Improved prediction of anti-angiogenic peptides based on machine learning models and comprehensive features from peptide sequences.

Angiogenesis is a key process for the proliferation and metastatic spread of cancer cells. Anti-angiogenic peptides (AAPs), with the capability of inhibiting angiogenesis, are promising candidates in cancer treatment. We propose AAPL, a sequence-based predictor to identify AAPs with machine learning models of improved prediction accuracy. Each peptide sequence was transformed to a vector of 4335 numeric values according to 58 different feature types, followed by a heuristic algorithm for feature selection. Next, the hyperparameters of six machine learning models were optimized with respect to the feature subset. We considered two datasets, one with entire peptide sequences and the other with 15 amino acids from peptide N-termini. AAPL achieved Matthew's correlation coefficients of 0.671 and 0.756 for independent tests based on the two datasets, respectively, outperforming existing predictors by a range of 5.3% to 24.6%. Further analyses show that AAPL yields higher prediction accuracy for peptides with more hydrophobic residues, and fewer hydrophilic and charged residues. The source code of AAPL is available at https://github.com/yunzheng2002/Anti-angiogenic .

New measures of number line estimation performance reveal children's ordinal understanding of numbers.

Children's performance on the number line estimation task, often measured by the percentage of absolute error, predicts their later mathematics achievement. This task may also reveal (a) children's ordinal understanding of the target numbers in relation to each other and the benchmarks (e.g., endpoints, midpoint) and (b) the ordinal skills that are a necessary precursor to children's ability to understand the interval nature of a number line as measured by percentage of absolute error. Using data from 104 U.S. kindergartners, we measured whether children's estimates were correctly sequenced across trials and correctly positioned relative to given benchmarks within trials at two time points. For both time points, we found that each ordinal error measure revealed a distinct pattern of data distribution, providing opportunities to tap into different aspects of children's ordinal understanding. Furthermore, children who made fewer ordinal errors scored higher on the Test of Early Mathematics Ability and showed greater improvement on their interval understanding of numbers as reflected by a larger reduction of percentage of absolute error from Time 1 to Time 2. The findings suggest that our number line measures reveal individual differences in children's ordinal understanding of numbers, and that such understanding may be a precursor to their interval understanding and later mathematics performance.

Sex Differences in Anxiety and Depression Conditions among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Evidence suggested inconsistent results in anxiety and depression scores among female and male cancer patients. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess how anxiety and depression conditions among cancer patients vary according to sex. (2) Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO with id no. CRD42024512553. The search strategy involved combining keywords using Boolean operators, including "Anxiety", "Cancer", and "Depression", across several databases: Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The outcomes were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). (3) Results: Data were collected from five studies, enrolling a total of 6317 cancer patients, of whom 2961 were females and 3356 males. For each study, HADS-A and HADS-D scores were considered, also differentiating HADS scores according to cancer typology, and then three different meta-analyses were performed. Generally, females reported significantly higher levels of depression scores than males and, conversely, males reported significantly greater levels of anxiety than females. (4) Conclusions: Previous studies suggested higher rates of depression and anxiety conditions in females than in males, but the present data highlighted controversial findings, since males reported significantly higher levels of anxiety than females. In this scenario, the theoretical approach justified females being more open than males to expressing anxiety or depression conditions. It would be necessary for healthcare professionals to improve effective measures purposed at assessing and mitigating depressive symptoms in cases of advanced cancer, thereby improving their mental health, given the high rates of depression in advanced cancer patients, due to the difficulty level of performing their daily living activities, which deteriorate further over time.

Substance use and incidence of metabolic syndrome before midlife among military adults: the CHIEF cohort study.

