Diet-related diseases mediate the effect of masticatory function on premature death in older adults.

AIM: Although poor oral health has been a potentially modifiable risk for mortality, the precise association between functional tooth units (FTUs) and premature death as well as the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. METHODS: This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018. Mortality details were obtained from the National Death Index (NDI). The number of FTUs was defined as pairs of opposing natural and artificial teeth in the premolar and molar area. Weighted logistic regression models were employed to assess the relationship between FTU and premature death. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, and disease histories were adjusted as confounding factors. The propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to further assess the association between FTU and premature death. Mediation analyses were conducted to assess the role of diet-related diseases in the association between FTU and premature death. RESULTS: The analysis included 4169 individuals aged between 60 and 74 years. Participants with 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 had a significantly higher odds of premature death compared to the 10 ≤ FTUs ≤ 12 group (OR = 2.142, 95% CI 1.091-4.208). After missing data imputation, 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 was still significantly associated with increased odds of premature death (OR = 2.115, 95% CI 1.125-3.975). The relationship between 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 and reference group persisted (OR = 2.196, 95% CI 1.296-3.721) after PSM analyses. For mechanism, mediation analysis showed that diet-related diseases, including diabetes and hypertension, partially mediated the association between FTU and premature death with proportions of 5.089% and 8.437%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings revealed a link between impairment of masticatory function and a heightened odds of premature death among older adults. Notably, 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 is significantly correlated to premature death among this demographic, with diabetes and hypertension partially mediating the effect of FTU on premature death. Further longitudinal studies are required to validate the findings.

Spatio-temporal evolution mechanism and dynamic simulation of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the Yangtze River economic Belt in China.

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus inputs are the main causes of aquatic environmental deterioration. Accurately quantifying and dynamically assessing the regional nitrogen and phosphorus pollution emission (NPPE) loads and influencing factors is crucial for local authorities to implement and formulate refined pollution reduction management strategies. In this study, we constructed a methodological framework for evaluating the spatio-temporal evolution mechanism and dynamic simulation of NPPE. We investigated the spatio-temporal evolution mechanism and influencing factors of NPPE in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) of China through the pollution load accounting model, spatial correlation analysis model, geographical detector model, back propagation neural network model, and trend analysis model. The results show that the NPPE inputs in the YREB exhibit a general trend of first rising and then falling, with uneven development among various cities in each province. Nonpoint sources are the largest source of land-based NPPE. Overall, positive spatial clustering of NPPE is observed in the cities of the YREB, and there is a certain enhancement in clustering. The GDP of the primary industry and cultivated area are important human activity factors affecting the spatial distribution of NPPE, with economic factors exerting the greatest influence on the NPPE. In the future, the change in NPPE in the YREB at the provincial level is slight, while the nitrogen pollution emissions at the municipal level will develop towards a polarization trend. Most cities in the middle and lower reaches of the YREB in 2035 will exhibit medium to high emissions. This study provides a scientific basis for the control of regional NPPE, and it is necessary to strengthen cooperation and coordination among cities in the future, jointly improve the nitrogen and phosphorus pollution tracing and control management system, and achieve regional sustainable development.

Cellular and Molecular Insights into the Divergence of Neural Stem Cells on Matrigel and Poly-l-lysine Interfaces.

Poly-l-lysine (PLL) and Matrigel, both classical coating materials for culture substrates in neural stem cell (NSC) research, present distinct interfaces whose effect on NSC behavior at cellular and molecular levels remains ambiguous. Our investigation reveals intriguing disparities: although both PLL and Matrigel interfaces are hydrophilic and feature amine functional groups, Matrigel stands out with lower stiffness and higher roughness. Based on this diversity, Matrigel surpasses PLL, driving NSC adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Intriguingly, PLL promotes NSC differentiation into astrocytes, whereas Matrigel favors neural differentiation and the physiological maturation of neurons. At the molecular level, Matrigel showcases a wider upregulation of genes linked to NSC behavior. Specifically, it enhances ECM-receptor interaction, activates the YAP transcription factor, and heightens glycerophospholipid metabolism, steering NSC proliferation and neural differentiation. Conversely, PLL upregulates genes associated with glial cell differentiation and amino acid metabolism and elevates various amino acid levels, potentially linked to its support for astrocyte differentiation. These distinct transcriptional and metabolic activities jointly shape the divergent NSC behavior on these substrates. This study significantly advances our understanding of substrate regulation on NSC behavior, offering novel insights into optimizing and targeting the application of these surface coating materials in NSC research.

