The philosophy of collective memory in the novel "The Buried Giant" by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Memory is a major theme running through Kazuo Ishiguro's works, one of which is The Buried Giant. This study aims to analyze the concept of collective memory in Kazuo Ishiguro's novel The Buried Giant through hermeneutic interpretation and sociological analysis. The results show that this novel links collective memory with individual experience and generational identity whilst making aging a central element in the exploration of time and history. In the novel, collective memory is seen through the prism of aging. The aging characters serve as a metonymy to convey the image of memory. They find themselves in circumstances broadcasting a horrific story of decline and marginalization of the nation because they cannot access the past and move into the future. They revisit the story of their lives, but even though they can recount their losses, they do not seem to be critical of their past choices or their responsibilities in the global conflicts they lived through. In The Buried Giant, the aging characters are the ones who come to terms with their individual and collective histories to face their remaining years. This is not an idealized vision of wisdom; rather, it is an acceptance of complicity and guilt. The results can be applied in literary, sociological, and historical studies concerning the collective memory of different historical periods. They are of practical value as they contribute to the study of collective memory in literary theory. Research on collective memory in literature sheds light on the ways historical events and shared experiences impact human behavior, beliefs, and decision-making processes.

Efficacy of a four-curvature auxiliary arch at preventing maxillary central incisor linguoclination during orthodontic treatment: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Correct torque of the incisors is beneficial in the assessment of the effects of orthodontic treatment. However, evaluating this process effectively remains a challenge. Improper anterior teeth torque angle can cause bone fenestrations and exposure of the root surface. METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary incisor torque controlled by a homemade four-curvature auxiliary arch was established. The four-curvature auxiliary arch placed on the maxillary incisors was divided into four different state groups, among which 2 groups had tooth extraction space retracted traction force set to 1.15 N. Initial displacements and pressure stresses of the periodontal tissue in the maxillary incisors and molars were calculated after torque forces (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 N) were applied to the teeth at different stable states. RESULTS: The effect of using the four-curvature auxiliary arch on the incisors was significant but did not affect the position of the molars. Given the absence of tooth extraction space, when the four-curvature auxiliary arch was used in conjunction with absolute anchorage, the recommended force value was < 1.5 N. In the other 3 groups (i.e., molar ligation, molar retraction, and microimplant retraction groups), the recommended force value was < 1 N. The application of a four-curvature auxiliary arch did not influence the molar periodontal and displacement. CONCLUSION: A four-curvature auxiliary arch may treat severely upright anterior teeth and correct cortical fenestrations of the bone and root surface exposure.

Additively Manufactured Lattice-like Subperiosteal Implants for Rehabilitation of the Severely Atrophic Ridge.

Subperiosteal implants represent an alternative implant approach for cases with severe bone atrophy. Although some successful clinical cases have been reported, the biomechanical stability of subperiosteal implants remains unclear, and more data are needed to confirm the feasibility of this approach. Therefore, this study investigated the biomechanical characteristics of subperiosteal implants based on histological observation, clinical cases, and finite element analysis. Finite element analysis indicated that subperiosteal implants with a lattice-like structure could better disperse the stress to the underlying bone surface. A novel customized subperiosteal implant was then digitally designed and fabricated using an additive manufacturing technology. Six beagle dogs received such customized subperiosteal implants. Histological and microcomputed tomography examination showed new bone growth into and around the implant. Patient-specific subperiosteal implants were placed into the edentulous mandibular bone, with immediate loading. The implant was functional, without pain or infection, over a 12 month observation period. Images taken 12 months post-operatively showed new bone formation and osseointegration of the device. This indicated that 3D-printed lattice-like subperiosteal implants have sufficient stability for the rehabilitation of severely atrophic ridges.

Circular RNA ATAD1 is upregulated in acute myeloid leukemia and promotes cancer cell proliferation by downregulating miR-34b via promoter methylation.

A previous study has reported the oncogenic role of circular RNA (circ)-ATAD1 in gastric cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of circ-ATAD1 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Bone marrow mononuclear cells were collected from 60 patients with AML and 60 healthy controls, followed by RNA isolation and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR to assess the expression of circ-ATAD1 and microRNA (miR)-34b. A subcellular fractionation assay was used to determine the subcellular location of circ-ATAD1 in AML cells. Furthermore, circ-ATAD1 and miR-34b were overexpressed in AML cells to study crosstalk between the two molecules. The effect of circ-ATAD1 overexpression on miR-34b gene methylation was also analyzed by methylation-specific PCR, and the roles of circ-ATAD1 and miR-34b in the regulation of AML cell proliferation were analyzed by BrdU assay. circ-ATAD1 expression was found to be elevated, and inversely correlated with that of miR-34b, in patients with AML. Subcellular fractionation assays showed that circ-ATAD1 was specifically expressed in the nucleus. In addition, circ-ATAD1 overexpression in AML cells decreased miR-34b expression and increased miR-34b gene methylation. Moreover, AML cell proliferation was increased by circ-ATAD1 overexpression, but decreased by miR-34b overexpression, and the effect of circ-ATAD1 overexpression on AML cell proliferation was reduced by miR-34b overexpression. Together, these results indicate circ-ATAD1 as a nucleus-specific circRNA in AML, which promotes AML cell proliferation by downregulating miR-34b via methylation.

Mechanical Characterization of 3D-Printed Individualized Ti-Mesh (Membrane) for Alveolar Bone Defects.

