Effect of electrochemically dealloying Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of electrochemically dealloying of Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to provide experimental evidence for surface modification of implant abutments.@*Methods@#The samples were divided into an NC group (negative control, no other treatment on a smooth surface), an NM-1 group (nanomesh-1, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 1 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage), and an NM-2 group (nanomesh-2, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 5 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage). The surface morphologies of the samples and the adhesion of HGFs on the sample surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicities of the samples were measured with a contact angle measuring instrument. The proliferation of HGFs on the different samples were evaluated with CCK-8, and the expression of adhesion-related genes, including collagen Ⅰ (COL1A1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin (VCL), integrin α2 (ITGA2), and integrin β1 (ITGB1), on the different samples was measured with qRT-PCR. The expression of vinculin on the surfaces of HGFs was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after immunofluorescent staining. Collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs from different samples were evaluated via Sirius red staining.@*Results@#SEM revealed the formation of ordered and uniform three-dimensional mesh structures on the surfaces of the NM-1 and NM-2 groups, with grid diameters of approximately 30 nm for the NM-1 group and approximately 150 nm for the NM-2 group. Compared with that of the NC group, the water contact angles of the NM-1 group and NM-2 groups were significantly lower (P<0.000 1). Cell proliferation in the NM-1 group was significantly greater than that in the NC group (P<0.01). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the water contact angles or cell proliferation between the NM-1 group and the NM-2 group. SEM revealed that HGFs were adhered well to the surfaces of all samples, while the HGFs in the NM-1 and NM-2 groups showed more extended areas, longer morphologies, and more developed pseudopodia than did those in the NC group after 24 h. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of the adhesion-related genes COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, FAK and VCL in the NM-1 group were significantly greater than those in the NC and NM-2 groups (P<0.01). The expression of vinculin protein in the NM-1 group was the highest, and the number of focal adhesions was greatest in the NM-1 group (P<0.01). The results of Sirius red staining showed that the NM-1 group had the highest secretion and syntheses of collagen fibers (P<0.000 1).@*Conclusion@#The three-dimensional nanomechanical structure of Ti6Al4V modified by electrochemical dealloying promoted the adhesion, proliferation, collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs, and electrochemical dealloying of Ti6Al4V with a grid diameter of approximately 30 nm obviously promoted HGF formation.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity evaluation of octapeptin derivatives / 药学学报

Octapeptin has strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, while it also has activity against some Gram-positive bacteria. This study used natural octapeptin A3 and B3 as lead compounds for structural modification. Twenty-one peptide derivatives (including A3 and B3) containing eight amino acid residues were prepared by solid-phase synthesis, and evaluated for antibacterial activity and renal cytotoxicity. Among them, three compounds 6, 7 and 17 exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and significantly enhanced the activity for Gram-positive bacteria while maintaining the activity of Gram-negative bacteria. Several compounds improved the activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compound 7 was active against all test strains and had relatively low renal cytotoxicity. The results provide a basis for the further development of novel polypeptide antibiotics.

Transporter-mediated Nano-delivery System in Promoting Oral Absorption of Drugs：A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Oral administration is the most convenient way of drug delivery， but due to the existence of intestinal barrier， the oral bioavailability of drugs is generally low， especially for drugs with low water solubility， poor permeability and macromolecules. For decades， researchers have demonstrated that nano-delivery system is one of the most effective strategies to solve this problem， but nano-delivery systems have shown limited improvement in the oral bioavailability of drugs. Therefore， researchers have proposed to use transporter-mediated nano-delivery systems to promote the oral absorption of drugs. The intestinal tract were highly expressed as a transporter for ingesting various nutrients（such as glucose， oligopeptides and bile acids）， which was an excellent target of oral drug delivery system. Its substrate were modified on the nano-delivery system， and the loaded drugs could cross the intestinal barrier and enter the systemic circulation more efficiently through the targeting effect of transporters. At present， more and more evidences supported the potential of transporters in the field of oral drug delivery system. Therefore， this paper reviewed the research on intestinal transporters-mediated nano-delivery system to promote oral absorption of drugs， including the distribution of intestinal transporters， three strategies of transporter substrate modification， the transport properties of different types of transporters and their effects of mediating the nano-delivery system for promoting the oral absorption of drugs or treating diseases， with the aim of providing an important theoretical reference for the development of intestinal targeted nano-delivery systems.

