Simultaneous detection of multiple influenza virus subtypes based on microbead-encoded microfluidic chip.

Influenza virus, existing many subtypes, causes a huge risk of people health and life. Different subtypes bring a huge challenge for detection and treatment, thus simultaneous detection of multiple influenza virus subtypes plays a key role in fight against this disease. In this work, three kinds of influenza virus subtypes are one-step detection based on microbead-encoded microfluidic chip. HIN1, H3N2 and H7N3 were simultaneously captured only by microbeads of different magnetism and sizes, and they were further treated by magnetic separation and enriched through the magnetism and size-dependent microfluidic structure. Different subtypes of influenza virus could be linearly encoded in different detection zones of microfluidic chip according to microbeads of magnetism and size differences. With the high-brightness quantum dots (QDs) as label, the enriched fluorescence detection signals were further read online from linearly encoded strips, obtaining high sensitivity with detection limit of HIN1, H3N2, H7N3 about 2.2 ng/mL, 3.4 ng/mL and 2.9 ng/mL. Moreover, a visual operation interface, microcontroller unit and two-way syringe pump were consisted of a miniaturized detection device, improving the detection process automation. And this assay showed strong specificity. This method improves a new way of multiple pathogens detection using microbead-encoded technologies in the microfluidic chip.

Efficacy of Acupuncture and Moxibustion as a Subsequent Treatment after Second-Line Chemotherapy in Advanced Gastric Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether acupuncture and moxibustion can prevent disease progression of advanced gastric cancer patients completing second-line chemotherapy and, if so, the related mechanism. METHOD: Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were main outcome measures. The real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of genes including T-bet, IFN-γ, GATA3, and IL-4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). IL-4, IL-6, Ca199, CRP, and IFN-γ in plasma levels were checked. RESULTS: 170 patients were randomly assigned in a 3 : 2 ratio to receive either acupuncture and moxibustion or sham acupuncture until progression. 135 patients were included in the primary analysis. Both PFS and OS in treatment group were proven to be better than control group. Acupuncture and moxibustion promoted typical Th1 cells drifting, as confirmed by increased T-bet/IFN-γ and decreased GATA3/IL-4 in mRNA levels from PBMCs, as well as upregulating IFN-γ and downregulating IL-4 in plasma levels. IL-6, Ca199, and CRP in plasma levels were also reduced by acupuncture and moxibustion. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture and moxibustion can prolong PFS and OS of advanced gastric cancer patients completing second-line chemotherapy by reversing Th1/Th2 shift and attenuating inflammatory responses.

Clinical Evaluation and Patient Satisfaction of Single Zirconia-Based and High-Noble Alloy Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns in the Esthetic Area: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess clinical survival, complications, and patient satisfaction with single zirconia-based crowns (ZC) or high-noble alloy PFM crowns (HC) in esthetic areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective cohort study with up to 3.8 years follow-up (mean 2.5 years). Patients who met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Survival rates, complications, satisfaction rates (color and form), and overall satisfaction (visual analogue scale, VAS) were evaluated by follow-up examination. Chi-square test (survival, complication, and satisfaction rate) and unpaired t-test (overall satisfaction: VAS) were used to test the difference between the ZC and HC groups. Survival rates and complications were assessed both at subject-level (patient as statistical unit) and at tooth-level (tooth as statistical unit). RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients met the inclusion criteria; 95 patients (ZC: 45, HC: 50) with 132 crowns (ZC: 61, HC: 71) were enrolled in the study. The overall survival rate was 93.3% for ZC crowns and 96.0% for HC crowns at subject-level and 93.4% for ZC crowns and 97.2% for HC crowns at tooth-level (p = 0.56 and 0.30, respectively). Veneer chipping was the most frequently seen complication. One HC crown lost retention because of poor cementation. One patient in the ZC group showed progression of periodontal disease. No significant difference of complications was found between the two groups at subject-level and tooth-level (p = 0.37 and 0.34, respectively). The overall satisfaction (VAS) was 8.18 for ZC crowns and 8.46 for HC crowns (p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study showed that a high survival rate could be achieved in both ZC and HC groups. Chipping of the veneering porcelain was the most frequently seen event that led to short-term (less than 3 years) failure and complications. The patients' rating of ZC crowns was not superior to HC crowns. Well-designed studies with high evidence level and large sample size are still needed to further explore the clinical success of ZC and HC crowns.

[The antibacterial activity of plasma sprayed silver-containing hydroxyapatite coatings].

PURPOSE: To study the antibacterial activity of plasma sprayed silver-containing hydroxyapative(HA) coatings. METHODS: Silver-containing HA coatings were prepared on titanium substrated by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS). The samples were divided into 4 groups according to weight percent of the antimicrobial: group HA0 (0%),group HA1 (1%),group HA3 (3%) and group HA5 (5%). The antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutans were assayed with the pellicle-sticking method. RESULTS: When the weight percent of the silver was >3%, the silver-containing HA coatings exhibited significant anti-bacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans. CONCLUSION: The silver-containing HA coating has good inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans.