Individualized titanium mesh holds many advantages over conventional mesh. There are few reports in the literature about the effect of mesh pore size and mesh thickness on the mechanical properties of titanium mesh. This study is designed to develop an individualized titanium mesh using computer-assisted design and additive manufacturing technology. This study will also explore the effect of different thicknesses and pore sizes of titanium mesh on its mechanical properties through 3D FEA. According to this study, the mechanical properties of titanium mesh increased when the thickness decreased (0.5 mm to 0.3 mm). With an increase in mesh diameter (3 mm to 5 mm), the mechanical properties of mesh decreased. The diameter of titanium mesh has less influence on its mechanical properties than does the thickness of the mesh. Titanium mesh with a thickness of 0.4 mm is strong enough and causes less stimulation to mucosa; therefore, it is more suitable for clinical use. In addition, parameters of titanium mesh should be decided clinically according to bone defect size, defect location, and force situation.

3D reconstruction images of cone beam computed tomography applied to maxillofacial fractures: A case study and mini review.

Maxillofacial injuries can be complex and are clinically important due to their functional and cosmetic significance. Maltreated and missed fractures might cause deformity of the face; thus, accurate evaluation of the fracture provided by X-ray images is critical. In this study, we explore the application of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for diagnosis of severe maxillofacial traumas. A patient with a complex fracture that affects the maxilla, mandible, wall of the maxillary sinus, zygoma, zygomatic arch and nasal bone was diagnosed using 3D reconstruction of CBCT images. This diagnostic approach provides detailed information obtained by static images and a systematic model with unique advantages for the following pre-surgical evaluation, surgical treatment and prognostic assessment of complex maxillofacial fractures.

Repetitive extragenic palindromic DNA sequences from Brucella melitensis stimulate Toll-like receptor 9 signaling in macrophages.

Brucella DNA activates the host innate immune system via the intracellular Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9). However, the Brucella DNA sequences which are responsible for these immunostimulatory effects remain to be elucidated. The present study demonstrated that repetitive extragenic palindromic (REPs) sequences present in Brucella DNA were able to stimulate macrophages through TLR9. The induction of interferon-α (IFN-α) production by Brucella REPs was detected in cultured RAW264.7 mouse macrophages as well as in Wistar rats. Knockdown of TLR9 expression by siRNA in macrophages led to a reduction in IFN-α production following REPs stimulation. In addition, it was confirmed that the activating capacity of Brucella REPs is CpG dependent. Induction of IFN-α by Brucella REPs was completely abrogated when REP sequences were transformed into non-CpG sequences or by C-methylated modifications. Furthermore, it was observed that REPs-initiated TLR9/NF-κB and TLR9/MAPK signaling pathways contributed to the production of IFN-α. The identification of Brucella REPs as natural TLR9 agonists may be useful for the development of novel therapeutic applications.

[The effects of repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences from Brucella melitensis DNA on the toll-like receptor 9-mediated interferon-α production].

OBJECTIVE: To screen the repetitive extragenic palindromic sequences with activation of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) activity from Brucella melitensis DNA, providing new ideas and new targets for prevention and treatment of brucellosis. METHODS: Bioinformatics methods were used to detect repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) sequences from Brucella melitensis DNA. The studied REPs were selected and synthesized. RAW264.7 was cultured and transfected with REPs mediated by lipofectamine 3000. Additionally, TLR9-siRNA was used to downregulate TLR9 expression. The content of interferon-α (IFN-α) in the supernatant was then measured by ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 2 200 REP sequences in Brucella melitensis DNA were identified. Twelve REP sequences were synthesized for further detecting of the TLR9 agonistic activity. IFN-α expression in RAW264.7 treated with M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M9, M12 were (26.944 ± 1.868), (46.461 ± 2.562), (34.980 ± 2.055), (43.016 ± 2.162), (62.533 ± 4.031), (67.125 ± 5.069), (18.908 ± 1.633), (39.572 ± 2.465) pg/ml respectively, which significantly increased when compared with the negative control group [(12.594 ± 1.338) pg/ml, t=10.817, 20.295, 15.812, 20.724, 20.365, 18.016, 5.180, 16.660, all P<0.05]. Additionally, TLR9-siRNA can significantly decrease the levels of IFN-α in RAW264.7 treated with M6. CONCLUSION: REP sequences presented in Brucella melitensis DNA are able to induce IFN-α expression through TLR9, which can be helpful for the understanding of pathogenesis and immunity of Brucella melitensis.

Polymerase chain reaction-based assays for the diagnosis of human brucellosis.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is an in vitro technique for the nucleic acid amplification, which is commonly used to diagnose infectious diseases. The use of PCR for pathogens detection, genotyping and quantification has some advantages, such as high sensitivity, high specificity, reproducibility and technical ease. Brucellosis is a common zoonosis caused by Brucella spp., which still remains as a major health problem in many developing countries around the world. The direct culture and immunohistochemistry can be used for detecting infection with Brucella spp. However, PCR has the potential to address limitations of these methods. PCR are now one of the most useful assays for the diagnosis in human brucellosis. The aim of this review was to summarize the main PCR techniques and their applications for diagnosis and follow-up of patients with brucellosis. Moreover, advantages or limitation of the different PCR methods as well as the evaluation of PCR results for treatment and follow-up of human brucellosis were also discussed.