Analysis of factors affecting stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To explore the factors affecting the stability of high concentration variable domain of heavy-chain antibody-Fc(VHH-Fc) fusion protein.Methods Three groups of forced degradation experiments,shaking,light and 40℃ high temperature were set up.Differential scanning fluorimetry,dynamic light scattering(DLS) and ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS) were used to detect the effects of the three forced degradation conditions on the conformational stability,colloidal stability,average hydrodynamic diameter and post-translational modifications of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein.Results Under the light condition,the onset temperature of unfolding(T_(onset)),melting temperature(T_m) and aggregation onset temperature(T_(agg)) of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein decreased the most,and the oxidation ratio of Met160 and Met266 increased significantly.Under the condition of shaking,the variation of the diffusion interaction parameter(k_D) and the average hydrodynamic diameter was the largest.Conclusion Light can significantly reduce the conformational stability of high concentration VHH-Fc fusion protein and induce methionine oxidation.Shaking has the most significant effect on its colloidal stability and promotes aggregation.

A review of structural modification and biological activities of oleanolic acid / 中国天然药物

Oleanolic acid (OA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. Since its initial isolation and identification, numerous studies have reported on the structural modifications and pharmacological activities of OA and its derivatives. Despite this, there has been a dearth of comprehensive reviews in the past two decades, leading to challenges in subsequent research on OA. Based on the main biological activities of OA, this paper comprehensively summarized the modification strategies and structure-activity relationships (SARs) of OA and its derivatives to provide valuable reference for future investigations into OA.

Bioceramic scaffolds with two-step internal/external modification of copper-containing polydopamine enhance antibacterial and alveolar bone regeneration capability / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Magnesium-doped calcium silicate (CS) bioceramic scaffolds have unique advantages in mandibular defect repair; however, they lack antibacterial properties to cope with the complex oral microbiome. Herein, for the first time, the CS scaffold was functionally modified with a novel copper-containing polydopamine (PDA(Cu2+‍)) rapid deposition method, to construct internally modified (*P), externally modified (@PDA), and dually modified (*P@PDA) scaffolds. The morphology, degradation behavior, and mechanical properties of the obtained scaffolds were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that the CS*P@PDA had a unique micro-/nano-structural surface and appreciable mechanical resistance. During the prolonged immersion stage, the release of copper ions from the CS*P@PDA scaffolds was rapid in the early stage and exhibited long-term sustained release. The in vitro evaluation revealed that the release behavior of copper ions ascribed an excellent antibacterial effect to the CS*P@PDA, while the scaffolds retained good cytocompatibility with improved osteogenesis and angiogenesis effects. Finally, the PDA(Cu2+)-modified scaffolds showed effective early bone regeneration in a critical-size rabbit mandibular defect model. Overall, it was indicated that considerable antibacterial property along with the enhancement of alveolar bone regeneration can be imparted to the scaffold by the two-step PDA(Cu2+) modification, and the convenience and wide applicability of this technique make it a promising strategy to avoid bacterial infections on implants.

Elemene Antitumor Drugs Development Based on "Molecular Compatibility Theory" and Clinical Application: A Retrospective and Prospective Outlook / 中国结合医学杂志

Elemene, derived from Curcuma wenyujin, one of the "8 famous genuine medicinal materials of Zhejiang province," exhibits remarkable antitumor activity. It has gained wide recognition in clinical practice for effectiveness on tumors. Dr. XIE Tian, introduced the innovative concept of "molecular compatibility theory" by combining Chinese medicine principles, specifically the "monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy" theory, with modern biomedical technology. This groundbreaking approach, along with a systematic analysis of Chinese medicine and modern biomedical knowledge, led to the development of elemene nanoliposome formulations. These novel formulations offer numerous advantages, including low toxicity, well-defined composition, synergistic effects on multiple targets, and excellent biocompatibility. Following the principles of the "molecular compatibility theory", further exploration of cancer treatment strategies and methods based on elemene was undertaken. This comprehensive review consolidates the current understanding of elemene's potential antitumor mechanisms, recent clinical investigations, advancements in drug delivery systems, and structural modifications. The ultimate goal of this review is to establish a solid theoretical foundation for researchers, empowering them to develop more effective antitumor drugs based on the principles of "molecular compatibility theory".