Backgrounds: Habitual substance use, i. e., alcohol, tobacco and betel nut, has been found with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the general population, whereas the association remains unclear in physically fit military personnel. This study aimed to investigate the combination of these substances use and their associations with new-onset MetS in the military. Methods: A total of 2,890 military men and women, aged 18-39 years, without MetS were obtained from the cardiorespiratory fitness and health in eastern armed forces study (CHIEF) in Taiwan and followed for incident MetS from baseline (2014) through the end of 2020. Incident MetS event was defined by the International Diabetes Federation guideline and confirmed in the annual health examinations. A self-report was used to assess the alcohol, tobacco and betel nut use status (active vs. former/never). Multivariable Cox regression model was performed to determine the association with adjustments for sex, age, body mass index and physical activity at baseline. Results: At baseline, there were 279 active betel nut chewers (9.7%), 991 active smokers (34.3%) and 1,159 active alcohol consumers (40.1%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years, 673 incident MetS (23.3%) were observed. As compared to no substance users, only one substance, and two and three substances users had a greater risk of incident MetS [hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.27 (1.06-1.54), 1.38 (1.12-1.69) and 1.78 (1.37-2.32), respectively]. In subgroup analyses, the risk of incident MetS in two and three substances users was significantly greater in those free of baseline low high-density lipoprotein [HRs: 1.54 (1.21-1.95) and 2.57 (1.92-3.46), respectively], as compared to their counterparts (both p for interactions <0.05). Conclusion: A dose-response association of more substances use for new-onset MetS was noted in military personnel. This finding suggests that the combined alcohol, tobacco and betel nut use may play a role in the development of MetS. Further study is required to establish causation and to investigate the potential benefits of substance use cessation in reducing the risk of MetS.

Crebanine, an aporphine alkaloid, induces cancer cell apoptosis through PI3K-Akt pathway in glioblastoma multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most prevalent and lethal primary central nervous system malignancies. GBM is notorious for its high rates of recurrence and therapy resistance and the PI3K/Akt pathway plays a pivotal role in its malignant behavior. Crebanine (CB), an alkaloid capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB), has been shown to have inhibitory effects on proinflammatory molecules and multiple cancer cell lines via pathways such as PI3K/Akt. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of CB treatment on GBM. It is the first study to elucidate the anti-tumor role of CB in GBM, providing new possibilities for GBM therapy. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate the significant anti-survival, anti-clonogenicity, and proapoptotic effects of CB treatment on GBM cell lines. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is also conducted and provides a complete list of significant changes in gene expression after treatment, including genes related to apoptosis, the cell cycle, FoxO, and autophagy. The subsequent protein expressions of the upregulation of apoptosis and downregulation of PI3K/Akt are further proved. The clinical applicability of CB to GBM treatment could be high for its BBB-penetrating feature, significant induction of apoptosis, and blockage of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Future research is needed using in vivo experiments and other therapeutic pathways shown in NGS for further clinical or in vivo studies.

pLxIS-containing domains are biochemically flexible regulators of interferons and metabolism.

Signal transduction proteins containing a pLxIS motif induce interferon (IFN) responses central to antiviral immunity. Apart from their established roles in activating the IFN regulator factor (IRF) transcription factors, the existence of additional pathways and functions associated with the pLxIS motif is unknown. Using a synthetic biology-based platform, we identified two orphan pLxIS-containing proteins that stimulate IFN responses independent of all known pattern-recognition receptor pathways. We further uncovered a diversity of pLxIS signaling mechanisms, where the pLxIS motif represents one component of a multi-motif signaling entity, which has variable functions in activating IRF3, the TRAF6 ubiquitin ligase, IκB kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and metabolic activities. The most diverse pLxIS signaling mechanisms were associated with the highest antiviral activities in human cells. The flexibility of domains that regulate IFN signaling may explain their prevalence in nature.

Application and characterization of digital Sallen-Key filter in nuclear spectrum smoothing.

