Dynamic causes contribute to the increasing trend of red tides in the east China sea during 2020-2022.

Red tide is a marine phenomenon caused by the excessive growth of microscopic algae in the ocean. This study aims to analyze the development trends of red tides in the past 20 years and the dynamic external causes that induce red tides based on existing satellite remote sensing and numerical simulation data. And the changes in dominant species of red tides in different seasons are analyzed. The results show significant temperature fluctuations within the week before the red tide occurs, with an average increase of 1.42 °C. In contrast, the change in salinity is relatively small. Meanwhile, ocean fronts are areas in the ocean where different water masses meet and form boundaries. The average strength of ocean fronts increased by 3.7%, indicating enhanced ocean mixing over a short period of time. Under the combined influence of these factors, the probability of a red tide outbreak in the East China Sea increases rapidly. Therefore, this study has important reference value for further research on the causes of red tides and their response to ocean dynamic changes.

Enhanced Electrochemical Catalysis: Hydrogen Evolution Using Bimetallic Sulfides on Nickel Foam.

Hydrogen is considered clean energy with broad application prospects for the 21st century, and water electrolysis plays a crucial role in hydrogen production. However, economic limitations and large overpotential values hinder its development. In this study, we deposited nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), and sulfur (S) onto nickel foam (NF) using the constant potential method to form the Ni-S-Fe/NF catalyst, which exhibited an exceptionally low overpotential (31 mV) at a current density of -10 mA cm-2, and a Tafel slope of 75.1 mV dec-1 in 1 M sodium hydroxide. It showed a minor charge resistance (1.256 Ω). The amorphous phase structure and optimized catalyst composition promoted outstanding hydrogen evolution activity. This work offers valuable perspectives on the industrial application of hydrogen production.

From sky to road: Incorporating the satellite imagery into analysis of freight truck-related crash factors.

Freight truck-related crashes in urban contexts have caused significant economic losses and casualties, making it increasingly essential to understand the spatial patterns of such crashes. Limitations regarding data availability have greatly undermined the generalizability and applicability of certain prior research findings. This study explores the potential of emerging geospatial data to delve deeply into the determinants of these incidents with a more generalizable research design. By synergizing high-resolution satellite imagery with refined GIS map data and geospatial tabular data, a rich tapestry of the road environment and freight truck operations emerges. To navigate the challenges of zero-inflated issues of the crash datasets, the Tweedie Gradient Boosting model is adopted. Results reveal a pronounced spatial heterogeneity between highway and urban non-highway road networks in crash determinants. Factors such as freight truck activity, intricate road network patterns, and vehicular densities rise to prominence, albeit with varying degrees of influence across highways and urban non-highway terrains. Results emphasize the need for context-specific interventions for policymakers, encompassing optimized urban planning, infrastructural overhauls, and refined traffic management protocols. This endeavor may not only elevate the academic discourse around freight truck-related crashes but also champion a data-driven approach towards safer road ecosystems for all.

Effect of injectable calcium alginate-amelogenin hydrogel on macrophage polarization and promotion of jawbone osteogenesis.

Due to persistent inflammation and limited osteogenesis, jawbone defects present a considerable challenge in regenerative medicine. Amelogenin, a major protein constituent of the developing enamel matrix, demonstrates promising capabilities in inducing regeneration of periodontal supporting tissues and exerting immunomodulatory effects. These properties render it a potential therapeutic agent for enhancing jawbone osteogenesis. Nevertheless, its clinical application is hindered by the limitations of monotherapy and its rapid release characteristics, which compromise its efficacy and delivery efficiency. In this context, calcium alginate hydrogel, recognized for its superior physicochemical properties and biocompatibility, emerges as a candidate for developing a synergistic bioengineered drug delivery system. This study describes the synthesis of an injectable calcium amelogenin/calcium alginate hydrogel using calcium alginate loaded with amelogenin. We comprehensively investigated its physical properties, its role in modulating the immunological environment conducive to bone healing, and its osteogenic efficacy in areas of jawbone defects. Our experimental findings indicate that this synthesized composite hydrogel possesses desirable mechanical properties such as injectability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Furthermore, it facilitates jawbone formation by regulating the bone-healing microenvironment and directly inducing osteogenesis. This research provides novel insights into the development of bone-tissue regeneration materials, potentially advancing their clinical application.