Eating attitudes and restrictive diets in an adult population / Atitudes alimentares e dietas restritivas na população adulta

Aims: to investigate if individuals, who have already been and/or are still on restrictive diets, present high scores for risk of disordered eating attitudes. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out online in the Research Electronic Data Capture platform using social media (Instagram and Whatsapp). The study sample consisted of 539 individuals aged over 18 years and the questionnaire was divided into three parts: sociodemographic data, questions about the practice of restrictive diets developed by the authors, and the Disordered Eating Attitudes Scale. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and the Student's t or ANOVA tests were used to compare averages. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: the final mean in the Disordered Eating Attitudes Scale was 74.4 (SD=18.6). Individuals who had already been and/or are still on restrictive diets presented higher scores than those who had never been on this type of diet. Conclusions: eating attitudes of individuals who adhere to restrictive diets tend to be less healthy than those who have never been on this type of diet. Our findings demonstrate an increased focus on weight-related concerns following these dietary practices, as well as the challenges faced in maintaining a desired weight

Objetivos: verificar se indivíduos que já realizaram e/ou ainda realizam dietas restritivas apresentam altos escores para risco de atitudes alimentares desordenadas. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo com delineamento transversal, com coleta de dados online, através da plataforma Research Electronic Data Capture divulgado nas mídias sociais (Instagram e WhatsApp). A amostra foi composta por 539 indivíduos com idade acima de 18 anos e o questionário foi subdividido em três partes: uma seção para dados sociodemográficos, outra com questões sobre a realização da prática de dietas restritivas elaboradas pelas autoras, e a última contendo a Escala de Atitudes Alimentares Transtornadas, a qual tem a finalidade de mensurar as atitudes alimentares desordenadas, avaliando crenças, pensamentos, sentimentos, comportamentos e relação com a comida. Foi utilizado o Teste qui-quadrado para comparação entre variáveis categóricas e para comparação de duas médias foi utilizado o Teste t de Student ou Teste de ANOVA para comparação de médias. O nível de significância adotado foi 5%. Resultados: a média de pontuação final da Escala de Atitudes Alimentares Transtornadas foi de 74,4 (DP= 18,6). Com pontuações maiores para os indivíduos que já realizaram e/ou ainda realizam quando comparado com aqueles que nunca utilizaram essa prática. Conclusões: as atitudes alimentares dos praticantes de dietas restritivas são mais inadequadas do que aquelas dos indivíduos que nunca realizaram essa prática. Do mesmo modo, demonstram um aumento na preocupação com o peso após a realização dessas dietas e a dificuldade de manter a redução do mesmo

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurismas con anatomía aórtica compleja / Endovascular treatment of aneurysms with complex aortic anatomy

