Quercetin through miR-147-5p/Clip3 axis reducing Th17 cell differentiation to alleviate periodontitis.

Background: Quercetin (QU) plays an important role in treating periodontitis; however, the mechanism through which microRNAs regulate Th17 cell differentiation has not been determined. Methods: QU was administered intragastrically to periodontitis rats once a day for one month. The morphology of alveolar bone was observed by micro-CT, gingival tissue structure was observed by HE staining, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, RORγt, FOXP3 and IL-10 were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and Th17 and Treg cells in the peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. CD4+T cells were induced to differentiate into Th17 cells in vitro. Cell viability was determined by CCK8, and IL-17A and RORγt were detected by qPCR. Th17 cells were detected by flow cytometry, microRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen key microRNAs, the phenotypic changes of Th17 cells were observed after overexpressed microRNAs via mimics. TargetScan database, in situ hybridization, and dual-luciferase reporter experiment were used to predict and prove target genes of microRNAs. The phenotype of Th17 cells was observed after overexpression of microRNA and target gene. Results: Compared with periodontitis group, the distance from cementoenamel junction(CEJ) to alveolar bone(AB) was decreased, the structure of gingival papilla was improved, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17, and RORγt were downregulated, FOXP3 and IL-10 were upregulated, the proportion of Th17 decreased and Treg increased in peripheral blood after QU treatment. Compared with Th17 cell group, mRNA levels of IL-17A and RORγt were decreased, and proportion of Th17 cells was significantly lower in the coculture group. MiR-147-5p was low in control group, upregulated in Th17 cell group, and downregulated after QU intervention, it's eight bases were inversely related to 3'UTR of Clip3, miR-147-5p with Clip3 were co-located in cells of periodontal tissue. Compared with those in Th17-mimicsNC + QU cells, the mRNA levels of RORγt and IL-17A upregulated, and proportion of Th17 cells increased in Th17-miR-147-5p + QU cells. The miR-147-5p mimics inhibited the luciferase activity of the WT Clip3 3'UTR but had no effect on the Mut Clip3 3'UTR. Clip3 was significantly downregulated after the overexpression of miR-147-5p. Mimics transfected with miR-147-5p reversed the decrease in the proportion of Th17 cells induced by QU, while the overexpression of Clip3 antagonized the effect of miR-147-5p and further reduced the proportion of Th17 cells. Moreover, the overexpression of miR-147-5p reversed the decreases in the mRNA levels of IL-17 and RORγt induced by QU treatment, while pcDNA3.1 Clip3 treatment further decreased the mRNA levels of IL-17 and RORγt. Conclusion: QU reducing inflammatory response and promoting alveolar bone injury and repair, which closely relative to inhibit the differentiation of CD4+T cells into Th17 cells by downregulating miR-147-5p to promote the activation of Clip3.

Radiologic and Clinical Outcomes of the Dovetailed Notch Scarf Osteotomy for Correcting the First Metatarsal Pronation in Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus Deformity: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: The traditional scarf osteotomy (TSO) has limited ability to correct the first metatarsal pronation. A novel modification that we refer to as a "dovetailed notch scarf osteotomy" (DNSO) has been developed to enhance the ability to correct coronal plane pronation. The study aimed to observe and compare TSO to DNSO in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: This retrospective study included 78 feet that had a TSO and 105 feet that had a DNSO. Minimum follow-up was 24 months. Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) and weightbearing anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs were taken preoperatively and at the last follow-up. We measured the intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle, distal metatarsal articular surface angle on AP radiographs and first metatarsal coronal pronation angle (α angle), tibial sesamoid coronal grading, and first metatarsal length on WBCT. Clinical assessment was done using visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The occurrence of postoperative complications was also documented. RESULTS: The DNSO group exhibited a significantly higher correction amount of α angle and IMA (14.3 ± 9.9 and 10.3 ± 4.6 degrees) than the TSO group (8.6 ± 5.9 and 5.4 ± 5.9 degrees) during the final follow-up assessment (P < .05).The DNSO group (10.1 [8.0-12.0] degrees and 4.8 [3.9-5.6] degrees) demonstrated significantly smaller α angle and IMA compared with the TSO group (4.8 [3.9-5.6] degrees and 9.5 [7.5-11.5] degrees) at 24 months postsurgery (P < .05). The postoperative FAAM activities of daily living and SF-36 physical functioning scores were significantly higher in the DNSO group (97.2 ± 3.3 and 95.7 ± 4.4 points) compared with the TSO group (92.3 ± 3.3 and 87.7 ± 8.7 points) (P < .05). Additionally, hallux varus occurred in 1 case in the DNSO group, whereas 4 cases were observed in the TSO group. CONCLUSION: Two osteotomy methods can effectively correct moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. Compared with the TSO, the DNSO has stronger correction ability. The most crucial aspect lies in its controllability when correcting first metatarsal pronation and addressing IMA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Integrated characterization of filler tobacco leaves: HS-SPME-GC-MS, E-nose, and microbiome analysis across different origins.

