Galectin-3 Plays an Important Role in BMP7-Induced Cementoblastic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells by Interacting with Extracellular Components.

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) contain multipotent postnatal stem cells that differentiate into PDL progenitors, osteoblasts, and cementoblasts. Previously, we obtained cementoblast-like cells from hPDLSCs using bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7) treatment. Differentiation into appropriate progenitor cells requires interactions and changes between stem or progenitor cells and their so-called environment niches, and cell surface markers play an important role. However, cementoblast-specific cell surface markers have not yet been fully studied. Through decoy immunization with intact cementoblasts, we developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against cementoblast-specific membrane/extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. One of these antibodies, the anti-CM3 antibody, recognized an approximate 30 kDa protein in a mouse cementoblast cell line, and the CM3 antigenic molecule accumulated in the cementum region of human tooth roots. Using mass spectrometric analysis, we found that the antigenic molecules recognized by the anti-CM3 antibody were galectin-3. As cementoblastic differentiation progressed, the expression of galectin-3 increased, and it localized at the cell surface. Inhibition of galectin-3 via siRNA and a specific inhibitor showed the complete blockage of cementoblastic differentiation and mineralization. In contrast, ectopic expression of galectin-3 induced cementoblastic differentiation. Galectin-3 interacted with laminin α2 and BMP7, and these interactions were diminished by galectin-3 inhibitors. These results suggested that galectin-3 participates in binding to the ECM component and trapping BMP7 to induce, in a sustained fashion, the upregulation of cementoblastic differentiation. Finally, galectin-3 could be a potential cementoblast-specific cell surface marker, with functional importance in cell-to-ECM interactions.

Yb Substitution and Ultralow Thermal Conductivity of the Ca3-xYbxAlSb3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.81(1)) System.

A series of Yb-substituted Zintl phases in the Ca3-xYbxAlSb3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.81(1)) system has been synthesized by initial arc melting and post-heat treatment, and their isotypic crystal structures were characterized by both powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All four title compounds adopted the Ca3AlAs3-type structure (space group Pnma, Pearson code oP28, Z = 4). The overall structure can be described as a combination of the 1-dimensional (1D) infinite chain of ∞1[Al(Sb2Sb2/2)] formed by two vertices sharing [AlSb4] tetrahedral moieties and three Ca2+/Yb2+ mixed sites located in between these 1D chains. The charge balance and the resultant independency of the 1D chains in the title system were explained by the Zintl-Klemm formalism [Ca2+/Yb2+]3[(4b-Al1-)(1b-Sb2-)2(2b-Sb1-)2/2]. A series of DFT calculations proved that (1) the band overlap between the d-orbital states from two types of cations and the p-orbital states from Sb at the high symmetry Γ point implied a heavily doped degenerate semiconducting behavior of the quaternary Ca2YbAlSb3 model and (2) the site preference of Yb for the M1 site was due to the electronic-factor criterion based on the Q values of each atomic site. The electron localization function calculations also proved that the two different shapes of lone pairs of the Sb atoms─the "umbrella-shape" and the "C-shape"─are determined by local geometry and the coordination environment on the anionic frameworks. Thermoelectric measurements of the quaternary title compound Ca2.19(1)Yb0.81AlSb3 showed an approximately two times larger ZT value than that of ternary Ca3AlSb3 at 623 K due to increased electrical conductivity and ultralow thermal conductivity originated from Yb substitution for Ca.

In vivo Trial of Bifidobacterium longum Revealed the Complex Network Correlations Between Gut Microbiota and Health Promotional Effects.