In the nuclear spectrum analysis processing, spectrum smoothing can remove the statistical fluctuation in the spectrum, which is beneficial for peak detection and peak area calculation. In this work, a spectrum smoothing algorithm is proposed based on digital Sallen-Key filter, which contains four parameters (m, n, k, D). The amplitude-frequency response curve of Sallen-Key filter is deduced and the filtering performance is analyzed. Meanwhile, the effects of the four parameters on the shape of the smoothed spectrum are explored: D affects the counts and peak areas of the spectrum, and the peak area can be corrected by the peak area correction function S'. The parameters of m, n and k affect the peak position after smoothing, making the peak position shift to the right, and the peak position correction function P' can be used to correct the peak position, when n¿2, the spectrum data appear negative after smoothing, when k¿2, the smoothed spectrum broadening degree is greater than 20%. Smoothness (R), noise smoothing factor (NSF), spectrum count ratio before and after smoothing (PER), and comprehensive evaluation factor (Q) are used to evaluate the smoothing effect of the algorithm. The parameters of the algorithm are optimally selected: about the gamma spectrum of 137Cs and 60Co, the optimal parameters are m=1.5 n=2 k=2 D=1, about the characteristic X-ray spectrum of Fe and quasi-geological sample (TiMnFeNiCuZn), the optimal parameters are m=1.1 n=1.1 k=1.3 D=1. Based on Sallen-Key smoothing method, Fourier transform method, Gaussian function method, wavelet transformation method, center of gravity method and least squares method, the gamma spectrum of 137Cs is smoothed and denoised in this paper. The results show that the Sallen-Key method has better spectrum denoising effect (R=0.6056) and comprehensive performance indicators (Q=0.6104), which can be further applied for the smoothing of nuclear spectrum data.

Coupling High Hardness and Zn Affinity in Amorphous-Crystalline Diamond for Stable Zn Metal Anodes.

The highly reversible plating/stripping of Zn is plagued by dendrite growth and side reactions on metallic Zn anodes, retarding the commercial application of aqueous Zn-ion batteries. Herein, a distinctive nano dual-phase diamond (NDPD) comprised of an amorphous-crystalline heterostructure is developed to regulate Zn deposition and mechanically block dendrite growth. The rich amorphous-crystalline heterointerfaces in the NDPD endow modified Zn anodes with enhanced Zn affinity and result in homogeneous nucleation. In addition, the unparalleled hardness of the NDPD effectively overcomes the high growth stress of dendrites and mechanically impedes their proliferation. Moreover, the hydrophobic surfaces of the NDPD facilitate the desolvation of hydrate Zn2+ and prevent water-mediated side reactions. Consequently, the Zn@NDPD presents an ultrastable lifespan exceeding 3200 h at 5 mA cm-2 and 1 mAh cm-2. The practical application potential of Zn@NDPD is further demonstrated in full cells. This work exhibits the great significance of a chemical-mechanical synergistic anode modification strategy in constructing high-performance aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Assessing the impact of early progressive mobilization on moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurodisability worldwide, with notably high disability rates among moderately severe TBI cases. Extensive previous research emphasizes the critical need for early initiation of rehabilitation interventions for these cases. However, the optimal timing and methodology of early mobilization in TBI remain to be conclusively determined. Therefore, we explored the impact of early progressive mobilization (EPM) protocols on the functional outcomes of ICU-admitted patients with moderate to severe TBI. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a trauma ICU of a medical center; 65 patients were randomly assigned to either the EPM group or the early progressive upright positioning (EPUP) group. The EPM group received early out-of-bed mobilization therapy within seven days after injury, while the EPUP group underwent early in-bed upright position rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the Perme ICU Mobility Score and secondary outcomes included Functional Independence Measure motor domain (FIM-motor) score, phase angle (PhA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and duration of ventilation. RESULTS: Among 65 randomized patients, 33 were assigned to EPM and 32 to EPUP group. The EPM group significantly outperformed the EPUP group in the Perme ICU Mobility and FIM-motor scores, with a notably shorter ICU stay by 5.9 days (p < 0.001) and ventilation duration by 6.7 days (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in PhAs. CONCLUSION: The early progressive out-of-bed mobilization protocol can enhance mobility and functional outcomes and shorten ICU stay and ventilation duration of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. Our study's results support further investigation of EPM through larger, randomized clinical trials. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04810273 . Registered 13 March 2021.

