Utilization of dental care service and associated factors among pre-school children in northwest China over the past decade.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the utilization of oral health care among 5 years old children. METHODS: We conducted two observational cross-sectional studies. The studies were conducted in 2005 and 2015 and included 5-year-old children who underwent dental examination by trained dentists and the caregivers of the children were requested to answer the questionnaire. Multi-level stratified sampling method was used. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the utilization of dental care and other socio-economic variables. Logistic regression models were employed to explore the primary factors influencing the use of dental care among pre-school children. RESULTS: In 2005, a total of 399 and in 2015, 492 child-caregiver pairs were included. The majority of the caregivers in both surveys were females, comprising 68.2% and 74.8% of the caregivers in 2005 and 2015, respectively. 75.2% and 87.0% (p < 0.05) of the respondents had an education level of lesser than 9 years. The prevalence of caries was higher in 2015 (63.2%) (p < 0.05) than in 2005 (53.4%). In 2005 and 2015, the utilization of dental care services was 20.8% and 20.0%, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between caries and dental care use in 5-year-olds over the past decade. After adjusting for confounders, dental service usage among children in urban areas was 1.62 times higher than that of rural areas in 2005 (95% CI 0.069-0.571), and the self-assessment of caregivers regarding their child's oral health significantly improved oral health use in 2015. CONCLUSION: The utilization of dental care services over the past decade is insufficient among pre-school children in northwest China. Hence, with the decreasing gap about economic and health service resources, policymakers should place greater emphasis on raising awareness among caregivers about the oral health status of their children.

Laser doppler flowmetry to detect pulp vitality, clinical reference range and coincidence rate for pulpal blood flow in permanent maxillary incisors in Chinese children: a clinical study.

BACKGROUND: A laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) test can reflect the pulp vitality caused by the change in pulp blood flow (PBF). This study aimed to investigate the PBF of the permanent maxillary incisors using LDF and to calculate the clinical reference range and coincidence rate for pulp vitality using PBF as an indicator. METHODS: School-age children (7-12 years) were recruited randomly. A total of 455 children (216 female and 239 male) were included in this study. An additional 395 children (7-12 years) who attended the department due to anterior tooth trauma from October 2015 to February 2018 were included to assess the clinical occurrence rate. The PBF was measured using LDF equipment and an LDF probe. RESULTS: The clinical reference range of PBF values for the permanent maxillary incisors (teeth 11, 12, 21, and 22) in children were from 7 to 14 perfusion units (PU), 11 (6.016; 11.900 PU), 12 (6.677; 14.129 PU), 21 (6.043;11.899 PU), and 22 (6.668; 14.174 PU). There was a statistically significant correlation between PBF and children's age (p < 0.000) without any significant gender discrimination (p = 0.395). For all incisors, for any age group, the PBF detection value of the lateral incisors was significantly higher than that of the central incisors (p < 0.05). The clinical coincidence rate of detecting PBF in the traumatic teeth was 90.42% and the sensitivity and specificity were 36.99% and 99.88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of the PBF clinical reference range and clinical coincidence rate for the permanent maxillary incisors in children using LDF provided a promising theoretical basis for clinical applications.

An economic evaluation of pit and fissure sealants and fluoride varnishes in preventing dental caries: a systematic review.

The aim was to systematically evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants (PFSs) compared with that of fluoride varnishes (FVs) in dental caries prevention. We searched four electronic databases including the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (till 03 June 2022), Web of Science (from 1945 to 03 June 2022), PubMed (from 1996 to 03 June 2022), and EMBASE via Ovid (from 1980 to 03 June 2022) to identify the cost and effectiveness of PFSs and FVs in decreasing dental caries incidence. Two researchers independently screened search results, extracted data from the included studies, and conducted the risk of bias assessments. The main characteristics of the included studies were extracted and analyzed. The initial search produced 874 articles. After removing duplicates and full-text review, 19 studies were included. In this study: nine studies were on PFSs comparison with control; five on PFSs comparison with FVs; and five on FVs comparison with control. Regarding the type of economic evaluation (EE), 13 studies conducted cost-effectiveness analysis, five conducted cost-utility analyses, and one conducted both cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-utility analyses. The cost-effectiveness evaluation of PFSs and FVs in the available studies was limited. The prevalence of dental caries, payers' willingness to pay, length of follow-ups, delivery settings, retention rate of PFS, and application intervals of FV can affect the economic evaluation of these two methods for dental caries prevention. Therefore, more studies in the future are need to draw clear conclusions about which method is more cost-effective for the two preventive interventions in future.

