Extraction of geraniol from palmarosa oil using hydrotropic solvents / Extracción de geraniol del aceite de palmarosa utilizando solventes hidrotrópicos

The extraction of geraniol from palmarosa oil using hydrotropic solvents was investigated. Palmarosa oil possesses an appealing rose aroma and properties like anti - inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant due to the presence of geraniol. The extraction of geraniol from palmarosa oil by using distillation methods like steam dis tillation and fractional distillation was a laborious process. So hydrotropes were tried for extraction. The geraniol yield and purity depend on parameters like concentration of hydrotrope, solvent volume ratio, and time period. Using the Box Benkhem Desig n (BBD), the extraction process was optimized. One of the major advantages of using hydrotropic solvents is that they were classified as green solvents, and recovery of solvents is also possible. To reduce the extraction time probe sonication is carried ou t. Different hydrotropic solvents with probe sonication are done on palmarosa oil by altering various process parameters to study the separation, yield, and purity.

Se investigó la extracción de geraniol del aceite de palmarosa utilizando solventes hidrotrópicos. El aceite de palmarosa posee un atractivo aroma a rosa y propiedades antiinflamatorias, antifúngicas y antioxidantes debido a la pr esencia de geraniol. La extracción de geraniol del aceite de palmarosa mediante métodos de destilación como la destilación por vapor y la destilación fraccionada ha sido un proceso laborioso. Por lo tanto, se probaron los hidrotropos para la extracción. El rendimiento y la pureza del geraniol dependen de parámetros como la concentración del hidrotropo, la relación de volumen del solvente y el período de tiempo. Se optimizó el proceso de extracción usando el diseño Box Benkhem (BBD). Una de las principales v entajas de usar solventes hidrotrópicos es que se clasifican como solventes verdes y también es posible recuperar los solventes. Para reducir el tiempo de extracción, se lleva a cabo una sonda de ultrasonido. Se realizan diferentes solventes hidrotropos co n sonda de ultrasonido en el aceite de palmarosa alterando varios parámetros del proceso para estudiar la separación, el rendimiento y la pureza.

Modificação de uma resina composta Bulk Fill Flow com extrato acetônico da casca da romã / Modification of a Bulk Fill Flow composite resin with acetonic extract from pomegranate peel

Introdução: A cárie dentária ainda se constitui um problema de saúde pública. Áreas adjacentes a restaurações são frequentemente acometidas por cárie. Por mais que as resinas compostas estejam sendo estudadas e melhoradas, ainda não apresentam atividade antimicrobiana. As cascas da romã (Punica Granatum) são um recurso potencial para compostos bioativos como fenólicos, proantocianidinas e flavonoides, além de apresentarem atividade antioxidante e efeito inibitório contra bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas. Objetivo: modificar a resina composta Opus Bulk Fill Flow (FGM®) com o extrato acetônico da casca da romã em diferentes concentrações e avaliar a rugosidade da superfície e mudança de cor. Metodologia: foi realizada a extração de 5g de casca da romã utilizando 100mL de solvente acetona 70%. Após rotaevaporação, filtragem e liofilização do extrato, este foi macerado, peneirado e pesado em concentrações diferentes a partir da concentração inibitória mínima capaz de inibir o crescimento de Streptococcus mutans ATCC 700610. A resina composta Opus Bulk Fill Flow foi modificada com esse extrato em diferentes concentrações de forma a gerar 5 grupos: Controle 0 µg (n=10), G930 µg (n=10), G1860 µg (n=10), G3730 µg (n=10) e G7460 µg (n=10). Rugosidade (Ra), diferença de cor (ΔE00) e índice de brancura (WID) foram submetidos aos testes de normalidade. Os dados não-paramétricos de Ra foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis com pós-teste de Dunn e os dados paramétricos do ΔE00 e WID foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA 1 Fator com pósteste de Tukey por meio do software GraphPad Prism 8 e Microsoft Excel 2019. Resultados: Verificou-se que a média do índice de brancura (WID) diminuiu conforme o aumento da concentração do extrato na resina modificada (p<0,05), assim como, as resinas modificadas se tornaram, visivelmente a olho nu, um pouco mais amareladas. Após 1 mês, as amostras dos grupos experimentais sofreram a mesma variação de cor (ΔE00) que o grupo controle, uma vez que os valores das médias foram semelhantes. Portanto, todos os grupos apresentaram estabilidade de cor. A rugosidade superficial (Ra) não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). Todos os grupos apresentaram médias com valores similares a 0,06µm. Conclusão: A alteração de cor na resina, com a inserção do extrato, ainda na maior concentração, se manteve na classificação do matiz A. O que não afeta as propriedades organolépticas e pode ser considerada uma cor similar à cor dos dentes naturais. A adição do extrato na resina manteve a rugosidade superficial de todos os grupos dentro do valor ideal, prevenindo a adesão de biofilmes e microrganismos e proporcionando conforto ao toque da língua (AU).

