Regulatory functions and chromatin loading dynamics of linker histone H1 during endoreplication in Drosophila.

Eukaryotic DNA replicates asynchronously, with discrete genomic loci replicating during different stages of S phase. Drosophila larval tissues undergo endoreplication without cell division, and the latest replicating regions occasionally fail to complete endoreplication, resulting in underreplicated domains of polytene chromosomes. Here we show that linker histone H1 is required for the underreplication (UR) phenomenon in Drosophila salivary glands. H1 directly interacts with the Suppressor of UR (SUUR) protein and is required for SUUR binding to chromatin in vivo. These observations implicate H1 as a critical factor in the formation of underreplicated regions and an upstream effector of SUUR. We also demonstrate that the localization of H1 in chromatin changes profoundly during the endocycle. At the onset of endocycle S (endo-S) phase, H1 is heavily and specifically loaded into late replicating genomic regions and is then redistributed during the course of endoreplication. Our data suggest that cell cycle-dependent chromosome occupancy of H1 is governed by several independent processes. In addition to the ubiquitous replication-related disassembly and reassembly of chromatin, H1 is deposited into chromatin through a novel pathway that is replication-independent, rapid, and locus-specific. This cell cycle-directed dynamic localization of H1 in chromatin may play an important role in the regulation of DNA replication timing.

Optimization of EWOC principle in BLRM design for phase 1 oncology trials.

Bayesian logistic regression model (BLRM) is widely used to guide dose escalation decisions in phase 1 oncology trials. An important feature of BLRM design is the appealing safety performance due to its escalation with overdose control (EWOC). However, some recent literature indicates that BLRM with EWOC may have a relatively low probability to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) compared to some other dose escalation designs. This work discusses this design problem and proposes a practical solution to improve the performance of BLRM design. Specifically, we suggest increasing the EWOC cutoff from routine value 0.25 to a value between 0.3 and 0.4, which will increase the chance of finding the correct MTD with minimal compromise to overdosing risk. Our comparative simulation studies indicate that BLRM with an increased EWOC cutoff has comparable operating characteristics on the correct MTD selection and over-toxicity control as other dose escalation designs (BOIN, mTPI, keyboard, etc.). Moreover, we compare the methodology and operating characteristics of BLRM designs with various decision rules that allow more flexible overdosing control. A case study of dose escalation in a recent phase 1 oncology trial is provided to show how BLRM with optimal EWOC cutoff operates well in practice.

Watching videos of a drawing hand improves students' understanding of the normal probability distribution.

Understanding normal probability distributions is a crucial objective in mathematics and statistics education. Drawing upon cognitive psychology research, this study explores the use of drawings and visualizations as effective scaffolds to enhance students' comprehension. Although much research has documented the helpfulness of drawing as a research tool to reveal students' knowledge states, its direct utility in advancing higher-order cognitive processes remains understudied. In Study 1, qualitative methods were utilized to identify common misunderstandings among students regarding canonical depictions of the normal probability distribution. Building on these insights, Study 2 experimentally compared three instructional videos (static slides, dynamic drawing, and dynamic drawings done by a visible hand). The hand drawing video led to better learning than the other versions. Study 3 examined whether the benefits from observing a hand drawing could be reproduced by a dynamic cursor moving around otherwise static slides (without the presence of a hand). Results showed no significant learning difference between observing a hand drawing and a moving cursor, both outperforming a control. This research links the cognitive process of drawing with its educational role and provides insights into its potential to enhance memory, cognition, and inform instructional methods.