Complete genome sequence analysis of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BCBL-583 isolated from a Korean female fecal sample showed no virulence factor or antibiotic resistance gene, suggesting human safety. In addition, this strain has oxygen and heat tolerance genes for food processing, and cholesterol reduction and mucin adhesion-related genes were also found. For in vivo evaluations, a high fat diet (HFD) mouse model was used, showing that BCBL-583 administration to the model (HFD-583) reduced the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the blood and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines but increased anti-inflammatory cytokines, substantiating its cholesterol reduction and anti-inflammation activities. Subsequent microbiome analysis of the fecal samples from the HFD mouse model revealed that BCBL-583 administration changed the composition of gut microbiota. After 9 weeks feeding of bifidobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes increased, but Proteobacteria maintained in the HFD mouse models. Further comparative species-level compositional analysis revealed the inhibitions of cholesterol reduction-related Eubacterium coprostanoligenes and obesity-related Lactococcus by the supplementation of B. longum BCBL-583, suggesting its possible cholesterol reduction and anti-obesity activities. The correlation analysis of HFD-583 between the gut microbiota compositional change and cholesterol/immune response showed that Verrucomicrobia, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes may play an important role in cholesterol reduction and anti-inflammation. However, correlation analysis of Proteobacteria showed the reverse correlation in HFD-583. Interestingly, the correlation analysis of B. longum ATCC 15707 administration to HFD model showed similar patterns of cholesterol but different in immune response patterns. Therefore, this correlation analysis suggests that the microbial composition and inflammatory cytokine/total-cholesterol may be closely related in the administration of BCBL-583 in the HFD mice group. Consequently, BCBL-583 could be a good probiotic strain for gut health promotion through gut microbiota modulation.

Cell Surface Accumulation of Intracellular Leucine Proline-Enriched Proteoglycan 1 Enhances Odontogenic Potential of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells.

Primary dental pulp cells can be differentiated into odontoblast-like cells, which are responsible for dentin formation and mineralization. Successful differentiation of primary dental pulp cells can be verified using a few markers. However, odontoblast-specific cell surface markers have not been fully studied yet. LEucine PRoline-Enriched Proteoglycan 1 (LEPRE1) is a basement membrane-associated proteoglycan. LEPRE1 protein levels are increased during odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Intracellular and cell surface accumulation of this protein completely disappeared during dentin maturation and mineralization. Cell surface binding of an anti-LEPRE1 monoclonal antibody that could recognize an extracellular region was gradually increased in the odontoblastic stage. Overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that accumulation of intracellular LEPRE1 could lead to inefficient odontoblastic differentiation and that the movement of LEPRE1 from intracellular region to the cell surface was required for odontoblastic differentiation. Indeed, when LEPRE1 already located on the cell surface was blocked by the anti-LEPRE1 monoclonal antibody, odontoblastic differentiation of hDPCs was inhibited. In this study, we looked at other aspects of LEPRE1 function as a cell surface molecule rather than its known intracellular hydroxylase activity. Our results indicate that this protein has potential as a specific cell surface marker in odontoblastic differentiation.

Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Nonmagnetic Li/Mg Cosubstitution in the Gd5-x(Li/Mg)xGe4 (x = 1.04, 1.17, 1.53) System.

Three Li- and Mg-cosubstituted compounds in the Gd5-x(Li/Mg)xGe4 (x = 1.04(2), 1.17(2), 1.53(2)) system have been successfully prepared by conventional high-temperature reactions. According to powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, all three compounds adopt a Gd5Si4-type phase with the orthorhombic Pnma space group (Pearson code oP16, Z = 4) and six crystallographically independent atomic sites. The crystal structure can be described as a combination of two-dimensional Mo2FeB2-type ∞2[Gd2(Li/Mg)Ge2] layers and [Ge2] dimers. Interestingly, as 64% of Li and 26% of Gd at the RE3 and RE2 sites, respectively, were exclusively substituted by Mg in Gd3.47(1)Li0.36(2)Mg1.17(3)Ge4, the lattice parameter b was selectively shortened as a result of the RE3-Ge1 bond shrinkage in comparison to that in Gd4LiGe4, while lattice parameters a and c remained nearly intact. A series of theoretical calculations using the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) method indicated that the reduction of the particular RE3-Ge1 bond distance in the title compounds could also be explained by an optimization of bonding based on the corresponding RE3-Ge1 crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) curve. Moreover, the specific site preference of Mg for the RE3 site was supported by both size-factor as well as electronic-factor criteria on the basis of the smallest atomic size and the highest electronegativity of Mg among the three cations. Therefore, the overall electronic structure was further interrogated by a density of states (DOS) analysis. The influence of nonmagnetic Li/Mg cosubstitution for the magnetic Gd atoms in the title Gd5-x(Li/Mg)xGe4 system on the magnetic characteristics was also thoroughly studied by isofield magnetization at 100 Oe and 10 kOe and isothermal magnetization measurements at 4 K using two of the title compounds: Gd3.83(1)Li0.48Mg0.69(3)Ge4 and Gd3.47(1)Li0.36(2)Mg1.17(3)Ge4.