Targeting ST8SIA6-AS1 counteracts KRASG12C inhibitor resistance through abolishing the reciprocal activation of PLK1/c-Myc signaling.

BACKGROUND: KRASG12C inhibitors (KRASG12Ci) AMG510 and MRTX849 have shown promising efficacy in clinical trials and been approved for the treatment of KRASG12C-mutant cancers. However, the emergence of therapy-related drug resistance limits their long-term potential. This study aimed to identify the critical mediators and develop overcoming strategies. METHODS: By using RNA sequencing, RT-qPCR and immunoblotting, we identified and validated the upregulation of c-Myc activity and the amplification of the long noncoding RNA ST8SIA6-AS1 in KRASG12Ci-resistant cells. The regulatory axis ST8SIA6-AS1/Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)/c-Myc was investigated by bioinformatics, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Gain/loss-of-function assays, cell viability assay, xenograft models, and IHC staining were conducted to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of co-inhibition of ST8SIA6-AS1/PLK1 pathway and KRAS both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: KRASG12Ci sustainably decreased c-Myc levels in responsive cell lines but not in cell lines with intrinsic or acquired resistance to KRASG12Ci. PLK1 activation contributed to this ERK-independent c-Myc stability, which in turn directly induced PLK1 transcription, forming a positive feedback loop and conferring resistance to KRASG12Ci. ST8SIA6-AS1 was found significantly upregulated in resistant cells and facilitated the proliferation of KRASG12C-mutant cancers. ST8SIA6-AS1 bound to Aurora kinase A (Aurora A)/PLK1 and promoted Aurora A-mediated PLK1 phosphorylation. Concurrent targeting of KRAS and ST8SIA6-AS1/PLK1 signaling suppressed both ERK-dependent and -independent c-Myc expression, synergistically led to cell death and tumor regression and overcame KRASG12Ci resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Our study deciphers that the axis of ST8SIA6-AS1/PLK1/c-Myc confers both intrinsic and acquired resistance to KRASG12Ci and represents a promising therapeutic target for combination strategies with KRASG12Ci in the treatment of KRASG12C-mutant cancers.

Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters Based on a Special Tetrahedral Silane Core.

Based on the tetraphenylsilane skeleton, a new class of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules have been designed and synthesized. Benefiting from the unique tetrahedron architecture of tetraphenylsilane, the intermolecular distance between TADF units can be enlarged and thus weakened the aggregation-induced quenching of triplet excitons. By adjusting the numbers of TADF subunits, the spin-orbit coupling processes can be controlled, leading to efficient up-conversion processes. The related OLEDs are fabricated through the solution processing technology, and pure-blue and green electroluminescence were observed with maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax) of 6.6 and 13.8% as well as Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.14, 0.15) and (0.25, 0.45), respectively. This study provides a new idea for designing color-tunable TADF emitters through spatial structure regulation.

Hospitalization costs of COPD cases and its associated factors: an observational study at two large public tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China.

BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has imposed a considerable economic burden. However, there remains a paucity of relevant evidence regarding the hospitalization costs of COPD cases. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the hospitalization costs among COPD cases and investigate the factors that contribute to their costs in Henan Province, China. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 1697 cases who were discharged with a diagnosis of COPD from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, into the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the cases were obtained from the hospital information system (HIS) of two large tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China. The factors associated with hospitalization costs were examined using a multiple linear regression model. RESULTS: Total hospitalization costs of 1697 COPD cases were $5,419,011, and the median was $1952 (IQR:2031). Out-of-pocket fees accounted for 43.95% of the total hospitalization costs, and the median was $938 (IQR:956). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hospitalization costs were higher among older cases, cases with more comorbidities, and cases with longer length of stay. Furthermore, hospitalization costs were higher in cases who paid through private expenses compared to those covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance. Additionally, we found that cases admitted through an outpatient clinic had higher hospitalization costs than those admitted through the emergency department. CONCLUSION: Hospitalization costs of COPD cases are substantial. Strategies to reduce hospitalization costs, such as shortening LOS, optimizing payment plans, and preventing or managing complications, should be implemented to alleviate the economic burden associated with COPD hospitalizations.

Discovery, structural optimization, and anti-tumor bioactivity evaluations of betulinic acid derivatives as a new type of RORγ antagonists.

Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid that has a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Here, computational methods such as pharmacophore screening and reverse docking were used to predict the potential target for BA. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) was confirmed as its target by several molecular assays as well as crystal complex structure determination. RORγ has been the focus of metabolic regulation, but its potential role in cancer treatment has only recently come to the fore. In this study, rationale optimization of BA was performed and several new derivatives were generated. Among them, the compound 22 showed stronger binding affinity with RORγ (KD = 180 nM), good anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell lines, and potent anti-tumor efficacy with a TGI value of 71.6% (at a dose of 15 mg/kg) in the HPAF-II pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Further RNA-seq analysis and cellular validation experiments supported that RORγ antagonism was closely related to the antitumor activity of BA and 22, resulting in suppression of the RAS/MAPK and AKT/mTORC1 pathway and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. RORγ was highly expressed in cancer cells and tissues and positively correlated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. These results suggest that BA derivatives are potential RORγ antagonists worthy of further exploration.

Construct of an Electrodeposited Cobalt-Molybdenum Film and Evaluation of Its Efficiency in Hydrogen Evolution.

Hydrogen is a valuable clean energy source, and electrolysis to produce hydrogen from water is a crucial component. However, a major problem of hydrogen generation by electrolysis is its large overpotential and poor economics. To reduce the overpotential, we mainly use nickel foam and Co-Mo ions as feedstock and create an efficient catalytic material by electrodeposition. The Co-Mo interaction improves the current efficiency. In 1 mol/L NaOH solution, the overpotential of the Co-Mo-NF composites was low when the current density is -10 mA/cm2, with the best value reaching 45.3 mV, which is less than those of Co-NF (94.4 mV) and Mo-NF (88.2 mV). All deposits had similar Tafel slopes in the 77.9 mV/decade range. The catalyst does not just have a favorable effect on hydrogen formation but also has a surprisingly high double-layer capacitance (up to 180 mF/cm2) and good stability. This research provides an impactful approach for developing a non-precious metal HER catalyst for industrial hydrogen production.

Self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy among Chinese adults: A moderated mediation model of mental health and trust.

BACKGROUND: Optimal Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination coverage is necessary to achieve community protection, and self-efficacy independently predict vaccination behavior. The current study examined the effect of self-perception on COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy as well as potential mechanisms among Chinese adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from four cities in China (n = 6781). Models 4 and 8 in Hayes' PROCESS macro were used to test models. RESULTS: Self-perception (ß = 0.128, 95 % CI: 0.093, 0.163) and self-perception ∗ mental health (ß = 0.009, 95 % CI: 0.003, 0.014) were positively associated with trust in doctors and vaccine developers, while mental health was negatively related to trust in doctors and vaccine developers (ß = -0.483, 95 % CI: -0.629, -0.337). Self-perception (ß = 0.149, 95 % CI: 0.138, 0.161), trust in doctors and vaccine developers (ß = 0.185, 95 % CI: 0.177, 0.194) and self-perception ∗ mental health (ß = 0.003, 95 % CI: 0.002, 0.005) were positively associated with COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy. Mental health was negatively related to COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy (ß = -0.101, 95 % CI: -0.151, -0.051). LIMITATIONS: This cross-sectional study collected data through online questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that the relationship between self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy was partially mediated by trust in doctors and vaccine developers. Both the correlation between self-perception and COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy, and the relationship between self-perception and trust in doctors and vaccine developers were moderated by mental health. Findings confirm that increasing COVID-19 vaccination self-efficacy would be facilitated by improvements in self-perception, mental health, and trust in doctors and vaccine developers.

Design and Synthesis of Triazole-Containing HDAC Inhibitors That Induce Antitumor Effects and Immune Response.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is an epigenetic antitumor drug target, but most existing HDAC inhibitors show limited antitumor activity and their use is often accompanied by serious adverse effects. To overcome these problems, we designed and synthesized a series of triazole-containing compounds as novel HDAC inhibitors. Among them, compound 19h exhibited potent and selective inhibition of HDAC1, with good antiproliferative activity in vitro and an excellent pharmacokinetic profile. Compound 19h significantly inhibited the growth of human tumor xenografts in nude mice and murine tumor growth in immune-competent mice bearing MC38 colon cancer. In the MC38 model, 19h increased the ratio of splenic CD4+ T effector cells and promoted complete tumor regression in 5/6 animals when combined with the mPD-1 antibody. These results suggested that selective class I HDAC inhibitors exert direct tumor growth inhibition and indirect immune cell-mediated antitumor effects and are synergistic with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Potential Way to Make Cold Hormone Receptor-Rich Breast Cancer Hot.

BACKGROUND: Turning the "cold" tumor immune microenvironment into "hot" is a critical issue in cancer treatment today. Hormone receptor-rich breast cancer (HR+ BC) was previously considered immunologically quiescent. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the immunomodulatory effects of endocrine therapy on HR+ BCs. METHODS: The infiltrations and alterations of the tumor immune microenvironment in HR+ BCs before, after 10-14 days, and after three months of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy were computationally analyzed according to MCP-counter, CIBERSORT, xCell algorithms, and gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The primary microarray data were obtained from three HR+ BC gene expression datasets (GSE20181, GSE55374, and GSE59515). Single-sample GSEA of hallmark and immune response gene sets was performed to evaluate the correlation between suspected treatment response and activated immune pathways in tumors. RESULTS: Both immune and stromal cells were specifically recruited into the HR+ BCs who responded to the neoadjuvant endocrine therapy by letrozole. Besides the enhanced infiltrations of immunosurveillance-related cells such as CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, and the activation of immune response-related signals, the immunosuppressive M2-like macrophages, as well as the expression of immune checkpoint genes like PDCD1, SIRPA, and some HLA genes, were also stimulated in responders. We identified four pretreatment indicators (the intrinsic luminal subtype, the estrogen response early/late pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway) as potential predictors of both clinical response and the activation of the tumor immune microenvironment post letrozole. CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy showed a promising way to convert the immunologically "cold" HR+ BCs into "hot" tumors. This study provides new insights into the application of immunotherapy for HR+ BCs, especially those who respond to endocrine therapy.

Prominin 1 Significantly Correlated with Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer and Influenced the Patient's Prognosis.

Background: This study is aimed at identifying the important biomarkers associated with bone metastasis (BM) in breast cancer (BRCA). Methods: The GSE175692 dataset was used to detect significant differential expressed genes (DEGs) between BRCA samples with or without BM, and DEG-related pathways were then explored. Further, we constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network on GEGs and filtered 5 vital nodes. We then performed the Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, nomogram, and ROC curve to filter the most significant prognosis genes. The GSE14020 and GSE124647 datasets were used to verify the expression and prognostic value of hub genes, respectively. Finally, the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to reveal the potential mechanism. Results: Totally, 74 DEGs were detected, which mainly correlated with infectious disease, signaling molecules, and interaction. The 5 important DEGs were then filtered, and the Cox regression further showed that 2 genes, including prominin 1 (PROM1) and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), were related to the prognosis of BRCA metastasis patients. Especially, PROM1 presented a better prognostic performance on the survival probability of patients than CCL2. Verification analysis further confirmed the abnormal expression and significant prognostic influence of PROM1. Finally, GSEA revealed that PROM1 was negatively related to IGF1 and mTOR pathways in BRCA metastasis. Conclusion: PROM1 was an important biomarker associated with BRCA bone metastasis and affected the prognosis of metastatic BRCA patients. It may play a vital role in metastatic BRCA by negatively regulating IGF1 and mTOR pathways.

Remotely Temporal Scheduled Macrophage Phenotypic Transition Enables Optimized Immunomodulatory Bone Regeneration.

Precise timing of macrophage polarization plays a pivotal role in immunomodulation of tissue regeneration, yet most studies mainly focus on M2 macrophages for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects while the essential proinflammatory role of the M1 phenotype on the early inflammation stage is largely underestimated. Herein, a superparamagnetic hydrogel capable of timely controlling macrophage polarization is constructed by grafting superparamagnetic nanoparticles on collagen nanofibers. The magnetic responsive hydrogel network enables efficient polarization of encapsulated macrophage to the M2 phenotype through the podosome/Rho/ROCK mechanical pathway in response to static magnetic field (MF) as needed. Taking advantage of remote accessibility of magnetic field together with the superparamagnetic hydrogels, a temporal engineered M1 to M2 transition course preserving the essential role of M1 at the early stage of tissue healing, as well as enhancing the prohealing effect of M2 at the middle/late stages is established via delayed MF switch. Such precise timing of macrophage polarization matching the regenerative process of injured tissue eventually leads to optimized immunomodulatory bone healing in vivo. Overall, this study offers a remotely time-scheduled approach for macrophage polarization, which enables precise manipulation of inflammation progression during tissue healing.