This study delves into the aroma characteristics and microbial composition of filler tobacco leaves (FTLs) sourced from six distinct cigar-growing regions within Yunnan, China, following standardized fermentation. An integrated approach using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), electronic nose (E-nose), and microbiome analysis was employed for comprehensive profiling. Results derived from Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) using E-nose data confirmed the presence of notable variability in flavor substance profiles among the FTLs from six regions. Additionally, GC-MS was used to discern disparities in volatile organic compound (VOC) distribution across FTLs from these regions, identifying 92, 81, 79, 58, 69, and 92 VOCs within each respective sample set. Significantly, 24 VOCs emerged as pivotal determinants contributing to the heterogeneity of flavor profiles among FTLs from diverse origins, as indicated by Variable Importance for the Projection (VIP) analysis. Furthermore, distinctions in free amino acid content and chemical constituents were observed across FTLs. Of noteworthy significance, solanone, isophorone, durene, (-)-alpha-terpineol, and 2,3'-bipyridine exhibited the strongest correlations with microbiome data, with fungal microorganisms exerting a more pronounced influence on metabolites, as elucidated through two-way orthogonal partial least-squares (O2PLS) modeling. These findings provide a theoretical and technical basis for accurately evaluating the synchronization of FTLs in aromas and fermentation processes, and they will enhance the quality of fermented FTLs and foster the growth of the domestic cigar tobacco industry ultimately.

Deciphering thyroid function and CIMT: a Mendelian randomization study of the U-shaped influence mediated by apolipoproteins.

Background: Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a key marker for atherosclerosis, with its modulation being crucial for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. While thyroid function's impact on cardiovascular health is recognized, the causal relationship and underlying mechanisms influencing CIMT remain to be elucidated. Methods: In this study, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was employed to assess the causal relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. Thyroid hormone data were sourced from the Thyroidomics Consortium, while lipid traits and CIMT measurements were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analysis method was a two-sample MR using multiplicative random effects inverse variance weighting (IVW-MRE). Additionally, the study explored the influence of thyroid hormones on lipid profiles and assessed their potential mediating role in the thyroid function-CIMT relationship through multivariate MR analysis. Results: The study revealed that lower levels of Free Thyroxine (FT4) within the normal range are significantly associated with increased CIMT. This association was not observed with free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), or TPOAb. Additionally, mediation analysis suggested that apolipoprotein A-I and B are involved in the relationship between thyroid function and CIMT. The findings indicate a potential U-shaped curve relationship between FT4 levels and CIMT, with thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients showing benefits in reducing CIMT. Conclusion: This research establishes a causal link between thyroid function and CIMT using MR methods, underscoring the importance of monitoring thyroid function for early cardiovascular risk assessment. The results advocate for the consideration of thyroid hormone supplementation in hypothyroid patients as a strategy to mitigate the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. These insights pave the way for more targeted approaches in managing patients with thyroid dysfunction to prevent cardiovascular complications.

Camellia sinensis polysaccharide attenuates inflammatory responses via the ROS-mediated pathway by endocytosis.

Polysaccharide CSTPs extracted from Camellia sinensis tea-leaves possessed unique against oxidative damage by scavenging ROS. Herein, acid tea polysaccharide CSTPs-2 with tightly packed molecular structure was isolated, purified and characterized in this research. Furthermore, the effects of CSTPs-2 on ROS-involved inflammatory responses and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results suggest that CSTPs-2 dramatically reduced the inflammatory cytokines overexpression and LPS-stimulated cell damage. CSTPs-2 could trigger the dephosphorylation of downstream AKT/MAPK/NF-κB signaling proteins and inhibit nuclear transfer of p-NF-κB to regulate the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated cells by ROS scavenging. Importantly, the impact of CSTPs-2 in downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigating ROS overproduction is associated with clathrin- or caveolae-mediated endocytosis uptake mechanisms, rather than TLR-4 receptor-mediated endocytosis. This study presents a novel perspective for investigating the cellular uptake mechanism of polysaccharides in the context of anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Self-reinforced MOF-based Nanogel Alleviates Osteoarthritis by Long-acting Drug Release.

Intra-articular injection of drugs is an effective strategy for osteoarthritis (OA) treatment. However, the complex microenvironment and limited joint space result in rapid clearance of drugs. Herein, a nanogel-based strategy was proposed for prolonged drug delivery and microenvironment remodeling. Nanogel was constructed through functionalization of hyaluronic acid (HA) by amide reaction on the surface of Kartogenin (KGN)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (denoted as KZIF@HA). Leveraging the inherent hydrophilicity of HA, KZIF@HA spontaneously forms nanogels, ensuring extended drug release in the OA microenvironment. KZIF@HA exhibits sustained drug release over one month, with low leakage risk from the joint cavity compared to KZIF, enhanced cartilage penetration, and reparative effects on chondrocytes. Notably, KGN released from KZIF@HA serves to promote extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion for hyaline cartilage regeneration. Zn2+ release reverses OA progression by promoting M2 macrophage polarization to establish an anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Ultimately, KZIF@HA facilitates cartilage regeneration and OA alleviation within three months. Transcriptome sequencing validates that KZIF@HA stimulates the polarization of M2 macrophages and secretes IL-10 to inhibit the JNK and ERK pathways, promoting chondrocytes recovery and enhancing ECM remodeling. This pioneering nanogel system offers new therapeutic opportunities for sustained drug release, presenting a significant stride in OA treatment strategies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Protocol for embedded 3D printing of heart tissues using thiol-norbornene collagen.

Here, we present a protocol for 3D printing heart tissues using thiol-norbornene photoclick collagen (NorCol). We describe steps for synthesizing NorCol, preparing bioink and the support bath, and cell-laden printing. We then detail procedures for the loading of C2C12 cells into NorCol, ensuring structural integrity and cell viability after printing. This protocol is adaptable to various cell lines and allows for the printing of diverse complex structures, which can be used in drug screening and disease modeling.

From genomic insights to clinical hope: Targeting NEU1 in IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), the primary form of glomerulonephritis, presents significant clinical challenges due to its obscure pathogenesis and lack of targeted treatments. We conducted a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) study to identify therapeutic targets for IgAN. METHODS: Utilizing a plasma proteome dataset comprising 4907 blood plasma proteins as the exposure variable, and renal biopsy-confirmed IgAN cases as the outcome, this study employed MR to pinpoint proteins potentially pathogenic to IgAN. The robustness of our findings was affirmed through external dataset validation, reverse causation testing, and Bayesian colocalization analysis. Additionally, we conducted phenotypic scanning and analyzed downstream metabolites to investigate candidate proteins's biological function. RESULTS: In our study, a significant association was identified between an increase in neuraminidase 1 (NEU1) expression and the risk of IgAN. Specifically, a one standard deviation increase in NEU1 expression was associated with an odds ratio of 11.80 for the development of IgAN (95% confidence interval: 4.03-34.54). This association was substantiated across various statistical models and external validations. Colocalization analysis indicated a shared causal variant between NEU1 expression and IgAN. Furthermore, an increased influenza risk associated with NEU1 was observed, supporting the therapeutic potential of NEU1 inhibitors for IgAN. However, our study found no significant role for neuraminic acid-related metabolites in IgAN's development, suggesting an independent pathway for NEU1's influence. CONCLUSION: This study identifies NEU1 as a promising therapeutic target for IgAN, backed by robust genetic evidence. Future research should explore NEU1's therapeutic potential in diverse populations and clinical scenarios, further establishing its role in IgAN.