Minimal sedation using oral sedatives for multi-visit dental treatment in an adult patient with dental phobia.

In adult patients with dental phobia, dental treatment may be difficult, or may not be possible. Depending on the level of fear or anxiety, non-pharmacological or pharmacological behavior management techniques are used in the dental treatment of such patients. Among the pharmacological behavior management techniques, minimal sedation, that is, the lowest depth of sedation, can be easily obtained in adult patients using oral sedatives, does not require special equipment or tools, and does not affect ventilatory and cardiovascular function. Diazepam is an anxiolytic drug belonging to the benzodiazepine family that, in addition to relieving anxiety, produces muscle relaxation, and is a representative drug used in adult patients with fear of dental treatment. Herein, we report the case of a 50-year-old woman with severe dental fear who successfully underwent long-term dental treatment in approximately 20 visits with minimal sedation using oral diazepam. In addition, we reviewed the considerations for the use of benzodiazepines for minimal sedation.

p-Type Double Doping and the Diamond-like Morphology Shift of the Zintl Phase Thermoelectric Materials: The Ca11-xAxSb10-yGez (A = Na, Li; 0.06(3) ≤ x ≤ 0.17(5), 0.19(1) ≤ y ≤ 0.55(1), 0.13(1) ≤ z ≤ 0.22(1)) System.

Five ternary and quaternary Zintl phases in the solid-solution Ca11-xAxSb10-yGez (A = Na, Li; 0.06(3) ≤ x ≤ 0.17(5), 0.19(1) ≤ y ≤ 0.55(1), 0.13(1) ≤ z ≤ 0.22(1)) system have been successfully synthesized by both of the arc-melting and the molten Pb metal-flux reactions. The crystal structure of these title compounds was characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffractions analyses, and all title compounds crystallized in the Ho11Ge10-type phase in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (Z = 4, Pearson code tI84). The complex crystal structure can be described as an assembly of 1) three kinds of cationic polyhedra centered by three different Sb and 2) the cage-shaped anionic frameworks built through the connection of two types of Sb. The newly substituted p-type double dopants of the cationic (Na and Li) and anionic (Ge) elements displayed particular site preferences, which were successfully explained by either the size-factor criterion based on the atomic size or the electronic-factor criterion based on the electronegativity of an element. Quite interestingly, as the reaction conditions were changed, the morphology shift of single crystals in Ca10.94(3)Na0.06Sb9.58(1)Ge0.21 occurred from a cubic-shaped to a hummocky-type, to a hopper-type, and eventually to an octahedral-shaped crystal, just like the Yakutian kimberlite diamonds. Moreover, we firmly believe that the inclusion of the p-type Ge dopant for Sb was crucial to trigger this type of morphology shift and complete the octahedral-shaped morphology in the overall crystal-growth mechanism. The theoretical calculations using a DFT method rationalized the observed site preference of Na and the electronic effect of the p-type Ge dopants. The Seebeck coefficient measurements for Ca10.88(4)Li0.12Sb9.45(1)Ge0.21 indicated that some portions of electron charge carriers were effectively eliminated by the p-type double dopants using Li and Ge.

Tooth hypersensitivity associated with paresthesia after inferior alveolar nerve injury: case report and related neurophysiology.

Inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury is usually caused by stretching or crushing of the neurovascular structures and postoperative intra-alveolar hematoma or edema after dental procedures. This results in paresthesia in the ipsilateral chin, lip (vermilion border, skin, and mucosa), and labial or buccal alveolar mucosa of the mandibular anterior teeth. However, there are no reports of sensory alterations in the teeth, especially tooth hypersensitivity, after IAN injury. I report a case in which paresthesia of the lower lip and hypersensitivity of the lower anterior teeth occurred simultaneously after the removal of the third molar that was located close to the IAN. In addition, I discuss the reasons for the different sensory changes between the tooth and chin (skin) after nerve injury from a neurophysiological point of view. Since the dental pulp and periodontal apparatus are highly innervated by the inferior alveolar sensory neurons, it seems necessary to pay attention to the changes in tooth sensitivity if IAN injury occurs during dental procedures.