Introduction: Dental caries still constitutes a public health problem. Areas adjacent to restorations are often affected by caries. Even though resin composites are being studied and improved, they still do not have antimicrobial activity. Pomegranate peels (Punica Granatum) are a potential resource for bioactive compounds such as phenolics, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, in addition to presenting antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Objective: to modify the Opus Bulk Fill Flow (FGM™) resin composite with the acetone extract of pomegranate peel in different concentrations and evaluate the surface roughness, and color change. Methodology: 5g of pomegranate peel was extracted using 100mL of 70% acetone solvent. After rotary evaporation, filtering and lyophilization of the extract, it was macerated, sieved and weighed at different concentrations based on the minimum inhibitory concentration capable of inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 700610. The Opus Bulk Fill Flow resin composite was modified with this extract in different concentrations to generate 5 groups: Control 0 µg (n=10), G930 µg (n=10), G1860 µg (n=10), G3730 µg (n=10) e G7460 µg (n=10). Roughness (Ra) and color difference (ΔE00) were subjected to normality tests and non-parametric data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test using GraphPad Prism 8 and Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Results: It was found that the average whiteness index (WID) decreased as the concentration of the extract in the modified resin increased (p<0.05), as well as the modified resins became, visibly to the naked eye, a little more yellowish. After 1 month, samples from the experimental groups suffered the same color variation (ΔE00) as the control group, since the average values were similar. Therefore, all groups showed color stability. Surface roughness (Ra) did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). All groups presented average values similar to 0.06µm. Conclusion: The color change in the resin, with the insertion of the extract, even at the highest concentration, remained in the classification of hue A. This does not affect the organoleptic properties and can be considered a color similar to the color of natural teeth. The addition of the extract to the resin composite maintained the surface roughness of all groups within the ideal value, preventing the adhesion of biofilms and microorganisms and providing comfort to the touch of the tongue (AU).

Effect of adding fluoride to camellia sinensis against dentin erosion generated by non-bacterial acids / Efecto de la adición de flúor a la camellia sinensis frente a la erosión de dentina generada por ácidos no bacterianos

Introduction: Natural products are an option to be used in different conditions in the oral cavity, such as Camellia sinensis, which due to its different properties would be beneficial in the erosion of the dental surface. Objetive: Determinar el efecto del extracto de Camellia sinensis (C. sinensis) adicionado con flúor frente a la acción erosiva de ácidos no bacterianos en la superficie de la dentina humana. Materials and Methods: Quasi-experimental, prospective, longitudinal, and in vitro study, consisting of 50 samples of human dentin, which were classified into 5 study groups: distilled water, hydrochloric acid, 2% C. sinensis extract, sodium fluoride. 2% and 2% C. sinensis extract added with 2% sodium fluoride. The surface roughness of each sample was evaluated with the SRT6200 digital roughness meter, obtaining a total average roughness and the measurements were carried out in two moments. Results: It was observed that the 2% C. sinensis extract, the 2% sodium fluoride, and the C. sinensis extract added with 2% sodium fluoride, showed a variation in surface roughness between before and after, which was not significant (p<0.05) in all cases. It should be noted that the C. sinensis plus sodium fluoride group is the one that obtained the best variation in the mean surface roughness than the other groups studied. Conclusions: The 2% C. sinensis extract, 2% sodium fluoride, and the combination of both compounds demonstrated an inhibitory effect against the erosive action of hydrochloric acid (0.01 M) on the dentin surface, not presenting a statistically significant difference in the results.

Introducción: Los productos naturales son una opción para ser usados en diferentes afecciones en la cavidad bucal, como lo podría ser la Camellia sinensis, que por sus diferentes propiedades sería de beneficio en la erosión de la superficie dental. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto del extracto de Camellia sinensis (C. sinensis) adicionado con flúor frente a la acción erosiva de ácidos no bacterianos en la superficie de la dentina humana. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio cuasi experimental, prospectivo, longitudinal ein vitro, constituido por 50 muestras de dentina de dientes permanentes, que se clasificaron en 5 grupos de estudio: Agua destilada, ácido clorhídrico, extracto de C. sinensis a 2%, fluoruro de sodio al 2% y extracto de C. sinensisa 2% adicionado con fluoruro de sodio al 2%. Se evaluó la rugosidad superficial de cada muestra con el rugosímetro digital SRT6200, obteniéndose una rugosidad media total y se realizaron las mediciones en dos momentos. Resultado: Se observó que el extracto de C. sinensisal 2%, el fluoruro de sodio al 2% y el extracto de C. sinensis adicionado con fluoruro de sodio al 2%, presentaron una variación de la rugosidad superficial entre el antes y el después, no siendo esta significativa (p<0.05) en todos los casos. Cabe resaltar que el grupo C. sinensis más fluoruro de sodio, es el que obtuvo una mejor variación de la media de rugosidad superficial, que los otros grupos estudiados. Conclusión: El extracto de C. sinensisal 2%, el fluoruro de sodio al 2% y la combinación de ambos compuestos demostraron un efecto inhibitorio frente a la acción erosiva del ácido clorhídrico (0,01 M) en la superficie de dentina, no presentando una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en los resultados.