RESUMEN Introducción: la anatomía arterial es la principal limitante para el abordaje aórtico endovascular estándar. Presentamos nuestra experiencia para la reparación endovascular de aneurismas aórticos complejos. Material y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo en pacientes con aneurismas complejos (yuxta/pararrenales y toracoabdominales) tratados en forma consecutiva mediante: endoprótesis fenestradas (FEVAR), ramificadas (BEVAR), con EndoAnchors (ESAR), o en chimenea (ChEVAR). La decisión de la técnica fue determinada con base en la anatomía arterial. Resultados: se evaluaron los últimos 50 procedimientos (6 mujeres; edad promedio 71,3 años; diámetro 69,6mm; 3 pacientes con aneurismas complicados), de los cuales 22 recibieron FEVAR (2,8 fenestraciones / paciente), 11 BEVAR, 11 ESAR y 6 ChEVAR (1,8 chimeneas /paciente). La tasa de éxito técnico fue del 100% (ausencia de endoleak I o III con permeabilidad adecuada de los vasos viscerales). A 30 días 3 pacientes fallecieron (6%). Durante el seguimiento, 5 pacientes presentaron oclusión de la arteria renal, repermeabilizada en 4. Cuatro pacientes desarrollaron un endoleak tipo IA (3 ESAR secundarios y un ChEVAR), un paciente un endoleak IC y un cuarto uno IIIB (22%, 3 de los 11 ESAR, ninguno de los FEVAR industriales). En el análisis de supervivencia, la supervivencia global fue del 88,6% al año, y libre de reoperación del 86,5%. Conclusiones: se trata de la primera publicación en nuestro medio que muestra un enfoque global del paciente con un aneurisma de aorta complejo, de acuerdo con sus características anatómicas. Estas tecnologías ya desempeñan un papel primario en el tratamiento de estos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background: Arterial anatomy is the main limiting factor for standard endovascular aortic (EVAR) approach. We present our experience for endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study in patients with complex aneurysms (juxta/pararenal and thoracoabdominal) treated consecutively with: fenestrated (FEVAR), branched (BEVAR), EndoAnchors (ESAR), or chimney (ChEVAR) stents. The decision of the technique was determined based on the arterial anatomy. Results: The last 50 procedures were evaluated (6 women; mean age 71.3 years; diameter 69.6 mm; and 3 patients with complicated aneurysms), among whom 22 received FEVAR (2.8 fenestrated stents/patient), 11 BEVAR, 11 ESAR and 6 ChEVAR (1.8 chimney stents/patient). Technical success rate was 100% (absence of type I or III endoleak with adequate patency of the visceral vessels). Three patients died within the first 30 days (6%). During follow-up, 5 patients presented with renal artery occlusion, treated successfully in 4 cases. Four patients developed type IA endoleak (3 secondary ESAR and one ChEVAR), one patient IC endoleak and almost a quarter of cases type IIIB endoleak (22%, 3 out of 11 patients receiving ESAR, none of the industrial FEVAR group). In survival analysis, overall survival analysis was 88.6% at one year, and 86.5% of cases were free from reoperation. Conclusions: This is the first publication in our setting that shows a global approach to the patient with complex aortic aneurysm, according to the anatomical characteristics. These technologies already play a primary role in the treatment of these patients.

Impact of Training Programs on Awareness and Practice of Lifestyle Modifications among Hypertensive Patients Attending Outpatient Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria

Aim: This study sought to investigate the impact of training programs on hypertensive patients' awareness and practice of lifestyle modifications in out-patient clinics of the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Nigeria. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the out-patient clinics of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. This setting was chosen due to the accessibility of hypertensive patients receiving regular care and follow-up. The sample size comprised 274 hypertensive patients attending the out-patient clinics for regular hypertension management. A simple random sampling method was employed to select study participants, ensuring a fair representation of the target population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the participants and results were analysed using SPSS. Results: Findings indicate that the training programs greatly increased awareness of hypertension and lifestyle factors affecting hypertension for most participants (74.42%), with all participants recommending the programs. A significant majority of participants (95.74%) reported being on hypertension medication, while nearly all (99.22%) had received some form of training or counselling on lifestyle modification for hypertension management. Notably, all participants reported having made lifestyle changes following the training programs, with the majority rating the effectiveness of the programs as highly effective (57.36%). Further analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between the effectiveness of the training programs and the participants' age, sex, educational level, and occupation. The most frequent lifestyle modification post-training was dietary changes, with 54.65% of participants reporting that they always engage in a healthy diet for hypertension management. However, the frequency of engagement in other lifestyle modifications, such as regular physical activity and weight management, was not as high. The majority of participants reported significant improvements in hypertension symptoms following the lifestyle modifications. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that targeted training programs can significantly enhance hypertensive patients' awareness and practice of beneficial lifestyle modifications, thus improving health outcomes. Further, the study underscores the need for such training programs to be tailored according to the age, sex, educational level, and occupation of the patients to maximize their impact.

Prevalence of normal weight obesity in young adults of Western Uttar Pradesh – A community-based study

Background: Obesity is described as a build-up of abnormal or excessive fat that risks life. A body mass index (BMI) is a screening tool for overweight and obesity. For a long time, BMI has been used as a marker to measure obesity. However, a significant limitation of using BMI is its failure to differentiate between a high body fat content and preserved or increased lean mass, especially in patients or subjects with a BMI <30 kg/m2. Normal weight obese (NWO) is such individuals who have high fat content but a normal BMI. To identify such individuals and to save them from morbidity associated with obesity, this study was carried out. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of NWO in healthy young adults (aged between 18 and 30 years) and to suggest the methods of primary prevention for obesity. Materials and Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, the 324 subjects were selected randomly from the residents, students, and employees of Swami Vivekananda Subharti University. Subjects were chosen according to the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria and also, based on the self-structure questionnaire. A general and systemic examination was carried out. The body composition of these subjects was done by bioelectric impedance analyzer BODY STAT QUAD SCAN 4000. Data were analysis using R-software (1.25 version), and unpaired t-test was applied. P < 0.05 was taken as significant in this study. Results: The prevalence of NWO in males was found to be 24.6% and females to be 13.4%. The body composition parameters of NWO and NWNO differed significantly. Conclusion: The increase rate of NWO is reason for concern and routine screening of body composition parameters should be done at health setups to identify that these NWO individuals and timely interventions can be made.