Characterization of bacteriophage VVP001 and its application for the inhibition of Vibrio vulnificus causing seafood-borne diseases.

Vibrio vulnificus is a major food-borne pathogen that causes septicemia and cellulitis with a mortality rate of >50%. However, there are no efficient natural food preservatives or biocontrol agents to control V. vulnificus in seafood. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel bacteriophage VVP001. Host range and transmission electron microscopy morphology observations revealed that VVP001 belongs to the family Siphoviridae and specifically infects V. vulnificus. Phage stability tests showed that VVP001 is stable at a broad temperature range of -20 °C to 65 °C and a pH range from 3 to 11, which are conditions for food applications (processing, distribution, and storage). In vitro challenge assays revealed that VVP001 inhibited V. vulnificus MO6-24/O (a clinical isolate) growth up to a 3.87 log reduction. In addition, complete genome analysis revealed that the 76 kb VVP001 contains 102 open reading frames with 49.64% G + C content and no gene encoding toxins or other virulence factors, which is essential for food applications. Application of VVP001 to fresh abalone samples contaminated with V. vulnificus demonstrated its ability to inhibit V. vulnificus growth, and an in vivo mouse survival test showed that VVP001 protects mice against high mortality (survival rate >70% at a multiplicity of infection of 1000 for up to 7 days). Therefore, the bacteriophage VVP001 can be used as a good natural food preservative and biocontrol agent for food applications.

Molecular interaction between methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and chicken breast reveals enhancement of pathogenesis and toxicity for food-borne outbreak.

To study pathogenesis and toxicity of Staphylococcus aureus in foods, FORC_062 was isolated from a human blood sample and complete genome sequence has a type II SCCmec gene cluster and a type II toxin-antitoxin system, indicating an MRSA strain. Its mobile gene elements has many pathogenic genes involved in host infection, biofilm formation, and various enterotoxin and hemolysin genes. Clinical MRSA is often found in animal foods and ingestion of MRSA-contaminated foods causes human infection. Therefore, it is very important to understand the role of contaminated foods. To elucidate the interaction between clinical MRSA FORC_062 and raw chicken breast, transcriptome analysis was conducted, showing that gene expressions of amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism were specifically down-regulated, suggesting that the strain may import and utilize amino acids from the chicken breast, but not able to synthesize them. However, toxin gene expressions were up-regulated, suggesting that human infection of S. aureus via contaminated food may be more fatal. In addition, the contaminated foods enhance multiple-antibiotic resistance activities and virulence factors in this clinical MRSA. Consequently, MRSA-contaminated food may play a role as a nutritional reservoir as well as in enhancing factor for pathogenesis and toxicity of clinical MRSA for severe food-borne outbreaks.

Two Steps to Improve the Thermoelectric Performance of the Ca5-xYbxAl2-yInySb6 System.

A series of quaternary and quinary Zintl phase thermoelectric (TE) compounds, Ca5-xYbxAl2-yInySb6 (3.07(1) ≤ x ≤ 4.88(2); 0.16(2) ≤ y ≤ 2.00), containing Al/In mixed sites as well as Ca/Yb mixed sites has been successfully synthesized by a direct arc-melting method, and the X-ray diffraction analyses indicated that the products initially adopted an orthorhombic Ba5Al2Bi6-type structure (space group Pbam, Z = 2). However, after a postannealing process at 973 K for 1 month, the particular Yb rich compounds underwent a transformation of the original structure type to a Ca5Ga2Sb6-type phase regardless of the In substitution for Al. The noticeable site preference of cationic Ca and Yb in the three available cationic sites could be understood on the basis of a size match between the central cation and the volume of the anionic polyhedra. The observed phase transition was nicely explained by DFT calculations, proving that the Ca5Ga2Sb6-type phase was energetically more favorable than the Ba5Al2Sb6-type phase for the particular Yb-rich compound. Moreover, this energy difference between the two title phases was originally the result of both the site energy in the Ca site and the bond energies in the [(Al/In)2Sb8] anionic building blocks. A series of thermoelectric property data indicated that a two-step process involving a partial/full In substitution for Al and a phase transition from the Ba5Al2Sb6-type to the Ca5Ga2Sb6-type phase successfully enhanced the electrical conductivities and the Seebeck coefficients of the title compounds. This kind of combined effect eventually resulted in a ZT improvement for the quinary compound Ca1.14(2)Yb3.86Al1.68(1)In0.32Sb6 by approximately 4 times in comparison to its quaternary predecessor Ca1.55(1)Yb3.45Al2Sb6.