Study of the Osteoimmunomodulatory Properties of Curcumin-Modified Copper-Bearing Titanium.

Peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure. In this study, curcumin (CUR) was modified onto the copper-bearing titanium alloy (Cu-Ti) with the assistance of polydopamine (PDA) in order to study the bone immune response and subsequent osteogenesis. FE-SEM, XPS and water contact angle were utilized to characterize the coating surface. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and macrophages were cultured separately and together onto the CUR modified Cu-Ti. Cell activity, expression of relative genes and proteins, cell migration ability, and fluorescence staining of cells were performed. CUR modification slightly increased the activation of M1-type and M2-type cells under physiological conditions. In the inflammation state, CUR inhibited the overexpression of M1 macrophages and induced M2-type differentiation. In addition, the modification itself could provoke the expression of osteoblastic-related genes of BMSCs, while promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the activation of macrophages in both physiological and inflammatory states. The BMSCs migration was increased, the expression of osteogenic-related genes and proteins was up-regulated, and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP) was increased. Thus, the modification of CUR can promote the osteointegration effect of Cu-Ti by bone immunomodulation and may, in addition, improve the success rate of implants.

Tribological and Antibacterial Properties of Polyetheretherketone Composites with Black Phosphorus Nanosheets.

Over the past few decades, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) artificial bone joint materials faced problems of poor wear resistance and easy infection, which are not suitable for the growing demand of bone joints. The tribological behavior and wear mechanism of polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets have been investigated under dry sliding friction. Compared with pure PEEK, the COF of PEEK/10 wt% PTFE/0.5 wt% BP was reduced by about 73% (from 0.369 to 0.097) and the wear rate decreased by approximately 95% (from 1.0 × 10-4 mm3/(N m) to 5.1 × 10-6 mm3/(N m)) owing to the lubrication of the BP transfer film. Moreover, BP can endow the PEEK composites with excellent biological wettability and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial rate of PEEK/PTFE/BP was assessed to be over 99.9%, which might help to solve the problem of PEEK implant inflammation. After comprehensive evaluation in this research, 0.5 wt% BP nanosheet-filled PEEK/PTFE material displayed the optimum lubrication and antibacterial properties, and thus could be considered as a potential candidate for its application in biomedical materials.

Comparative Effectiveness and Functional Outcome of C2 Dome-like Expansive Versus C2 Expansive Open-door Laminoplasty for Upper Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Cohort Study. OBJECTIVES: This study compared the function and radiographical outcomes of the patients who underwent C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty to those C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty for the treatment of OPLL with C2 involved. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There are few comparative studies of these two surgical methods. C2 dome-like and C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty are posterior approaches for posterior longitudinal ligament ossification with C2 level and above. METHODS: This study performed a retrospective cohort analysis of 59 patients with OPLL up to C2 which cause compression symptoms. 31 patients underwent C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty with C3-7 expansive open-door laminoplasty (Group Dom) and 28 underwent C2-7 expansive open-door laminoplasty (Group Exp). The preoperative and postoperative space available for cord (SAC) of C2 segment, cervical curvature index of C2-7, C2-7 range of motion, Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were used to assess clinical out-comes and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The cervical curvature index, JOA score, and NDI significantly changed at the final follow-up in two groups with no significant intergroup differences. There were no significant differences in preoperative SAC and VAS between the two groups. At the final follow-up, the SAC of C2/3 in Group Exp was significantly larger than Group Dom, while the VAS and range of motion of Group Dom became significantly better than Group Exp. CONCLUSION: The C2 dome-like expansive laminoplasty can reduce postoperative neck pain more obviously and achieve better cervical curvature. C2 expansive open-door laminoplasty can get more adequate decompression in the spinal canal, which may be recommend to the patients with OPLL occupying more than 50% of the vertebral canal at C2/3, or with developmental spinal stenosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