Ag/Ag2O with NIR-Triggered Antibacterial Activities: Photocatalytic Sterilization Enhanced by Low-Temperature Photothermal Effect.

Purpose: A synergistic antibacterial system employing photocatalytic performance and low-temperature photothermal effect (LT-PTT) with the potential for infectious skin wound healing promotion was developed. Methods: Ag/Ag2O was synthesized with a two-step method, and its physicochemical properties were characterized. After its photocatalytic performance and photothermal effect were evaluated under 0.5 W/cm2 808 nm NIR laser irradiation, its antibacterial activities in both planktonic and biofilm forms were then studied in vitro targeting Staphylococcus Aureus (S. aureus), and the biocompatibility was tested with L-929 cell lines afterward. Finally, the animal model of dorsal skin wound infection was established on Sprague-Dawley rats and was used to assess infectious wound healing promotion of Ag/Ag2O in vivo. Results: Ag/Ag2O showed boosted photocatalytic performance and local temperature accumulation compared with Ag2O when exposed to 0.5 W/cm2 808 nm NIR irradiation, which therefore endowed Ag/Ag2O with the ability to kill pathogens rapidly and cleavage bacterial biofilm in vitro. Furthermore, after treatment with Ag/Ag2O and 0.5 W/cm2 808 nm NIR irradiation, infectious wounds of rats realized skin tissue regeneration from a histochemical level. Conclusion: By exhibiting excellent NIR-triggered photocatalytic sterilization ability enhanced by low-temperature photothermal effect, Ag/Ag2O was promising to be a novel, photo-responsive antibacterial agent.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 is an independent predictor of prevalent and incident obstructive sleep apnea.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a metabolic regulator and a potential biomarker of metabolic diseases. Limited data are available on the association between FGF21 and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is considered as a manifestation of metabolic syndrome. In the present cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, the FGF21 level was associated with OSA. This analysis of two clinical cohorts is the first to show that the FGF21 level increased significantly with OSA severity and was an independent predictor of incident OSA in Chinese adults. The circulating FGF21 level could serve as a potential serum biomarker of OSA and its comorbidities and thus aid risk evaluation and early intervention.

Near-Infrared-Enhanced Dual Enzyme-Mimicking Ag-TiO2-x@Alginate Microspheres with Antibactericidal and Oxygeneration Abilities to Treat Periodontitis.

The effective treatment for periodontitis is to completely and sustainedly eradicate the bacterial pathogens from the complex periodontal pockets. Local sustained-release antibiotics as a complementary treatment after scaling and root planning can sustainedly combat bacterial pathogens in the periodontal pockets to help treat the disease, but the increasing concern of bacterial resistance limits its future use. Here, we reported a local antibacterial system based on microsized multifunctional Ag-TiO2-x encapsulated in alginate (ATA) microspheres. We confirmed that ATA displayed strong photothermally enhanced dual enzyme-mimicking (peroxidase-like and catalase-like) activities and weak photocatalytic activity under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, which could boost the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2 in the presence of low-level H2O2. As a result, the ATA/H2O2/NIR system exhibited efficient antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii in both planktonic and biofilm forms. With the help of ROS, ATA could release Ag+ in concentrations sufficient to inhibit periodontal pathogens as well. Moreover, the in situ-generated oxygen was supposed to alleviate the local hypoxic environment and would help downregulate the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inflammatory response of periodontal stem cells. The in vivo rat periodontitis treatment results demonstrated that the ATA/H2O2/NIR system reduced the bacterial load, relieved inflammation, and improved tissue healing. Our work developed a new local prolonged bactericidal and oxygenation system for enhanced periodontitis. Avoiding the usage of antibiotics and nanomaterials, this strategy showed great promise in adjunctive periodontitis treatment and also in other biomedical applications.