[Study on the slow release of silver ion from silver containing antibacterial HA coating material].

PURPOSE: To study the slow release of silver ion from silver containing antibacterial HA coating material. METHODS: Ti coated with HA samples were prepared using vacuum plasma spraying. In group 1, HA coating materials contained 5%(wt%) silver-zirconium phosphate antimicrobial. In Group 2, pure HA coating materials were used. The samples were immersed into the newborn calf serum and stored under anaerobic environment at constant temperatures of 37 degrees centigrade, avoiding light. The newborn calf serum was set as control. The Ag(+) ion concentration was detected and calculated using atomic absorption spectroscopy at 1,7,14 days. RESULTS: The Ag(+) ion contents of group 1 were 250 ng, 425 ng and 417 ng respectively at the end of 1,7,14 days. The release rate of Ag(+) ion became slow with the lapse of time. The release of Ag(+) ion became stable during 7-14 days. The Ag(+) ion content decreased on the 14th day. The Ag(+) ion content of group 2 could be ignored. CONCLUSIONS: The release of Ag(+) ion from silver containing HA coating materials is little and becomes stable on the 7th day. There might be reabsorption of Ag(+) ion on the 14th day.

[Preparation and structural detection of antibacterial hydroxyapatite coating material on Ti implant].

PURPOSE: To investigate the method for preparing antibacterial hydroxyapatite coating material on Ti implant,and detect its surface feature, chemical composition and the crystal structure. METHODS: The antibacterial hydroxyapatite coating material which contained silver-zirconium phosphate antimicrobial was prepared on the Ti implant by using vacuum plasma spraying technology. Samples were divided into 4 groups according to weight percent of the antimicrobial: group A (0), group B (2%), group C (5%) and group D (10%). The surface feature of each sample was observed under scanning electric microscope. The chemical composition and the crystal structure was detected by electronic probe and X-ray diffraction method respectively. RESULTS: The surface feature of each sample showed globular granule with caky structure and air pore. The crystal structure of group A, B, C mainly showed characteristic absorption band of Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6 which degraded while antimicrobial content increased. Except Ca10(OH)2(PO4)6 and CaZr (PO4)2, Na6CaP2O09 also appeared in group D. Ag+ could not be detected by electronic probe in group A and B. The contents of Ag+ in group C and D were similar. CONCLUSION: The antibacterial hydroxyapatite coating material which contained silver can be prepared on the Ti implant by using vacuum plasma spraying technology. The appropriate weight percent of the antimicrobial was 5%.

[Stress analysis of the post and core system under loading].

PURPOSE: To analyze the stress of the post and core system by using finite element analysis and study the influence of the "crown materials" on the analytic results. METHODS: Three groups of 3D finite element models of maxillary incisors were established according to the fabricating standard of the post and core system by using I-DEAS finite element analysis software. Group A was consisted of the cast metal post and core, the tooth structure after preparation and the periodontal structure. Group B was composed of the PFM, the cast metal post and core, the tooth structure after preparation and the periodontal structure. Group C was composed of the resin crown, the cast metal post and core, the tooth structure after preparation and the periodontal structure. The three groups were loaded and analyzed under the same loading according to the mean value of the bite force of incisors. RESULTS: (1)The maximum stress of dentin in group A was twice higher than that in group B. The maximum primary stress, minimum primary stress and maximum shear stress of group A were respectively 236.35, 228.83 and 218.05 percent of those in group B. The difference of maximum stress values of group B and group C was neglectable. (2) The maximum stress distribution of dentin in group A and group B was quite different (the stress was concentrated in labial and lingual side of the cervical dentin in group A, otherwise in group B it was concentrated in the area around the alveolar and the labial and lingual side of the dentin which was opposite to the tip of the cast metal post and core). The maximum stress distribution of dentin in group A and group B was almost the same. CONCLUSIONS: Different materials of the crown did not influence the result of 3D finite element stress analysis of the post and core system.

[Using moiré interferometre in the study of porcelain-fused-metal interfacial fracture mechanics].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usage of moiré interferometre in porcelain-fused-metal interfacial fracture mechanics. METHODS: Raster was produced on the surface of samples with different thickness of porcelain and metal in 5 groups. The stripes of u field and v field under different load were collected. Then the rupture tenacity Jc was calculated and the extensions of flaws were observed. RESULTS: Stress concentration appeared around the flaws under load conditions. The stripe became denser under more load. The rupture tenacity Jc and the direction of flaw extension of each group were different. CONCLUSION: Moiré interferometre can be used in the study of porcelain-fused-metal interfacial fracture mechanics and to prognosticate the direction of flaw extension.