CD25+ B cells produced IL-35 and alleviated local inflammation during experimental periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Host immunity is crucial during periodontal inflammations. B cells are considered to have a function of immunoregulation, and TLRs are considered to be crucial in this process. The present study illustrates the potential roles and rules of CD25+ B cells during periodontitis, especially its effect on regulating host IL-35 level and Th1, Th17, and Treg differentiation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The proportion of local and systemic CD25+ B cell subpopulations from periodontitis models were identified by flow cytometry. To illustrate further mechanism, B cells were cultured with a different type of TLR activators. Expression of IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-ß was detected by ELISA and real-time PCR. We also set adoptive transfer models by using CD25+ B cells. Alveolar bone erosion, proportion of Th1, Th17, and Tregs, and levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-17 were identified. RESULT: Periodontitis induces more CD25+ B cell subpopulations and promotes their IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-ßproduction. TLR activators enhanced Breg proliferation and function. LPS+CpG obviously induced more CD25+ B cell differentiation and production of IL-10, IL-35, and TGF-ß. Adoptive transfer of CD25+ B cells reduces alveolar bone destruction and local Tregs, proportion, especially the local level of IFN-γ and IL-17. In addition, adoptive transfer of CD25+ B cells remedies the pathological change in the proportion of IL-1ß and Th1/Th17 in local lesions. We did not find any significant difference in peripheral blood, regardless of group and detected items. CONCLUSION: Results of the present study clarify that CD25+ B cells enlarged and produced more IL-10, IL-35 and TGF-ß during periodontitis, activation of TLR4 and TLR9 played crucial roles in this process. Also, CD25+ B cells alleviated periodontal inflammation and alveolar bone resorption. Our findings further expanded the potential of B cells during periodontitis.

Status quo of radiation protection in some pet hospitals in Beijing-Tianjin Region, China / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To analyze the status quo and existing problems of radiation protection for veterinary X-ray facilitiesin Beijing-Tianjin region, China, and to provide a basis for improving radiation protection management level. Methods According to the requirements of the Technical guidelines for status quo assessment of occupational hazard of the employing unit (AQ/T 4270—2015), the study performed status quo assessment on the workplaces of veterinary X-ray facilities in 16 pet hospitals in Beijing-Tianjin region, and comprehensively analyzed the impact of the workplaces on the health of radiation workers and the public. Results In terms of personnel management, the pass rates of occupational health management post setting, personnel training, personal protective equipment, individual monitoring of occupational external exposure, notification of occupational hazards, and occupational health surveillance were 100%, 81.3%, 100%, 75%, 37.5%, and 25%, respectively. In terms of workplace management, most workplaces had reasonable layout and zoning and complete protection and emergency devices. However, there were some problems in some places, such as non-standard radiation warning signs, no notice board of occupational hazards, and no radiation protection testing. In terms of document management, all institutions had imperfect system documents. Conclusion The workplaces of veterinary X-ray facilities in 16 institutions basically meet the requirements for radiation protection, but there are also some problems, such as inadequate management of personnel and workplace radiation protection, and imperfect system documents. Institutions should strengthen the study of radiation protection knowledge. The competent authorities should strengthen supervision, formulate corresponding standards for radiation protection, enhance training, and improve the professional level of staff.

Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates alveolar bone destruction by regulating local osteoclastogenesis during periodontitis.

Inflammatory imbalance of bone formation/resorption leads to alveolar bone destruction. Astragalus polysaccharide has been confirmed to have anti-inflammatory effects. We sought to disclose the protective effect and its potential mechanisms of astragalus polysaccharide in the periodontitis model. Experimental periodontitis was induced by cotton ligatures for this study. We measured the alveolar bone damage rate, periodontal osteoclasts, proportion of CD4+Foxp3+, CD4+IL-10+, CD4+TGF-ß+ subsets in the gingiva, and RANKL, OPG, TGF-ß+, and IL-10+ level in the gingiva. We also cultured osteoclast precursor cells in the presence of RANKL and astragalus polysaccharide. Osteoclasto-like cells were identified by TRAP staining, mRNA of RANK, TRAP, and TRAF6 were evaluated by real time PCR. We found that astragalus polysaccharide caused significant protection of the alveolar bone via reducing local osteoclasts. It also decreased the proportion of CD4+Foxp3+ cells and upregulated the level of CD4+IL-10+ cells, reduced RANKL, and remedied IL-10 levels. In cell culture experiments, astragalus polysaccharide prohibited the RANKL mediated osteoclast differentiation. The findings of this study disclose the functions and possible mechanisms of astragalus polysaccharide engaged in local osteoclastogenesis, and reveal the considerable effect of astragalus polysaccharide in alveolar bone homeostasis and its likely contribution to host immuno-regulation in periodontitis.