Prevalence, characteristics, and respiratory arousal threshold of positional obstructive sleep apnea in China: a large scale study from Shanghai Sleep Health Study cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and respiratory arousal threshold (ArTH) of Chinese patients with positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) according to the Cartwright Classification (CC) and Amsterdam Positional Obstructive Sleep Apnea Classification (APOC). METHODS: A large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted in our sleep center from 2007 to 2018 to analyze the clinical and polysomnography (PSG) data of Chinese POSA patients. Low ArTH was defined based on PSG indices. RESULTS: Of 5,748 OSA patients, 36.80% met the CC criteria, and 42.88% the APOC criteria, for POSA. The prevalence of POSA was significantly higher in women than men (40.21% and 46.52% vs. 36.13% and 42.18% for CC and APOC, respectively). Chinese POSA patients had a lower apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and lower oxygen desaturation index, shorter duration of oxygen saturation (SaO2) < 90%, and a higher mean SaO2 and higher lowest SaO2 value compared to subjects with non-positional OSA (NPOSA). More than 40% of the POSA patients had a low ArTH; the proportion was extremely high in the supine-isolated-POSA (si-POSA) group and APOC I group. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, higher mean SaO2 and lower AHI during sleep were positive predictors of POSA. CONCLUSIONS: According to the CC and APOC criteria, more than 1/3 of our Chinese subjects with OSA had POSA. Chinese POSA patients had less severe OSA and nocturnal hypoxia. Compared to NPOSA patients, significantly more patients with POSA had a low ArTH. A low ArTH may be an important endotype in the pathogenesis of POSA, especially in patients with si-POSA and APOC I. Further studies are necessary to develop personalized management strategies for POSA patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn ; No. ChiCTR1900025714 (retrospectively registered).

Genome-Wide Association Study of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Objective Sleep-related Traits Identifies Novel Risk Loci in Han Chinese Individuals.

Rationale: Previous genetic studies of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have limitations in terms of precise case definition, integrated quantitative traits, and interpretation of genetic functions; thus, the heritability of OSA remains poorly explained. Objectives: To identify novel genetic variants associated with OSA and objective sleep-related traits and to explore their functional roles. Methods: A genome-wide association study was performed in 20,590 Han Chinese individuals (5,438 OSA and 15,152 control samples). Human samples and point mutation knockin mice were used for follow-up investigation of gene functions. Measurements and Main Results: Two characteristic study-wide significant loci (P < 2.63 × 10-9) for OSA were identified: the PACRG intronic variant rs6455893 on 6q26 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.89; P = 6.98 × 10-10) and the missense variant rs3746804 (p.Pro267Leu) in the riboflavin transporter SLC52A3 on 20p13 (OR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88; P = 7.57 × 10-10). In addition, 18 genome-wide significant loci associated with quantitative OSA and objective sleep-related traits were identified, 5 of which exceeded the study-wide significance threshold. Rs3746804 was associated with elevated serum riboflavin concentrations, and the corresponding mutation in mice increased riboflavin concentrations, suggesting that this variant may facilitate riboflavin uptake and riboflavin-dependent physiological activity. Conclusions: We identified several novel genome-wide significant loci associated with OSA and objective sleep-related traits. Our findings provide insight into the genetic architecture of OSA and suggest that SLC52A3 might be a therapeutic target, whereas riboflavin might be a therapeutic agent.

