Elevated serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol promotes the formation of colorectal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Hyperlipidaemia may be a potential risk factor for the occurrence of intestinal polyps. This study aimed to evaluate correlation between lipidaemia and the formation of colorectal polyps. METHODS: One hundred and fourteen patients with colorectal polyps and forty-eight healthy controls were included in this study. Colonoscopies were performed for all patients and controls within 1 week before blood samples were taken. The concentrations of serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured simultaneously using an automatic biochemical analyser. The colorectal lesions were classified based on pathological characteristics, and four types were identified in the study: hyperplastic polyp (HP), tubular adenoma (TA), tubulovillous adenoma (TVA) and adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (A-HGD). Advanced adenoma was classified according to the number, size and histological type of polyps. RESULTS: The value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in the group with advanced adenoma than in the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LDL-C values in the HP and TA groups were higher when compared to that of controls (p < 0.05). Obesity, age, and increased TG and LDL-C were independent risk factors for the formation of colorectal polyps. The cut-off values of triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C to distinguish polyp patients from healthy controls were 0.96 mmol/L (AUC = 0.604, p = 0.036) and 3.05 mmol/L (AUC = 0.654, p = 0.002). The combined use of increased LDL-C and TG levels to distinguish polyp patients was effective, with a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 89.6% (AUC = 0.733, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal polyps are more often found in obese and older patients. Increased LDL-C and TG were correlated with the occurrence of polyps. Combination of the two serum indicators was useful to assess risk of colorectal lesions, maybe more effective in screening hyperplastic polyp, tubular adenoma and advanced adenoma.

Preparation and biological characterization of the mixture of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/chitosan/Ag nanoparticles for periodontal tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to produce nanoparticles of chitosan (CS), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and silver and investigate the optimal composite ratio of these three materials for periodontal tissue regeneration. METHODS: PLGA nanoparticles (nPLGA), CS nanoparticles (nCS), and silver nanoparticles (nAg) were prepared. The antibacterial properties of single nanoparticles and their effects on the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated. Different ratios of nPLGA and nCS were combined, the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated, and based on the results, the optimal ratio was determined. Finally, nPLGA and nCS in optimal ratio were combined with nAg, and the effects of the complex of these three materials on the proliferation and mineralization of periodontal membrane cells were investigated and tested in animals. RESULTS: The single nanoparticles were found to have no cytotoxicity and were able to promote cell mineralization. nCS and nAg in low concentrations showed antibacterial activity; however, nAg inhibited cell proliferation. The nPLGA and nCS complex in 3:7 ratio contributed to cell mineralization and had no cytotoxicity. nPLGA/nCS/nAg complex, which had the optimal proportion of the three materials, showed no cytotoxicity and contributed to cell mineralization. CONCLUSION: nPLGA/nCS/nAg complex had no cytotoxicity and contributed to cell mineralization. The 3:7 ratio of nPLGA/nCS and 50 µg/mL nAg were found as the optimal proportion of the three materials.

Climate change risk perception in global: Correlation with petroleum and liver disease: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases have been bound to environmental factors, inclusive of air pollution. The exposure of workers to petrochemicals counts as a possible cause of Liver diseases, whereas results are inconsistent with the previous studies. In this study, a meta-analysis is conducted to assess the pooled risk. METHODS AND FINDING: A systematic search was performed by related researchers. Correlations are analyzed among petroleum and liver cirrhosis mortality, fatty liver, alanine amino transferase (abbreviated as ALT), aspartate amino transferase (abbreviated as AST). Pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and effect size(ES) with 95% confidence interval are calculated. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias are also tested. Data are analyzed from 5 studies involving 296 participants. Results are incorporated through adopting a random effects meta-analysis. Working in a petrochemical plant shall not increase the death risk posed by cirrhosis (RR = 0.44, 95% CI [0.36; 0.54]). Yet the incidence of fatty liver increases (RR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.21; 1.23]). Abnormal incidence of ALT and AST also increases. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure plays an important role in causing ALT abnormalities and fatty liver among oil workers, but not a risk factor of cirrhosis, AST abnormalities and liver cancer.

Shear Bond Strength of Different CAD/CAM Ceramics: Acid vs Er:YAG Laser Etching.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Er:YAG laser etching could be an alternative surface treatment to hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching. BACKGROUND: Surface treatment is important to bonding properties and utility times of computer aided design/computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) dental ceramics. The traditional method of HF acid etching is harmful to humans if not handled properly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different CAD/CAM ceramics (Vita Mark II, IPS Empress CAD, IPS e.max CAD, and Vita Enamic) were cut into 72 blocks and divided into 6 groups according to different surface treatments (n = 12): Group A: no treatment; Group B: HF acid; and Group C to F: different Er:YAG laser power settings (300, 400, 500, and 600 mJ). Ten blocks of each group were measured for shear bond strength (SBS) and the failure modes were evaluated; the rest blocks were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: HF acid etching resulted in the highest SBS for Vita Mark II, IPS Empress CAD, and Vita Enamic; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) compared to the second highest group of laser with 600 mJ in IPS Empress CAD. For IPS e.max CAD, the highest SBS was obtained from laser group with 400 mJ. The SBS results were consistent with failure modes and surface characterizations in SEM images. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that Er:YAG laser had little impact on Vita Mark II and Vita Enamic; but proper power settings could be an alternative surface treatment to HF acid etching (600 mJ for IPS Empress CAD and 400 mJ for IPS e.max CAD).