Effects of PrObiotics on the Symptoms and Surgical ouTComes after Anterior REsection of Colon Cancer (POSTCARE): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

We investigated microbiota changes following surgical colon cancer resection and evaluate effects of probiotics on microbiota and surgical recovery. This randomized double-blind trial was performed at four medical centers in South Korea. Of 68 patients expected to undergo anterior sigmoid colon cancer resection, 60 were eligible, of whom 29 and 31 received probiotics and placebo, respectively, for four weeks, starting at one week preoperatively. Third- and/or fourth-week information on anterior resection syndrome (ARS), inflammatory markers, and quality of life was obtained. Stool sample analysis was conducted after randomization and bowel preparation and at three and four postoperative weeks. Bacteria were categorized into Set I (with probiotic effects) and II (colon cancer-associated). The probiotic group's ARS score showed an improving trend (p = 0.063), particularly for flatus control (p = 0.030). Serum zonulin levels significantly decreased with probiotics. Probiotic ingestion resulted in compositional changes in gut microbiota; greater increases and decreases in Set I and II bacteria, respectively, occurred with probiotics. Compositional increase in Set I bacteria was associated with reduced white blood cells, neutrophils, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and zonulin. Bifidobacterium composition was negatively correlated with zonulin levels in the probiotic group. Probiotics improved postoperative flatus control and modified postoperative changes in microbiota and inflammatory markers.

Cancer-protective effect of a synbiotic combination between Lactobacillus gasseri 505 and a Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract on colitis-associated colorectal cancer.

Previously, a synbiotic combination of probiotic Lactobacillus gasseri 505 (LG) and a new prebiotic, Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extract (CT) in fermented milk, designated FCT, showed an in vitro immunomodulatory effect and antioxidant activity. Although synbiotic combination might have cancer-protective effects, these activities have not been fully validated in vivo. Ten-week treatment of LG, CT, or FCT to azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) mouse model reduced both the incidence of colonic tumors and damage to the colonic mucosa effectively, suggesting a cancer-protective effect. To understand these, biomarkers associated with inflammation, colon barrier, apoptosis, and cancer cell proliferation were monitored in AOM/DSS group versus LG/CT/FCT groups. A synbiotic combination (FCT) down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and inflammation-associated enzymes (iNOS and COX-2), and up-regulated anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). In addition, colon barrier experiment revealed that biomarkers of mucus layer (MUC-2 and TFF3) and tight junction (occludin and ZO-1) were up-regulated. Subsequent apoptosis experiment showed that pro-apoptotic factors (p53, p21, and Bax) were up-regulated and anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) were down-regulated. Furthermore, comparative metagenome analysis of gut microbiota revealed that Staphylococcus decreased but Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia increased, supporting their protective effects, accompanied by increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Taken together, the FCT administration showed cancer-protective effects by reducing the risk of colitis-associated colon cancer via regulation of inflammation, carcinogenesis, and compositional change of gut microbiota. Consequently, the synbiotic combination (FCT) could be a novel potential health-protective natural agent against CAC.

Microbiome Study of Initial Gut Microbiota from Newborn Infants to Children Reveals that Diet Determines Its Compositional Development.