Risk factors for non-positional obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the main risk factors for non-positional obstructive sleep apnea (NPOSA). METHODS: A total of 560 patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) were divided into non-positional obstructive sleep apnea (NPOSA) and positional obstructive sleep apnea (POSA) groups. All patients were assessed by the Friedman staging system and anthropometry before overnight polysomnography. Blood tests were performed to determine the fasting blood glucose level and lipid profile. Forward logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of all parameters on positional dependency. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 318 NPOSA patients and 242 POSA patients (88% and 85% were men, respectively). The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 57.0 events/h in the NPOSA group, compared with 25.7 events/h in the POSA group. The POSA group had a significantly smaller neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), lower body mass index (BMI), AHI, fasting blood glucose, and apolipoprotein-B (apoB) levels than did the NPOSA group (all, P < 0.01). The minimal nocturnal oxyhemoglobin saturation (minSpO2) and apoB/apoA ratio were higher in the POSA group than in the NPOSA group (both, P < 0.001). The AHI, minSpO2, WC, and fasting blood glucose level were included in the logistic regression models. CONCLUSION: The AHI, WC, minSpO2, and fasting blood glucose level are the main independent risk factors for NPOSA.

Photothermal-Enhanced Fenton-like Catalytic Activity of Oxygen-Deficient Nanotitania for Efficient and Safe Tooth Whitening.

The growing demand for charming smiles has led to the popularization of tooth bleaching procedures. Current tooth bleaching products with high-concentration hydrogen peroxide (HP, 30-40%) are effective but detrimental due to the increased risk of enamel destruction, tooth sensitivity, and gingival irritation. Herein, we reported a less-destructive and efficient tooth whitening strategy with a low-concentration HP, which was realized by the remarkably enhanced Fenton-like catalytic activity of oxygen-deficient TiO2 (TiO2-x). TiO2-x nanoparticles were synthesized with a modified solid-state chemical reduction approach with NaBH4. The Fenton-like activity of TiO2-x was optimized by manipulating oxygen vacancy (OV) concentration and further promoted by the near-infrared (NIR)-induced photothermal effect of TiO2-x. The TiO2-x sample named BT45 was chosen due to the highest methylene blue (MB) adsorption ability and Fenton-like activity among acquired samples. The photothermal property of BT45 under 808 nm NIR irradiation was verified and its enhancement on Fenton-like activity was also studied. The BT45/HP + NIR group performed significantly better in tooth whitening than the HP + NIR group on various discolored teeth (stained by Orange II, tea, or rhodamine B). Excitingly, the same tooth whitening performance as the Opalescence Boost, a tooth bleaching product containing 40% HP, was obtained by a self-produced bleaching gel based on this novel system containing 12% HP. Besides, negligible enamel destruction, safe temperature range, and good cytocompatibility of TiO2-x nanoparticles also demonstrated the safety of this tooth bleaching strategy. This work indicated that the photothermal-enhanced Fenton-like performance of the TiO2-x-based system is highly promising in tooth bleaching application and can also be extended to other biomedical applications.

Management and postoperative use of double-cannula irrigation-drainage tube in cervical necrotizing fasciitis: a Chinese single-institution experience of 46 patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze a Chinese institution's experience with managing cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) and observe the effects of a new therapeutic approach for postoperative drainage system. METHODS: A retrospective study was established including a total of 46 CNF patients who underwent surgical debridement between April 2006 and April 2018. Analyses of demographic data, etiology, comorbidity, microbiology, complications, treatment methods, duration of treatment, and treatment outcomes were obtained. RESULTS: There were 16 kinds of microbes cultured in 29 patients. Diabetic patients were more commonly infected by microbes (P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the number of operative time (P < 0.05) and length of hospitalization (P < 0.01) with postoperative therapy of double-cannula irrigation-drainage (DCID) system. CONCLUSION: CNF management includes controlling for comorbidities especially glycemic control and reasonable utilization of antibiotics and aggressive postoperative therapy. DCID system can effectively reduce operative frequency and duration of hospitalization.

