Self-Assembling Sulfated Lactobacillus Exopolysaccharide Nanoparticles as Adjuvants for SARS-CoV-2 Subunit Vaccine Elicit Potent Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic since its onset in 2019, and the development of effective vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to induce potent and long-lasting immunity remains a priority. Herein, we prepared two Lactobacillus exopolysaccharide (EPS) nanoparticle adjuvants (NPs 7-4 and NPs 8-2) that were constructed by using sulfation-modified EPS and quaternization-modified chitosan. These two NPs displayed a spherical morphology with sizes of 39 and 47 nm. Furthermore, the zeta potentials of NPs 7-4 and NPs 8-2 were 50.40 and 44.40 mV, respectively. In vitro assays demonstrated that NPs could effectively adsorb antigenic proteins and exhibited a sustained release effect. Mouse immunization tests showed that the NPs induced the expression of cytokines and chemokines at the injection site and promoted the uptake of antigenic proteins by macrophages. Mechanically, the NPs upregulated the expression of pattern recognition receptors (toll-like receptors and nod-like receptors) and activated the immune response of T cells and the production of neutralizing antibodies. In addition, the NP adjuvants had favorable immune-enhancing effects in cats, which are of great significance for controlling the trans-host transmission and re-endemicity of SARS-CoV-2. Overall, we demonstrated that NP-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain proteins could induce robust specific humoral and cellular immunity.

Water, nitrogen, and phosphorus coupling improves gray jujube fruit quality and yield.

Irrigation and fertilization are indispensable links in the jujube planting industry in southern Xinjiang, China. Regulating the relationship between fertilization and irrigation can effectively reduce costs and improve economic efficiency. A 2-year water and fertilizer optimization coupling test was conducted to determine the optimal water and nutrient supply scheme. The three-factor randomized block experiment included water (W), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). According to the principal component analysis of each index, each treatment's comprehensive score was obtained. Using yield and economic regression models, the theoretical value and yield value of the optimal economic benefit are inferred. When W, N, and P were applied together, the fruit quality and yield of each treatment significantly differed, and the vitamin C, soluble sugar, and sugar-acid ratio increased significantly with an increase in N fertilizer. However, the titratable acid decreased. An increase in irrigation and nitrogen application significantly increased fruit yield. The comprehensive score was the highest in the N4P3W2 treatment, which improved fruit quality, and the lowest in the N3P3W2 treatment. When the amounts of N, P, and W were 275.56 kg hm-2, 413. 66 kg hm-2, and 7278.19 m3 hm-2, respectively, the theoretical economic benefit was the best. The N4P3W2 treatment is the optimal treatment.

The Development of a Novel Fiber-2 Subunit Vaccine against Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Formulated with Oil Adjuvants.

Hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), caused by fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), has been widely spread across China, resulting in great financial losses in the poultry industry. Therefore, efficient vaccines against this disease urgently need to be developed. In our study, the fiber-2 and penton base proteins derived from the FAdV-4 JS strain were expressed in a prokaryotic system (E. coli) in a soluble form. Then, the efficacy of the two recombinant proteins formulated with cheap and widely used adjuvants (Marcol™ 52 white oil) were respectively tested, and the minimum immune doses and safety of the above proteins were also determined. It was indicated that the fiber-2 (20 µg/bird, 200 µg/bird) and penton base (200 µg/bird) could provide complete protection against the highly pathogenic FAdV-4 and suppress its replication and shedding. Unfortunately, only the fiber-2 protein could induce complete protection (10/10) at a low dose (10 µg/bird). In addition, we confirmed that the fiber-2 subunit vaccine formulated with oil adjuvants was safe for vaccinated chickens. Conclusively, all of our results suggest that we successfully prepared an efficient and cheap fiber-2 subunit vaccine with few side effects.

Application of Botulinum Toxin at the Yonsei Point for the Treatment of Gummy Smile: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Demand for less-invasive procedures for treating gummy smile, such as botulinum toxin A injections, has increased substantially over the years. Meanwhile, the optimal injection site for botulinum toxin A injection is debated. The authors aimed to investigate the efficacy of botulinum toxin A injection at the Yonsei point for treating gummy smile. METHODS: In this double-blind, single-site, randomized clinical trial, healthy participants with a gummy smile (anterior gingival exposure of ≥3.0 mm) were enrolled and randomized (1:1 ratio) into two groups. The experimental group was administered 6 U of botulinum toxin A at the Yonsei point (a single-site injection of 3 U to the right Yonsei point and 3 U to the left Yonsei point), and the control group received the same dose in the bilateral levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle sites. The patients were assessed at baseline and 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after the first injection using a digital vernier caliper. RESULTS: A total of 49 participants were enrolled. Anterior and bilateral posterior gingival exposure were reduced at 4, 12, and 24 weeks ( P ≤ 0.05) and returned to baseline at 48 weeks in both groups; there was no difference between the groups at these time points. The increase in satisfaction among patients was significant, and few adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Both the Yonsei point and the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle site can be used as botulinum toxin A injection sites for treating gummy smile. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, I.

Genistein upregulates AHR to protect against environmental toxin-induced NASH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reconstructing antioxidant defense mechanisms.

We have previously proven that the environmental toxin could accelerate the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the underlying mechanism associated with such excessive inflammation hasn't been fully illustrated. Although Genistein has been well accepted for its capability in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation, its effect in ameliorating contaminants-induced NASH still needs to be identified. In this study, using chickens and primary chicken hepatocytes as models, we found that NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were over-activated in bromoacetic acid (BAA, one of the typical environmental toxins)-induced NASH, characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cell, and the increase of NLRP3, Caspase-1 p20, and cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-18) expressions. Interestingly, genistein treatment could recover these changes, with the signs of restored activities of anti-oxidases, decreased expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components, and increased levels of elements in phase I metabolic system. The detailed mechanism was that, via up-regulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), genistein lifted mRNA levels of Cyp1-related genes to reconstruct cytochrome P450 (CYP450) systems, and the raised AHR negatively regulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity to relieve inflammation. More important, the interaction and co-localization between AHR and NLRP3 was first proved, and genistein could promote the levels of AHR that interacted with NLRP3, which thereafter blocked the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Conclusively, in this research, we confirmed the AHR-dependent protective role of genistein in environmental toxin-linked NASH, which shed light on the potential precautions for contaminants-induced NASH.

Psychological impact and perceptions of orthodontic treatment of adult patients with different motivations.

INTRODUCTION: Motivations, perceptions, and psychosocial states of adult patients with orthodontic disorders in China have not been widely studied. The study assessed the psychosocial states and perceptions of adult patients undergoing orthodontic treatments with different motivations. METHODS: Two hundred forty-three adult patients (mean age, 30.2 ± 7.4 years; women, 79.0%) undergoing orthodontic treatment were recruited from a tertiary stomatology hospital. The patients answered a patient-centered questionnaire regarding motivations and perceptions of orthodontic treatment and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test on the basis of multiple responses. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between motivation factors and the Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire subscale scores (P <0.05). RESULTS: Patients with various motivations were as follows: occlusal function reason (70.4%), dental esthetic reason (54.7%), facial esthetic reason (24.3%), and following others' suggestions (18.5%). Patients with esthetic or occlusal motivations exhibited significantly greater need and interest for orthodontic treatment (P <0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the scores of social impact, psychological impact, and esthetic concern subscales were significantly associated with both dental and facial esthetic motivations (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The primary motivations of Chinese patients were observed to be improved esthetics and occlusal function. Patients with esthetic or occlusal motivations exhibited significantly greater need and interest in treatment. Patients with facial or dental esthetic motivations experienced greater impacts of psychosocial states. Therefore, the patient motivations and impacts of esthetic-related psychosocial states on them should be considered during treatment.

Evaluation of the effect of 3D-bioprinted gingival fibroblast-encapsulated ADM scaffolds on keratinized gingival augmentation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The keratinized gingiva plays an important role in maintaining healthy periodontal and peri-implant tissue. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), as a substitute biomaterial, has a porous structure and good biocompatibility. 3D-bioprinting has the potential for tissue engineering because it enables precise loading of cells layer-by-layer. Herein, we bioprinted ADM scaffold encapsulating gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and evaluated its efficacy in keratinized gingiva augmentation in vivo to assess its potential for clinical periodontal tissue regeneration. METHODS: GFs were extracted from the gingiva of beagles and transfected with a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The ADM scaffold (ADM cell-free group) was constructed using ADM, gelatin, and sodium alginate mixed at an appropriate ratio via 3D-bioprinting. The ADM cell scaffold (ADM cell group) was established by adding extra GFs in the same manner. Six beagles were divided into blank control, ADM cell-free, and ADM cell groups; and implant surgery was performed. The keratinized gingiva was clinically and histologically evaluated at baseline and after 2 months. RESULTS: GFs transfected with GFPs expressed green fluorescence and were present in new tissue in the ADM cell group and not observed in the ADM cell-free group. At 2 months after surgery, the keratinized gingival augmentation in the ADM cell group was significantly more than that in the ADM cell-free group. Attached gingival augmentation was also observed more in the ADM cell group than that in the ADM cell-free group. Histological staining showed that the tissue in the ADM cell group displayed a more integrated structure and higher expression of COL I, COL III, and VEGF-A than those in the ADM cell-free group. CONCLUSION: 3D-bioprinted GF-encapsulated ADM scaffolds increased the amount of keratinized gingiva in vivo, suggesting that 3D-bioprinting has great potential for oral soft tissue regeneration.

Prosthetic emergence angle in different implant sites and their correlation with marginal bone loss: A retrospective study.

Background/purpose: The impact of prosthetic contour on peri-implant health has attracted increasing attention. This study aimed to evaluate the emergence angles in different implant sites and analyze the correlation between emergence angle and marginal bone loss (MBL). Materials and methods: Single-crown implants with at least 5 years of follow-up were investigated in this retrospective study. Emergence angles and MBL were measured via digital radiography. The differences in emergence angles in different implant sites were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in MBL between groups (emergence angle> 30° and ≤30°), and Spearman's rank analysis was used to analyze the correlation between emergence angle and MBL. Results: A total of 502 single-crown implants were included. For the mean mesial and distal emergence angles of different implant sites, the anterior position were 21.67 ± 10.80 (°) and 22.48 ± 12.78 (°), and the premolar were 26.29 ± 12.78 (°) and 24.30 ± 10.07 (°), and the molar were 34.53 ± 13.27 (°) and 34.48 ± 13.58 (°) respectively. The emergence angles of molar implant sites were significantly greater than those of anterior and premolar (P < 0.001). The Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank analysis revealed that there was no correlation between emergence angle and MBL. Conclusion: There were significant differences in the emergence angles at different implant sites. However, when considering factors such as different sites or types of implants, there was no correlation between emergence angle and MBL, and more comprehensive research should be conducted in the future.

[Clinical features of autoimmune encephalitis secondary to epidemic encephalitis B in 5 children]. / 5ä¾‹æµè¡Œæ€§ä¹™åž‹è„‘ç‚Žå„¿ç«¥ç»§å‘è‡ªèº«å ç–«æ€§è„‘ç‚Žçš„ä¸´åºŠåˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical features of children with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) secondary to epidemic encephalitis B (EEB). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of five children with EEB with "bipolar course" who were treated in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to June 2022. RESULTS: Among the five children, there were three boys and two girls, with a median age of onset of 7 years (range 3 years 9 months to 12 years) and a median time of 32 (range 25-37) days from the onset of EEB to the appearance of AE symptoms. The main symptoms in the AE stage included dyskinesia (5/5), low-grade fever (4/5), mental and behavioral disorders (4/5), convulsion (2/5), severe disturbance of consciousness (2/5), and limb weakness (1/5). Compared with the results of cranial MRI in the acute phase of EEB, the lesions were enlarged in 3 children and unchanged in 2 children showed on cranial MRI in the AE stage. In the AE stage, four children were positive for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody (one was also positive for anti-γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor antibody), and one was negative for all AE antibodies. All five children in the AE stage responded to immunotherapy and were followed up for 3 months, among whom one almost recovered and four still had neurological dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: EEB can induce AE, with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis as the most common disease. The symptoms in the AE stage are similar to those of classical anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. Immunotherapy is effective for children with AE secondary to EEB, and the prognosis might be related to neurological dysfunction in the acute phase of EEB.

Biomechanical evaluation of customized root implants in alveolar bone: A comparative study with traditional implants and natural teeth.

PURPOSE: To compare and evaluate density changes in alveolar bones and biomechanical responses including stress/strain distributions around customized root implants (CRIs), traditional implants, and natural teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxillary dentition defect, CRI models, traditional restored implant models, and natural teeth with periodontal tissue models were established. The chewing load of the central incisor, the traditional implant, and the CRI was 100N, and the load direction was inclined by 11° in the sagittal plane. According to the bone remodeling numerical algorithm, the bone mineral density and distribution were calculated and predicted. In addition, animal experiments were performed to verify the feasibility of the implant design. The results of the simulation calculations were compared with animal experimental data in vivo to verify their validity. RESULTS: No significant differences in bone mineral density and stress/strain distribution were found between the CRI and traditional implant models. The animal experimental results (X-ray images and histological staining) were consistent with the numerical simulated results. CONCLUSIONS: CRIs were more similar to traditional implants than to natural teeth in terms of biomechanical and biological evaluation. Considering the convenience of clinical application, this biomechanical evaluation provides basic theoretical support for further applications of CRI.

Effects of Dose and Injection Site on Gingival Smile Treatment with Botulinum Toxin Type A: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin type A is an easy and efficacious treatment for gingival smile. However, the optimal dose and injection site are controversial. The authors compared the reduction in gingival exposure using two methods with different doses and injection sites. METHODS: In this prospective self-controlled study, healthy participants with gingival smile (anterior gingival exposure of >3 mm) underwent two treatment methods. First, participants received a single-point injection of 2 U of botulinum toxin type A per side (simplified method). After 8 months, the individualized method was performed with 2 to 5 U of botulinum toxin type A (total, 4 to 10 U), which was injected at one or two sites according to pretreatment severity. Data were collected at baseline and at 4, 12, and 32 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty-five participants were enrolled. Anterior gingival exposure and bilateral posterior gingival exposure were significantly reduced 4 and 12 weeks after botulinum toxin type A injection ( P ≤ 0.05) with both methods. These parameters returned to baseline by 32 weeks ( P > 0.05). Posttreatment anterior gingival exposure at 4 weeks and 12 weeks with the individualized method was significantly lower compared with the simplified method (both P ≤ 0.05). Patient satisfaction with the individualized method was preferred compared with the simplified method ( P ≤ 0.05). Few adverse events were observed with both methods without statistical significance. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to increase the injection dose and tailor the injection site according to the pretreatment severity of anterior gingival smile.

[Mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori Intracellular Infection and Reflections Concerning Clinical Practice]. / å¹½é—¨èžºæ†èŒèƒžå† æ„ŸæŸ“æœºåˆ¶ä¸Žä¸´åºŠæ€è€ƒ.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), for a long time, has generally been considered an extracellular bacterium. However, recent findings have shown that H. pylori can gain entry into host cells, evade attacks from the host immune system and the killing ability of medication, form stable intracellular ecological niche, and achieve re-release into the extracellular environment, thus causing recurrent infections. H. pylori intracellular infection causes cellular signaling and metabolic alterations, which may be closely associated with the pathogenesis and progression of tumors, thereby presenting new challenges for clinical eradicative treatment of H. pylori. Herein, examining this issue from a clinical perspective, we reviewed reported findings on the mechanisms of how H. pylori achieved intracellular infection, including the breaching of the host cell biological barrier, immune evasion, and resistance to autophagy. In addition, we discussed our reflections and the prospects of important questions concerning H. pylori, including the clinical prevention and control strategy, intracellular derivation, and the damage to host cells.

Inhibitory and Injury-Protection Effects of O-Glycan on Gastric Epithelial Cells Infected with Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is an important pathogen that can cause gastric cancer. Multiple adhesion molecules mediated H. pylori adherence to cells is the initial step in the infection of host cells. H. pylori cholesterol-α-glucosyltransferase (CGT) recognizes and extracts cholesterol from cell membranes to destroy lipid raft structure, further promotes H. pylori adhesion to gastric epithelial cells. O-Glycan, a substance secreted by the deep gastric mucosa, can competitively inhibit CGT activity and may serve as an important factor to prevent H. pylori colonization in the deep gastric mucosa. However, the inhibitory and injury-protection effects of O-Glycan against H. pylori infection has not been well investigated. In this study, we found that O-Glycan significantly inhibited the relative urease content in the coinfection system. In the presence of O-glycan, the injury of GES-1 cells in H. pylori persistent infection model was attenuated and the cell viability was increased. We use fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated cholera toxin subunit B (FITC-CTX-B) to detect lipid rafts on gastric epithelial cells and observed that O-glycan can protect H. pylori from damaging lipid raft structures on cell membranes. In addition, transcriptome data showed that O-glycan treatment significantly reduced the activation of inflammatory cancer transformation pathway caused by H. pylori infection. Our results suggest that O-Glycan is able to inhibit H. pylori persistent infection of gastric epithelial cells, reduce the damage caused by H. pylori, and could serve as a potential medicine to treat patients infected with H. pylori.

Lactobacillus crispatus-derived exopolysaccharides with antibacterial activity limit Salmonella typhimurium invasion by inhibiting inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide (EPS 7-4) with a molecular weight of 53 387 Da was isolated from Lactobacillus crispatus, and it was mainly composed of mannose (36.9%) and glucose (30.8%). EPS 7-4 showed excellent inhibitory effects on the proliferation, biofilm formation, and virulence factor gene expression of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) by disrupting the integrity of the bacterial wall. Furthermore, EPS 7-4 can effectively restrict bacterial translocation, upregulate the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., and alleviate the S. typhimurium induced severe inflammatory response in the intestinal tract of mice. Besides, we demonstrated that EPS 7-4 can protect mice by inhibiting S. typhimurium induced pyroptosis, with the mechanism that EPS 7-4 affects ASC oligomerization during inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. Therefore, due to its excellent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities, EPS 7-4 is a promising health regulator owing to its excellent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Bromoacetic acid induces neurogenic injury in the chicken brain by activating oxidative stress and NF-κB inflammatory pathway.

The bromoacetic acid (BAA) is one of the most teratogenic and neurotoxic disinfection byproducts. Birds take environmental water as their habitat and are inevitably affected by BAA in the environment. However, the neurotoxicity caused by BAA in birds has not been reported and the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we chose chickens as the avian model to explore the effects of different concentrations of BAA on the brain tissues. Here, we selected the 3 µg/L dose of BAA detected in Tai Lake basin as a reference, and designed 1-, 100-, and 1000-fold of the environmental exposure dose as the experimental doses to explore the neurotoxicity of BAA in birds. Results showed that BAA increased the number of pyknotic nuclear neurons, deformed vascular sheaths, and glial cells in the brain. BAA inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the expression of antioxidant genes. With the increase of BAA concentration, the oxidative stress-responsive transcription factor NF-κB was activated. Furthermore, BAA remarkably changed the expression of lipid metabolism related genes (i.e., acc, gpat, hmgr, pparα, cpt1, and ampkα). Importantly, BAA decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of autophagy-related genes (i.e., atg5, ulk1, beclin1, and lc3). Meantime, BAA increased the mRNA and protein levels of apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes, such as p53, bax, cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3. Overall, our study provided new insights into the potential neurotoxic effects of BAA in birds, which was important for the clinical monitoring and prevention of BAA.

Bromoacetic acid causes oxidative stress and uric acid metabolism dysfunction via disturbing mitochondrial function and Nrf2 pathway in chicken kidney.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, widespread utilization of disinfectants has led to a tremendous increase in the generation of disinfection byproducts worldwide. Bromoacetic acid (BAA), one of the common disinfection byproducts in the environment, has triggered public concern because of its adverse effects on urinary system in mammals. Nevertheless, the BAA-induced nephrotoxicity and potential mechanism in birds still remains obscure. According to the detected content in the Taihu Lake Basin, the model of BAA exposure in chicken was established at doses of 0, 3, 300, 3000 µg/L for 4 weeks. Our results indicated that BAA exposure caused kidney swelling and structural disarrangement. BAA led to disorder in renal function (CRE, BUN, UA) and increased apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase3). BAA suppressed the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes (PGC-1α, Nrf1, TFAM) and OXPHOS complex I genes (ND1, ND2, ND3, ND4, ND4L, ND5, ND6). Subsequently, BAA destroyed the expression of Nrf2 antioxidant reaction genes (Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, NQO1, GCLM, GCLC). Furthermore, renal oxidative damage led to disorder in uric acid metabolism genes (Mrp2, Mrp4, Bcrp, OAT1, OAT2, OAT3) and exacerbated destruction in renal function. Overall, our study provided insights into the potential mechanism of BAA-induced nephrotoxicity, which were important for the clinical monitoring and prevention of BAA.

[Sensitivity Comparison Experiment of Four Testing Methods for Helicobacter pylori].