Effect of different decontamination agents on the bond strength of CAD/CAM blocks and repair composite materials / Efecto de diferentes agentes descontaminantes sobre la resistencia de unión de bloques CAD/CAM y resinas compuestas

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different decontamination agents on the bond strength of saliva-contaminated CAD/CAM blocks and repair composite materials. Two hunderd eighty 3-mm-thick specimens were prepared from four different CAD/CAM materials: Katana Zirconia UTML disc, IPS e.max CAD block, Shofu block, and Vita Enamic block. Each material was divided into seven different subgroups (N=70). Group 1 had a clean surface. The other groups were comprised of the samples, which were contaminated with human saliva: group 2: negative control (non-cleaned); group 3: cleaned with water spray; group 4: cleaned with 70% ethanol; group 5: cleaned with Ivoclean; group 6: cleaned with Katana Cleaner; and group 7: cleaned with phosphoric acid. After the decontamination protocols, the resin composite cylinders were bonded to the CAD/CAM surfaces with a thin layer of dual-cured resin cement. The samples were stored for 24 hours at 37°C in distilled water. Then, they were subjected to a shear bond strength test (SBS). The values were recorded, and fracture types were evaluated using a microscope. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. Generally, all decontaminating agents improved the SBS of composites to Katana Zirconia UTML, IPS e.max, and Vita Enamic materials (p<0.05). However, for Shofu materials, group 6 samples exhibited significantly higher bond strength values as compared with group 2 samples (p=0.026). The highest SBS values were seen in the phosphoric acid-treated group in Katana zirconia materials (26.45 ± 9.38 MPa), whereas the lowest values were seen in group 2 samples in Shofu materials (13.17±3.40 MPa). Each decontaminant agent improved the bond strength of composites to the contaminated CAD/CAM materials. If saliva is not cleaned before adhesive procedure, SBS values may decrease. All decontamination agents can be used safely on zirconia, lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic, hybrid ceramic, and polymer-infiltrated ceramic surfaces.

Resumen El propósito de este estudio fue examinar el efecto de diferentes agentes descontaminantes sobre la fuerza de unión de bloques CAD/CAM contaminados con saliva y materiales compuestos de reparación. Se prepararon doscientas ochenta muestras de 3 mm de espesor a partir de cuatro materiales CAD/CAM diferentes: disco Katana Zirconia UTML, bloque IPS e.max CAD, bloque Shofu y bloque Vita Enamic. Cada material se dividió en siete subgrupos diferentes (N=70). El grupo 1 tenía una superficie limpia. Los otros grupos estaban compuestos por muestras que estaban contaminadas con saliva humana: grupo 2: control negativo (no limpio); grupo 3: limpiado con agua pulverizada; grupo 4: limpiado con etanol al 70%; grupo 5: limpiado con Ivoclean; grupo 6: limpiado con Katana Cleaner; y grupo 7: limpiado con ácido fosfórico. Después de los protocolos de descontaminación, los cilindros de composite de resina se adhirieron a las superficies CAD/CAM con una fina capa de cemento de resina de curado dual. Las muestras se almacenaron durante 24 horas a 37°C en agua destilada. Luego, fueron sometidos a una prueba de resistencia al corte (SBS). Se registraron los valores y se evaluaron los tipos de fracturas utilizando un microscopio. Los datos se analizaron mediante ANOVA de dos factores y la prueba post-hoc de Tukey. En general, todos los agentes descontaminantes mejoraron el SBS de los composites con los materiales Katana Zirconia UTML, IPS e.max y Vita Enamic (p<0,05). Sin embargo, para los materiales Shofu, las muestras del grupo 6 exhibieron valores de fuerza de unión significativamente más altos en comparación con las muestras del grupo 2 (p=0,026). Los valores más altos de SBS se observaron en el grupo tratado con ácido fosfórico en materiales de circonio Katana (26,45 ± 9,38 MPa), mientras que los valores más bajos se observaron en las muestras del grupo 2 en materiales Shofu (13,17 ± 3,40 MPa). Cada agente descontaminante mejoró la fuerza de unión de los composites a los materiales CAD/CAM contaminados. Si no se limpia la saliva antes del procedimiento adhesivo, los valores de SBS pueden disminuir. Todos los agentes descontaminantes se pueden utilizar de forma segura en superficies de circonio, cerámica de vidrio de disilicato de litio, cerámica híbrida y cerámica con infiltraciones de polímeros.

Mapeamento do Potencial da Superfície Corporal durante a Despolarização Ventricular em Atletas com Intervalo PQ Prolongado após Exercício / Body Surface Potential Mapping during Ventricular Depolarization in Athletes with Prolonged PQ Interval after Exercise