Synergistic Function between Phosphorus-Containing Flame Retardant and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes towards Fire Safe Polystyrene Composites with Enhanced Electromagnetic Interference Shielding.

As a universal polymer material, polystyrene (PS) is widely applied in electrical devices and construction. Thus, it is necessary to improve the flame retardancy and electromagnetic shielding properties of PS material. In this work, PS/silicon-wrapped ammonium polyphosphate/Inorganic acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes composites (PS/SiAPP/aMWCNT, abbreviated as PAC) were prepared via methods of filtration-induced assembly and hot-pressing. Morphology and structure characterization demonstrated that SiAPP and aMWCNT had good dispersion in PS and excellent compatibility with the PS matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of aMWCNT to PS improved its thermal stability and carbon-forming characteristics. The peak heat release rate, the peak carbon monoxide production rate, and the peak smoke production rate of the PAC10 composite decreased by 53.7%, 41.9%, and 45.5%, respectively, while its electromagnetic shielding effectiveness reached 12 dB. These enhancements were attributed to the reason that SiAPP and aMWCNT synergistically catalyzed the char generation and SiAPP produced free radical scavengers and numbers of incombustible gases, which could decrease the oxygen concentration and retard the combustion reaction. Therefore, the assembled PS/SiAPP/aMWCNT system provides a new pathway to improve the flame retardant and electromagnetic shielding properties of PS.

MAP kinase phosphatase MKP-1 regulates p-ERK1/2 signaling pathway with fluoride treatment.

Dental fluorosis is characterized by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation. Excess fluoride could have effects on the ERK signaling, which is essential for the ameloblasts differentiation and tooth development. MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) plays a critical role in regulating ERK related kinases. However, the role of MKP-1 in ameloblast and the mechanisms of MKP-1/ERK signaling in the pathogenesis of dental fluorosis are incompletely understood. Here, we adopted an in vitro fluorosis cell model using murine ameloblasts-like LS8 cells by employing sodium fluoride (NaF) as inducer. Using this system, we demonstrated that fluoride exposure led to an inhibition of p-MEK and p-ERK1/2 with a subsequent increase in MKP-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. We further identified, under high dose fluoride, MKP-1 acted as a negative regulator of the fluoride-induced p-ERK1/2 signaling, leading to downregulation of CREB, c-myc, and Elk-1. Our results identify a novel MKP-1/ERK signaling mechanism that regulates dental fluorosis and provide a framework for studying the molecular mechanisms of intervention and fluorosis remodeling under normal and pathological conditions. MKP-1 inhibitors may prove to be a benefit therapeutic strategy for dental fluorosis treatment.

Allele and haplotype diversity of new multiplex of 19 ChrX-STR loci in Han population from Guanzhong region (China).

X-chromosomal short tandem repeats (X-STRs) have been proved to be useful for some deficiency paternity cases in recent years. Here, we studied the genetic polymorphisms of 19 X-STR loci (DXS10148-DXS10135-DXS8378, DXS10159-DXS10162-DXS10164, DXS7132-DXS10079-DXS10074-DXS10075, DXS6809-DXS6789, DXS7424-DXS101, DXS10103-HPRTB-DXS10101 and DXS7423-DXS10134) in 252 male and 222 female individuals from Guanzhong Han population, China. No deviation for all 19 loci was observed from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The polymorphism information content values of the panel of 19 loci were more than 0.5 with the exception of the locus DXS7423. The combined power of discrimination were 0.9999999999999999999994340 in females and 0.9999999999997662 in males, respectively; and the combined mean exclusion chances were 0.999999993764 in duos and 0.999999999997444 in trios, respectively. The haplotype diversities for all the seven clusters of linked loci were more than 0.9. The results showed that the panel of 19 X-STR loci were powerful for forensic applications in Guanzhong Han population. Locus by locus population comparisons showed significant differences at more than seven loci between Guanzhong Han population and the groups from North America, Europe and Africa.