Objective: To measure with standard microbiology methods the sensitivity of 4 commonly used testing methods for Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and to conduct a comparative study of the correlations and differences across the 4 methods. Methods: With the Hp standard strain (SS1) as the reference, colony forming units (CFU) as the units of quantitative analysis for detection performance, and gradient dilution of SS1 suspension as the simulation sample, we measured the sensitivity of 4 Hp testing methods, including bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test, and quantitative fluorescent PCR. CFU values at different concentrations corresponding to the 4 commonly used Hp testing methods were documented and the correlations and differences were analyzed accordingly. Results: The sensitivity of Hp bacterial culture, rapid urease test, antigen test and quantitative fluorescent PCR was 2.0×10 CFU/mL, 2.0×10 5 CFU/mL, 2.0×10 5 CFU/mL, and 2.0×10 2 CFU/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The testing turnover time and sensitivity of different laboratory methods for Hp testing varied significantly. The quantitative fluorescent PCR and bacterial culture both showed relatively high sensitivity, but bacterial culture has complicated operation procedures and is too time-consuming. The rapid urease test and antigen test both were simple and quick to perform, but showed low sensitivity. For clinical and laboratory testing of Hp, appropriate testing method that can identify the corresponding changes of Hp should be selected according to the actual testing purpose.

Utilizing 3D bioprinted platelet-rich fibrin-based materials to promote the regeneration of oral soft tissue.

Oral soft tissue defects remain difficult to treat owing to the limited efficacy of available treatment materials. Although the injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) is a safe, autologous source of high levels of growth factors that is often employed to promote the regeneration of oral soft tissue, its effectiveness is restrained by difficulties in intraoperative shaping together with the burst-like release of growth factors. We herein sought to develop a bioactive bioink composed of i-PRF, alginate and gelatin capable of promoting the regeneration of the oral soft tissue. This bioink was successfully applied in 3D bioprinting and exhibited its ability to be shaped to individual patient needs. Importantly, we were also able to significantly prolong the duration of multiple growth factors release as compared to that observed for i-PRF. The growth factor bioavailability was further confirmed by the enhanced proliferation and viability of printed gingival fibroblasts. When deployed in vivo in nude mice, this bioink was further confirmed to be biocompatible and to drive enhanced angiogenic activity. Together, these data thus confirm the successful production of an i-PRF-containing bioink, which is suitable for the individualized promotion of the regeneration of oral soft tissue.

Testicular toxicity of bisphenol compounds: Homeostasis disruption of cholesterol/testosterone via PPARα activation.

The widespread application of bisphenols (BPs) has made them ubiquitous in the environment. Although the side effects of bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes have received increasing attention, studies on their reproductive toxicity remain lacking. In this research, the effects of BPA and its substitutes, including bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol AF (BPAF), on the male reproductive system were evaluated. Results proved that these BPs disturbed germ cell proliferation, induced germ cell apoptosis, and perturbed sperm physiologies and spermatogenesis, which resulted from the disruption of testosterone (T) biosynthesis in Leydig cells (LCs). Importantly, in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the exhausted cholesterol in LCs accounted for the reduced T production. Furthermore, the knockdown of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) remarkably ameliorated the downregulation of cholesterogenesis-related genes (i.e., Hmgcs1, Hmgcr, and Srebf2), indicating that PPARα played a critical role in BPs-induced testicular dysfunction. Overall, our studies indicated that BPS, BPF, and BPAF could induce testicular toxic effects similar to that of BPA, which were associated with the PPARα pathway.

A prospective, multicentre study of 6-mm short implants in posterior alveolar bone supporting splinted crowns: A 5-year follow-up study.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 6-mm short implants, placed in the posterior jaws and supporting splinted crowns, at 5 years after early loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with 95 implants (diameter: 4 mm; length: 6 mm) were enrolled at three centres. Two to three implants were placed in either the maxillary or the mandibular posterior region in each patient and restored with screw-retained splinted crowns at 6 weeks later. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at implant placement, at loading, and at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months after loading. Biological and mechanical complications were recorded. Marginal changes in bone level in relation to clinical parameters were evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS: During the 5 years of follow-up, the mean change in the marginal bone level (MBL) was 0.04 ± 0.14 mm. Four implants in four patients were lost before loading, one implant in one patient was lost at the 5-year follow-up, and two patients were lost to follow-up. The survival and success rates were 88.4% (38/43) at the patient level. The incidence rates of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were 29.4% and 7.0%, respectively. The rate of technical complications was 14.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 5-year period, 6-mm short implants supporting early loaded splinted crowns in maxillary or mandibular posterior regions showed stable MBLs and acceptable technical and biological complication rates.