Resumo Fundamento: O prolongamento do intervalo PQ, geralmente associado a um atraso na condução atrioventricular, pode estar relacionado a alterações na propagação do impulso intraventricular. Objetivo: Avaliar, por meio do mapeamento do potencial de superfície corporal (BSPM), o processo de despolarização ventricular em atletas com intervalos PQ prolongados em repouso e após o exercício. Métodos: O estudo incluiu 7 esquiadores cross-country com intervalo PQ superior a 200 ms (grupo PQ Prolongado) e 7 com intervalo PQ inferior a 200 ms (grupo PQ Normal). O BSPM de 64 derivações unipolares do tronco foi realizado antes (Pré-Ex) e após o teste ergométrico de bicicleta (Pós-Ex). Mapas equipotenciais da superfície corporal foram analisados durante a despolarização ventricular. O nível de significância foi de 5%. Resultados: Comparado com atletas com PQ Normal, o primeiro e o segundo períodos de posição estável dos potenciais cardíacos na superfície do tronco foram mais longos, e a formação da distribuição de potencial "sela" ocorreu mais tarde, no Pré-Ex, nos atletas com PQ Prolongado. No Pós-Ex, o grupo PQ Prolongado apresentou um encurtamento do primeiro e segundo períodos de distribuições de potencial estáveis e uma diminuição no tempo de aparecimento do fenômeno "sela" em relação ao Pré-Ex (para valores próximos aos do Normal -Grupo PQ). Além disso, no Pós-Ex, a primeira inversão das distribuições de potencial e a duração total da despolarização ventricular em atletas com PQ Prolongado diminuíram em comparação com o Pré-Ex e com valores semelhantes em atletas com PQ Normal. Em comparação com atletas com PQ Normal, a segunda inversão foi mais longa no Pré-Ex e Pós-Ex em atletas com PQ Prolongado. Conclusão: Atletas com PQ prolongado apresentaram diferenças significativas nas características temporais do BSPM durante a despolarização ventricular, tanto em repouso quanto após o exercício, em comparação com atletas com PQ normal.

Abstract Background: Prolongation of the PQ interval, generally associated with an atrioventricular conduction delay, may be related to changes in intraventricular impulse spreading. Objective: To assess, using body surface potential mapping (BSPM), the process of ventricular depolarization in athletes with prolonged PQ intervals at rest and after exercise. Methods: The study included 7 cross-country skiers with a PQ interval of more than 200 ms (Prolonged-PQ group) and 7 with a PQ interval of less than 200 ms (Normal-PQ group). The BSPM from 64 unipolar torso leads was performed before (Pre-Ex) and after the bicycle exercise test (Post-Ex). Body surface equipotential maps were analyzed during ventricular depolarization. The significance level was 5%. Results: Compared to Normal-PQ athletes, the first and second periods of the stable position of cardiac potentials on the torso surface were longer, and the formation of the "saddle" potential distribution occurred later, at Pre-Ex, in Prolonged-PQ athletes. At Post-Ex, the Prolonged-PQ group showed a shortening of the first and second periods of stable potential distributions and a decrease in appearance time of the "saddle" phenomenon relative to Pre-Ex (to the values near to those of the Normal-PQ group). Additionally, at Post-Ex, the first inversion of potential distributions and the total duration of ventricular depolarization in Prolonged-PQ athletes decreased compared to Pre-Ex and with similar values in Normal-PQ athletes. Compared to Normal-PQ athletes, the second inversion was longer at Pre-Ex and Post-Ex in Prolonged-PQ athletes. Conclusion: Prolonged-PQ athletes had significant differences in the temporal characteristics of BSPM during ventricular depolarization both at rest and after exercise as compared to Normal-PQ athletes.

Surface roughness of three different glass ionomers with our without finishing/polishing: an in vitro study

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the surface roughness among 3 types of glass ionomers (GI) before (no polishing) and after polishing with three different materials. Methods: 20 discs for each GI group were obtained (A-Ionolux; B-IonoStar Plus; C-Ketac). Those groups were subdivided according to finishing and polishing: subgroups 1 (control) - no polishing, 2 - polishing with prophylactic brush and pumice paste, 3 - Enhance tips with water, and 4 - Sof-Lex system with Easy Glaze and polymerization. For each disc face, the total distance analyzed was 2.88cm (6x48mm). Then, the roughness was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis with Bonferroni test, with significant data if p<0.05. Results: The mean of roughness within Group A was lower for subgroup 4 (1.07±0.54 µm) and higher for subgroup 2 (2.33±1.17 µm). Within group B, B4 had the lowest mean of roughness (0.93±0.38 µm) and B2 (1.24 ± 0.78 µm) the highest roughness. Within group C, Group C4 had the lowest mean roughness value (0.84±0.54 µm), and C3 had the highest mean (2.48±1.05 µm). After polishing, subgroup 4 had the general lowest values for surface roughness (mean Ra 0.95), followed by subgroup 1 (Ra=1.27), subgroup 2 (Ra=1.89), and higher values for subgroup 3. All intragroup analysis for A, B, and C were statistically significant. Group A presented the highest roughness (p<0.05), and no statistically significant evidence existed between groups B and C (p>0.05). Conclusion: The reduction of the roughness of the materials is dependent on their composition and the polishing and finishing techniques applied.

Research progress on dental materials for preventing root caries / 口腔疾病防治

@#The high incidence and untreated rate of root caries, a common and frequently occurring oral disease with challenging treatment in elderly individuals, is the main cause of tooth loss among elderly people, as rapid development results in pulpitis and periapical periodontitis or residual crown and root, which has been regarded as one of the common chronic oral diseases seriously affecting the quality of life of elderly people. Thus, early intervention and prevention are important. Traditional dental materials for preventing root caries have been widely used in clinical practice; however, they have the disadvantages of tooth coloring, remineralization and low sterilization efficiency. A series of new dental materials for preventing root caries have gradually become a research hotspot recently, which have the advantages of promoting the mineralization of deep dental tissue, prolonging the action time and enhancing adhesion. Future caries prevention materials should be designed according to the characteristics of root surface caries and the application population and should be developed toward simplicity, high efficiency and low toxicity. This review describes current research regarding anti-caries prevention material application, serving as a theoretical underpinning for the research of root caries prevention materials, which is important for both promotion in the effective prevention of root caries and improvement in the status of oral health and the quality of life among old people.