To understand the formation of initial gut microbiota, three initial fecal samples were collected from two groups of two breast milk-fed (BM1) and seven formula milk-fed (FM1) infants, and the compositional changes in gut microbiota were determined using metagenomics. Compositional change analysis during week one showed that Bifidobacterium increased from the first to the third fecal samples in the BM1 group (1.3% to 35.1%), while Klebsiella and Serratia were detected in the third fecal sample of the FM1 group (4.4% and 34.2%, respectively), suggesting the beneficial effect of breast milk intake. To further understand the compositional changes during progression from infancy to childhood (i.e., from three weeks to five years of age), additional fecal samples were collected from four groups of two breast milk-fed infants (BM2), one formula milk-fed toddler (FM2), three weaning food-fed toddlers (WF), and three solid food-fed children (SF). Subsequent compositional change analysis and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) revealed that the composition of the gut microbiota changed from an infant-like composition to an adult-like one in conjunction with dietary changes. Interestingly, overall gut microbiota composition analyses during the period of progression from infancy to childhood suggested increasing complexity of gut microbiota as well as emergence of a new species of bacteria capable of digesting complex carbohydrates in WF and SF groups, substantiating that diet type is a key factor in determining the composition of gut microbiota. Consequently, this study may be useful as a guide to understanding the development of initial gut microbiota based on diet.

Role of Probiotics in Human Gut Microbiome-Associated Diseases.

Probiotics, including bacteria and yeast, are live microorganisms that have demonstrated beneficial effects on human health. Recently, probiotic bacteria are constantly being studied and their applications are also being considered in promising adjuvant treatments for various intestinal diseases. Clinical trials and in vivo experiments have extended our current understanding of the important roles that probiotics play in human gut microbiomeassociated diseases. It has been documented through many clinical trials that probiotics could shape the intestinal microbiota leading to potential control of multiple bowel diseases and promotion of overall wellness. In this review, we focused on the relationship between probiotics and the human gut microbiota and its roles in gut microbiome-associated diseases. Here, we also discuss future directions and research areas that need further elucidation in order to better understand the roles of probiotics in the treatment of intestinal diseases.

Anionic Doping and Cationic Site Preference in CaYb4Al2Sb6- xGe x ( x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.7): Origin of the Enhanced Seebeck Coefficient and the Structural Transformation.

Three Zintl phase compounds belonging to the CaYb4Al2Sb6- xGe x ( x = 0.2, 0.5, 0.7; nominal compositions) system with various Ge-doping contents were successfully synthesized by arc-melting and were initially crystallized in the Ba5Al2Bi6-type phase (space group Pbam, Pearson codes oP26). However, after post-heat treatment at an elevated temperature, the originally obtained crystal structure was transformed into the homeotypic Ca5Ga2Sb6-type structure according to powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Two types of crystal structures share some isotypic structural moieties, such as the one-dimensional anionic chains formed by ∞1[Al2Sb8] and the void-filling Ca2+/Yb2+ mixed cations, but the slightly different spatial arrangements in each unit cell make these two structural types distinguishable. This series of title compounds is originally investigated to examine whether anionic p-type doping using Ge can successfully enhance thermoelectric (TE) properties of the Yb-rich CaYb4Al2Sb6- xGe x series even after the phase transition from the Ba5Al2Bi6-type to the Ca5Ga2Sb6-type phase. More interestingly, we also reveal that the given structural transformation is triggered by the particularly different site-preference of Ca2+ and Yb2+ among three available cationic sites in each structure type, which is significantly affected by thermodynamic conditions of this system. Band structure and density of states analyses calculated by density functional theory using the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital method also prove that the Ge-doping actually increases band degeneracies and the number of resonant peaks near the Fermi level resulting in the improvement of Seebeck coefficients. Electron localization function analyses for the (0 1 0) sliced-plane and the 3D isosurface nicely illustrates the distortion of the paired-electron densities due to the introduction of Ge. The systematic TE property measurements imply that the attempted anionic p-type doping is indeed effective to improve the TE characteristics of the title CaYb4Al2Sb6- yGe y system.

Layered Bismuth Oxyfluoride Nitrates Revealing Large Second-Harmonic Generation and Photocatalytic Properties.

