No genetic causal association between periodontitis and ankylosing spondylitis: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies that reveal an association between periodontitis (PD) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) exist. However, observational research is prone to reverse causality and confounding factors, which make it challenging to infer cause-and-effect relationships. We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine the causal relationship between the genetic prediction of PD and AS. METHODS: In our study, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were defined as instrumental variables (IVs). The genetic association with PD came from the Gene-Lifestyle Interactions and Dental Endpoints (GLIDE) consortium, wherein 17353 cases of European ancestry and 28210 controls of European ancestry were included in this study. The genetic association with AS from the Neale Laboratory Consortium included 337,159 individuals from the United Kingdom, with 968 cases and 336,191 controls. MR analysis was mainly performed using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. In addition, the robustness of the study findings was assessed using sensitivity, pleiotropy, and heterogeneity analyses. RESULTS: Eighteen independent SNPs with P-values significantly smaller than 1 × 10- 5 were used as IV SNPs for PD, while 39 independent SNPs with P-values significantly smaller than 1 × 10- 5 were used as IV SNPs for AS. The results of the IVW method revealed no causal association between PD and AS (odds ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval: 0.99953 to 1.00067, P = 0.72). The MR-Egger method did not support the causal association between PD and AS. It is unlikely that horizontal pleiotropy distorts causal estimates based on sensitivity analysis. No significant heterogeneity was observed in the Q test. The ''leave-one-out'' analysis demonstrated that the robustness of our results was unaffected by eliminating any of the IVs. Likewise, no significant causative effect for AS on PD was observed in the inverse MR analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study results do not support shared heritability or a causal association between PD and AS.

Deciphering genetic causality between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis through bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis are reported to be closely associated; however, whether there is a causal association between them remains unclear. To explore the existence of this causality, this study applied a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). The genetic variants were obtained from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies of IBD, including its subtypes CD and UC, and periodontitis. 175, 148, 113, and six single-nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables for IBD, CD, UC, and periodontitis, respectively. In MR analysis, random-effects inverse-variance weighted was used as the primary method, and weighted median and MR Egger regression were applied as the complementary method. A series of sensitivity analyses were also conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. None of these analyses found a significant effect of genetically proxied IBD and its subtypes on periodontitis, and vice versa. Subsequent sensitivity analyses did not detect any horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Caution should be exerted when it comes to clinical relevance and further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between IBD and periodontitis.

[Retracted] EVI­1 acts as an oncogene and positively regulates calreticulin in breast cancer.

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that, for the Transwell cell migration and invasion assay experiments shown in Fig. 3 on p. 1650, there were several panels showing overlapping sections of data; moreover, certain of the data shown in this Figure were also strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in Fig. 4 in another article written by different authors at a different research institute [Liu J and Duan X: PA­MSHA induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis by tumor associated macrophages in bladder cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 17: 76, 2017].  Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 19: 1645­1653, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9796].

The underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers between periodontitis and COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging evidence shows the clinical consequences of patient with COVID-19 and periodontitis are not promising, and periodontitis is a risk factor. Periodontitis and COVID-19 probably have a relationship. Hence, this study aimed to identify the common molecular mechanism that may help to devise potential therapeutic strategies in the future. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed two RNA-seq datasets for differential expressed genes, enrichment of biological processes, transcription factors (TFs) and deconvolution-based immune cell types in periodontitis, COVID-19 and healthy controls. Relationships between TFs and mRNA were established by Pearson correlation analysis, and the common TFs-mRNA regulatory network and nine co-upregulated TFs of the two diseases was obtained. The RT-PCR detected the TFs. RESULTS: A total of 1616 and 10201 differentially expressed gene (DEGs) from periodontitis and COVID-19 are found. Moreover, nine shared TFs and common biological processes associated with lymphocyte activation involved in immune response were identified across periodontitis and COVID-19. The cell type enrichment revealed elevated plasma cells among two diseases. The RT-PCR further confirmed the nine TFs up-regulation in periodontitis. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of periodontitis and COVID-19 is closely related to the expression of TFs and lymphocyte activation, which can provide potential targets for treatment.