Evaluation of asymptomatic ocular surface disorders in hospitalized patients with primary pterygium before surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To investigate the preoperative ocular symptoms and the characteristics of asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities in hospitalized patients with primary pterygium.METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Hospitalized patients diagnosed with primary pterygium and scheduled to receive pterygium excision surgery at the Xiamen Eye Center of Xiamen University from August 2022 to October 2022 were enrolled. Ocular surface disease index questionnaire(OSDI), six examinations including non-invasive tear film break-up time, Schirmer I test, tear meniscus height, lid margin abnormality, meibomian gland dropout and tear film lipid layer thickness, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography(AS-OCT)were performed and statistically analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 178 cases(178 eyes), with a mean age of 54.39±10.75 years old, were recruited, including 75 males(42.1%)and 103 females(57.9%). The average values of ocular surface parameters in these patients included OSDI: 11.47±9.69, tear film break-up time: 7.10±3.86 s; tear meniscus height: 0.16±0.07 mm, Schirmer I test values: 14.39±7.29 mm/5 min, and pterygium thickness: 504.74±175.87 μm. Totally 161 eyes(90.4%)presented with abnormal lid margin, 44 eyes(24.7%)presented with meibomian gland dropout score ≥4, 52 eyes(29.2%)presented with low lipid layer thickness. In the 6 objective examinations, abnormalities in at least 4 of these tests were found in 85.4% of eyes. Pterygium morphology was classified into four grades: 10 eyes(5.6%)of grade Ⅰ, 93 eyes(52.2%)of grade Ⅱ, 60 eyes(33.7%)of grade Ⅲ, and 15 eyes(8.4%)of grade Ⅳ. In patients with a higher grade of pterygium, the tear film break-up time was lower, and the proportion of abnormal lid margin was also significantly higher(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The patients were further divided into two subgroups, including 121 eyes(68.0%)with normal OSDI &#x0026;#x003C;13 in the normal group and 57 eyes(32.0%)with OSDI ≥13 in the abnormal group. No significant difference was found in the proportion of meibomian gland dysfunction between the two groups of patients(71.9% vs. 71.9%, P=0.872). In addition, there were differences in the number of abnormal objective examinations(4.11±0.85 vs. 4.91±0.99, P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic ocular surface abnormalities were present preoperatively in patients hospitalized for primary pterygium. A comparable high incidence of structural or functional meibomian gland dysfunction existed in pterygium patients with or without apparent ocular discomfort. More attention should be paid to the ocular surface abnormalities in those asymptomatic patients before primary pterygium surgery.

Safety and efficacy of 0.01% hypochlorous acid before cataract phacoemulsification / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.01% hypochlorous acid as a conjunctival sac disinfectant before cataract phacoemulsification and its impact on the ocular surface.METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 285 patients who were scheduled for cataract phacoemulsification surgery were randomly divided into the hypochlorous acid group and the povidone iodine group. Before and after disinfection, conjunctival sac swabs were taken, and bacterial culture and colony-forming units(CFUs)testing were performed using blood agar and chocolate agar media, respectively. All patients were evaluated for ocular symptom scores and pain severity scores 2 h, 1 d, and 1 wk after disinfection, and underwent corneal fluorescein staining, eye redness index, tear meniscus height, and noninvasive breakup time(NIBUT)examination. The incidence of endophthalmitis after surgery was recorded.RESULTS: Conjunctival sac disinfection with 0.01% hypochlorous acid significantly reduced the rate of positive bacterial cultures and colony-forming ability of the conjunctival sac, with statistically significant differences compared with the pre-disinfection period(both P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01), and the disinfecting ability of hypochlorous acid was comparable to that of povidone-iodine(χ2=0.811, P=0.368). The scores of ocular symptoms and pain severity in the hypochlorous acid group were significantly lower than those in the povidone-iodine group(both P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). The corneal fluorescein staining and eye redness index in the hypochlorous acid group were significantly lower than those in the povidone-iodine group(all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.01). No endophthalmitis occurred in either group of patients. CONCLUSION: As a conjunctival sac disinfectant, 0.01% hypochlorous acid is safe and effective, with minimal discomfort and damage to the ocular surface in patients.

Correlation between ocular surface status and blood lipids in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction during pregnancy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the correlation between ocular surface status and serum lipids in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD)during pregnancy, and to provide new ideas for the management and treatment of MGD during pregnancy.METHODS: Totally 120 pregnant women(240 eyes)treated in our hospital from May 2021 to May 2022 were selected and they were divided into MGD group(60 cases, 120 eyes)and control group(60 cases, 120 eyes)according to the presence or absence of MGD. All subjects received the ocular surface disease index scores(OSDI)and underwent examinations of meibomian gland morphology and function, tear film and blood lipid.RESULTS: The scores of OSDI, the related indexes of meibomian gland, corneal fluorescein staining(FL)scores, total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG)and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C)in the MGD group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The scores of fluorescein breakup time(FBUT), Schirmer Ⅰ test(SIt)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)in the MGD group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the scores of TG, TC, LDL-C were negatively correlated with the values of FBUT(rs =-0.702, -0.647, -0.710, all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: The level of blood lipids in pregnant patients with MGD is significantly increased, and the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C may be related to the stability of tear film.