Aceptación y compromiso versus coaching conductual en un programa nutricional y de actividad física contra el sobrepeso / Acceptance and Commitment Versus Behavioral Coaching in a Nutritional and Physical Activity Program Against to Overweight

Resumen En los últimos años, Colombia registra un aumento tanto de sobrepeso como de obesidad, aspecto que produce el establecimiento de modelos complejos de intervención que generen cambios de actitud, compromiso en las personas y el mejoramiento de hábitos alimenticios y de actividad física. Este estudio pretendió comparar la efectividad entre dos componentes psicológicos (estrategias conductuales tradicionales y un entrenamiento en aceptación y compromiso), sumados al entrenamiento físico concurrente y la educación nutricional (junto con una dieta hipocalórica), sobre variables antropométricas, la aptitud física, los aspectos de la conducta alimentaria y la sintomatología de salud mental. El diseño de investigación fue de caso único ABA (línea base-intervención-línea base) para cada condición de tratamiento. La muestra estuvo conformada por cinco mujeres y un hombre, entre los 33 y 49 años de edad, con preobesidad y obesidad tipo I, asignados entre los grupos de coaching conductual y entrenamiento en aceptación y compromiso. Los hallazgos muestran un mejoramiento en: composición corporal, resistencia aeróbica, fuerza prensil, compromiso y fusión cognitiva frente a situación de alimentación y actividad física en dos participantes de la estrategia de aceptación y compromiso, mientras que hubo mayor variación en los resultados de los participantes de coaching conductual. Este es un pilotaje de un estudio con mayor capacidad de inferencia.

Abstract There is an increase in both overweight and obesity in the world, aspect that tends for the approach of integral models of intervention, that generate changes in attitude, and commitment in people towards their eating habits and physical activity, that counteract a sedentary lifestyle and the influence of counterproductive processed foods for energy balance. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness between two psychological components (traditional behavioral strategies and a 6-session acceptance and commitment training), added together, each one: a) concurrent physical training (strength/endurance) with bioadaptation process, b) hypocaloric diet and c) Nutritional education. Measurements of anthropometric variables were obtained, physical fitness and mental health symptoms, while the average of steps was measured during the whole process, constituting this part in a single ABA case design for each treatment condition. The sample consisted of five women and one man, between 33 and 49 years of age, with pre-obesity and type I obesity, assigned in a non-random way between the behavioral coaching and acceptance and commitment training groups. In physical training, priority was initially given to the conditional capacity of strength, being an incident in the mobilization of large muscle groups (multi-joint) in order to generate a greater caloric expenditure, directly influencing exercises that optimize postural hygiene by working in the core zone and complementing training with synergistic or accompanying biarticular exercises in the movement of daily physical activities, subsequently the execution of aerobic resistance in search of the increase in the maximum oxygen consumption capacity ( max), ending with the implementation of vital flexibility exercises for physical exercise releasing muscle tension, favoring conditional physical ability. Regarding the intervention of the nutritional component, the most important input to begin to identify eating habits and subsequently modify them was the 24-hour reminder, applying in the first week of the baseline and the reversal phase. The nutritional intervention consisted of: (a) education so that participants understood and generated greater adherence to the nutritional proposal and (b) hypocaloric diet, reducing daily intake between 500 and 600 kilocalories per day. A follow-up anthropometric assessment was also carried out towards the third week of the intervention phase to obtain feedback on the incidence of their behavior on the anthropometric variables. Regarding the record of the number of steps, both in the baseline and reversion phases the monitor screens were covered, contrary to the intervention phase, since its observation allows self-monitoring towards the weekly personal goal of steps that was established and accompanied by a professional, who in turn generated a graph with the results of the week and gave feedback to each participant. The findings show an improvement in: body composition, aerobic endurance (VO2 max) and grip strength, being the main factor of result in the realization of the physical exercise. Likewise, an increase in the number of steps from the baseline is identified in both groups (X = 9 228.07; S = 1 985.89) to the intervention phase (X = 9 734.22; S = 1 660.86) and a decrease in reversion (X = 9 099.88; S = 2 328.69). In the acceptance and commitment group, no increase in mental health symptoms was identified, increased or sustained cognitive restriction and decreased scores for uncontrolled eating and emotional eating, while there was greater variation in the results of the behavioral coaching participants. This is a pilot of a study with greater capacity for inference.