Immediate Implant Placement With or Without Immediate Provisionalization in the Maxillary Esthetic Zone: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether immediate implant placement and loading renders different outcomes from delayed loading with respect to midfacial mucosal level in the maxillary esthetic area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane), identifying eligible clinical studies published prior to December 2021. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing immediate implant placement with or without immediate loading in the maxillary esthetic zone with a mean follow-up of at least 12 months were selected for qualitative analysis and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was adopted to assess the quality of the evidence. The heterogeneity between the pooled literature was analyzed through the chi-square test (P < .05) and quantified by the I2 index. A mixed-effects model was applied if it appeared that there was noteworthy heterogeneity; otherwise, a random-effects model was chosen. For continuous outcomes, the estimate of relative effect was presented to display the standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs. For dichotomous variables, the Mantel-Haenszel statistical method was applied with effect sizes expressed as risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs. This study is registered on PROSPERO with number CRD42017078611. RESULTS: Out of 5,553 records, 8 RCTs were involved, providing data for 324 immediately placed implants (immediate implants subjected to immediate loading [IPIL]: 163; immediate implants subjected to delayed loading [IPDL]: 161) that had been in function within 12 to 60 months. Meta-analyses revealed significantly lower midfacial mucosal level changes for IPIL compared with IPDL, pointing to 0.48 mm (95% CI: -0.84 to -0.12; P = .01), as well as more significant papillary recession after IPDL (SMD -0.16; 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.00; P = .04). The differences regarding implant survival and marginal bone loss between the two loading groups showed no statistical significance. The result of metaanalyses revealed similar plaque score (SMD 0.03; 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.29; P = .79) and probing depth (SMD -0.09; 95% CI: -0.23 to 0.05; P = .21) for IPIL and IPDL. On the other hand, IPIL induced a trend toward more bleeding on probing (SMD 0.22; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.42; P = .04) and less change in facial ridge dimension (SMD 0.94; 95% CI: -1.49 to -0.39; P < .01). CONCLUSION: After a follow-up ranging from 12 to 60 months, midfacial mucosa level change was 0.48 mm lower following IPIL compared with IPDL. Immediate implant placement and loading is conducive to the preservation of physiologic soft and hard tissue architecture, appearing to offer considerable benefits in the anterior zone. In summary, IPIL should be considered in the esthetic zone if the primary implant stability permits. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants 2023;38:422-434. doi: 10.11607/jomi.10112.

The relationship between labial soft tissue changes and jumping spaces after immediate implant placement and restoration in the anterior maxilla: A prospective study.

Oral implants have been increasingly used in the treatment of edentulous patients or those with dentition defects due to reliable treatment procedure and favorable long-term prognosis. We investigated the changes of labial soft tissue contours with different jumping spaces after immediate implant placement and restoration (IIPR) in the maxillary esthetic area and also provided a long-term stability measurement for the changing trend of soft tissue contour. All patients had been separated into three groups based on the jumping space: group A (horizontal defect dimension [HDD] 2 mm), group B (2 mm < HDD 3 mm), and group C (HDD > 3 mm) and the digital impressions were obtained in the first, third, and sixth month after the operation. The changes of gingival mucosa levels, the average thickness of soft tissue contour volume, and the linear change of submarginal level decreased gradually across the three groups, with the largest change of submarginal level being at 5mm. The size of the jumping space was moderately negatively correlated with the level and average thickness of gingival mucosa and the linear changes of 3 mm and 5 mm under gingival margin, while there was no significant correlation with pink esthetic score (PES) and the linear change of the 1 mm under the gingival margin. Generally, IIPR of upper anterior teeth can achieve esthetic satisfaction, and the level of soft tissue around the implant can be well preserved.