Efficacy of melatonin for sleep disturbance in middle-aged primary insomnia: a double-blind, randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of exogenous melatonin supplementation for sleep disturbances in patients with middle-aged primary insomnia. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study. Participants were recruited from Tianlin community, Xuhui district, Shanghai. Ninety-seven consecutive middle-aged patients with primary insomnia were randomized to receive 3 mg fast-release melatonin (n = 51) or placebo (n = 46) for four-weeks. Objective sleep parameters tested by overnight polysomnography, subjective sleep performance and daytime somnolence obtained from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were obtained at baseline and after treatment. Treatment was taken daily 1 h before bedtime. Serious adverse events and side-effects were monitored. RESULTS: Melatonin supplementation significantly decreased early wake time [-30.63min (95% CI, -53.92 to -7.34); P = 0.001] and percentage of N2 sleep [-7.07% (95% CI, -13.47% to -0.68%); P = 0.031]. However, melatonin had no significant effect on other objective sleep parameters including sleep latency, sleep efficiency, wake during the sleep and percent of N1, N3 and REM sleep. Melatonin had no effect on insomnia symptoms and severity on the PSQI [1.53(95% CI, -0.55 to 3.61); p = 0.504]; ISI [0.81 (95% CI, -2.27 to 3.88); p = 0.165] and ESS [-0.83 (95% CI, -3.53 to 1.88); p = 0.147]. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin supplementation over a four-week period is effective and safe in improving some aspects of objective sleep quality such as total sleep time, percentage of rapid eye movement and early morning wake time in middle-aged patients with insomnia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-13003997; Prospectively registered on 2 December 2013.

Alginate/laponite hydrogel microspheres co-encapsulating dental pulp stem cells and VEGF for endodontic regeneration.

Considering the complicated and irregular anatomical structure of root canal systems, injectable microspheres have received considerable attention as cell carriers in endodontic regeneration. Herein, we developed injectable hybrid RGD-alginate/laponite (RGD-Alg/Lap) hydrogel microspheres, co-encapsulating human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These microspheres were prepared by the electrostatic microdroplet method with an average size of 350~450 µm. By adjusting the content of laponite, the rheological properties and the degradation rate of the microspheres in vitro could be conditioned. The release of VEGF from the RGD-Alg/0.5%Lap microspheres was in a sustained manner for 28 days while the bioactivity of VEGF was preserved. In addition, the encapsulated hDPSCs were evenly distributed in microspheres with a cell viability exceeding 85%. The deposition of abundant extracellular matrix such as fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (Col-I) was shown in microspheres after 7 days. The laponite in the system significantly up-regulated the expression of odontogenic-related genes of hDPSCs at day 7. Furthermore, after subcutaneous implantation with tooth slices in a nude mouse model for 1 month, the hDPSCs-laden RGD-Alg/0.5%Lap+VEGF microspheres significantly promoted the regeneration of pulp-like tissues as well as the formation of new micro-vessels. These results demonstrated the great potential of laponite-enhanced hydrogel microspheres in vascularized dental pulp regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Injectable cell-laden microspheres have recently gained great attention in endodontic regeneration. Here we first developed hybrid alginate/laponite hydrogel microspheres (size about 350~450 µm) by electrostatic microdroplet method, which exhibited tunability in mechanical property and sustained release ability. The incorporation of laponite and the sustained release of VEGF supported not only dental pulp stem cells differentiation in vitro but neotissue regeneration in vivo. These features combined with the simplicity in preparation, made the microspheres ideally suited to simultaneous cells and growth factors delivery in dental pulp regeneration and even other tissue regeneration application.