The effect of sex, age, work experience, education, shift, and ward on nursing autonomy perceptions.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, cultural and professional nursing improvements are reached thanks to the university-based education which marks the clinical competency and the professional autonomy in nursing decision-making. OBJECTIVE: To highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy level in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law according to sex, age, work experience, education, shift and ward. METHODS: A cohort explorative study was carried out from September 2022 to January 2023 to highlight how Italian nurses perceived their nursing autonomy levels in the main action-points highlighted in the Italian regulation law for the nursing profession according to demographic characteristics, like: gender, age, work of experience, education, shift, ward employment. RESULTS: A total of 403 nurses were enrolled. Significant differences were recorded in: decision-making authority in patient care and shift (p≤0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.045); ability to initiate nursing interventions and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.011); collaboration and communication with healthcare team members and education (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p = 0.010); independence in clinical judgment and critical thinking and shift (p < 0.001); responsibility for the planning and evaluation of nursing care and education (p = 0.005) and shift (p = 0.002) and ward employment (p = 0.013); autonomy in professional development and continuing education and shift (p < 0.001) and ward employment (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results highlighted the intricate world both of the healthcare surrounding and the abilities to act autonomously within the multiprofessional staff. Future studies will develop qualitative and phenomenological designs in order to better define in which fields nurses will act their professional autonomy.

Fusion of memristor and digital compute-in-memory processing for energy-efficient edge computing.

Artificial intelligence (AI) edge devices prefer employing high-capacity nonvolatile compute-in-memory (CIM) to achieve high energy efficiency and rapid wakeup-to-response with sufficient accuracy. Most previous works are based on either memristor-based CIMs, which suffer from accuracy loss and do not support training as a result of limited endurance, or digital static random-access memory (SRAM)-based CIMs, which suffer from large area requirements and volatile storage. We report an AI edge processor that uses a memristor-SRAM CIM-fusion scheme to simultaneously exploit the high accuracy of the digital SRAM CIM and the high energy-efficiency and storage density of the resistive random-access memory memristor CIM. This also enables adaptive local training to accommodate personalized characterization and user environment. The fusion processor achieved high CIM capacity, short wakeup-to-response latency (392 microseconds), high peak energy efficiency (77.64 teraoperations per second per watt), and robust accuracy (<0.5% accuracy loss). This work demonstrates that memristor technology has moved beyond in-lab development stages and now has manufacturability for AI edge processors.

Risk Factors for Isolated Sphenoid Sinusitis after Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery.

(1) Background: Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery can be conducted via microscopic or endoscopic approaches, and there has been a growing preference for the latter in recent years. However, the occurrence of rare complications such as postoperative sinusitis remains inadequately documented in the existing literature. (2) Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of medical records spanning from 2018 to 2023, focusing on patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (formerly called pituitary adenoma). Our study encompassed detailed evaluations of pituitary function and MRI imaging pre- and postsurgery, supplemented by transnasal endoscopic follow-up assessments at the otolaryngology outpatient department. Risk factors for sinusitis were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. (3) Results: Out of the 203 patients included in our analysis, a subset of 17 individuals developed isolated sphenoid sinusitis within three months postoperation. Further scrutiny of the data revealed significant associations between certain factors and the occurrence of postoperative sphenoid sinusitis. Specifically, the classification of the primary tumor emerged as a notable risk factor, with patients exhibiting nonfunctioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with 3.71 times the odds of developing sinusitis compared to other tumor types. Additionally, postoperative cortisol levels demonstrated a significant inverse relationship, with lower cortisol levels correlating with an increased risk of sphenoid sinusitis postsurgery. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, our findings underscore the importance of considering tumor classification and postoperative cortisol levels as potential predictors of postoperative sinusitis in patients undergoing transsphenoidal endoscopic pituitary surgery. These insights offer valuable guidance for clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals and implementing tailored preventive and management strategies to mitigate the occurrence and impact of sinusitis complications in this patient population.