Correlation between differences in intraoperative jumping gaps and soft tissue changes around immediate implant placement and provisionalization in the maxillary anterior region.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the correlation between differences in intraoperative jumping gaps and soft tissue changes around immediate implant placement and provisionalization (IIPP) in the maxillary anterior region. Results will provide a basis for clinical evaluation of the change trend and long-term stability of the labial soft tissue contours of patients with different jumping gaps. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with single tooth loss in the maxillary aesthetic area were enrolled, and they all received immediate implant placement and restoration. All patients were divided into three groups: A, B, and C according to the size of the jumping gap, group A: horizontal defect dimension (HDD) ≤2 mm; group B: 2 mm3 mm. Geomagic studio 2013 was used to quantitatively analyze the contour volume of the soft tissue around the implant and the level of the labial gingival margin. The pink esthetic score (PSE) was used for the final aesthetic evaluation. RESULTS: All implants had osseointegration within 6 months after the surgery. The average thickness of soft tissue contour volume changed by 0.62 mm±0.15 mm, and the average PES was 11.09±0.99. The changes in the gingival mucosa levels in the three groups at 6 months after operation were 0.45 mm±0.11 mm, 0.40 mm±0.12 mm, and 0.35 mm± 0.11 mm, respectively. The changes in the average thickness of the soft tissue contour volume in the three groups at 6 months after the operation were 0.77 mm±0.16 mm, 0.63 mm±0.17 mm, and 0.54 mm±0.11 mm. A moderate negative correlation was found between the jumping gap size and the gingival mucosa level, and the average thickness changed. No significant correlation was found between size of jumping gap and PES. CONCLUSIONS: Although the contour volume of the labial soft tissue continuously decreased within 6 months after IIPP in the maxillary anterior region, the surgical procedure can achieve a satisfactory aesthetic effect, and the level of soft tissue around the implant can be well maintained.

Women's Psychological Health, Family Function, and Social Support During Their Third Trimester of Pregnancy Within the COVID-19 Epidemic: A Cross-sectional Survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate women's psychological health, family function, and social support during the third trimester within the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. METHOD: From January 30, 2020, to February 26, 2020, a total of 177 pregnant women during their third trimester (mean gestation time was 37.05 ± 4.06 wk) in a maternal and children's hospital were investigated using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Family APGAR Index, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. Nonparametric tests were conducted in the study. The statistical significance was set as P < 0.05. RESULT: The incidence rate of the participants' anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 epidemic was 19.21% and 24.29%, respectively. The participants' greatest concerns in the previous week were the risk of virus transmission (79.66%), and the prenatal examination and fetal growth (70.62%). The SAS ranks were higher in the participants who were concerned about the prenatal examination and fetal growth and work-related affairs. CONCLUSION: The participants' psychological health was indirectly affected by the epidemic through the supply of medical resources and work-related factors. The medical staff should employ family support and social resources to guarantee the accessibility of medical services and living materials to decrease the pregnant women's stress and further improve their psychological health.

Psychological effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on nurses working in tertiary women's and children's hospitals from Sichuan, China: A cross-sectional study.

The evolving COVID-19 pandemic is placing unprecedented pressures on health systems. Accumulative studies suggest that nurses were more likely to develop negative psychiatric outcomes following a public health disaster than other medical staffs, due to their more frequent and closer contact with patients. We examined the psychological status of nurses working in the tertiary women's and children's hospitals in Sichuan, China, in order to explore the possible effect of the COVID-19. The cross-sectional survey was conducted at the peak period of COVID-19 among 1971 nurses. Their anxiety, depression and self-efficacy were assessed by the seven-item anxiety scale (GAD-7), the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), respectively. 1934 valid questionnaires were returned with a response rate of 98.1%. We found that 29.3% and 22.7% of the nurses were identified with anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. The median score of GSES was 30, which was at the upper middle level among all populations. Nurses having longer working years and cold-like symptoms, those who were at work during breakout period and working in pediatric ward were significantly associated with the presence of anxiety and depression. Findings suggest that the epidemic of COVID-19 does not necessarily affect the psychological health of nurses working in women's and children's hospitals in Sichuan. The results of this study could serve as valuable suggestions to direct the promotion of psychological well-being among targeted nurses.

A highly efficient nanoscale tapioca starch prepared by high-speed jet for Cu2+ removal in simulated industrial effluent.

BACKGROUND: Nanoscale tapioca starch (NTS) was successfully developed by high-speed jet in our previous study. In this study, the adsorption capacity of Cu2+ onto NTS was further discussed. The optimal adsorption conditions (pH, contact time, contact temperature, initial Cu2+ concentration, and adsorbent concentration), adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic were also evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that NTS exhibited excellent performance in adsorption of Cu2+ , with adsorption capacities of 122.31 mg g-1 for Cu2+ (pH 7, 0.04 g L-1 , 0.2 g L-1 , 313.15 K and 10 min). The pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherms models could be used to explain the adsorption kinetics and adsorption equilibrium, respectively. The thermodynamic results showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic with an increase in entropy. Cu2+ was adsorbed onto NTS, which was confirmed by energy dispersive spectrometry analysis. CONCLUSION: These findings indicated that NTS might be an effective, environment-friendly and renewable bio-resource adsorbent for removing heavy metals in industrial effluent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study on osteogenesis of zinc-loaded carbon nanotubes/chitosan composite biomaterials in rat skull defects.

Chitosan with hydroxyapatite composition, a natural polymer, may be a biomaterial of importance for bone regeneration. Carbon nanotube, a nanoscale material, has been another focus for bone restoration. Zinc, an essential trace element, contributes to the development and growth of skeletal system. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the effects of Zinc-loaded Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan composite biomaterials in the restoration of rat skull defects, and to verify the hypothesis that these zinc ions of appropriate concentration would strengthen the osteogenesis of rat defects. Four different groups of composite biomaterials were fabricated from no Zinc Carbon nanotubes/Chitosan (GN), 0.2% Zinc-Carbon nanotubes/Chitosan (GL), 1% Zinc-Carbon nanotubes/Chitosan (GM) and 2% Zinc-Carbon nanotubes/Chitosan (GH). After characterizations, these composite biomaterials were then transplanted into rat skull defects. The experimental animals were executed at 12 weeks after transplanted surgeries, and the rat skull defects were removed for related analyses. The results of characterizations suggested the Zinc-loaded composite biomaterials possessed good mechanical and osteoinductive properties. An important finding was that the optimal osteogenic effect appeared in rat skull defects transplanted with 1% Zinc-Carbon nanotubes/Chitosan. Overall, these composite biomaterials revealed satisfactory osteogenesis, nevertheless, there was a requirement to further perfect the zinc ion concentrations to achieve the better bone regeneration.

Current status of immediate implant placement in the aesthetic zone of the anterior teeth / 口腔疾病防治

@#The method of placing an implant immediately into the fresh extraction socket at the same time as tooth extraction has the advantages of reducing the number of operations and the overall treatment time, making full use of the existing bone mass, and resulting in ideal aesthetic effects. However, immediate implant placement also has its own inherent shortcomings. Due to the existence of the extraction socket, it is difficult to close the wound; because the size of the implant does not match the size of the extraction socket, it is difficult to achieve good initial stability, and there is a risk of soft tissue recession. This article reviews the success rate, indications and expansion of immediate implant placement, surgical requirements, complications and the prevention and treatment of anterior teeth in the aesthetic area. A literature review showed that the 5-year success rate of immediate implant placement was over 95%. The indications included intact socket walls, a facial bone wall at least 1 mm in thickness, the presence of thick, soft tissue, the absence of acute infection at the site, and the availability of bone apically and lingually to the socket to provide primary stability. In addition, in recent years, with the improvement of surgical implantation technology and the improvement of bone substitute material performance, immediate implant placement can be used as one of the conventional methods for oral implantation treatment, and its indications have shown a trend toward expansion. Immediate implant placement also has complications, including poor placement of implants and gingival receding that results in poor aesthetic outcomes. In addition, immediate restoration and conventional loading protocols after immediate implant appear to have similar outcomes and result in better aesthetic effects. However, the long-term stability and patient satisfaction after immediate implant placement in terms of soft tissue aesthetics require more research.

Ecotropic virus integration-1 and calreticulin as novel prognostic markers in triple-negative breast cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer, for which no specific targete d therapy is currently available. The present study aimed to examine the associations of ecotropic virus integration site 1 (EVI-1) and calreticulin (CRT) with other clinicopathological variables and the prognosis of patients with TNBC. The present retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records of patients with TNBC treated in the Affiliated Hospitals of Jinzhou Medical University between January 2010 and June 2015. The protein expression levels of EVI-1 and CRT in tumor samples obtained from the patients were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify associations between clinical characteristics and disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to observe the survival condition (DFS/OS) according to EVI-1 and CRT expression. A total of 88 TNBC patients were included in the present study. Tumor tissues in 52 (59.1%) patients were EVI-1 positive, and tumor tissues in 64 (72.7%) patients were CRT-positive, and these rates were significantly higher compared with those in the corresponding paracancerous tissues (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that EVI-1 and CRT expression levels were independent variables associated with OS and DFS, and high expression of both CRT and EVI-1 was significantly associated with decreased OS and DFS compared with the other subgroups (low EVI-1/low CRT expression, low EVI-1/high CRT expression and high EVI-1/low CRT expression) of patients with TNBC. EVI-1 and CRT expression in TNBC was significantly correlated with poor outcome. Evaluation of the EVI-1 and CRT status may provide insight into prognosis prediction for patients with TNBC.

Fabrication and properties of an injectable sodium alginate/PRP composite hydrogel as a potential cell carrier for cartilage repair.

Three-dimensional scaffolds like hydrogels can be employed as cell carriers for in vitro or in vivo colonization and have become a major research topic to replace damaged tissue. In the current study, a novel composite hydrogel composed of sodium alginate (SA) and platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) varying in blending ratios, cross-linked with calcium ions, released from calcium carbonate-D-Glucono-d-lactone (CaCO3 -GDL) was successfully prepared. It was found that addition of PRP changed largely the physical properties and biological performance of the composite hydrogels, which was depending on the blending ratio. The gelation rate and swelling ratio of alginate hydrogels were significantly reduced by the addition of PRP, which produced also a more homogeneous gel structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) investigation confirmed the incorporation of PRP-derived proteins in the hydrogel, where a porous structure with a pore size of 200-300 µm was found. On the other hand, an increase in surface roughness was observed after the addition of PRP. The compressive mechanical strength of SA/PRP composite hydrogel was enhanced in comparison to the pure SA gel. The composite hydrogels with the highest PRP content exhibited at a maximum compressive stress of 0.26 MPa a maximum strain of 55%, while the maximum compressive strain of pure SA hydrogels was only 45% at a stress of 0.08 MPa. It was also found that the in vitro degradation of the alginate gel was accelerated by the addition of PRP. In terms of cellular responses, all gels exhibited an excellent cytocompatibility. Indeed, the composite hydrogels supported bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells proliferation and their chondrogenesis with up-regulation of chondrogenic marker genes Sox9 and Aggrecan. Overall, the present study suggests a great potential of SA/PRP composite hydrogels as cell carriers for cartilage tissue engineering.

Diverse effects of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on cell signaling pathways.

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is involved in the tissue repair and tumor progression effects, and act as a rapid and early effector cytokines which are released in response to pathogen-induced changes in the microenvironment. Recent researches have implicated PDGF-BB as a potential contributing factor to the spectrum of the cell signaling pathway of interrelated diseases, particularly mesangial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, human dermal fibroblasts, tumor pericytes and smooth muscle cells. In this review, we generalize the present literatures on the roles of PDGF-BB in the various interrelated diseases, providing insights or strategies into the underlying cellular and signaling mechanisms that will help guide future studies further into promising interventional targets with therapeutic potential.

EVI­1 acts as an oncogene and positively regulates calreticulin in breast cancer.

Ecotropic viral integration site­1 (EVI­1) is an important transcription factor involved in oncogenesis. Aberrant EVI­1 expression has been reported to be a characteristic of multiple types of malignancies; however, very little is known about how EVI­1 regulates breast cancer. Current knowledge of how target genes mediate the biological function of EVI­1 remains limited. In the present study, overexpression of EVI­1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis in breast cancer. By contrast, silencing of EVI­1 inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and enhanced apoptosis in breast cancer. In addition, the results also revealed that the aberrant expression of EVI­1 regulates genes associated with the apoptotic pathway in breast cancer. Furthermore, EVI­1 was also likely to target the promoter region of calreticulin (CRT) in vitro. It was concluded that EVI­1 can affect epithelial mesenchymal transition­associated genes by regulating the expression of CRT in breast cancer. The results revealed that EVI­1 may be a potential effective therapeutic target in breast cancer.

miR-1 inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer stem cells by targeting EVI-1.

PURPOSE: Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have been regarded as the key factor for treatment failure in breast cancer. The abnormal expression of miRNAs plays a significant role in different tumor types. However, the role of miR-1 in breast cancer remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of miR-1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of BCSCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CD44+/CD24-/low/epithelial-specific antigen+ BCSCs were isolated by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression of miRNAs, mRNAs, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate flow cytometry, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify whether miR-1 targeted ecotropic virus integration-1 (EVI-1). The role of miR-1 in breast cancer in vivo was evaluated using BCSCs xenograft mouse models. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrated that miR-1 was significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. The luciferase reporter assay verified that EVI-1 was a direct target of miR-1, and upregulation of miR-1 negatively correlated with the expression of EVI-1 in BCSCs at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-1 inhibited BCSCs proliferation and promoted apoptosis, which was reversed by the overexpression of EVI-1. In addition, we demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR-1 could regulate EMT-related genes in BCSCs. Finally, immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that EVI-1 expression was decreased in BCSCs tumors following intra-tumoral miR-1 agomir treatment compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: miR-1 can negatively regulate the expression of EVI-1 and, thus, affect BCSCs proliferation, apoptosis, and EMT-related markers. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that miR-1 could be employed as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of breast cancer.

