Antiadhesion Superhydrophobic Bipolar Electrocoagulation Tweezers with High Conductivity and Stability.

Irregularly shaped electrosurgical devices face significant challenges in electrosurgery due to serious blood and tissue adhesion. Superhydrophobic surfaces inspired by lotus leaves have attracted great attention for their promising antiadhesion properties. However, there are few methods for efficiently preparing superhydrophobic irregularly shaped bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers (BETs). Herein, we propose a simple and environmentally friendly method to fabricate antiadhesion superhydrophobic surfaces on BETs. The superhydrophobicity is obtained by combining laser texturing to form rough structures and low surface energy modification via stearic acid. The formation mechanism of superhydrophobicity is investigated through analyzing microstructures and chemical compositions by scanning electron microscopy, white-light interferometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The functionalized BET surfaces exhibit excellent water repellency with a contact angle of 159.6°, a roll-off angle of 1°, and a surface energy of 14.3 mJ/m2, possessing excellent antiadhesion properties against blood, chicken breast tissue, and pork tissue. Compared with ordinary BETs, the mass of blood, pork tissue, and chicken breast tissue adhered to the superhydrophobic BET is reduced by 97.70, 70.34, and 75.35%, respectively. Moreover, the superhydrophobic BETs have excellent conductivity and maintain good antiadhesion properties after low-temperature storage for 2 weeks, after being impacted by sand and blood and 30 cycles of tape peeling tests. With outstanding antiadhesion performance, the superhydrophobic BET may have promising application prospects in the electrosurgery field.

Magnetic resonance shoulder imaging using deep learning-based algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of deep learning-based MRI (DL-MRI) in its application in shoulder imaging and compare its performance with conventional MR imaging (non-DL-MRI). METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics committee. Seventy consecutive patients who had been examined with both DL-MRI and non-DL-MRI were enrolled for the image quality and lesion diagnosis comparison. Another 400 patients had been examined only with DL-MRI. Their images' quality was assessed by 20 radiologists using a satisfaction survey. The Kendall W test was performed to assess interobserver agreement. The Wilcoxon test was performed to compare the image quality. For lesion diagnosis, the interobserver and interstudy agreement were evaluated by kappa analysis. RESULTS: The scan time of DL-MRI (6 min 1 s) was nearly 50% decreased compared with that of non-DL-MRI (11 min 25 s). The image quality was higher in both PDWI (4.85 ± 0.31 for DL, and 4.73 ± 0.29 for non-DL) and T2WI (4.95 ± 0.2 for DL, and 4.74 ± 0.41 for non-DL) of DL-MRI. Good interobserver agreement was found for the image quality of all the MR sequences on both DL-MRI (Kendall W: 0.588~0.902) and non-DL-MRI (Kendall W: 0751~0.865). Both the SNRs and |CNR| were significantly higher in PDWI and T2WI of DL-MRI. High interobserver and interstudy agreements for the lesions in non-DL-MRI and DL-MRI (kappa value = 0.913 to 1.000) were observed. The results of the image quality satisfaction survey in 400 patients receiving DL-MRI in the shoulder obtained 5 scores among all the radiologists. CONCLUSION: Shoulder DL-MRI can greatly reduce the scan time, while improve imaging quality of PDWI and T2WI compared to non-DL-MRI. KEY POINTS: • Shoulder 2D DL-MRI can greatly reduce the whole scan time and improve imaging quality of both PDWI and T2WI compared to conventional parallel MRI. • Shoulder 2D DL-MRI could be a clinical routine with greatly improved work efficiency in the future.

Predicting the image quality of respiratory-gated and breath-hold 3D MRCP from the breathing curve: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the image quality of breath-hold magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (BH-MRCP) and respiratory-gating MRCP (RG-MRCP), and to explore breathing curve-based factors and patient-related data affecting image quality. METHODS: A total of 126 participants who underwent RG-MRCP and BH-MRCP on a 3-T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner were enrolled from May to December 2021. The images were evaluated by three radiologists on a 5-point scale. Respiratory parameters were extracted from the breathing curves. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the image quality between the two MRCPs. Logistic regression analyzes were performed to identify age, sex, abdominal pain, and breathing predictor variables of better image quality. RESULTS: BH-MRCP performed better in visualizing intrahepatic bile ducts and overall image quality than RG-MRCP (p < 0.01). Factors predicting relatively good image quality included lower standard deviation of the respiratory amplitude (SDamp)-minimum-peak (odds ratio = 0.16, p < 0.01) for RG-MRCP and lower SDamp (OR = 0.69, p < 0.01) for BH-MRCP. CONCLUSIONS: BH-MRCP had significantly better overall image quality than RG-MRCP. Respiratory conditions exerted a significant impact on MRCP image quality, and parameters derived from the breathing curve could help predict the image quality of both sequences. KEY POINTS: • Both breath-hold (BH) and respiratory-gating (RG) MRCP demonstrate satisfying image quality. • BH-GRASE-MRCP is significantly better than RG-MRCP at the group level, but not for every individual. • Respiratory conditions exert a significant impact on the image quality, and the breathing curve can help predict the image quality.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, DNA Damage Protective, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities of Cyperus rotundus Rhizomes Essential Oil against Foodborne Pathogens.

Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat various clinical conditions at home. In this study, chemical composition of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes essential oil, and in vitro antioxidant, DNA damage protective and cytotoxic activities as well as antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens were investigated. Results showed that α-cyperone (38.46%), cyperene (12.84%) and α-selinene (11.66%) were the major components of the essential oil. The essential oil had an excellent antioxidant activity, the protective effect against DNA damage, and cytotoxic effects on the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell, as well as antibacterial activity against several foodborne pathogens. These biological activities were dose-dependent, increasing with higher dosage in a certain concentration range. The antibacterial effects of essential oil were greater against Gram-positive bacteria as compared to Gram-negative bacteria, and the antibacterial effects were significantly influenced by incubation time and concentration. These results may provide biological evidence for the practical application of the C. rotundus rhizomes essential oil in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Properties and Mechanism of Action of Essential Oil from Clove Buds against Staphylococcus aureus.

The essential oil of clove has a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities and is widely used in the medicine, fragrance and flavoring industries. In this work, 22 components of the essential oil obtained from clove buds were identified. Eugenol was the major component (76.23%). The essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.625 mg/mL, and the antibacterial effects depended on its concentration and action time. Kill-time assays also confirmed the essential oil had a significant effect on the growth rate of surviving S. aureus. We hypothesized that the essential oil may interact with the cell wall and membrane first. On the one hand it destroys cell wall and membranes, next causing the losses of vital intracellular materials, which finally result in the bacterial death. Besides, essential oil penetrates to the cytoplasmic membrane or enters inside the cell after destruction of cell structure, and then inhibits the normal synthesis of DNA and proteins that are required for bacterial growth. These results suggested that the effects of the clove essential oil on the growth inhibition of S. aureus may be at the molecular level rather than only physical damage.

Adiponectin regulates bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell niche through a unique signal transduction pathway: an approach for treating bone disease in diabetes.

Adiponectin (APN) is an adipocyte-secreted adipokine that exerts well-characterized antidiabetic properties. Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are characterized by reduced APN levels in circulation and impaired stem cell and progenitor cell mobilization from the bone marrow for tissue repair and remodeling. In this study, we found that APN regulates the mobilization and recruitment of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to participate in tissue repair and regeneration. APN facilitated BMSCs migrating from the bone marrow into the circulation to regenerate bone by regulating stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 in a mouse bone defect model. More importantly, we found that systemic APN infusion ameliorated diabetic mobilopathy of BMSCs, lowered glucose concentration, and promoted bone regeneration in diet-induced obesity mice. In vitro studies allowed us to identify Smad1/5/8 as a novel signaling mediator of APN receptor (AdipoR)-1 in BMSCs and osteoblasts. APN stimulation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells led to Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation and nuclear localization and increased SDF-1 mRNA expression. Although APN-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 occurred independently from adaptor protein, phosphotyrosine interaction, pleckstrin homology domain, and leucine zipper containing 1, it correlated with the disassembly of protein kinase casein kinase 2 and AdipoR1 in immunoprecipitation experiments. Taken together, this study identified APN as a regulator of BMSCs migration in response to bone injury. Therefore, our findings suggest APN signaling could be a potential therapeutic target to improve bone regeneration and homeostasis, especially in obese and T2D patients.