Association of Adipocytokines With Carotid Intima Media Thickness and Arterial Stiffness in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) results in increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and arterial stiffness; however, the association between adipocytokines and IMT/arterial stiffness in OSA patients is unclear. Methods: We enrolled 95 normal weight and overweight, not obese, participants from May 2018 to December 2018 in this study. All subjects underwent a carotid artery ultrasound examination and polysomnography. Blood samples were used to determine serum chemerin, adiponectin, SFRP5, and apelin levels. Correlations between two quantitative variables were assessed using the Pearson or Spearman coefficient. Stepwise models of multiple linear regression analysis were performed to assess the independent relationships. Result: IMT in OSA patients was significantly higher than in the non-snorers. There were significant differences in the arterial stiffness parameters such as distensibility coefficient (DC), compliance coefficient (CC), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). SFRP5 level was lower in OSA patients than in non-snorers. Adiponectin correlated with CC, DC, and PWV among OSA patients; however, the relationship disappeared after a multivariable adjustment. Age was independently associated with all quantitative IMT and stiffness indices. AHI and minimum oxygen saturation (Mini SaO2) were independently related to arterial stiffness. Conclusion: The quantitative IMT and carotid arterial elasticity were significantly worse among OSA patients. Age was the main independent factor correlated with quantitative IMT and arterial stiffness, and AHI and mini SaO2 were associated factors. There were no relationships between aforementioned adipocytokines and quantitative IMT/carotid arterial stiffness.

Association of upper airway surgery and improved cardiovascular biomarkers and risk in OSA.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between upper airway surgery and changes of cardiological metabolic biomarkers and the overall cardiovascular risk in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to define factors associated with better cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: A total of 161 patients with newly diagnosed OSA who underwent classical or modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty with or without genioglossus advancement and hyoid suspension were included. The pre- and postoperative (at least 6 months later) assessments, including polysomnography, measurement of glucose and lipids, blood pressure, and overall cardiovascular risk (as estimated by Framingham Risk Scores), were compared. We accounted for multiple comparisons with the use of the Benjamini-Hochberg correction. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 2.5 ± 1.9 years. The apnea hypopnea index decreased significantly in the entire cohort (mean changes with 95% confidence intervals were [-25.3 (-29.5, -21.0) events/hour, P < 0.001]. We also noted decreases in the age-adjusted Framingham Risk Scores [-2.5% (-4.0%, -1.0%), P < 0.001] as well as single cardiometabolic biomarkers, including glucose [-0.50 (-0.70, -0.30) mmol/L, P < 0.001], total cholesterol [-0.46 (-0.65, -0.28) mmol/L, P < 0.001], triglycerides [-0.56, (-0.99, -0.14) mmol/L, P = 0.014], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [-0.27, (-0.43, -0.11) mmol/L, P = 0.002], apolipoprotein B [-0.10 (-0.14, -0.07) g/L, P < 0.001], systolic blood pressure [-3.58 (-6.02, -1.14) mmHg, P = 0.007], and diastolic blood pressure [-3.25 (-5.47, -1.02) mmHg, P = 0.008] after surgery. Patients with preoperative metabolic abnormalities exhibited better postoperative risk profiles changes (P < 0.001). In addition, associations were found between Δapolipoprotein B, Δsystolic blood pressure, and improvements in nocturnal oxygen level after surgery. CONCLUSION: OSA-related upper airway surgery was associated with improvements in cardiological metabolic biomarker levels and the overall cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with both OSA and metabolic disorders. The changes in biomarker levels may be associated with improved oxygen saturation after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:818-824, 2020.

A wear-resistant TiO2 nanoceramic coating on titanium implants for visible-light photocatalytic removal of organic residues.

An effective treatment for peri-implantitis is to completely remove all the bacterial deposits from the contaminated implants, especially the organic residues, to regain biocompatibility and re-osseointegration, but none of the conventional decontamination treatments has achieve this goal. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coating on titanium implants to degrade organic contaminants has attracted researchers' attention recently. But a pure TiO2 coating only responses to harmful ultraviolet light. Additionally, the poor coating mechanical properties are unable to protect the coating integrity versus initial mechanical decontamination. To address these issues, a unique TiO2 nanoceramic coating was fabricated on titanium substrates through an innovative plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) based procedure, which showed a disordered layer with oxygen vacancies on the outmost part. As a result, the coating could decompose methylene blue, rhodamine B, and pre-adsorbed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) under visible light. Additionally, the coating showed two-fold higher hardness than untreated titanium and excellent wear resistance against steel decontamination instruments, which could be attributed to the specific micro-structure, including the densely packed nanocrystals and good metallurgical combination. Moreover, the in vitro response of MG63 cells confirmed that the coating had comparable biocompatibility and osteoconductivity to untreated titanium substrates. This study provides a unique coating technique as well as a photocatalytic cleaning strategy to enhance decontamination of titanium dental implants, which will favour the development of peri-implantitis treatments. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The treatment of peri-implantitis is based on the complete removal of bacterial deposits, especially the organic residues, but conventional decontamination treatments are hard to achieve it. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coating on titanium implants to degrade organic contaminants provides a promising strategy for deeper decontamination, but its nonactivation to visible light and poor mechanical properties have limited its application. To address these issues, a unique TiO2 nanoceramic coating was fabricated on titanium substrates based on plasma electrolytic oxidation. The coating showed enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity, excellent wear resistance and satisfied biocompatibility. Based on this functional coating, it is promising to develop a more efficient strategy for deep decontamination of implant surface, which will favour the development of peri-implantitis treatments.

Effect of the Interaction between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Lipoprotein(a) on Insulin Resistance: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study.

Both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and decreased serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) concentrations are associated with insulin resistance. However, their interaction effect on insulin resistance has never been investigated. Therefore, we performed a cross-sectional study on OSA-suspected Chinese Han participants. Laboratory-based polysomnographic variables, biochemical indicators, anthropometric measurements, and medical history were collected. Linear regression and binary logistic regression analyses with interaction terms were used to investigate the potential effects of the interaction between the severity of OSA (assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)) and Lp(a) concentrations on insulin resistance (assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), after adjusting for potential confounders including age, gender, body mass index, waist-to-hip circumference ratio, mean arterial pressure, smoking status, drinking status, and lipid profiles. A total of 4,152 participants were enrolled. In the OSA-suspected population, AHI positively correlated with insulin resistance and serum Lp(a) concentrations independently and inversely correlated with insulin resistance. In addition, the interaction analysis showed that the linear association between lgAHI and lgHOMA-IR was much steeper and more significant in subjects with relatively low Lp(a) concentrations, suggesting a significant positive interaction between lgLp(a) and lgAHI on lgHOMA-IR (P = 0.013). Furthermore, the interaction on a multiplicative scale also demonstrated a significant positive interaction (P = 0.044). A stronger association between AHI quartiles and the presence of insulin resistance (defined as HOMA-IR > 3) could be observed for participants within lower Lp(a) quartiles. In conclusion, a significant positive interaction was observed between OSA and decreased Lp(a) with respect to insulin resistance. This association might be relevant to the assessment of metabolic or cardiovascular disease risk in OSA patients.

The Relationship between Simple Snoring and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the relationship between simple snoring and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A total of 5635 participants including 300 healthy volunteers without snoring allegedly were initially included from 2007 to 2016. Polysomnographic variables, anthropometric measurements, and biochemical indicators were collected. The polynomial linear trend test was used to assess the linear trend across snoring intensity for metabolic score, and logistic regression was used to evaluate the odds ratios (ORs) for MetS after controlling for age, sex, obesity, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 866 participants. Simple snorers showed more severe metabolic disorders and higher prevalence of MetS than nonsnorers. A significant linear trend was observed between snoring intensity and metabolic score. Simple snoring was significantly associated with increased odds for MetS among all participants (OR = 2.328, 95% CI: 1.340-4.045) and female participants (OR = 2.382, 95% CI: 1.136-4.994) after multivariable adjustment. With regard to MetS components, simple snoring was significantly associated with increased odds for hypertension (OR = 1.730, 95% CI: 1.130-2.650), abdominal obesity (OR = 1.810, 95% CI: 1.063-3.083), and hyper-triglycerides (TG) (OR = 1.814, 95% CI: 1.097-2.998) among all participants, with hypertension (OR = 3.493, 95% CI: 1.748-6.979) among males and with abdominal obesity (OR = 2.306, 95% CI: 1.245-4.270) and hyper-TG (OR = 2.803, 95% CI: 1.146-6.856) among females after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: After excluding the influence of repeated apnea and hypoxia, simple snoring was still significantly associated with MetS, especially in women. Furthermore, the associations were more obvious for hypertension among males and for abdominal obesity and hyper-TG among females. In addition to OSA, simple snoring also should be valued.