Multidimensional Ultrasound Evaluation of Diastasis Recti Abdominis During Different Gestational Periods.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the application value of two-dimensional ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) in the multidimensional evaluation of diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) during different gestational periods. METHODS: A cohort of 202 gravidas that were examined in our hospital between June 2021 and September 2022 were selected for the purpose of the study, which included 26 cases with <14 weeks of pregnancy, 36 cases in the 14th-27th week of pregnancy, 36 cases in the 28th-34th week of pregnancy, 32 cases in the 35th-38th week of pregnancy, 45 cases at 42 days postpartum, and 27 cases at 3 months postpartum. The inter-rectus distance (IRD) and the thickness in each gestational period were measured, and Young's modulus of the rectus abdominis at different gestational periods was measured using SWE by two sonographers. The differences in IRD, thickness, and elasticity characteristics during different periods, and the correlation between rectus abdominis elasticity and IRD, thickness, body mass index (BMI), neonatal weight, and delivery mode were analyzed and compared. The consistency of SWE parameters obtained by different sonographers was also compared. RESULTS: There were significant differences in IRD, thickness, and Young's modulus during different gestational periods (P = .000, P < .001, P < .001). Early postpartum IRD and Young's modulus did not restore to the level of early pregnancy (P < .001, P < .001), while the thickness of rectus abdominis was not significantly different from that of early pregnancy (P = .211). The Young's modulus of rectus abdominis was negatively correlated with the IRD (r = .515), positively correlated with the thickness of rectus abdominis (r = .408), and weakly negatively correlated with maternal BMI (r = -.296). There was no significant correlation with neonatal weight or delivery mode (P = .147, .648). The Bland-Altman plot showed that the two sonographers had good consistency in evaluating the elasticity of rectus abdominis by SWE. CONCLUSION: The multidimensional evaluation of DRA by ultrasound is feasible and IRD and Young's modulus can be used to evaluate the postpartum recovery of DRA. The combination of the two can objectively reflect the severity of DRA morphology and function.

[Study on changes of Styrax varieties].

Styrax is a commonly used imported traditional Chinese medicinal material in China. It was introduced to China in the Han Dynasty and was first described as a traditional Chinese medicine in Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians(Ming Yi Bie Lu). In this paper, by combing ancient and modern Chinese and foreign herbal medicine books and modern literature, combined with the results of field investigations on the origin of Styrax, the changes of Styrax involving the name, quality evaluation, origin, place of origin, and harvesting and processing were systematically verified. The results show that since ancient times, the origin and place of origin of Styrax have been unclear. The medical scientists of all dynasties in China have evaluated the quality of Styrax from four aspects: texture, viscosity, odor concentration, and color. The varieties of Styrax changed twice. The first change may have occurred during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, and the base changed from Styrax officinalis to Liquidambar orientalis. The second change was in modern times, and the base changed from L. orientalis to L. styraciflua. At the same time, the place of origin changed for the first time, from Turkey, Syria, and other countries in southern Asia Minor to Honduras, Guatemala, and other countries in Central America and southern North America. This paper studied the historical evolution of Styrax in terms of quality evaluation, origin, place of origin, character, and harvesting and processing. At the same time, it summarized the application of Styrax in the western countries, which can provide a historical basis for the further development and utilization of Styrax.

Biomimetic Polarized Light Navigation Sensor: A Review.

A polarized light sensor is applied to the front-end detection of a biomimetic polarized light navigation system, which is an important part of analyzing the atmospheric polarization mode and realizing biomimetic polarized light navigation, having received extensive attention in recent years. In this paper, biomimetic polarized light navigation in nature, the mechanism of polarized light navigation, point source sensor, imaging sensor, and a sensor based on micro nano machining technology are compared and analyzed, which provides a basis for the optimal selection of different polarized light sensors. The comparison results show that the point source sensor can be divided into basic point source sensor with simple structure and a point source sensor applied to integrated navigation. The imaging sensor can be divided into a simple time-sharing imaging sensor, a real-time amplitude splitting sensor that can detect images of multi-directional polarization angles, a real-time aperture splitting sensor that uses a light field camera, and a real-time focal plane light splitting sensor with high integration. In recent years, with the development of micro and nano machining technology, polarized light sensors are developing towards miniaturization and integration. In view of this, this paper also summarizes the latest progress of polarized light sensors based on micro and nano machining technology. Finally, this paper summarizes the possible future prospects and current challenges of polarized light sensor design, providing a reference for the feasibility selection of different polarized light sensors.