Advances in surface treatment of dental implants: a literature review

Amplamente utilizados para substituir dentes perdidos, os implantes dentários nos últimos anos vêm apresentando tecnologias como superfícies com micro e nanotopografia e ajustes nas composições químicas, dentre outros, para melhorar a osseointegração e reduzir o prazo de tratamento, permitindo, assim, carga funcional imediata ou precoce em pacientes com densidade óssea reduzida. Vários métodos são aplicados com intuito de modificar a superfície do implante, como jateamento com areia, corrosão ácida, oxidação anódica, tratamento com flúor, usinagem, pulverização de plasma de titânio e revestimento de fosfato de cálcio; esses métodos podem aumentar notavelmente a área de superfície quando operada a técnica adequadada de modificação, quer por procedimento de adição ou subtração. Tais modificações promovem superfícies rugosas, as quais aumentam a porcentagem de contato osso-implante (BIC) durante o processo de cicatrização óssea inicial. Os principais benefícios da modificação da superfície são melhorar a molhabilidade (hidrofilicidade), adesão e fixação de células a implantes e proliferação celular. Dentre os tratamentos de superfície de implantes dentários destaca-se o jateamento de areia com granulação grossa e ataque-ácido com HCL/H2SO4 (SLA) em altas temperaturas, o revestimento de superfície do implante com hidroxiapatita, oxidação anódica e o duplo ataque ácido. O objetivo deste trabalho é realizar uma revisão de literatura discutindo a importância e eficácia desses métodos para a osseointegração e, por conseguinte, para a redução do período de tratamento.

Widely used to replace lost teeth, dental implants have been presenting technologies such as surfaces with micro and nano topography and adjustments in chemical compositions, among others, to improve osseointegration and reduce treatment time, thus allowing immediate or early functional load in patients with reduced bone density. Several methods are applied to modify the implant surface, such as sandblasting, acid corrosion, anodic oxidation, fluoride treatment, machining, titanium plasma spraying, and calcium phosphate coating; these methods can notably increase the surface area when the appropriate modification technique is operated, either by the addition or subtraction procedure. Such modifications promote rough surfaces, which increase the percentage of bone-implant contact (BIC) during the initial bone healing process. The main benefits of surface modification are to improve wettability (hydrophilicity), adhesion and attachment of cells to implants, and cell proliferation. Among the surface treatments for dental implants, sandblasting with large grit and acid-etching with HCL/H2SO4 (SLA) stands out at high temperatures. The surface coating of the implant with hydroxyapatite, anodic oxidation, and double acid-etching. This work aims to conduct a literature review discussing the importance and effectiveness of these methods for osseointegration and, therefore, for reducing the treatment period.

Motivational Techniques and Hacks for Treating Childhood Obesity

Treating obesity in children and adolescents is not a cakewalk. Asking them directly to get up and run, or just serving them a four-quadrant plate won’t serve the purpose at all. An obese child is already under the repercussions of oppressive remarks by the society. If at home as well, their mental milieu is not taken care of, there are chances of them being trapped in the shackles of depression. To avoid such drastic consequences, one must be prudent enough, while conversing with their children/patients regarding their weight. Motivation enhancement is very crucial in childhood obesity management, as the required changes in diet, behavior and physical activity are difficult to carry out with an insufficient level of motivation.1 The motivational hacks presented here might be helpful for parents and health care professionals in convincing their children/patients to stride through the road to health.