Melanoma-like features in pediatric longitudinal melanonychia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric longitudinal melanonychia (LM) can exhibit atypical features that mimic red-flag signs for subungual melanoma in adults and lead to diagnostic uncertainty. Nail biopsy may be unnecessary if clinical inspection and dermoscopy suggest a benign nature. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase from inception to February 2023 for studies of any design reporting either the number or proportion of clinical and dermoscopic features in at least five children (≤18 years) with LM. Non-English articles, reviews, and abstracts were excluded. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to collate all existing data. RESULTS: A total of 1218 articles were screened and 24 studies with 1391 pediatric patients were included. Nevus was the most common diagnosis (86.3%). The most prevalent sites were fingernails (76.2%) and first digits (45.4%). Pooled proportions of common features were: dark-color bands (69.8%), multi-colored bands (47.6%), broad bandwidth (41.1%), pseudo-Hutchinson sign (41.0%), irregular patterns (38.1%), Hutchinson sign (23.7%), dots and globules (22.5%), nail dystrophy (18.2%), and triangular sign (10.9%). Outcomes included progression (widening or darkening, 29.9%), stability (23.3%), and spontaneous regression (narrowing or fading, 19.9%). Only eight cases of subungual melanoma in situ were reported, and no invasive melanomas were identified. CONCLUSION: Although atypical characteristics are common in pediatric LM, the probability of malignant transformation is exceedingly low. Appropriate evaluation and management of pediatric LM includes careful clinical and dermoscopic inspection with attention to benign features followed by long-term interval follow-up.

Question prompt list intervention for patients with advanced cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced communication in end-of-life care (EOL) improves preparation and treatment decisions for patients with advanced cancer, affecting their quality of life at the end of life. Question prompt list (QPL) has been shown to enhance physician-patient communication in patients with cancer, but there is a lack of systematic review and meta-analysis for those with advanced cancer. Enhanced communication in end-of-life care improves preparation and treatment decisions for patients with advanced cancer, affecting their quality of life at the end of life. OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness of QPL intervention on physician-patient communication and health outcomes during consultation in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases were undertaken using inclusion criteria for relevant articles up to August 2021. Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. We used the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool and modified Jadad scale to assess the quality of the studies. RESULTS: Seven RCTs with 1059 participants were included, of which six studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled meta-analysis results indicated that QPL in patients with advanced cancer had a significant positive effect on the total number of questions asked (SMD, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.28 to 1.18; I2 = 83%) and on the patients' expectations for the future (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.25; I2 = 88%). There were no significant improvements in health-related outcomes such as end of life, anxiety, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Using QPL in advanced cancer consultations boosts patient questions which helps communication but not health-related indicators. Optimal results depend on full reading, but timing varies. Future research should examine the relationship between communication and health outcomes, including patient/physician behavior and social context.

Inhibition of MMP8 effectively alleviates manic-like behavior and reduces neuroinflammation by modulating astrocytic CEBPD.

There is an intrinsic relationship between psychiatric disorders and neuroinflammation, including bipolar disorder. Ouabain, an inhibitor of Na+/K+-ATPase, has been implicated in the mouse model with manic-like behavior. However, the molecular mechanisms linking neuroinflammation and manic-like behavior require further investigation. CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein Delta (CEBPD) is an inflammatory transcription factor that contributes to neurological disease progression. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of CEBPD in astrocytes was increased in ouabain-treated mice. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the expression and transcript levels of CEBPD in human primary astrocytes following ouabain treatment. Transcriptome analysis revealed high MMP8 expression in human primary astrocytes following CEBPD overexpression and ouabain treatment. We confirmed that MMP8 is a CEBPD-regulated gene that mediates ouabain-induced neuroinflammation. In our animal model, treatment of ouabain-injected mice with M8I (an inhibitor of MMP8) resulted in the inhibition of manic-like behavior compared to ouabain-injected mice that were not treated with M8I. Additionally, the reduction in the activation of astrocytes and microglia was observed, particularly in the hippocampal CA1 region. Excessive reactive oxygen species formation was observed in ouabain-injected mice, and treating these mice with M8I resulted in the reduction of oxidative stress, as indicated by nitrotyrosine staining. These findings suggest that MMP8 inhibitors may serve as therapeutic agents in mitigating manic symptoms in bipolar disorder.