Effect of industrial scanner and framework material interaction on the marginal gaps of CAD-CAM complete arch implant frameworks.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Structured-light and computed tomography industrial scanners have been used as reference scanners to measure marginal gaps between implants and superstructures. However, the effect of framework material on the scanners' ability to detect gaps and on precision has not yet been evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the interaction between the industrial scanner and framework material on measured marginal gaps of implant-supported fixed complete arch frameworks made from titanium and polymethylmethacrylate and on the precision of scans. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A completely edentulous maxillary model with 4 implants and multiunit abutments at the first molar and canine sites was digitized by using a laboratory scanner. Implant-supported frameworks were milled from titanium and polymethylmethacrylate (n=5). Each framework was secured on the left molar site abutment. The marginal gaps between the frameworks and abutment sites without a screw were measured by using an industrial structured-light scanner and an industrial computed tomography scanner. The effect of the scanner, the framework material, and their interaction on measured gaps was analyzed by applying linear regressions and weighted least square methods. The F-statistics was used with Bonferroni corrections for precision analysis (α=.05). RESULTS: No significant effect of scanner, material, or their interaction was found on the marginal gaps at the canine sites. The titanium framework gaps detected by using the computed tomography scanner were greater than those detected by using the structured-light scanner at the right molar site (estimated difference in means=0.054 mm; P=.003) and overall (estimated difference in means=0.023 mm; P=.033). The structured-light scanner's precision was higher than that of the computed tomography scanner when titanium frameworks were scanned (P=.001). The computed tomography scanner's precision was higher when scanning polymethylmethacrylate frameworks than when scanning titanium frameworks (P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Framework material and industrial scanner interaction affected the measured gaps. The computed tomography scanner detected greater marginal gaps with low precision when scanning titanium frameworks than the structured-light scanner. The sample size, the use of only 2 types of materials, and a laboratory scanner to obtain the computer-aided design file should be considered when interpreting the results.

Facile Synthesis of Cyclic Polyamidine with High Cationic Degree Using Environmentally Benign Approach.

An environmentally benign approach was developed to fabricate cyclic polyamidine via polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) and subsequently amidinization in water. Synthetic parameters were evaluated using response surface methodology. In comparison with aqueous solution polymerization for the fabrication of PNVF-co-PAN, polymerization using SCCO2 is favorable to promote the yield and viscosity of PNVF-co-PAN and diminished reaction time on account of excellent solvation capacity and transport property of SCCO2. Replacing the traditional water solution with SCCO2 as a green solvent could heighten the purity of PNVF-co-PAN by virtue of the excellent extraction of SCCO2. The cationic degree (5.66 mmol/g) of polyamidine fabricated by environmentally benign approach was significantly higher than that in previous reported studies.

Anti-HBc-nonreactive occult hepatitis B infections with HBV genotypes B and C in vaccinated immunocompetent adults.

Absence of anti-HBc reactivity with detectable anti-HBs was observed in blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI). The prevalence and mechanisms underlying this uncommon condition were investigated over time in Chinese blood donors with OBI. Isolated anti-HBs OBI status was identified from 466,911 donors from Dalian, China, and monitored in follow-up (range: 2.6-84.3 months). HBV vaccination status was documented, and infecting viral strains were characterized. Of 451 confirmed OBIs (1:1035), 43 (9.5%; 1:10,858) had isolated anti-HBs as only serological marker. Isolated anti-HBs OBIs differed from anti-HBc-reactive OBIs by significantly younger age (median 24 years), higher HBV DNA (median: 20 IU/ml) and anti-HBs (median 60.5 IU/L) levels, paucity of mutations in HBV Core and S proteins, and high vaccination rate (72%). Vaccinated isolated anti-HBs OBIs (n = 31) differed from unvaccinated (n = 11) by significantly younger age (22 vs 38 years), higher anti-HBs level at index (48% vs 9% with anti-HBs >100 IU/L) and higher frequency of anti-HBs immune response (44% vs 20%). Of 15 vaccinated and 5 unvaccinated OBIs follow-up, 65% (8 vaccinated and 5 unvaccinated) became HBV DNA negative suggesting aborted recent infection, while 35% (7 vaccinated) had low persistent viraemia 2 to 65 months post index. In conclusion, isolated anti-HBs OBI in Chinese blood donors appears associated with young, vaccinated, adults exposed to HBV who predominantly develop low level aborted infection revealed by transient HBV DNA and immune anti-HBs response. However, a subset of individuals still experienced low but persistent viral replication whose clinical outcome remains uncertain.