Resveratrol ameliorates experimental periodontitis in diabetic mice through negative regulation of TLR4 signaling.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RSV) on periodontitis in diabetic mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms in vitro. METHODS: Experimental periodontitis was induced in db/db mice by ligature application of porphyromonas gingivalis. The mice were treated with RSV (20 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 4 weeks. Alveolar bone loss, proinflammatory cytokines and TLR4 expression in the gingival tissue were measured. Cultured gingival epithelial cells (GECs) were used for in vitro studies. The transcriptional activity of TLR4 downstream signaling was analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS: RSV administration significantly decreased the blood glucose levels, and ameliorated alveolar bone loss in db/db mice with experimental periodontitis. RSV administration also suppressed the high levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and TLR4 in gingival tissue of the mice. In the GECs incubated in high glucose medium, TLR4 expression was substantially upregulated, which was partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Lipopolysaccharides markedly increased the expression and secretion of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in the GECs cultured in high glucose medium, which was also partly blocked in the presence of RSV. Furthermore, RSV significantly suppressed the phosphorylation of TLR4 downstream factors NF-κB p65, p38MAPK, and STAT3. CONCLUSION: RSV exerts protective effects against experimental periodontitis in db/db mice via negative regulation of TLR4 signaling.

Curcumin inhibits oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and invasion via EGFR signaling pathways.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an effective molecular target of anti-cancer therapies. Curcumin is known to inhibit growth, invasion and metastasis by downregulating EGFR expression in some cancer cells. However, the mechanism underlying the effect of curcumin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of curcumin on proliferation and invasion in SCC-25 cell line. We also explored the effect of curcumin on the activition of EGFR and its downstream signaling molecules Akt, ERK1/2 and STAT3. Furthermore, we examined the inhibition effect of curcumin on EGF-induced EGFR phosphorylation and SCC-25 cells invasion. Our results showed that curcumin inhibited SCC-25 cells proliferation and induced G2/M phase arrest in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin also inhibited SCC-25 cells invasion and downregulated MMP-2, MMP-9, uPA and uPAR expression. We further revealed that curcumin regulated the p-EGFR and EGFR downstream signaling molecules including Akt, ERK1/2 and STAT3. Finally, our data showed that crucumin reduced the EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR and suppressed EGF-triggered SCC-25 cells invasion. Taken together, our results suggest that curcumin reduced SCC-25 cells proliferation and invasion through inhibiting the phosphorylation of EGFR and EGFR downstream signaling molecules Akt, ERK1/2 and STAT3.

Urinary levels of nickel and chromium associated with dental restoration by nickel-chromium based alloys.

This paper aims to investigate if the dental restoration of nickel-chromium based alloy (Ni-Cr) leads to the enhanced excretions of Ni and Cr in urine. Seven hundred and ninety-five patients in a dental hospital had single or multiple Ni-Cr alloy restoration recently and 198 controls were recruited to collect information on dental restoration by questionnaire and clinical examination. Urinary concentrations of Ni and Cr from each subject were measure by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the control group, the urinary level of Ni was significantly higher in the patient group of <1 month of the restoration duration, among which higher Ni excretions were found in those with either a higher number of teeth replaced by dental alloys or a higher index of metal crown not covered with the porcelain. Urinary levels of Cr were significantly higher in the three patient groups of <1, 1 to <3 and 3 to <6 months, especially in those with a higher metal crown exposure index. Linear curve estimations showed better relationships between urinary Ni and Cr in patients within 6-month groups. Our data suggested significant increased excretions of urinary Ni and Cr after dental restoration. Potential short- and long-term effects of Ni-Cr alloy restoration need to be investigated.

[Analysis of the association between renal function parameters and urinary nickel or chromium in patients with dental restoration of nickel-chromium alloys].

PURPOSE: To explore whether the renal function parameters were associated with urinary nickel(Ni) and chromium(Cr) in patients undergoing dental restoration of nickel-chromium(Ni-Cr). METHODS: Seven hundred and ninety-five Ni-Cr alloy consumers were investigated by the questionnaire and the biological examination of renal function. The correlations between renal function parameters and urinary Ni(or Cr) were determined by Student's t test, one-way ANOVA, and Logistic regression analysis using SPSS12.0 software package. RESULTS: After dividing all subjects into three groups with equal sample size by urinary Ni (<38,38-90, ≥ 90µg/mol crea.), the middle group (38-90µg/mol crea.) had a significantly higher serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the other two groups, and there was no significant difference in other serum or urinary parameters of renal function. After dividing all subjects into three groups by urinary Cr(<38,38-88, and ≥ 90µg/mol crea.), no change was found in serum parameters, but urinary N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (UNAG) and retinol-binding protein (URBP) showed negative association with urinary Cr. The prevalence of either abnormal eGFR and abnormal urine parameters of renal function did not show significant change between different dose of urinary Ni or Cr. CONCLUSIONS: No association of renal changes with urinary excretion of Ni and Cr was found in patients undergoing dental restoration of Ni-Cr alloy.

[A cross-sectional survey on immunological function after dental restoration of nickel-chromium alloy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immunological function parameters in patients undergoing dental restoration of nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr). METHODS: Seven hundred and ninety-five Ni-Cr alloy consumers as exposure group, together with 198 controls, were surveyed by the questionnaire and the biological examination of immunological function. RESULTS: After splitting all subjects into three groups of equal sample size by urinary Ni or urinary Cr, serum interleukin-1beta(IL-1ß) was found to be significantly higher in the group of urinary Ni > 115.73 µg/mol creatinine comparing to the group of urinary Ni < 37.28 µg/mol creatinine (P < 0.05). No changes of immunological parameters in surm [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1ß, and IL-6] were found in other groups of urinary Ni or Cr. Both one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression analysis did not find any association between serum changes of immunological parameters and the parameters of alloy restoration (period, number and the level of metal crown uncovered with porcelain). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not show positive associations between dental restoration of Ni-Cr alloy and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6.

[A prospective follow-up study on the impact of urinary excretions of nickel and chromium after dental restoration by nickel-chromium based alloys].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the dental restoration of nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr) based alloys will lead to extra excretions of urinary Ni and Cr. METHODS: Urinary Ni and Cr were repeatedly measured in 33 patients before and 2 months after the dental restoration of Ni-Cr alloys. The associations between alloy restoration and urinary Ni or Cr were analyzed by paired t test and general linear model of repeated measures. RESULTS: A slightly higher urinary Ni was found in patients after 2 month of the alloy restoration, but the difference was not statistically significant (before: 46.4 microg x mol(-1) crea; after: 67.6 microg x mol(-1) crea; P=0.063). This difference was only in female subjects (before: 44.8 microg x mol(-1) crea; after: 73.7 microg x mol(-1) crea; P=0.068). A significant higher urinary Cr was found in patients after 2 month of the alloy restoration (before: 57.0 microg x mol(-1) crea; after: 99.4 microg x mol(-1) crea; P=0.024). This significant difference was only in female subjects (before: 59.8 microg x mol(-1) crea; after: 124.4 microg x mol(-1) crea; P=0.023). General linear models of repeated measurements showed that urinary excretions of Ni and Cr were associated with the number of restoration and the area of metal basis uncovered with porcelain. CONCLUSION: Dental restoration of Ni-Cr alloy might lead to the enhanced excretions of urinary Ni and Cr.

[A 3-year retrospective assessment of deciduous teeth caries in 372 children aged 3 year-old in Shanghai].

PURPOSE: To observe the 3 years changes of deciduous teeth caries in 372 children aged 3 years old in Shanghai. METHODS: 372 samples of 3 year-old children from kindergartens in Shanghai were selected for clinical examination.The prevalence of dental caries,mean dmft score, caries severity index(CSI) and caries filling rate were calculated. The results were analyzed with SPSS13.0 software package for Chi(2) test, ANOVA and SNK. RESULTS: It was found that from 2005 to 2007,the prevalence of dental caries was 40.90%, 50.80% and 62.40%, respectively. The mean dmft was 2.17+/-3.38+/-2.56+/-3.61 and 3.15+/-3.87, respectively. The CSI was 6.38+/-11.16+/-7.67+/-12.04 and 8.73+/-13.03, respectively. The caries filling rate was 5.35%,13.46% and 18.15%,respectively. The prevalence of dental caries, mean dmft, CSI and caries filling rate increased gradually as the children grew up. There was significant difference among 3 years (Chi(2)=16.423,P<0.01;F=8.185,P<0.01;F=3.509,P<0.05;Chi(2)=16.423,P<0.05). SNK analysis showed that there was significant difference of dmft between 2005 and 2006 ,2005 and 2007 was found. Significant difference of CSI only between 2005 and 2007. No significant difference of incidence of caries between 2006 and 2007 was found. There was no significant difference between male and female in prevalence of dental caries,mean dmft,CSI and caries filling rate (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The trend that the status of dental caries rapidly increases as the children grow up is decreasing in Shanghai;the filling rate is still very low, early prevention and treatment for deciduous caries are needed. Supported by Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau for Development of Science and Technology (Grant No.044034).