The use of chitosan/PLA nano-fibers by emulsion eletrospinning for periodontal tissue engineering.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, nanofibrous scaffolds base on pure polylactic acid (PLA) and chitosan/PLA blends were fabricated by emulsion eletrospinning. By modulating their mechanical and biological properties, cell-compatible and biodegradable scaffolds were developed for periodontal bone regeneration. METHODS: Pure PLA and different weight ratios of chitosan nano-particle/PLA nano-fibers were fabricated by emulsion eletrospinning. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed to observe the morphology of nano-fibers. Mechanical properties of nano-fibers were tested by single fiber strength tester. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the nano-fibers was observed by stereomicroscope. In vitro degradation was also tested. Cells were seeded on nano-fibers scaffolds. Changes in cell adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were tested by MTT assay and Alizarin Red S staining. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to evaluate the expression of (Toll-like receptor 4) TLR4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1ß, OPG, RUNX2 mRNA. RESULTS: It is shown that the mean diameter of nano-fibers is about 200 nm. The mean diameter of chitosan nano-particles is about 50 nm. The combination of chitosan nano-particles enhanced the mechanical properties of pure PLA nano-fibers. By adding a certain amount of chitosan nano-particles, it promoted cell adhesion. It also promoted the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) by elevating the expression of osteogenic marker genes such as BSP, Ocn, collagen I, and OPN and enhanced ECM mineralization. Nonetheless, it caused higher expression of inflammatory mediators and TLR4 of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). CONCLUSION: The combination of chitosan nano-particles enhanced the mechanical properties of pure PLA nano-fibers and increased its hydrophilicity. Pure PLA nano-fibers scaffold facilitated BMSCs proliferation. Adding an appropriate amount of chitosan nano-particles may promote its properties of cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The higher expression of inflammatory mediators caused by nano-fibers may be regulated via TLR4 pathway.

The effect of Er: YAG laser irradiation on bonding properties of IPS e.max CAD ceramics / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate different Er:YAG laser power settings on the bonding properties of IPS e.max CAD ceramics. @*Methods @# 96 IPS e.max CAD ceramics blocks (5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm) were prepared and randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 12), the untreated blocks served as the control, while one of the experimental groups was treated with 4.5% HF for 20 seconds, six remaining test group (C、D、E、F、G、H) were treated with different Er: YAG laser power settings: 100 mJ、200 mJ、300 mJ、400 mJ、500 mJ and 600 mJ. Morphology of the ceramic surface was observed by atomic force microscopy and its shear bond strength (SBS) was tested. @*Results @#Higher shear bond strength values were found in group C-H compared to group B, the highest is group F (24.12 ± 1.91) MPa. The difference was statistically significant. The atomic force microscope observation of the surface structure showed that the control group was smooth and flat, and the HF-like etching group formed a uniform needle-like convex structure. The laser group gradually formed a regularly arranged cylindrical convex structure, in which the surface of the G and H groups was damaged. @*Conclusion@# The Er: YAG laser power settings of 400 mJ can be used as an effective pretreatment method before bonding of IPS e.max CAD ceramic.

The effect of Er: YAG laser irradiation on bonding properties of IPS e.max CAD ceramics / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @#To investigate different Er:YAG laser power settings on the bonding properties of IPS e.max CAD ceramics. @*Methods@# 96 IPS e.max CAD ceramics blocks (5 mm × 5 mm × 5 mm) were prepared and randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 12), the untreated blocks served as the control, while one of the experimental groups was treated with 4.5% HF for 20 seconds, six remaining test group (C、D、E、F、G、H) were treated with different Er: YAG laser power settings: 100 mJ、200 mJ、300 mJ、400 mJ、500 mJ and 600 mJ. Morphology of the ceramic surface was observed by atomic force microscopy and its shear bond strength (SBS) was tested. @*Results @#Higher shear bond strength values were found in group C-H compared to group B, the highest is group F (24.12 ± 1.91) MPa. The difference was statistically significant. The atomic force microscope observation of the surface structure showed that the control group was smooth and flat, and the HF-like etching group formed a uniform needle-like convex structure. The laser group gradually formed a regularly arranged cylindrical convex structure, in which the surface of the G and H groups was damaged. @*Conclusion @#The Er: YAG laser power settings of 400 mJ can be used as an effective pretreatment method before bonding of IPS e.max CAD ceramic.

Drug-Loadable Calcium Alginate Hydrogel System for Use in Oral Bone Tissue Repair.

This study developed a drug-loadable hydrogel system with high plasticity and favorable biological properties to enhance oral bone tissue regeneration. Hydrogels of different calcium alginate concentrations were prepared. Their swelling ratio, degradation time, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) release rate were measured. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were cultured with both calcium alginate hydrogels and polylactic acid (PLA), and then we examined the proliferation of cells. Inflammatory-related factor gene expressions of hPDLCs and osteogenesis-related gene expressions of BMSCs were observed. Materials were implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of rabbits to determine the biosecurity properties of the materials. The materials were also implanted in mandibular bone defects and then scanned using micro-CT. The calcium alginate hydrogels caused less inflammation than the PLA. The number of mineralized nodules and the expression of osteoblast-related genes were significantly higher in the hydrogel group compared with the control group. When the materials were implanted in subcutaneous tissue, materials showed favorable biocompatibility. The calcium alginate hydrogels had superior osteoinductive bone ability to the PLA. The drug-loadable calcium alginate hydrogel system is a potential bone defect reparation material for clinical dental application.