Contrast weighted learning for robust optimal treatment rule estimation.

Personalized medicine aims to tailor medical decisions based on patient-specific characteristics. Advances in data capturing techniques such as electronic health records dramatically increase the availability of comprehensive patient profiles, promoting the rapid development of optimal treatment rule (OTR) estimation methods. An archetypal OTR estimation approach is the outcome weighted learning, where OTR is determined under a weighted classification framework with clinical outcomes as the weights. Although outcome weighted learning has been extensively studied and extended, existing methods are susceptible to irregularities of outcome distributions such as outliers and heavy tails. Methods that involve modeling of the outcome are also sensitive to model misspecification. We propose a contrast weighted learning (CWL) framework that exploits the flexibility and robustness of contrast functions to enable robust OTR estimation for a wide range of clinical outcomes. The novel value function in CWL only depends on the pairwise contrast of clinical outcomes between patients irrespective of their distributional features and supports. The Fisher consistency and convergence rate of the estimated decision rule via CWL are established. We illustrate the superiority of the proposed method under finite samples using comprehensive simulation studies with ill-distributed continuous outcomes and ordinal outcomes. We apply the CWL method to two datasets from clinical trials on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19 to demonstrate its real-world application.

Oxy-Anionic Doping: A New Strategy for Improving Selectivity of Ru/CeO2 with Synergetic Versatility and Thermal Stability for Catalytic Oxidation of Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds.

Understanding the formation and inhibition of more toxic polychlorinated byproducts from the catalytic oxidation elimination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (Cl-VOCs) and unveiling efficient strategies have been essential and challenging. Here, RuOx supported on CePO4-doped CeO2 nanosheets (Ru/Pi-CeO2) is designed for boosting catalytic oxidation for the removal of dichloromethane (DCM) as a representative Cl-VOC. The promoted acid strength/number and sintering resistance due to the doping of electron-rich and thermally stable CePO4 are observed along with the undescended redox ability and the exposed multi-active sites, which demonstrates a high activity and durability of DCM oxidation (4000 mg/m3 and 15,000 mL/g·h, stable complete-oxidation at 300 °C), exceptional versatility for different Cl-VOCs, alkanes, aromatics, N-containing VOCs, CO and their multicomponent VOCs, and enhanced thermal stability. The suppression of polychlorinated byproducts is determined over Ru/Pi-CeO2 and oxy-anionic S, V, Mo, Nb, or W doping CeO2, thus the oxy-anionic doping strategy is proposed based on the quenching of the electron-rich oxy-anions on chlorine radicals. Moreover, the simple mechanical mixing with these oxy-anionic salts is also workable even for other catalysts such as Co, Sn, Mn, and noble metal-based catalysts. This work offers further insights into the inhibition of polychlorinated byproducts and contributes to the convenient manufacture of monolithic catalysts with superior chlorine-poisoning resistance for the catalytic oxidation of Cl-VOCs.