Updates in the Management of Congenital Melanocytic Nevi.

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) carry an increased risk of melanoma and may be disfiguring, and consensus regarding treatment recommendations is lacking. While clinical monitoring is the standard of care, many caregivers are interested in its removal to prevent psychosocial burden or to decrease risk. Although melanoma can occur regardless of CMN removal, there are a variety of treatments that may offer improved cosmesis or local symptom control, including surgical excision, laser therapy, and other superficially destructive techniques. Regardless of the selected management, these patients are monitored for ongoing melanoma risk. An extensive discussion with families regarding the risks and benefits of observation versus active intervention is essential. To facilitate these discussions, we herein summarize current CMN management strategies and considerations.

Validation and Measurement of Psychometric Properties of the "Nursing Work Environment Questionnaire" (NWE-q) in Italian Nurses.

Background: Evidence suggests that an optimal workplace is a physical, chemical, biological, organizational, social, and cultural condition in which each element contributes to the employer's condition. Purpose: To develop a nursing work environment questionnaire (NWE-Q). Patients and Methods: Convergent validity was measured using Pearson's correlation test. Internal consistency for each dimension of the Nursing Work Environment questionnaire (NWE-q) was performed thanks to the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Construct validity and factor structure of the data were also assessed. Reliability was evaluated by measuring internal consistency. Interclass correlation coefficient and convergent validity were also assessed. Group validity was evaluated according to the sociodemographic characteristics collected using an independent t-test. Results: 376 nurses participated in this study. Both Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measures of sampling adequacy were, and the Bartlett test of sphericity showed very strong evidence. Owing to oblique rotation, three main sub-dimensions were defined with good internal consistency for all items of the NWE-q (27 items), and each sub-dimension was registered. Very strong interclass correlations were assessed for the NWE-q total scores and for each sub-dimension, with the exception of the system dimensions, in which the interclass correlation showed a weak relationship. Strong positive evidence was found between the NWE-q for both the total and each sub-dimension correlated with the items of both the individual and organizational validated nursing performance questionnaires. Strong evidence was observed for both the organizational and system subdimensions according to shift and gender. Conclusion: The NWE-q was promptly completed in the online mode, and its scoring characteristics seemed to be more accessible and simpler to adopt.

Effects of various functional monomers' reaction on the surface characteristics and bonding performance of polyetheretherketone.

PURPOSE: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a new polymeric material that has received significant attention in dentistry because of its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetics. However, the bonding performance of PEEK to other materials is not preferable. This study aimed to analyze the variations in the surface characteristics of PEEK under the chemical action of primers containing different functional monomers or polymers and to evaluate the bonding performance of PEEK and dental cement. METHODS: Disk-shaped PEEK samples were prepared by dental milling, blasting with alumina oxide, and covering with primers containing functional monomers or polymers. The surface characteristics of the samples were analyzed by microscopy and spectroscopy. The shear bond strength (SBS) between PEEK and dental cement, with and without thermocycling, was tested using a universal testing machine. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Functional monomers or polymers were successfully bonded to the surface of PEEK. This treatment significantly improved its hydrophilicity and surface free energy (P < 0.05). The primer containing pentaerythritol triacrylate had the highest SBS without thermocycling (13.89 MPa). Meanwhile, the primers containing urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) (abbreviated as the HC group) showed the highest SBS and lowest reduction (25.51%) after thermocycling. Notably, all the testing groups achieved the ISO10477 standard of 5 MPa. After thermocycling, adhesive failure accounted for the largest proportion of failures in all the groups except the HC group. CONCLUSIONS: The chemical priming treatment can significantly improve the SBS of PEEK and dental cement. Moreover, a primer containing both UDMA and MMA can provide improved bonding for PEEK materials.