Baru nuts reduce abdominal adiposity in type 2 diabetic adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial / Amêndoa de baru reduz a adiposidade abdominal de adultos com diabetes Mellitus tipo 2: um estudo randomizado, placebo-controlado, crossover

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of baru nuts supplementation on body composition and metabolic profile in adults with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with 30 adults with type 2 diabetes. The assay had two periods of 12 weeks each, with a washout period of 12 weeks between treatments. The subjects were randomized and received the two treatments in alternate periods: supplementation of 30g baru nuts or placebo. Anthropometry, body composition, blood pressure, blood sampling, food intake, and physical activity data were analyzed. Results: Baru nut intake reduced waist circumference (p=0.032), compared to placebo group. In the intra-group analysis, baru nut intake reduced total cholesterol (p=0.012) and LDL-c (p=0.017). Conclusion: The daily intake of baru nuts improved abdominal adiposity. Therefore, these nuts should be included in the diet to improve the health status of adults with type 2 diabetes.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da suplementação com amêndoa de baru sobre a composição corporal e perfil metabólico de adultos com diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. Métodos: Este é um estudo randomizado, placebo-controlado, crossover com 30 adultos com diabetes Mellitus tipo 2. O ensaio clínico foi dividido em dois períodos de 12 semanas cada, com um washout de 12 semanas entre os tratamentos. Os sujeitos foram randomizados e receberam dois tratamentos em períodos alternativos: suplementação com 30 g de amêndoa de baru ou placebo. Foram coletados dados referentes à antropometria, composição corporal, pressão arterial, amostras de sangue, ingestão de alimentos e práticas de atividade física. Resultados: A ingestão de amêndoa de baru reduziu a circunferência da cintura (p=0,032), em comparação com o grupo placebo. Na análise intragrupo, a ingestão de amêndoa de baru também reduziu o colesterol total (p=0,012) e LDL-c (p=0,017). Conclusão: A ingestão diária de amêndoa de baru melhorou a adiposidade abdominal, portanto, deve ser incluída na dieta para a melhora do estado de saúde de adultos com diabetes Mellitus tipo 2.

Research Progress on Crotonylation in Malignant Tumor / 肿瘤防治研究

As a newly discovered posttranslational modification (PTM), crotonylation has been identified in histone and nonhistone proteins and has important roles in the regulation of various diseases and biological processes. With the development of high-resolution mass spectrometry approaches, an increasing number of endogenous crotonylation has been detected and identified. The discovery of crotonylation regulatory enzymes paved the way for the study of crotonylation mechanism. In this review, we summarize the biological functions and regulatory mechanism of crotonylation in eukaryotes and introduce the recent progress on crotonylation in malignant tumor.

Current treatment landscape for obesity in Singapore

The rising prevalence of obesity in Singapore is a harbinger for a corresponding increase in obesity-related complications such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary heart disease. Obesity is a complex disease driven by multiple factors, and hence, treatment cannot follow a 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Lifestyle modifications involving dietary interventions, physical activity and behavioural changes remain the cornerstone of obesity management. However, similar to other chronic diseases such as T2DM and hypertension, lifestyle modifications are often insufficient on their own, hence the importance of other treatment modalities including pharmacotherapy, endoscopic bariatric therapy and metabolic-bariatric surgery. Weight loss medications currently approved in Singapore include phentermine, orlistat, liraglutide and naltrexone-bupropion. In recent years, endoscopic bariatric therapies have evolved as an effective, minimally invasive and durable therapeutic option for obesity. Metabolic-bariatric surgery remains the most effective and durable treatment for patients with severe obesity, with an average weight loss of 25%-30% after one year.

The key role of RNA N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) methylation in tumor radiotherapy and radiation damage repair / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) is the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA), which could be catalyzed by m 6A methyltransferase (Writers), recognized by methylation recognition enzymes (Readers), and removed by demethylase (Erasers). RNA splicing, translation, and stability could be modulated by m 6A methylation modification. The m 6A methylation modification is involved in the biological regulation of a variety of important functional genes in cellular activities. Importantly, abnormal m 6A modification affects the occurrence, development, metastasis and recurrence of tumors. Ionizing radiation can affect the level of m 6A and m 6A methylation-related enzymes. Recently, m 6A methylation is reported to regulate the efficacy of tumor radiotherapy by affecting DNA damage and radiosensitivity of tumor cells. In addition, ionizing radiation can also affect the level of m 6A modification in normal cells to regulate the progress of radiation-induced injuries. This review summarizes the research progress on the roles of m 6A methylation in tumor radiosensitivity and radiation-induced injuries, with the aim of providing novel strategies for the development of clinical tumor radiosensitizers and radioprotective agents.