Interdependent self-construal moderates the relationship between pro-generation investment and future orientation: A cross-cultural comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Cultural orientation and interdependent self-construal can moderate the relationship between perceived pro-generation investment and future orientation of young adults. To test how interdependent self-construal moderate the relationship between pro-generation investment and future orientation of young adults from two different cultural ecologies was the aim of the current study. METHODS: A cross-cultural comparison was conducted among study participants from China, Germany, and the United States. Interdependent self-construal, perceived pro-generation investment by parents (parental investment), and future orientation were measured. Cross-cultural data were collected from 205 college students in China, a collectivist culture, and 169 college students in Germany (n = 50) and the United States (n = 119), which are individualist cultures. We examined a three-way interaction with cultural orientation and interdependent self-construal as moderators in the relationship between perceived parental investment and future orientation. RESULTS: In the collectivist cultural context, there appeared no moderating effect of interdependent self-construal on the relationship between perceived parental investment and future orientation, although interdependent self-construal and perceived parental investment predicted future orientation. In the individualistic cultural context, there was a moderating effect. For individuals high in interdependent self-construal, future orientation remained stable as perceived parental investment increased. For individuals low in interdependent self-construal, future orientation decreased as perceived parental investment increased. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have practical implications in that parents should follow the cultural orientation of their background and provide their children with individualized investment and education to shape the future orientation of their offspring.

Effect of guide sleeve material, region, diameter, and number of times drills were used on the material loss from sleeves and drills used for surgical guides: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: How material loss from sleeves and drills is affected when different guide sleeve materials and different sizes of implant drills are used for different regions of surgical guides is unclear. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the amount of material loss from different guide sleeves (zirconia and cobalt-chromium) and drills of different diameters during osteotomy preparation in different regions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three tooth-supported surgical guides with sleeve holes positioned in the first premolar and second molar sites were prepared. Guide sleeves (Ø 2.20 mm, 3.40 mm, and 4.05 mm) were milled from zirconia (n=60) and cobalt-chromium (n=60) blocks. A total of 12 titanium nitride-coated stainless steel twisted drills (n=6 per sleeve material) of different diameters (Ø 2.00, 3.20, 3.85 mm) were used with corresponding sleeves during the drilling. The weight loss from the drills and the volume loss from the guide sleeves after drilling were analyzed by using multiple linear mixed effect models (α=.05). RESULTS: According to the 4-way ANOVA for volume loss from sleeves, no significant interaction was found among the 4 main effects (number of times a drill was used, region, diameter, and material), but interactions between the number of times a drill was used and diameter (P=.001) and between the number of times the drill was used and material were significant (P<.001). For weight loss from the drills, a significant interaction was detected between the number of times the drill was used and diameter (P=.024). CONCLUSIONS: Less sleeve material was lost when zirconia sleeves were used. All sleeves had more material loss in the molar region than in the premolar region. The diameter had varying effects on the amount of material loss from drills and sleeves. The sleeve material and the region did not affect the material loss from drills.

Fabrication and characterization of Pickering emulsions stabilized by desalted duck egg white nanogels and sodium alginate.

BACKGROUND: The waste of salted egg white resources has always been a serious problem in the food industry. In this current study, we report on a kind of Pickering emulsion system, which was stabilized by duck egg white nanogels (DEWNs) and sodium alginate (SA), followed by which this system was crosslinked by calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) via controlling the gluconolactone (GDL) concentrations, aiming to open up a promising route for making full use of these protein resources. RESULTS: The droplet size of the emulsion exhibited a reduction with an increase in SA concentrations, indicating that higher negative charges and steric hindrance was useful for a stable emulsion system. Meanwhile, the result of rheology measurement showed that storage modulus (G') values were higher than loss modulus (G″) values of the samples at higher GDL concentration, revealing the formation of elastic gel-like networks in the system, which was fabricated by SA and Ca2+ released by the CaCO3 particles. The gel-like network structure in the continuous phase improved both the freeze-thaw and thermal stability of the obtained Pickering emulsion system. Encouragingly, the Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs, φ = 0.75) stabilized by DEWN/SA3 -GDL3 were prepared, which could be stored at 4 °C for at least 30 days without oiling-off and creaming. CONCLUSION: These findings not only develop a green ultra-stable Pickering emulsion system but also extend the potential commercial applications of duck egg white proteins in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between Invisalign and conventional fixed appliance therapies in adult patients with severe deep overbite treated with nonextraction.