Two novel bismuth oxyfluoride nitrates, Bi2OF3(NO3) and Bi6O6F5(NO3), have been synthesized via hydrothermal reactions. Whereas Bi2OF3(NO3) crystallizes in the centrosymmetric (CS) hexagonal space group, P63/ m, Bi6O6F5(NO3) crystallizes in the polar noncentrosymmetric (NCS) trigonal space group, R3. The backbones of the title compounds reveal double layered structures composed of asymmetric BiF3(O/F)3 or BiO3F2 polyhedra and NO3 trigonal planar groups. The diffuse reflectance spectra indicate that Bi2OF3(NO3) and Bi6O6F5(NO3) contain wide band gaps of 3.5 and 4.0 eV, respectively. Powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements suggest that NCS Bi6O6F5(NO3) is Type-I phase-matchable and has a large SHG response of ca. 3 times that of KH2PO4 (KDP). Electron localization function (ELF) analysis indicates that the large SHG efficiency of Bi6O6F5(NO3) is attributed to the synergistic effect of the alignment of NO3- trigonal planar groups and strong interactions between highly polarizable lone pair electrons on Bi3+ and π-delocalized electrons in NO3- groups. Bi2OF3(NO3) also exhibits a very good photocatalytic degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) under the UV light irradiation.

Isolation and Characterization of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BCBL-583 for Probiotic Applications in Fermented Foods

Recent human gut microbiome studies have supported that the genus Bifidobacterium is one of the most beneficial bacteria for human intestinal health. To develop a new probiotic strain for functional food applications, fourteen fecal samples were collected from healthy Koreans and the strain BCBL-583 was newly selected and isolated from a 25-year-old Korean woman's fecal sample using the selective medium for Bifidobacterium. Subsequent fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase (F6PPK) test and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis of the strain BCBL-583 confirmed that it belongs to B. longum subsp. longum. The stress resistance tests showed that it has oxygen and heat tolerance activities (5- and 3.9-fold increase for 24 h at 60 and 120 rpm, respectively; 78.61 ± 6.67% survival rate at 45°C for 24 h). In addition, gut environment adaptation tests revealed that this strain may be well-adapted in the gut habitat, with gastric acid/bile salt resistance (85.79 ± 1.53%, survival rate under 6 h treatments of gastric acid and bile salt) and mucin adhesion (73.72 ± 7.36%). Furthermore, additional tests including cholesterol lowering assay showed that it can reduce 86.31 ± 1.85% of cholesterol. Based on these results, B. longum BCBL-583 has various stress resistance for survival during food processing and environmental adaptation activities for dominant survival in the gut, suggesting that it could be a good candidate for fermented food applications as a new probiotic strain.

Delayed paresthesia of inferior alveolar nerve after dental surgery: case report and related pathophysiology.

Paresthesia is an altered sensation of the skin, manifesting as numbness, partial loss of local sensitivity, burning, or tingling. The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) is the third branch of the trigeminal nerve and is very important in dental treatment. IAN paresthesia may occur after various dental procedures such as simple anesthetic injections, surgical procedures, and endodontic treatment, and is reported to range from 0.35% to 8.4%. The altered sensation usually follows immediately after the procedure, and reports of late onset of nerve involvement are rare. This report presents a rare case of delayed paresthesia after dental surgery and discusses the pathophysiology of IAN delayed paresthesia.

Rb3 VO(O2 )2 CO3 : A Four-in-One Carbonatoperoxovanadate Exhibiting an Extremely Strong Second-Harmonic Generation Response.

A nonlinear optical (NLO) carbonatoperoxovanadate, Rb3 VO(O2 )2 CO3 , was synthesized through a simple solution-evaporation method in phase-pure form. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the structure of Rb3 VO(O2 )2 CO3 consists of important noncentrosymmetric (NCS) chromophores, that is, π-delocalized (CO3 )2- groups, a second-order Jahn-Teller (SOJT) distortive V5+ cation, and π-localized distorted O22- groups, as well as charge-balancing polarizable Rb+ ions. The powder second-harmonic generation (SHG) measurements indicated that Rb3 VO(O2 )2 CO3 is phase-matchable (Type I) and exhibits a remarkably strong SHG response circa 21.0 times that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), which is the largest efficiency observed among carbonate NLO materials. First-principles calculation analysis suggests that the extremely large SHG response of Rb3 VO(O2 )2 CO3 is attributed to the synergistic effect of the cooperation of all the constituting NCS chromophores.