Biomineralization improves mechanical and osteogenic properties of multilayer-modified PLGA porous scaffolds.

Poly-(lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) has been widely investigated as scaffold material for bone tissue engineering owing to its biosafety, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. However, the bioinert surface of PLGA may fail in regulating cellular behavior and directing osteointegration between the scaffold and the host tissue. In this article, oxidized chondroitin sulfate (oCS) and type I collagen (Col I) were assembled onto PLGA surface via layer by layer technique (LbL) as an adhesive coating for the attachment of inorganic minerals. The multilayer-modified PLGA scaffold was mineralized in vitro to ensure the deposition of nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP). It was found that nHAP crystals were more uniformly and firmly attached on the multilayer-modified PLGA as compared with the pure PLGA scaffold, which remarkably improved PLGA surface and mechanical properties. Additionally, in vitro biocompatibility of PLGA scaffold, in terms of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) attachment, spreading and proliferation was greatly enhanced by nHAP coating and multilayer deposition. Furthermore, the fabricated composite scaffold also shows the ability to promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the up-regulation of osteogenic marker genes. Thus, this novel biomimetic composite scaffold might achieve a desirable therapeutic result for bone tissue regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2714-2725, 2018.

Cerium oxide immobilized reduced graphene oxide hybrids with excellent microwave absorbing performance.

Microwave absorbing materials with high absorption over a broad bandwidth when they have a small thickness are strongly desired due to their widespread applications. Herein, cerium oxide immobilized reduced graphene oxide (CeO2-rGO) hybrids with excellent microwave absorbing performance have been fabricated by a versatile one-step hydrothermal approach. Modern measurement techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, electronic microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vector network analysis, have been conducted to characterize the chemical composition, microstructure and electromagnetic performance of the as-obtained hybrids. Morphological analysis reveals that the CeO2 nanocrystals are homogeneously immobilized onto the rGO surface without any significant agglomeration. Interestingly, significant enhancement in the microwave absorbing performance has been observed for all the CeO2-rGO hybrids. For example, a CeO2-rGO hybrid with a 10 : 1 mass ratio of CeO2 to GO exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RL) of -45.94 dB, which is 73.35 times and 6.14 times that of the lone CeO2 and rGO, respectively. Moreover, the CeO2-rGO hybrid shows a broadband absorption feature with an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < -10 dB) of 4.5 GHz, and can be exploited for practical application in a frequency range of 3.68-18.00 GHz via tuning of the thickness. Investigation of the structure-property correlation indicates that such enhancements are attributed to conductive loss, polarization loss and multiple reflections which are mainly derived from the unique CeO2-rGO based architecture. In addition, the higher oxygen vacancy concentration of CeO2 in hybrids can promote electron transfer between CeO2 and rGO, leading to microwave attenuation enhancement. It is expected that these CeO2-rGO hybrids can be used as new microwave absorbers.

Advanced technology for nanostarches preparation by high speed jet and its mechanism analysis.

Nanostarches were successfully prepared by high speed jet (HSJ) after pretreatment of micronization. The nanostarches were obtained at the conditions of micronization treatment for 60min, and then one cycle at 240MPa of HSJ (188.1nm). Moreover, after HSJ treated for three cycles, the particle size could reach the level of nanometer materials (66.94nm). The physicochemical properties of nanostarches had been characterized. Rapid Visco-Analysis (RVA) showed that the viscosity of nanostarches significantly decreased compared with native tapioca starch and slightly decreased with increasing processing cycles of HSJ. Steady shear analysis indicated that all samples displayed pseudoplastic, shear-thinning behavior, while the flow curves of nanostarches were little impact by the processing cycles of HSJ. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the complete destruction of tapioca starch crystalline structure was obtained after HSJ treatment. Molecular characteristics determination suggested that the degradation of amylopectin chains occurred after the treatment of micronization and HSJ, which was proved by the decrease of weight-average molar mass. The results demonstrated that nanostarches were obtained due to the breakdown of starch molecules. This study will provide useful information of the nanostarches for its potential industrial application.