INTRODUCTION: The use of aligner therapy for orthodontic treatment has increased substantially in the past decade. However, no study has compared treatment outcomes between the conventional fixed appliance and Invisalign therapies in patients with a severe deep overbite. METHODS: This study included 50 consecutive adult patients who underwent treatment with either Invisalign (n = 25; mean age, 23.3 ± 8.5 years) or a conventional fixed appliance (n = 25; mean age, 23.1 ± 6.5 years) to correct overbite >5 mm and >60% deep overbite. Cephalometric analysis and peer assessment rating was used to compare the clinical outcome between groups. RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis showed significant differences in N-Me (P = 0.0005) and Mp-L6 (P = 0.0001) between Invisalign and fixed appliance treatment groups. No significant differences were observed in the peer assessment rating analysis or total treatment duration between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both Invisalign and conventional fixed appliances were effective in treating patients with a severe deep overbite. Invisalign therapy may be preferable over conventional fixed appliance therapy in patients with high angle and deep overbite. However, because this study had a retrospective design, the results should be viewed with caution.

Aesthetic crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery: Pre- and post-operative assessment of smile attractiveness.

AIM: To assess the effect of aesthetic crown lengthening (ACL) and lip repositioning surgery (LRS) on perception of smile attractiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and 6-month postoperative smile photographs of ACL- or LRS-treated patients were evaluated by 100 raters (five gender-balanced groups of ten per procedure) of diverse background (dental students, general dentists, periodontists and laypersons with and without any aesthetic concerns about their own smile). Smile attractiveness was rated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Multivariate mixed-effect models were applied to determine the effect of procedure, rater (age, gender and group) and case (gingival display and GD) on smile attractiveness rating. RESULTS: Average preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for ACL patients were 3.8 ± 2.0 and 6.2 ± 1.9, respectively. Corresponding LRS patient values were 4.8 ± 2.0 and 6.4 ± 1.9. Treatment, baseline GD and rater age were significant determinants (p < .001) of smile attractiveness for both procedures. Rater gender was not significant. Rater group was significant (p < .032) only for ACL. Procedure (p < .001), baseline VAS (p < .001), change in GD (p ≤ .002) and rater age (p ≤ .017) were significant determinants of smile attractiveness change from preoperative to postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: ACL and LRS are two periodontal plastic surgery procedures that deliver significant smile attractiveness improvements, in the eyes of both laypersons and dental professionals.

Lip repositioning surgery for gummy smile: 6-month clinical and radiographic lip dimensional changes.

OBJECTIVES: The present case series aimed to examine lip repositioning surgery (LRS) outcomes related to changes in external and internal upper lip (UL) dimensions, utilizing both conventional clinical and novel radiographic approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients (n = 13) diagnosed with hypermobile UL (>8-mm mobility during smile) and excessive gingival display (≥4-mm) were included and assessed at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. Clinical parameters at rest included total lip and internal lip length (vestibular depth). At maximum smile included total lip, philtrum (ergotrid), and vermilion lengths. Cephalometric parameters included anterior maxillary height; lip length; nasolabial angle; anteroposterior lip thickness; internal lip length (vestibular depth); and vestibular fornix position (using novel approach employing radiopaque marker). Linear mixed-effect models, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: LRS did not affect total UL length at rest (p = 0.418). It resulted in significant internal UL length decrease (-3.8 ± 2.1 mm, p < 0.001) and significant increases of vermilion length (1.9 ± 1.0 mm, p < 0.001) and anteroposterior lip thickness (0.7 ± 0.7 mm, p = 0.002). The clinical and radiographic measurements of total UL length at rest (r ≥ 0.734) and of internal UL length (r ≥ 0.737), and the two radiographic assessments of vestibular depth (r = 0.842), were strongly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: LRS resulted in significant decrease of vestibular depth/internal UL length and in significant increases of UL vertical vermilion length and UL anteroposterior thickness, without affecting total UL length at rest. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The documented lip dimensional outcomes should help practitioners when treatment-planning LRS and counseling patients seeking treatment for hypermobile UL.

