11, and 18 days postnatal (4dpn,11dpn,and 18dpn) were collected and processed for routine fixation, decalcification, embedding, and slicing. The expression of TGF-ß3 was detected by immunohistochemisty. RESULTS: As to 4dpn tooth germ: Positive expression of TGF-ß3 was found in enameloblasts, odontoblasts, ambitus of dental pupilla, with weak positive expression in the intermedial of dental papilla. As to 11dpn tooth germ: Positive expression was seen in enameloblasts, with negative expression in odontoblasts and dental papilla. As to 18dpn tooth, positive expression of TGF-ß3 was showed in the vessel wall and its surrounding, with negative expression in other areas. CONCLUSION: The distribution of TGF-ß3 expression showed a time-space characteristic during the mouse tooth germ development after advanced bell stage, which may exert a regulatory effect on tooth development and this effect is gradually getting weak with the development of tooth germs.

Investigation of COVID-19-related symptoms based on factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: The application of factor analysis in the study of the clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was investigated, to provide a reference for basic research on COVID-19 and its prevention and control. METHODS: The data of 60 patients with COVID-19 in Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Second People's Hospital of Longgang District in Shenzhen were extracted using principal component analysis. Factor analysis was used to investigate the factors related to symptoms of COVID-19. Based on the combination of factors, the clinical types of the factors were defined according to our professional knowledge. Factor loadings were calculated, and pairwise correlation analysis of symptoms was performed. RESULTS: Factor analysis showed that the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 cases could be divided into respiratory-digestive, neurological, cough-wheezing, upper respiratory, and digestive symptoms. Pairwise correlation analysis showed that there were a total of eight pairs of symptoms: fever-palpitation, coughexpectoration, expectoration-wheezing, dry mouth-bitter taste in the mouth, poor appetite-fatigue, fatiguedizziness, diarrhea-palpitation, and dizziness-headache. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms and syndromes of COVID-19 are complex. Respiratory symptoms dominate, and digestive symptoms are also present. Factor analysis is suitable for studying the characteristics of the clinical symptoms of COVID-19, providing a new idea for the comprehensive analysis of clinical symptoms.

Pluronics modified liposomes for curcumin encapsulation: Sustained release, stability and bioaccessibility.

The present work evaluated the feasibility of different pluronics (F127, F87 and P85) utilized as modifiers to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin liposomes (cur-Lps). Pluronics modified curcumin liposomes (cur-pluronic-Lps) were prepared by thin film evaporation combined with dynamic high pressure microfluidization. The particle size and polydispersity index of cur-pluronic-Lps was significantly lower than cur-Lps. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that curcumin was loaded in liposomes successfully and X-ray diffraction suggested that curcumin in the liposomes was in an amorphous state. In vitro release studies demonstrated that 73.4%, 63.9%, 66.7% and 58.9% curcumin released from cur-Lps, cur-F127-Lps, cur-F87-Lps and cur-P85-Lps, respectively. Compared with cur-Lps, cur-pluronic-Lps showed a slower release rate and lower cumulative release percentage for curcumin. Non-Fickian transport was the main release mechanism for cur-Lps, cur-F127-Lps and cur-F87-Lps, and typically the first-order model fitted cur-P85-Lps release. Stability studies (exposure to solutions of different pH and heat treatment) indicated that pluronics modification could enhance their pH stability and thermal stability. In vitro simulated gastrointestinal tract studies suggested that pluronics modification could significantly improve the absorption of cur-Lps. Bioaccessibility of curcumin liposomes increased in the following order: cur-Lps < cur-F87-Lps < cur-P85-Lps < cur-F127-Lps. These results may guide the potential application of pluronics modified liposomes as carriers of curcumin in nutraceutical and functional foods.

Characterization and bioavailability of tea polyphenol nanoliposome prepared by combining an ethanol injection method with dynamic high-pressure microfluidization.

Tea polyphenols are major polyphenolic substances found in green tea with various biological activities. To overcome their instability toward oxygen and alkaline environments, tea polyphenol nanoliposome (TPN) was prepared by combining an ethanol injection method with dynamic high-pressure microfluidization. Good physicochemical characterizations (entrapment efficiency = 78.5%, particle size = 66.8 nm, polydispersity index = 0.213, and zeta potential = -6.16 mv) of TPN were observed. Compared with tea polyphenol solution, TPN showed equivalent antioxidant activities, indicated by equal DPPH free radical scavenging and slightly lower ferric reducing activities and lower inhibitions against Staphylococcus aureus , Escerhichia coli , Salmonella typhimurium , and Listeria monocytogenes . In addition, a relatively good sustained release property was observed in TPN, with only 29.8% tea polyphenols released from nanoliposome after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, TPN improved the stability of tea polyphenol in alkaline solution. This study expects to provide theories and practice guides for further applications of TPN.