In Situ Remodeling of Efferocytosis via Lesion-Localized Microspheres to Reverse Cartilage Senescence.

Efferocytosis, an intrinsic regulatory mechanism to eliminate apoptotic cells, will be suppressed due to the delayed apoptosis process in aging-related diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, cartilage lesion-localized hydrogel microspheres are developed to remodel the in situ efferocytosis to reverse cartilage senescence and recruit endogenous stem cells to accelerate cartilage repair. Specifically, aldehyde- and methacrylic anhydride (MA)-modified hyaluronic acid hydrogel microspheres (AHM), loaded with pro-apoptotic liposomes (liposomes encapsulating ABT263, A-Lipo) and PDGF-BB, namely A-Lipo/PAHM, are prepared by microfluidic and photo-cross-linking techniques. By a degraded porcine cartilage explant OA model, the in situ cartilage lesion location experiment illustrated that aldehyde-functionalized microspheres promote affinity for degraded cartilage. In vitro data showed that A-Lipo induced apoptosis of senescent chondrocytes (Sn-chondrocytes), which can then be phagocytosed by the efferocytosis of macrophages, and remodeling efferocytosis facilitated the protection of normal chondrocytes and maintained the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs. In vivo experiments confirmed that hydrogel microspheres localized to cartilage lesion reversed cartilage senescence and promoted cartilage repair in OA. It is believed this in situ efferocytosis remodeling strategy can be of great significance for tissue regeneration in aging-related diseases.

Application of enhanced recovery after surgery in perioperative nursing care of elderly patients with hip and knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To collect data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery on postoperative recovery of elderly patients who underwent hip or knee arthroplasty. METHODS: The search was limited to studies published prior to January 1, 2023, in the electronic databases of Cochrane, Embase, Ovid Medline, Proquest, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Chinese databases, including China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) and SinoMed. All relevant data were collected from the studies that met the inclusion criteria. The outcome variables were recovery of joint function and incidence of complications. STATA software (version 14.0) was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 44 published studies met the inclusion criteria. The cumulative data included 2203 cases receiving enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), and 2173 cases receiving traditional recovery after surgery (non-ERAS). The meta-analysis showed that the VAS score was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the non-ERAS group (P < .01), and there were fewer incidences of complications in the ERAS group than in the control group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: ERAS significantly reduced pain and the incidence of complications in elderly patients who had undergone joint replacement surgery.

Characterization of a pangolin SARS-CoV-2-related virus isolate that uses the human ACE2 receptor.

Various SARS-CoV-2-related coronaviruses have been increasingly identified in pangolins, showing a potential threat to humans. Here we report the infectivity and pathogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2-related virus, PCoV-GX/P2V, which was isolated from a Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica). PCoV-GX/P2V could grow in human hepatoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, and human primary nasal epithelial cells. It replicated more efficiently in cells expressing human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) as SARS-CoV-2 did. After intranasal inoculation to the hACE2-transgenic mice, PCoV-GX/P2V not only replicated in nasal turbinate and lungs, but also caused interstitial pneumonia, characterized by infiltration of mixed inflammatory cells and multifocal alveolar hemorrhage. Existing population immunity established by SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination may not protect people from PCoV-GX/P2V infection. These findings further verify the hACE2 utility of PCoV-GX/P2V by in vivo experiments using authentic viruses and highlight the importance for intensive surveillance to prevent possible cross-species transmission.

Isolation and characterization of a pangolin-borne HKU4-related coronavirus that potentially infects human-DPP4-transgenic mice.

We recently detected a HKU4-related coronavirus in subgenus Merbecovirus (named pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251T) from a Malayan pangolin1. Here we report isolation and characterization of pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251T, the genome sequence of which is closest to that of a coronavirus from the greater bamboo bat (Tylonycteris robustula) in Yunnan Province, China, with a 94.3% nucleotide identity. Pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251T is able to infect human cell lines, and replicates more efficiently in cells that express human-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 (hDPP4)-expressing and pangolin-DPP4-expressing cells than in bat-DPP4-expressing cells. After intranasal inoculation with pangolin-CoV-HKU4-P251, hDPP4-transgenic female mice are likely infected, showing persistent viral RNA copy numbers in the lungs. Progressive interstitial pneumonia developed in the infected mice, characterized by the accumulation of macrophages, and increase of antiviral cytokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in lung tissues. These findings suggest that the pangolin-borne HKU4-related coronavirus has a potential for emerging as a human pathogen by using hDPP4.

Analyzing microbial community and volatile compound profiles in the fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves.

Variations in industrial fermentation techniques have a significant impact on the fermentation of cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs), consequently influencing the aromatic attributes of the resulting cigars. The entire fermentation process of CTLs can be categorized into three distinct phases: phase 1 (CTLs prior to moisture regain), phase 2 (CTLs post-moisture regain and pile fermentation), and phase 3 (CTLs after fermentation and drying). These phases were determined based on the dynamic changes in microbial community diversity. During phase 2, there was a rapid increase in moisture and total acid content, which facilitated the proliferation of Aerococcus, a bacterial genus capable of utilizing reducing sugars, malic acid, and citric acid present in tobacco leaves. In contrast, fungal microorganisms exhibited a relatively stable response to changes in moisture and total acid, with Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Cladosporium being the dominant fungal groups throughout the fermentation stages. Bacterial genera were found to be more closely associated with variations in volatile compounds during fermentation compared to fungal microorganisms. This association ultimately resulted in higher levels of aroma components in CTLs, thereby improving the overall quality of the cigars. These findings reinforce the significance of industrial fermentation in shaping CTL quality and provide valuable insights for future efforts in the artificial regulation of secondary fermentation in CTLs. KEY POINTS: • Industrial fermentation processes impact CTLs microbial communities. • Moisture and total acid content influence microbial community succession in fermentation. • Bacterial microorganisms strongly influence CTLs' aldehyde and ketone flavors over fungi.

Correlation study on microbial communities and volatile flavor compounds in cigar tobacco leaves of diverse origins.

To elucidate the significant influence of microorganisms on geographically dependent flavor formation by analyzing microbial communities and volatile flavor compounds (VFCs) in cigar tobacco leaves (CTLs) obtained from China, Dominica, and Indonesia. Microbiome analysis revealed that the predominant bacteria in CTLs were Staphylococcus, Aerococcus, Pseudomonas, and Lactobacillus, while the predominant fungi were Aspergillus, Wallemia, and Sampaiozyma. The microbial communities of CTLs from different origins differed to some extent, and the diversity and abundance of bacteria were greater than fungi. Metabolomic analysis revealed that 64 VFCs were identified, mainly ketones, of which 23 VFCs could be utilized to identify the geographical origins of CTLs. Sixteen VFCs with OAV greater than 1, including cedrol, phenylacetaldehyde, damascone, beta-damascone, and beta-ionone, play important roles in shaping the flavor profile of CTLs from different origins. Combined with the correlation analysis, bacterial microorganisms were more closely related to key VFCs and favored a positive correlation. Bacillus, Vibrio, and Sphingomonas were the main flavor-related bacteria. The study demonstrated that the predominant microorganisms were essential for the formation of key flavor qualities in CTLs, which provided a theoretical reference for flavor control of CTLs by microbial technology. KEY POINTS: • It is the high OAV VFCs that determine the flavor profile of CTLs. • The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway and the carotenoid synthesis pathway are key metabolic pathways for the formation of VFCs in CTLs. • Microbial interactions influence tobacco flavor, with bacterial microorganisms contributing more to the flavor formation of CTLs.

Virome diversity shaped by genetic evolution and ecological landscape of Haemaphysalis longicornis.

BACKGROUND: Haemaphysalis longicornis is drawing attentions for its geographic invasion, extending population, and emerging disease threat. However, there are still substantial gaps in our knowledge of viral composition in relation to genetic diversity of H. longicornis and ecological factors, which are important for us to understand interactions between virus and vector, as well as between vector and ecological elements. RESULTS: We conducted the meta-transcriptomic sequencing of 136 pools of H. longicornis and identified 508 RNA viruses of 48 viral species, 22 of which have never been reported. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrion sequences divided the ticks into two genetic clades, each of which was geographically clustered and significantly associated with ecological factors, including altitude, precipitation, and normalized difference vegetation index. The two clades showed significant difference in virome diversity and shared about one fifth number of viral species that might have evolved to "generalists." Notably, Bandavirus dabieense, the pathogen of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome was only detected in ticks of clade 1, and half number of clade 2-specific viruses were aquatic-animal-associated. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight that the virome diversity is shaped by internal genetic evolution and external ecological landscape of H. longicornis and provide the new foundation for promoting the studies on virus-vector-ecology interaction and eventually for evaluating the risk of H. longicornis for transmitting the viruses to humans and animals. Video Abstract.

The complete mitogenome of Argas vulgaris (Filippova, 1961) and its phylogenetic status in subgenus Argas (Acari: Argasidae).

Soft ticks (Ixodida: Argasidae) are ectoparasites of terrestrial vertebrates with worldwide distributions. As one representative group of Argasidae, the genus Argas has an important vectorial role in transmitting zoonotic diseases. However, our knowledge of the subgenus Argas in China is still limited, as most literature only lists occurrence records or describes specific case reports without providing detailed morphological characteristics and further molecular data. This study aims to characterize Argas vulgaris through complete mitochondrial sequencing and morphological diagnostic techniques based on a batch of adult specimens collected from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regions (NXHAR), North China. The morphology and microstructures of Ar. vulgaris and other lectotypes of argasid ticks in the subgenus Argas were also observed using a stereomicroscope. Following DNA extraction and sequencing, a complete mitochondrial sequence of Ar. vulgaris was assembled and analyzed within a phylogenetic context. The 14,479 bp mitogenome of Ar. vulgaris consists of 37 genes, including 13 genes for protein coding, two for ribosomal RNA, 22 for transfer RNA, and one for control region (D-loops). Phylogenetic analysis of Ar. vulgaris showed 98.27%-100% nucleotide identity with Ar. japonicus, indicating a close relationship between the two tick species. The morphological diagnostic features to differentiate Ar. vulgaris from other ticks within the subgenus Argas included the location of the anus and setae on the anterior lip of the female genital aperture. This study provided high-resolution scanning electron microscope images of female Ar. vulgaris and corresponding molecular data, representing valuable resources for future accurate species identification.

The impact of volatiles on tick-host interaction and vector competence.

Ticks are obligatory hematophagous arachnids, serving as vectors for a wide array of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans or animals. The ability of tick-borne pathogens to maintain within natural reservoirs is intricately influenced by the attractiveness of ticks to their animal hosts, including humans. However, the complex dynamics of tick behavior and host-seeking strategies remain understudied. This review aims to summarize the impact of volatiles or odors on tick behavior and vector competence. Our literature review has identified a selection of compounds, such as 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, heptanal, nonanal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, acetone, and octanal, as having the potential to impact both ticks' and mosquitos' behaviors. In addition, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a universal attractant for hematophagous arthropods. Moreover, we have gathered some clues indicating that volatiles emitted by infected animal hosts might play a role in the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Nonetheless, our understanding of this phenomenon remains largely inadequate, particularly with regarding to whether the tick microbiome or the skin microbiota of the feeding mammals, including humans, can actively modulate tick-host-seeking behavior. Further investigations in this emerging field hold immense promise for the development of innovative strategies aimed at controlling vectors and curtailing the spread of tick-borne diseases.

Exosomal circ_0000722 derived from periodontal ligament stem cells undergoing osteogenic differentiation promotes osteoclastogenesis.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), which are considered promising stem cells for regeneration of periodontal bony tissue, can also manipulate alveolar bone remodeling by exosomes. In this study, we investigated interactions between PDLSCs under osteogenic differentiation and osteoclast precursors. The results showed that conditioned medium from PDLSCs under 5d osteogenic induction promoted osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells. The exosomes extracted from those conditioned media showed similar effects on osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, exosomes from PDLSCs under 5d of osteogenic induction showed significantly high expression of circ_0000722, compared with exosomes from PDLSCs before osteogenic induction. Downregulation of circ_0000722 significantly attenuated the effect of PDLSC-derived exosomes on the osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells. Our findings suggested that exosomal circ_0000722 derived from periodontal ligament stem cells undergoing osteogenic differentiation might promote osteoclastogenesis by upregulating TRAF6 expression and activating downstream NF-κB and AKT signaling pathways.

Evaluate the Influencing Factors of Congruency of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Hallux Valgus Based on Weightbearing CT.

The purpose of this study was to explore the difference between congruency and incongruency of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in hallux valgus using weightbearing CT (WBCT) and to identify the risk factors for incongruency. From January 2019 to January 2021, WBCT scans were retrospectively analyzed for 110 (191 feet) consecutive patients. According to whether the metatarsal articular surface and phalanx articular surface were parallel, they were divided into congruency (73 feet) and incongruency groups (118 feet). The age, intermetatarsal angle (IMA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), distal metatarsal articular surface angle (DMAA), first metatarsal coronal pronation angle (α angle), tibial sesamoid 7 positions (TSP), and tibial sesamoid coronal grading (TSCG) were compared between the 2 groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of incongruency. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to determine the cutoff value. There were significant differences in IMA, HVA, DMAA, α angle, age, TSP, and TSCG between congruency and incongruency groups (p < .05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that TSCG, HVA, α angle were the influencing factors of incongruency. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the cutoff values for incongruency were 1 position for TSCG (sensitivity: 0.835; specificity: 0.884) with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.892, 30° (sensitivity: 0.795; specificity: 0.812) for HVA with the AUC of 0.878, and 24° (sensitivity: 0.530; specificity: 0.797) for α angle with the AUC of 0.686. Incongruency of the first MTP joint indicated a more severe hallux valgus, and was associated with increased HVA, α angle, and TSCG.

Yunnan Baiyao Inhibits Periodontitis by Suppressing the Autophagic Flux.

BACKGROUND: Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have suggested that YNBY plays a significant role in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and autophagy, which are essential processes in inflammation and bone resorption associated with periodontitis. However, the precise relationship between autophagy and the mechanism by which YNBY inhibits osteoclastogenesis remains unexplored.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of YNBY on the process of osteoclastogenesis and its potential in preventing inflammatory bone loss. METHODS: The animals were subjected to sacrifice at intervals of 2, 4, and 6 weeks postintervention whilst under deep anaesthesia, and specimens were subsequently collected. The specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, in addition to tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and subsequently imaged employing a digital scanner. The confirmation of osteoclast (OC) differentiation and autophagic flux was achieved through various techniques, including western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TRAP staining, pit formation assay, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The microcomputed tomography images provided evidence of the effective inhibition of alveolar bone absorption at 2, 4, and 6 weeks following YNBY treatment. Additionally, the histomorphometric evaluations of tissue segments stained with HE and TRAP, which involved measuring the distance between the alveolar bone crest (ABC) and cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and quantifying TRAP-positive OCs, yielded comparable results to those obtained through computed tomography analysis. YNBY treatment resulted in a decrease in the CEJ-ABC distance and inhibition of OC differentiation. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that the autophagy modulators rapamycin (RAP) and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) significantly affected OC differentiation and function. YNBY attenuated the impact of RAP on the differentiation of OCs, autophagy-related factor activation, and bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesise that YNBY suppresses the differentiation of OC and bone resorption by blocking autophagy. This study reveals that targeting autophagy might be a new alternative treatment methodology for periodontitis treatment.