Reversal of Multidrug Resistance by Apolipoprotein A1-Modified Doxorubicin Liposome for Breast Cancer Treatment.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a major problem in cancer therapy and is characterized by the overexpression of p-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump, upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins or downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. In this study, an Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)-modified cationic liposome containing a synthetic cationic lipid and cholesterol was developed for the delivery of a small-molecule chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin (Dox) to treat MDR tumor. The liposome-modified by ApoA1 was found to promote drug uptake and elicit better therapeutic effects than free Dox and liposome in MCF-7/ADR cells. Further, loading Dox into the present ApoA1-liposome systems enabled a burst release at the tumor location, resulting in enhanced anti-tumor effects and reduced off-target effects. More importantly, ApoA1-lip/Dox caused fewer adverse effects on cardiac function and other organs in 4T1 subcutaneous xenograft models. These features indicate that the designed liposomes represent a promising strategy for the reversal of MDR in cancer treatment.

Comparison of 2 Invisalign tray generations using the Peer Assessment Rating index.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to establish if there is a significant difference in effectiveness between 2 generations of Invisalign trays in terms of Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) score reduction for finished patients from a graduate orthodontic clinic. METHODS: Forty-five pretreatment and posttreatment patients treated with the previous Invisalign material and 49 pretreatment and posttreatment patients treated with SmartTrack material were scored using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. Both groups were controlled for initial weighted PAR score, age, gender, and treatment time. The 2 generations were compared in regard to absolute reduction, percent reduction, and great improvement in PAR score. RESULTS: The mean absolute reduction in weighted PAR score between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.526). The mean percent reduction in weighted PAR score between the groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.210). The proportion of great improvement between the groups was not significant (P = 0.526). Only 6 of the 8 components of occlusion had enough variation to be modeled. An absolute reduction in unweighted PAR score was not significantly different between the groups for maxillary anterior alignment, overjet, or mandibular anterior alignment (P = 0.996, 1.000, and 0.114, respectively). Percent reduction in unweighted PAR score was not significantly different between the 2 groups for an anteroposterior, overbite, or transverse (P = 1.000, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively) relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that both generations of Invisalign aligners improved the malocclusion to a similar degree according to the PAR index. Patient-centric benefits of SmartTrack aligner should also be considered by the provider.

Pelagovum pacificum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Rhodobacteraceae isolated from surface seawater of the Mariana Trench.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, ovoid-rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain SM1903T, was isolated from surface seawater of the Mariana Trench. The strain grew at 15-37 °C (optimum, 35 °C) and with 1-15 % (optimum, 4 %) NaCl. It hydrolysed aesculin but did not reduce nitrate to nitrite and hydrolyse Tween 80. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SM1903T formed a separate lineage within the family Rhodobacteraceae, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with type strains of Pseudooceanicola antarcticus (95.7 %) and Roseisalinus antarcticus (95.7 %). In phylogenetic trees based on single-copy OCs and whole proteins sequences, strain SM1903T fell within a sub-cluster encompassed by Oceanicola granulosus, Roseisalinus antarcticus and Histidinibacterium lentulum and formed a branch adjacent to Oceanicola granulosus. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and 11-methyl-C18 : 1 ω7c. The polar lipids mainly comprised phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified lipid, one unidentified aminolipid, and one unidentified glycolipid. The solo respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SM1903T was 66.0 mol%. Based on the results of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and phylogenetic characterization for strain SM1903T, it is considered to represent a novel species of a novel genus in the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Pelagovum pacificum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SM1903T (=MCCC 1K03608T=KCTC 72046T).