Applicable techniques for subchondral separation of femoral head necrosis treated by tissue engineering / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The appearance of the crescent sign in femoral head necrosis is a"turning point"in the progression of the disease,and repairing and stabilizing the bone-cartilage interface is particularly important in preventing further progression and collapse of the femoral head.Tissue engineering offers potential advantages in the simultaneous repair and integration of the bone-cartilage interface. OBJECTIVE:To review potentially suitable techniques addressing the subchondral separation in femoral head necrosis. METHODS:Relevant articles from January 1970 to April 2023 were searched in PubMed,Web of Science,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)using English search terms"femoral head necrosis,avascular necrosis of femoral head,osteonecrosis of femoral head"and Chinese search terms"femoral head necrosis,subchondral bone,cartilage,integration of cartilage and subchondral bone".A total of 114 articles were included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Structural defects,ischemic and hypoxic environment,inflammatory factors,and stress concentration may cause subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Subchondral bone collapse and failure of hip-preserving surgery may be associated.Integration of tissue engineering scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface is one potential approach for treating subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(2)Current literature suggests that multiphase scaffolds,gradient scaffolds,and composite materials have shown improvements in promoting cell adhesion,proliferation,and deposition of bone and cartilage matrix.These advancements aid in the integration of scaffolds with the bone-cartilage interface and have implications for the treatment of subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head.(3)Surface modifications of scaffolds can enhance interface integration efficiency,but they have their advantages and disadvantages.Scaffolds providing different environments can induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and facilitate integration between different interfaces.(4)Future scaffolds for subchondral separation in osteonecrosis of the femoral head are expected to be composite materials with gradient and differentiated biomimetic structures.Surface modifications and stem cell loading can promote integration between the bone-cartilage interface and scaffolds for therapeutic purposes,but further experimental verification is still needed.Challenges include synchronizing scaffold degradation rate with repair progress and ensuring stability between different interfaces.

Osteogenic properties of polyacrylamide-modified gelatin methacryloyl grafted titanium alloy scaffold / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Titanium and its alloys are widely used in orthopedic implants due to their excellent biocompatibility,corrosion resistance,and mechanical properties.However,it has biological inertia itself,cannot provide a good growth environment for osteoblasts,and it is difficult to form good osseointegration. OBJECTIVE:To construct a composite hydrogel material of gelatin methacryloyl and polyacrylamide on the surface of titanium alloy scaffold,and analyze its osteogenic ability in vitro. METHODS:Gelatin methacryloyl was mixed with acrylamide.Crosslinking agent and catalyst were added to synthesize gelatin methacryloyl and acrylamide(Gelma-PAAM)composite hydrogel.The titanium alloy scaffold modified by affinity silane was mixed with the Gelma hydrogel and Gelma-PAAM composite hydrogel to complete the loading(recorded as Ti-Gelma and Ti-Gelma-PAAM,respectively).The swelling ratio and degradation rate of the two hydrogels on the surface of the scaffold were compared.The bonding state between hydrogels and titanium alloy was observed by scanning electron microscope.Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were inoculated into Ti,Ti-Gelma and Ti-Gelma-PAAM scaffolds,separately.Cell proliferation,adhesion,and osteogenic differentiation were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with Gelma hydrogel,Gelma-PAAM hydrogel had higher swelling rate and lower degradation rate.(2)Scanning electron microscope showed that the surface of the two kinds of hydrogels was honeycomb structure.After being combined with porous titanium alloy scaffold,the film was wrapped on the surface of scaffold and filled with pores.Among them,the Gelma-PAAM composite hydrogel coated the scaffold more fully.(3)CCK-8 assay and live/dead fluorescence staining showed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferated well after coculture with Ti-Gelma and Ti-Gelma-PAAM scaffolds and maintained high activity.After osteogenic induction culture,alkaline phosphatase activity,calcium deposition,and osteogenic gene expression of cells of titanium alloy scaffold group were the lowest,and alkaline phosphatase activity,calcium deposition,and osteogenic gene expression of cells of Ti-Gelma-PAAM scaffold group were the highest.(4)Phalloidin cytoskeletal staining exhibited that the cells of pure titanium alloy scaffold group and Ti-Gelma scaffold group were sparse and insufficiently extended,while the cells of Ti-Gelatin-PAAM group had the most adequate stretching and the densest filamentous actin.(5)The results show that Gelma-PAAM hydrogel has good biocompatibility and osteogenic ability,and is more suitable for osteogenic modification on the surface of titanium alloy than Gelma hydrogel.

Effect of support surface stability on balance in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment under different visual input conditions / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Stability of the support surface and visual input are important factors affecting static balance,but most of the studies on the balance ability of elderly with mild cognitive impairment have focused on the stable hard support surface,and the control of static balance on the unstable support surface under different visual input conditions is not known. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the static balance ability of the elderly with mild cognitive impairment on soft and hard support surfaces under different visual input conditions. METHODS:Twenty-one elderly people with mild cognitive impairment and nineteen elderly people with normal cognition were selected for the study,and the Kistler three-dimensional dynamometer was used to conduct four tests:standing with two feet on hard support surface with eyes open,standing with two feet on soft support surface with eyes open,standing with two feet on hard support surface with eyes closed,standing with two feet on soft support surface with eyes closed,and standing with two feet on soft support surface with eyes closed,and the duration of each test was 30 seconds.The plantar center of pressure data were collected and compared between the two groups under different visual conditions on the soft and hard support surfaces. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Under the condition of visual input,the total excursions(soft support surface:P=0.003),the total excursions-medial-lateral sides(soft support surface:P=0.001,hard support surface:P<0.001)and the 95%confidence ellipse area(soft support surface:P=0.001,hard support surface:P<0.001)of the center of pressure in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment on the soft and hard support surfaces were significantly higher than those of the elderly with normal cognition.(2)In the absence of visual input,the root mean square distance(P=0.014),the root mean square distance-medial-lateral sides(P=0.014),and the 95%confidence ellipse area(P=0.001)of center of pressure in the elderly with mild cognitive impairment on the soft support surfaces were significantly higher than those of the elderly with normal cognition,but there were no significant differences between the groups on the hard support surface(P>0.05).(3)These findings confirm that compared with the elderly with normal cognition who could make full use of visual sensory input to maintain body balance on the soft and hard support surfaces,mild cognitive impairment elderly presented a deficit in balance function.In particular,mild cognitive impairment elderly relied more on ankle proprioception to maintain balance when visual interference was present,suggesting that mild cognitive impairment elderly should focus on strengthening ankle proprioceptive training.

Relationship between muscle activation characterization and fall risk in older adults during walking up and down stairs / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:During stair walking,different muscles work in concert and compensate for each other,and it is unclear whether weakened muscle strength actually affects stair fall risk in older adults.Real-time electromyographic signals from older adults during stair walking are used to reflect high fall risk in older adults during stair walking,which may further improve the accuracy of prediction methods. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of aging on lower limb muscle activation in older adults during stair walking and to analyze the relationship between their muscle activation characteristics and stair fall risk. METHODS:Subjects were divided by age into an older group(n=19)and a younger group(n=18)group and were asked to walk on a 10-step staircase at a natural speed,incorporating surface electromyography acquisition technology,to capture surface electromyography signals during stair walking and calculate the root mean square(RMS)to analyze differences in muscle activation levels.Logistic regression analysis was utilized to establish a predictive model for stair fall risk in older adults by incorporating the lateral femoral and gastrocnemius muscle RMS.The discrimination of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve,and the fit of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Activation of the rectus femoris(Z=-3.464,P=0.001;t=3.379,P=0.002)and lateral gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.978,P=0.003;Z=-3.555,P<0.001)was higher in older adults than in younger adults when walking up and down stairs.Activation of the anterior tibialis(Z=-2.350,P=0.019)and medial(Z=2.321,P=0.020)and lateral(t=3.158,P=0.004)gastrocnemius muscles was higher in older adults when ascending stairs than descending stairs.Older adults at risk for falls had less activation of the lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.613,P=0.009),medial gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.286,P=0.022)when walking upstairs,and lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.368,P=0.018)when walking downstairs than did older adults not at risk for falls.The predictive ability,goodness of fit,and discrimination of the stair fall prediction model for older adults based on surface electromyography were good(P-value of 0.010 for the Omnibus test of the model coefficients,P-value of 0.214 for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and the area of the curve of the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle=0.856,P=0.009).(5)The model was modeled with a cut-off value of 38.64 for the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS value and there was a 0.952-fold increase in the risk of staircase falls for each unit decrease in the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS in older adults.

Research progress in the endogenous regulatory factors of corneal lym-phangiogenesis and its related ocular surface diseases / 眼科新进展

Blood and lymphatic vessels are absent from the normal cornea.Pathological stimulation such as corneal in-fection,chemical burns and transplantation rejection can disrupt the balance between pro-and anti-lymphangiogenesis fac-tors,causing lymphatic vessels to extend from the corneal limbus to the central cornea.Corneal lymphangiogenesis is closely related to various regulatory factors and cellular signaling pathways.Further study and elucidation of the mechanism of corneal lymphangiogenesis will open up new directions for treating corneal transplantation rejection,inflammatory disea-ses,dry eyes and tumor metastasis.This review concludes the endogenous regulatory factors of corneal lymphangiogenesis and therapeutic strategies for its related ocular surface diseases.

Advances in the isolation and culture of limbal niche cells / 中华实验眼科杂志

Limbal niche cells (LNCs) in the limbal niche, a type of mesenchymal stem cells closely associated with limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells (LESCs), heterogeneously express both mesenchymal and putative embryonic stem cell markers and play a critical role in regulating the quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation of LESCs.Previous studies have shown that LNCs can be isolated by collagenase, dispase, dispase-collagenase and explant culture.Transwell and 3D Matrigel coculture are widely used in ex vivo studies of LNCs and LESCs, and the interactive mechanism may include SDF-1/CXCR4, Notch, BMP, Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and KIT/AKT signaling pathways, and various cytokines such as nerve growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor.LNCs have become a hot topic in corneal epithelial tissue engineering, ocular surface reconstruction, and corneal regeneration.This review provides an overview of the research background, isolation and culture methods, interaction mechanism of LNCs with LESCs, and its application prospects.

Progress in the application of antimicrobial peptides in ocular surface infectious diseases / 中华实验眼科杂志

Due to their prolonged exposure to the external environment, eyes are susceptible to various infectious diseases of the ocular surface.In recent years, the resistance of pathogens to antimicrobial agents has led to poor treatment outcomes and significant deterioration in patients' vision and quality of life.Nowadays, ocular surface infectious diseases have become a global public health concern, necessitating the search for a safe and effective treatment.Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which act as antibiotic analogues, exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and are effective against a range of microbial infections, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.AMPs play a crucial role in combating ocular surface infections.This review discusses the structure and function of AMPs, the mechanism of action of AMPs in ocular surface infections, the role of endogenous AMPs in fighting various ocular surface pathogens, the impact of exogenously induced AMPs on ocular surface infections, and recent research advances in AMPs.

Quantitative study on high-touch surface in oral diagnosis and treatment procedures / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To clarify the high-touch surface in oral diagnosis and treatment procedures,provide basis and guidance for cleaning and disinfection.Methods The direct observation method was used to investigate the tou-ch time and frequency of environmental surfaces in 7 outpatient departments of a tertiary stomatology hospitals in Beijing.The average touch frequency,95％confidence interval and cumulative touch rate were calculated.Results In oral diagnosis and treatment procedures,the average touch frequency of the environmental surface was 26.75 times per procedure,with the highest in endodontics(46.25 times per procedure)and the lowest in the oral mucosal specialty(10.19 times per procedure).The high-touch surface consisted of the shadowless lamp handle,manipula-tion panel and handle on dental unit(doctor's side),computer keyboard and mouse,handle and line front end of three way syringe,as well as dental high speed handpiece and line front end,with average touch frequencies of 3.99,3.85,2.65,1.86,and 1.40 times per procedure.The high-touch surface in all stomatology specialties in-cluded the manipulation panel and handle on dental unit(doctor's side),75％of specialties included computer key-board and mouse,and the shadowless lamp handle has the highest touch frequency in 50％of specialties.The ave-rage touch frequency of the environmental surface was highest(113.50 times per procedure)during crown prepara-tion procedure,and the lowest(8.50 times per procedure)during the orthodontic consultations.Conclusion The high-touch surface of different dental specialties and different diagnosis and treatment procedures are different.Me-dical institutions should take corresponding cleaning,disinfection and management measures according to the actual situation of high-touch surface in stomatology departments,so as to effectively improve the quality of environmental cleaning and disinfection.

Preparation and in vitro dissolution behaviors evaluation of silymarin phospholipid complex / 药学实践与服务

Objective To prepare silymarin phospholipids complex（SM-PC） and investigate its physicochemical properties. Methods On the basis of single-factor tests, the drug-lipid ratio, drug concentration and reaction temperature were selected as the factors of the central composite design and response surface methodology in the preparation of SM-PC by solvent volatilization, and the best process was optimized with the compound rate as the index. And its in vitro dissolution was measured. Results The optimum preparation technology of SM-PC was as follows: acetone was used as compound solvent, the concentration of SM was 8.0 mg/ml, the mass ratio of SM to phospholipid was 1∶1.8, the reaction temperature was 56 ℃ and the recombination rate was（95.15±1.55）% with deviation of less than 3%. The in vitro dissolution test showed that the dissolution of SM-PC was close to 90% in 60 min. The dissolution behavior of main component of silybin was similar to that of silymarin capsules（Legalon ®）, which was higher than SM-API. Conclusion SM-PC was successfully prepared by central composite design response surface method, which significantly improved the dissolution and laid a foundation for the study of subsequent preparations.

Predictive value of a new radiotherapy plan evaluation tool for bladder toxicity in cervical cancer / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of a dose-surface histogram (DSH) for radiation cystitis (RC) in patients with cervical cancer. Methods We retrospectively included 190 patients with cervical cancer who underwent image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) from the HIS system of The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from May 2013 to May 2023. The patients were divided into test group (n = 100) and control group (n = 90). The dose distribution in the bladder was evaluated by using a DSH for the test group and using a dose-volume histogram (DVH) for the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of DSH for RC in comparison with DVH. Results There were no significant differences in baseline data and RC incidence between the two groups (all P＞0.05). All evaluation indicators were significantly different between DSH and DVH (all P＜0.05). The predictive value of S45 and V45 for the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC was low (all P＜0.05). The predictive value of S50 and V50 for the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC was moderate (all P＜0.05). S55−S57 and V55−V57 showed high value for predicting the incidence of grade-I, -II, and -III RC (all P＜0.05). Conclusion DSH shows basically the same predictive value for the incidence of RC caused by IGRT in cervical cancer as DVH, which is expected to become a new tool for evaluating radiotherapy plans.