Oral health status and oral health knowledge, attitudes and behavior among rural children in Shaanxi, western China: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The current oral health status and possible dental risk factors among children in rural Shaanxi Province, western China are unreported. This study aimed to describe the oral health status and to analyze the possible risk factors for the oral health status in this population. METHODS: A multi-stage cluster sampling method was used to survey 12- to 15-year-olds and 4- to 6-year-olds in villages in Shaanxi Province. The structured questionnaires were provided to the 12- to 15-year-olds and to the caregivers of the 4- to 6-year-olds to collect information on the subjects' oral health knowledge, attitudes and behavior. A clinical examination was performed to assess dental caries and gingival bleeding (only 12- to 15-year-olds). SPSS 17.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: The decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index scores of 12- to 15-year-olds and 4-to 6-year-olds averaged 0.45 and 3.05, respectively. The caries prevalence was 23.9% in 12- to 15-year-olds and 67% in 4-to 6-year-olds. Additionally, 45.2% of the 12- to 15-year-olds had gingival bleeding and 62.8% had calculus. The oral health knowledge of the subjects was generally poor, whereas they held very positive attitudes toward oral health. A low number of participants reported that they brushed their teeth at least twice daily. Moreover, a statistically significant relationship was found between oral health knowledge scores, tooth brushing frequency and DMFT scores as well as gingival bleeding in the 12- to 15-year-olds. Frequency of sweets consumption was strongly related to dmft scores in the 4- to 6-year-olds. CONCLUSION: The oral health status, oral health knowledge and behaviors among village children in Shaanxi Province are poor. Oral health education to improve oral health knowledge and to increase the frequency of tooth brushing should be undertaken in the rural schools in western China.

The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion.

BACKGROUND: Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME. METHODS: We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs. RESULTS: TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.

68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT versus 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI for the detection of biochemically recurrent prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Our aim was to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic review in order to compare the diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI in patients with biochemically recurrent after radical prostatectomy and biochemically recurrent prostate cancers (BCR) after hybrid RT and RP. Methods: Up until February 2023, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for pertinent papers. Studies examining the utility of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT or PET/MRI as a screening tool for biochemically recurrent prostate cancer were included. To measure heterogeneity, we employed the I2 statistic. In cases of substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 50%), we used the random effect model to produce a forest plot. In other cases, we utilized the fixed model. Furthermore, we assessed the quality of the studies included using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Performance Studies (QUADAS-2) method. Results: In total, 37 studies involving 8409 patients were examined. For 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI, the combined total detection rate was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.65-0.75) and 0.71 (95% CI:0.67-0.75), respectively. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI did not substantially differ in terms of the overall detection rate for BCR (P = 0.58). The detection rate was unaffected by the PSA values (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT appears to be equivalent to that of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI in detecting biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. Nonetheless, it should be noted that not all studies have used pathological biopsies as the gold standard. Therefore, additional larger prospective studies are needed to address this issue. Systematic review registration: identifier CRD42023410039.

The role of bacteria and its derived biomaterials in cancer radiotherapy.

Bacteria-mediated anti-tumor therapy has received widespread attention due to its natural tumor-targeting ability and specific immune-activation characteristics. It has made significant progress in breaking the limitations of monotherapy and effectively eradicating tumors, especially when combined with traditional therapy, such as radiotherapy. According to their different biological characteristics, bacteria and their derivatives can not only improve the sensitivity of tumor radiotherapy but also protect normal tissues. Moreover, genetically engineered bacteria and bacteria-based biomaterials have further expanded the scope of their applications in radiotherapy. In this review, we have summarized relevant researches on the application of bacteria and its derivatives in radiotherapy in recent years, expounding that the bacteria, bacterial derivatives and bacteria-based biomaterials can not only directly enhance radiotherapy but also improve the anti-tumor effect by improving the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune effects. Furthermore, some probiotics can also protect normal tissues and organs such as intestines from radiation via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation and apoptosis inhibition. In conclusion, the prospect of bacteria in radiotherapy will be very extensive, but its biological safety and mechanism need to be further evaluated and studied.

Inhibitory effects of Stevioside on Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual-species biofilm.