Independent relationships between cardinal features of obstructive sleep apnea and glycometabolism: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with abnormal glycometabolism; however, the cardinal features of OSA, such as sleep fragmentation (SF) and intermittent hypoxia (IH), have yet to show clear, independent associations with glycometabolism. METHODS: We enrolled 1834 participants with suspected OSA from July 2008 to July 2013 to participate in this study. Polysomnographic variables, biochemical indicators, and physical measurements were collected for each participant. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate independent associations between cardinal features of OSA and glycometabolism. Logistic regressions were used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for abnormal glucose metabolism across microarousal index (MAI) and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) quartiles. The effect of the interaction between MAI and ODI on glycometabolism was also evaluated. RESULTS: The MAI was independently associated with fasting insulin levels (ß = 0.024, p = 0.001) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; ß = 0.006, p = 0.002) after multiple adjustments of confounding factors. In addition, the ORs for hyperinsulinemia across higher MAI quartiles were 1.081, 1.349, and 1.656, compared with the lowest quartile (p = 0.015 for a linear trend). Similarly, the ODI was independently associated with fasting glucose levels (ß = 0.003, p < 0.001), fasting insulin levels (ß = 0.037, p < 0.001), and the HOMA-IR (ß = 0.010, p < 0.001) after adjusting for multiple factors. The ORs for hyperglycemia across higher ODI quartiles were 1.362, 1.231, and 2.184, compared with the lowest quartile (p < 0.05 for a linear trend). In addition, the ORs for hyperinsulinemia and abnormal HOMA-IR across ODI quartiles had the same trends. There was no interaction between MAI and ODI with respect to glycometabolism. CONCLUSION: SF was independently associated with hyperinsulinemia, and IH was independently associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and an abnormal HOMA-IR. We found no interaction between SF and IH with respect to OSA-related abnormal glycometabolism.

A retrospective study: does upper airway morphology differ between non-positional and positional obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the differences in upper airway morphology between positional (POSA) and non-positional (NPOSA) obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 75 patients (45 NPOSA and 30 POSA) who underwent polysomnography (PSG) and computed tomography (CT). The differences in, and relationships of, the PSG values and CT data between POSA and NPOSA were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant (p < 0.05) differences between the two groups were found in the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), lateral-AHI (L-AHI), soft palate length (SPL), cross-sectional palatopharyngeal area, and the coronal diameter (CD) of the palatopharyngeal area at the narrowest part of the glossopharynx, which were all higher in POSA, except for SPL, AHI, and L-AHI. L-AHI was correlated with the cross-sectional area (r =  - 0.306, p = 0.008) and CD (r =  - 0.398, p < 0.001) of the palatopharyngeal area, the cross-sectional area (r =  - 0.241, p = 0.038) and CD (r =  - 0.297, p = 0.010) of the narrowest level of the glossopharynx, the CD of the glossopharynx (r = 0.284, p = 0.013), body mass index (BMI, r = 0.273, p = 0.018), SPL (r = 0.284, p = 0.014), and vallecula-tip of tongue (r = 0.250, p = 0.030). The SPL and CD at the narrowest part of the glossopharynx were included in the simplified screening model. CONCLUSIONS: In NPOSA, the CD of the upper airway was smaller, and the soft palate was longer, than in POSA. These differences may play significant roles in explaining the main differences between NPOSA and POSA.