Epigenetic mechanism of myopia / 中华实验眼科杂志

Myopia has become a serious public health problem, but its pathogenesis is still unclear, and effective interventions are relatively scarce.It is recognized that myopia is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, in which epigenetics may play a key role.Epigenetics refers to the changes in gene expression and function that do not involve DNA sequence variation.Mainly including DNA methylation, non-coding RNA (microRNA, long non-coding RNA and circular RNA, etc.), histone modification and mRNA modification, epigenetic modifications interact to form a complex regulatory network in the pathophysiological process of myopia.By controlling the process of scleral matrix remodeling, eye cell proliferation and retinal development, the morphological characteristics of the eye are jointly regulated, ultimately affecting the onset and development of myopia.Epigenetics has provided new targets of myopia intervention and has become a hotspot in the field.In this paper, we reviewed the current findings of myopia epigenetics to provide a reference for related research.

Modification of m6 A in human embryonic lung fibroblasts induced by neodymium oxide exposure and its mechanism / 环境与职业医学

Background Occupational and environmental particulate matter may cause fibrosis, accompanied by RNA m6A modification changes. Neodymium oxide (Nd2O3) can cause mouse lung fibrosis, which contains a large number of fibroblasts. Objective To investigate m6A modification of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 6/nuclear factor-κB (TRAF6/NF-κB) signaling pathway in fibrosis of human embryonic lung fibroblasts induced by Nd2O3, and identify the key m6A modification sites of TRAF6. Methods Designed concentrations of Nd2O3 (0, 1.563, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg∙L−1) were infected with HELF cells for 24 and 48 h, and cell viability was detected to determine exposure time and dose. Measurements included indicators of fibrosis [hydroxyproline (HYP) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)], m6A methylation level, methyltransferases (METTL3 and METTL14), demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5), reading proteins (YTHDC2 and YTHDF2), fibrosis-associated genes (collagen-І, vimentin, and α-SMA), and proteins related to signaling pathway (TRAF6, NFKB1, P65, and P-P65). The enrichment of m6A in TRAF6 mRNA was measured by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-quantitative real-time PCR (MeRIP-qPCR). Results The results of cell viability indicated that 6.25, 12.5, 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 and 48 h exposure time were used for subsequent experiments. After 48 h exposure, compared with the control group, the HYP level in the 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 group was increased, and the levels of TGF-β1 in the 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 groups were increased (P<0.05); the overall m6A methylation levels of HELF cells in the 12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 groups were increased (P<0.05). At mRNA level, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression levels of methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14 (6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) were increased (P<0.05); the mRNA expression level of reading protein YTHDF2 (6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) was increased (P<0.05), while the mRNA expression level of YTHDC2 (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) was decreased (P<0.05); the mRNA expression levels of demethylases FTO (12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) and ALKBH5 (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) were decreased (P<0.05); the mRNA expression levels of fibrosis-related genes vimentin, α-SMA, and collagen-Ⅰ (6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) were increased (P<0.05); the mRNA expression levels of pathway-related genes TRAF6 (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) and NFKB1 (12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) were increased (P<0.05). At protein level, compared with the control group, the expression levels of methyltransferases METTL3 (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) and METTL14 (12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) were increased (P<0.05); the expression level of reading protein YTHDF2 (12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) was increased, while the expression level of YTHDC2 (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) was decreased (P<0.05); the expression level of demethylase FTO (25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3) was decreased (P<0.05); the expression level of fibrosis-associated protein vimentin was increased at 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3, and the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen-Ⅰ were increased at 12.5 and 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 (P<0.05); the expression levels of TRAF6 and P-P65 were increased at 25 mg∙L−1 Nd2O3 (P<0.05). The MeRIP-qPCR results showed that compared with the control group, the concentrations of m6A in all Nd2O3 groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusions Upon exposure of HELF cells to Nd2O3, the alterations in fibrosis-related indexes increase the expression of some m6A methylases and decrease the expression of demethylases, thereby increasing the m6A methylase level, and may promote the progression of fibrosis by activating the TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway.