Bilateral Focal Choroidal Excavation and Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Coexisting in a Male Patient.

Background: Here, we report a case of a male patient with bilateral focal choroidal excavation (FCE) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). A 33-year-old man complained of mild blurring of vision in the right eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed FCE in both eyes, with subretinal fluid in both eyes and serous pigment epithelial detachment in the right eye. Standard laser fluence (50 J/cm2) was used in the right eye, and a subthreshold micropulse laser (SML) was simultaneously used in the left eye. Follow-up visits were recommended. At his last visit (5 months after treatment), the visual acuity was 16/20 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye and OCT showed a completed resolution of SRF. Conclusion: FCE is defined as a localized depression of the choroid detected by OCT. It may be congenital or acquired secondarily. We present a case of uncommon focal choroidal excavation and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) coexisting in both eyes at a relatively young age in which visual acuity was improved and subretinal fluid (SRF) completely resolved with laser treatment. Timely treatment can promote SRF absorption and improve vision.

The impact of smoking on periodontitis patients' GCF/serum cytokine profile both before and after periodontal therapy: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is an established modifying factor for the host immune response of periodontitis patients. However, its exact influence remains unclear. We aimed to compare the cytokine profile of periodontitis patients with and without smoking habits both before and after periodontal therapy to preliminarily explore its influence on the host immune response to periodontitis. METHODS: The protocol of the present meta-analysis was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under the code CRD42021255656. Meta-analysis was performed for each cytokine if at least three studies were included. We synthesized the evidence to compare the cytokine profile of periodontitis with and without smoking both in gingival cervical fluid (GCF) and serum to explore the impact of smoking on periodontitis both locally and systemically. Moreover, we also compared the cytokine profile of the two groups of patients after periodontal therapy to explore the effect of smoking on the outcome of periodontal therapy. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. We found that there was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in the baseline cytokine profile. However, after periodontal therapy, smoking periodontitis patients showed significantly higher IL-1ß levels in their GCF than nonsmoking patients. DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference between smoking and nonsmoking periodontitis patients in the baseline cytokine profile. However, after periodontal therapy, smoking periodontitis patients showed significantly higher IL-1ß levels in their GCF than nonsmoking patients, which indicates that smoking may impair the response of periodontitis to periodontal treatment.

Screening and analysis of key genes in the biological behavior of bone mesenchymal stem cells seeded on gradient nanostructured titanium compared with native pure Ti.

Titanium (Ti) and Ti-based alloy materials are ideal brackets that restore bone defect, and the mechanism of related genes inducing bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to osteogenic differentiation is currently a hot research topic. In order to screen key genes of BMSCs during the osteogenic expression process, we acquired data sets (GSE37237 and GSE84500) which were in the database Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Investigations on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their enrichment of functions were conducted. We constructed relative protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and visualized the expression of DEGs with Cytoscape. A total of 279 DEGs were discerned, which could be divided into 177 down regulated genes and 102 up regulated genes. In addition, the DEGs' enrichment and pathways included regulation of actin cytoskeleton, inflammatory mediator regulation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) pathway, cell cycle, Rheumatoid arthritis, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway ect. It showed that 10 notable up regulated genes were mainly in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway. Then we used a technology named surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) to prepare gradient nanostructured (GNS) surface Ti and seeded well-growing BMSCs on the surface of SMAT Ti and native pure Ti. Cell Counting Kits-8 (CCK-8), apoptosis experiment, immunofluorescence technology and staining experiments for alka-line phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red staining (ARS) were used to research the proliferation, adhesion and differentiation ability of BMSCs seeded on SMAT Ti compared with native pure Ti. We used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology so as to verify the expression of the most significant 5 genes. In summary, these results indicated novel point of views into candidate genes and potential mechanism for the further study of BMSCs' behaviors seeded on SMAT Ti.

The Ability and Mechanism of nHAC/CGF in Promoting Osteogenesis and Repairing Mandibular Defects.

Nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) is a new type of bone tissue engineering scaffold material. To speed up the new bone formation of nHAC, this study used concentrated growth factor (CGF) and nHAC in combination to repair rabbit mandibular defects. nHAC/CGF and nHAC were implanted into rabbit mandibles, and X-ray, Micro-CT, HE and Masson staining, immunohistochemical staining and biomechanical testing were performed at 8, 16 and 24 weeks after surgery. The results showed that as the material degraded, the rate of new bone formation in the nHAC/CGF group was better than that in the nHAC group. The results of the HE and Masson staining showed that the bone continuity or maturity of the nHAC/CGF group was better than that of the nHAC group. Immunohistochemical staining showed that OCN expression gradually increased with time. The nHAC/CGF group showed significantly higher BMP2 than the nHAC group at 8 weeks and the difference gradually decreased with time. The biomechanical test showed that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the nHAC/CGF group were higher than those of the nHAC group. The results suggest that nHAC/CGF materials can promote new bone formation, providing new ideas for the application of bone tissue engineering scaffold materials in oral clinics.

The osseointegration and stability of dental implants with different surface treatments in animal models: a network meta-analysis.

Dental implants are commonly used to repair missing teeth. The implant surface plays a critical role in promoting osseointegration and implant success. However, little information is available about which implant surface treatment technology best promotes osseointegration and implant stability. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to evaluate the osseointegration and stability of four commonly used dental implants (SLA, SLActive, TiUnite, and Osseotite). The protocol of the current meta-analysis is registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under the code CRD42020190907 ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk ). We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA and Cochrane Recommendations. Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science databases were searched. Only randomized controlled trials were considered. Twelve studies were included in the current network meta-analysis, eleven studies were included concerning the osseointegration effect and five studies were included for stability analysis (four studies were used to assess both stability and osseointegration). Rank possibility shows that the SLActive surface best promoted bone formation at an early healing stage and TiUnite seemed to be the best surface for overall osseointegration. For stability, TiUnite seemed to be the best surface. The present network meta-analysis showed that the SLActive surface has the potential to promote osseointegration at an early stage. The TiUnite surface had the best effect on osseointegration regarding the overall healing period. The TiUnite surface also had the best effect in stability.

Gradient nanostructured titanium stimulates cell responses in vitro and enhances osseointegration in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Though titanium (Ti) is widely used as dental materials in the clinic, effective methods to treat Ti for higher surface biological activity still lack. Through Surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) technology we could endow Ti with gradient nanostructured surface (GNS Ti). To investigate the biocompatibility of GNS Ti for its further application in dental implant field, we study the effects of GNS Ti on cell responses in vitro and osseointegration of the implant with surrounding bone tissues in vivo. METHODS: In this study, GNS Ti was fabricated by SMAT. In vitro experiment, we co-cultured GNS Ti with bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), surface characterization was detected by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs were evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), MTT, flow cytometry (FCM), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) tests. In vivo experiment, the GNS Ti was implanted into the rabbit mandible. Osteogenesis and osseointegration were evaluated by Micro CT, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Both results showed that compared with the coarse grained (CG) Ti, the GNS Ti stimulated the adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of BMSCs and improved osteogenesis and osseointegration. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that gradient nanostructured Ti is a promising material for dental implant application.

Cytotoxic effects of dental prosthesis grinding dust on RAW264.7 cells.

Respiratory diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, and allergic pneumonia, can be caused by long-term exposure to dental prosthesis grinding dust. The extent of the toxicity and pathogenicity of exposure to PMMA dust, Vitallium dust, and dentin porcelain dust differs. The dust from grinding dental prosthesis made of these three materials was characterized in terms of morphology, particle size, and elemental composition. The adverse effects of different concentrations of grinding dust (50, 150, 300, 450, and 600 µg ml-l) on RAW264.7 macrophages were evaluated, including changes in cell morphology and the production of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The dust particles released by grinding dental prosthesis made of these materials had different morphologies, particle sizes, and elemental compositions. They also induced varying degrees of cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages. A possible cytotoxicity mechanism is the induction of lipid peroxidation and plasma membrane damage as the dust particles penetrate cells. Therefore, clinicians who regularly work with these materials should wear the appropriate personal protection equipment to minimize exposure and reduce the health risks caused by these particulates.

Bioinformatics analysis and identification of circular RNAs promoting the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on titanium treated by surface mechanical attrition.

BACKGROUND: To analyze and identify the circular RNAs (circRNAs) involved in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) on titanium by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). METHODS: The experimental material was SMAT titanium and the control material was annealed titanium. Cell Counting Kits-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the proliferation of hBMSCs, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red staining were used to detect the osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs on the sample surfaces. The bioinformatics prediction software miwalk3.0 was used to construct competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks by predicting circRNAs with osteogenesis-related messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs). The circRNAs located at the key positions in the networks were selected and analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR). RESULTS: Compared with annealed titanium, SMAT titanium could promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. The total number of predicted circRNAs was 51. Among these, 30 circRNAs and 8 miRNAs constituted 6 ceRNA networks. Circ-LTBP2 was selected for verification. QRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of hsa_circ_0032599, hsa_circ_0032600 and hsa_circ_0032601 were upregulated in the experimental group compared with those in the control group; the differential expression of hsa_circ_0032600 was the most obvious and statistically significant, with a fold change (FC) = 4.25 ± 1.60, p-values (p) < 0.05.

Integrative analysis of competitive endogenous RNA network reveals the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs in high-glucose-induced human retinal endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has suggested that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), but their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine latent key genes and to structure a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network to discover the potential molecular mechanisms governing the effects of high glucose on human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). METHODS: We obtained microarray data for long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA of high-glucose-induced HREC samples from NCBI GEO datasets. The ceRNA network was screened using intersecting prediction results from miRcode, TargetScan, miRTarBase and miRDB. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and hub genes were obtained using the cytoHubba app. The ClusterProfiler package was applied for performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The expression of key RNAs was verified using the qRT-PCR method. A key ceRNA subnetwork was constructed based on the criticality of the genes and its binding sites were verified by luciferase reporter assay. The viability and apoptosis of HRECs were tested using the transfection of the miR-449c inhibitor. RESULTS: A total of 3,328 lncRNAs and 2,017 mRNAs were screened for differentially expressed (DE) profiles. The newly constructed ceRNA network was composed of 410 lncRNAs, 35 miRNAs and 122 mRNAs. The 10 hub genes were identified through the PPI network. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that DE mRNAs were mainly related to the positive regulation of the mRNA catabolic process, cell polarity, and the G1/S transition of mitotic and cell cycle signaling pathways. QRT-PCR was used to verify RNAs and the most important genes were screened out. A key ceRNA subnetwork OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC was established. The binding site was verified by luciferase reporter assay. The expression levels of OIP5-AS1 and MYC increased after miR-449c inhibitor transfection, miR-449c decreased, HRECs activity increased, and apoptosis decreased, compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We successfully built the key ceRNA subnetwork, OIP5-AS1/miR-449c/MYC, by applying the GEO database for data analysis and mining. The results from the ceRNA network allow us to better understand the effect of ncRNAs on HRECs under hyperglycemic conditions and the pathogenesis of DR.

Serum microRNA-211 as a biomarker for diabetic retinopathy via modulating Sirtuin 1.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a progressive microvascular complication associated with diabetes, and remains the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) were involving in the physiological and pathophysiological processes of diabetes and its microvascular and macrovascular complications. The purpose of the current investigation is to identify the candidate miR-211 as a novel biomarker for occurrence and progression of DR in clinical study and experimental research. Firstly, miR-211 was considered as a candidate miRNA identifying by miRNA microarray analysis, Venn diagram analysis, real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and receiver operating characteristic curve in clinical study. Then, the predicted Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) may be the target gene of miR-211 searching by TargetScan 7.2. Moreover, miR-211 was significantly up-regulated, while SIRT1 mRNA significantly down-regulated measuring by qRT-PCR, meanwhile, SIRT1 protein was significantly down-regulated in coincidence with SIRT1 mRNA detecting by western blot, and even aggravated associated with diabetes duration in diabetic retinal tissues of vivo experiment. Additionally, miR-211 was directly targeted SIRT1 confirming by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, with transfection of antagomiR-211, the apoptosis of HUVECs was significantly suppressed employing by flow cytometry analysis, nevertheless the viability of HUVECs was significantly promoted exploiting by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Finally, SIRT1 mRNA and SIRT1 protein were significantly up-regulated testing by qRT-PCR and western blot respectively in hyperglycemic HUVECs transfected with antagomiR-211 of vitro experiment. Consequently, the current clinical study and experimental research imply that serum miR-211 as a novel biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity could be associated with occurrence and progression of DR via targeting SIRT1.

Efficacy, safety, predictability, aberrations and corneal biomechnical parameters after SMILE and FLEx: Meta-analysis.

AIM: To identify possible differences of efficacy, safety, predictability, higher-order aberrations and corneal biomechnical parameters after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx). METHODS: A systematic literature retrieval was conducted in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library, up to October, 2015. The included studies were subject to a Meta-analysis. Comparison between SMILE and FLEx was measured as pooled odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean differences (WMD). Of 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to analyze data. RESULTS: A total of seven studies were included. Firstly, there were no differences in uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) 20/20 or better (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.69 to 2.69; P=0.37) and logMAR UDVA (WMD, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.01; P=0.17) after SMILE versus FLEx. We found no differences in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) unchanged (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.46 to 2.11; P=0.97) and logMAR CDVA (WMD, -0.00; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.01; P=0.90) either. Secondly, we found no differences in refraction within ±1.00 D (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.13 to 7.28; P=0.99) and ±0.50 D (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.62 to 4.28; P=0.33) of target postoperatively. Thirdly, for higher-order aberrations, we found no differences in the total higher-order aberrations (WMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.01; P=0.14), coma (WMD, -0.04; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.01; P=0.11), spherical (WMD, 0.01; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.03; P=0.60) and trefoil (WMD, -0.00; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.03; P=0.76). Furthermore, for corneal biomechanical parameters, we also found no differences (WMD, 0.08; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.33; P=0.54) after SMILE versus FLEx. CONCLUSION: There are no statistically differences in efficacy, safety, predictability, higher-order aberrations and corneal biomechnical parameters postoperative between SMILE and FLEx.