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans is the most prevalent biofilm-forming pathogen in dental caries, while Candida albicans is often detected in the presence of S. mutans. Methods: We aimed to evaluate the anti-caries effect of stevioside in medium trypticase soy broth (TSB) with or without sucrose supplementation compared with the same sweetness sucrose and xylitol in a dual-species model of S. mutans and C. albicans, based on planktonic growth, crystal violet assay, acid production, biofilm structural imaging, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and RNA sequencing. Results: Our results showed that compared with sucrose, stevioside significantly inhibited planktonic growth and acid production, changed the structure of the mixed biofilm, and reduced the viability of biofilm and the production of extracellular polysaccharides in dual-species biofilm. Through RNA-seq, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway impact analysis showed that stevioside decreased sucrose metabolism and increased galactose and intracellular polysaccharide metabolism in S. mutans, and decreased genes related to GPI-modified proteins and secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP) family in C. albicans. In contrast to xylitol, stevioside also inhibited the transformation of fungal morphology of C. albicans, which did not form mycelia and thus had reduced pathogenicity. Stevioside revealed a superior suppression of dual-species biofilm formation compared to sucrose and a similar anti-caries effect with xylitol. However, sucrose supplementation diminished the suppression of stevioside on S. mutans and C. albicans. Conclusions: Our study is the first to confirm that stevioside has anticariogenic effects on S. mutans and C. albicans in a dual-species biofilm. As a substitute for sucrose, it may help reduce the risk of developing dental caries.

[Comparison of dentinal microcracks caused by new generation of single reciprocating files after root canal preparation].

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of dentinal microcracks after root canal preparation by new generation of nickel-titanium instrument WaveOne Gold, Reciproc Blue with previous WaveOne and Reciproc. METHODS: Ninety extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 6 groups(n=15). The root canals were instrumented by using Hand K files, WaveOne, Reciproc, WaveOne Gold and Reciproc Blue. Fifteen teeth were left unprepared and served as negative controls. The root canals were all prepared to 25#. The roots were then sectioned at 3 mm, 6 mm and 9 mm from the apical orifice using a hard tissue slicer. The slices were observed under stereoscopic microscope at ×25 magnification. SPSS 17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: No dentinal microcrack was found in the hand K files group and negative control group. The reciprocating single files WaveOne, WaveOne Gold, Reciproc and Reciproc Blue all produced dentinal microcracks after root canal preparation. The WaveOne generated the most dentinal microcracks than the hand K files(P＜0.05), and the microcracks were mainly concentrated in the middle part of the root. The number of dentinal microcracks caused by Reciproc and Reciproc Blue was the same, with no significant difference(P＞0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new generation of reciprocating files of WaveOne Gold and Reciproc Blue may not increase the incidence of dentinal microcracks after root canal preparation.

Polydopamine-Coated Radiolabeled Microspheres for Combinatorial Radioembolization and Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is a local radionuclide therapy and is successfully used in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Radioactive microspheres have been widely studied for TARE. Preparation of ideal radioactive microspheres is significant for clinical research and patient treatment. In this study, we have designed a novel multifunctional microsphere, i.e., polydopamine (PDA)-coated 177Lu-radiolabeled silica microspheres (MS) denoted as 177Lu-MS@PDA, which can be used for TARE and photothermal therapy (PTT). The radiostability of 177Lu-MS@PDA was significantly improved by coating 177Lu-MS with PDA. In addition, the coating of PDA makes microspheres have excellent photothermal performance. MicroSPECT/CT images showed that 177Lu-MS@PDA was accurately embolized and remained in the tumor during the observation time. At the time, it also showed that 177Lu-MS@PDA was very stable in vivo. Furthermore, the anti-tumor results demonstrated that TARE combined with PTT of 177Lu-MS@PDA can significantly inhibit tumor growth without obvious side effects. 177Lu-MS@PDA holds great potential as a promising radioactive microsphere for HCC.

Novel antimicrobial agents targeting the Streptococcus mutans biofilms discovery through computer technology.

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent and costly biofilm-associated infectious diseases worldwide. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is well recognized as the major causative factor of dental caries due to its acidogenicity, aciduricity and extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) synthesis ability. The EPSs have been considered as a virulent factor of cariogenic biofilm, which enhance biofilms resistance to antimicrobial agents and virulence compared with planktonic bacterial cells. The traditional anti-caries therapies, such as chlorhexidine and antibiotics are characterized by side-effects and drug resistance. With the development of computer technology, several novel approaches are being used to synthesize or discover antimicrobial agents. In this mini review, we summarized the novel antimicrobial agents targeting the S. mutans biofilms discovery through computer technology. Drug repurposing of small molecules expands the original medical indications and lowers drug development costs and risks. The computer-aided drug design (CADD) has been used for identifying compounds with optimal interactions with the target via silico screening and computational methods. The synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) based on the rational design, computational design or high-throughput screening have shown increased selectivity for both single- and multi-species biofilms. These methods provide potential therapeutic agents to promote targeted control of the oral microbial biofilms in the near future.

An in situ micro-indentation apparatus for investigating mechanical parameters of thermal barrier coatings under temperature gradient.

Premature failure of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) under a temperature gradient is an overriding concern in many applications, and their mechanical parameters are essential to failure analysis. In this study, an in situ micro-indentation apparatus, including a heating module, cooling module, and micro-indentation module, was developed to study the mechanical parameters of TBCs with a temperature gradient. The upper surface of the TBC was heated by radiation to simulate high-temperature service conditions, and the bottom surface was gas-cooled. Different temperature gradients are obtained by changing the velocity of the cooling gas. The temperatures through the thickness of the TBCs were analyzed by numerical simulations and experiments. During exposure to the temperature gradient, micro-indentation tests of the TBC samples were conducted to obtain their mechanical parameters. In situ micro-indentation tests at different cooling gas flow rates (0, 20, and 40 l/min) were performed on the TBCs. The elastic modulus and stress evolution of the TBCs were extracted by analyzing the load-displacement curves at different gas velocities. The elastic modulus remains almost constant with increasing velocity while the stress difference increases.

Calcium mitigates fluoride-induced kallikrein 4 inhibition via PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in ameloblast-lineage cells.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to investigated the effect and mechanism of Ca2+ treatment on fluoride in ameloblast-lineage cells (ALCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of fluoride and different Ca2+ levels treatment on the proliferative activity, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, intracellular free Ca2+, were firstly determined. Kallikrein 4 (KLK4), glucose-responsive protein 78 (GRP78), Protein kinase R -like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), were investigated in ALCs. RESULTS: The proliferative activity was obviously inhibited under concentrations of single fluoride high than 1 mM, and indicated highest proliferation at single 2.5 mM Ca2+ concentration in ALC cells. In addition, we found that single fluoride markedly induced intracellular free Ca2+ increasing, G2/M phase arrest, apoptosis. GRP78 and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP were significantly increased, while the proliferation and KLK4 were markedly reduced in ALCs. Ca2+ additional treatment can obviously reverse the effect of fluoride-induced apoptosis and inhibition of KLK4. The effect of GRP78 and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway of PERK/eIF2α/ATF4/CHOP were also alleviated under Ca2+ additional treatment in ALCs. More important, the results of 2.5 mmol/L Ca2+ treatment on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis suggest this concentration is relatively better to mediate the intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis in ALCs. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, Ca2+-supplementation exerts antagonistic the toxic effects on fluoride and this inhibitory effect suggests the potential implications for Ca2+-supplementation on fluorosis.

HIV testing behaviors and willingness to receive oral rapid HIV testing among dental patients in Xi'an, China.

INTRODUCTION: HIV testing is an important strategy for controlling and ultimately ending the global pandemic. Oral rapid HIV testing (ORHT) is an evidence-based strategy and the evidence-based shows is favored over traditional blood tests in many key populations. The dental setting has been found to be a trusted, convenient, and yet untapped venue to conduct ORHT. This study assessed the HIV testing behaviors and willingness to receive ORHT among dental patients in Xi'an, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of dental patients from Xi'an was conducted from August to September 2017. Dental patients were recruited using a stratified cluster sampling. A 44-item survey was used to measure HIV/AIDS knowledge, HIV testing behaviors, and willingness to receive ORHT. RESULTS: Nine hundred and nine dental patients completed the survey with a mean HIV/AIDS knowledge score of 10.7/15 (SD 2.8). Eighty-four participants (9.2%) had previously received an HIV test. Participants would have a high rate of HIV testing if they had higher monthly income (OR = 1.982, 95% CI: 1.251-3.140) and a higher HIV/AIDS knowledge score (OR = 1.137, 95% CI: 1.032-1.252). Five hundred and eighty-two participants (64.0%) were willing to receive ORHT before a dental treatment, 198 (21.8%) were not sure, and 129 (14.2%) were unwilling. Logistic regression showed that age (OR = 0.970, 95% CI: 0.959-0.982), HIV/AIDS knowledge score (OR = 1.087, 95% CI: 1.031-1.145), previous HIV test (OR = 2.057, 95% CI: 1.136-3.723), having advanced HIV testing knowledge (OR = 1.570, 95% CI: 1.158-2.128), and having advanced ORHT knowledge (OR = 2.074, 95%: CI 1.469-2.928) were the factors affecting the willingness to receive ORHT. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of dental patients had not previously received an HIV test, although many were receptive to being tested in the dental setting. The dental setting as a venue to screen people for HIV needs further exploration, particularly because many people do not associate dentistry with chairside screenings. Increasing awareness of ORHT and reducing testing price can further improve the patient's willingness to receive ORHT.

Pellino-1 Protects Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells Against H2O2-Induced Apoptosis via Activation of NF-κB Signaling.

To determine the protective effects of Pellino-1 against H2O2-induced apoptosis in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC). We demonstrated that H2O2 decreases PDLSC viability by 40 and 50% with the concentrations of 400 and 500 µM, respectively, with an observed downregulation of Pellino-1 mRNA and protein; we further concluded that overexpression of Pellino-1 significantly lowers 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels by 10% and upregulates superoxide dismutase 1, glutathione peroxidase levels, and catalase mRNA levels by 200, 40, and 250%, respectively. More importantly, we found that overexpression of Pellino-1 inhibited H2O2-induced cellular apoptosis through the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Pellino-1 may be critically important for cell survival in the presence of oxidative elements; activation of the NF-κB signaling cascade was required for the overexpression of Pellino-1 to protect the cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis.

[Effects of fluoride on expression of survivin during rats' dental germ development].

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the expression of survivin in dental germ development of SD rats with fluorosis, and explore the effects of fluoride on survivin expression and the pathogenic mechanism of dental fluorosis. METHODS: Forty-five SD rats (pregnant for 10 days) were randomly divided into control group, experimental group 1 and group 2. Drinking water with fluoride concentration of 0, 50, 150 mg/L was provided for rats accordingly. The samples were collected at E18.5th day, E20.5th day, P1.5th day, P3.5th day and P5.5th day, then the samples of P1.5th day were selected for H-E staining. SABC method was used for immunohistochemical analysis of samples in each group. The images were acquired by Motic Med 6.0 digital medical image analysis system, and the data were analyzed for ANOVA with SPSS 13.0 software package. RESULTS: Survivin expression fluctuated and exhibited 'M' shape (rose first and fell later) in each group.There was no significant difference at E18.5th day (F=1.050, P>0.05) and E20.5th day (F=2.232, P>0.05) between each group. There were significant differences at P1.5th day (F=3.538, P<0.05), P 3.5th day (F=3.820, P<0.05) and P5.5th day (F=5.096, P<0.05) between the control and experimental groups. The postnatal rats in each group were evaluated by SNK method for surviving expression. There was no significant difference between control group and experimental group 1 (P>0.05). However, there was significant difference between control group and experimental group 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that fluoride can decrease the expression of survivin in the postnatal rats with higher fluoride concentration, which may be the mechanism in the development of dental fluorosis.

Light enhanced energy storage ability through a hybrid plasmonic Ag nanowire decorated hydroxide "skin structure".

By decorating nickel copper hydroxide (NCH) with Ag nanowires (Ag NWs), a 1.7 fold enhancement in areal capacitance (5.4 F cm-2) and a 1.8 fold increment in gravimetric capacitance (3182 F g-1) under light illumination were achieved. The improved supercapacitor performances of the composites under visible-light illumination were demonstrated and a reasonable explanation for this newly-discovered phenomenon was proposed. The plasmonic effect of Ag NWs was demonstrated by hot-electron generation. The decorated Ag NWs served as a stimulus for redox reactions. This research provides a tantalizing opportunity for enhancing the supercapacitor performance by exploiting surface plasmon metals. The finding from this study will be informative for the future design of supercapacitor electrodes.