Oral diseases, such as periapical periodontitis and periodontitis, are characterized by inflammation-induced bone loss. LL-37, a human antimicrobial peptide (AMP), has multiple biological functions ...and the potential to promote osteogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of LL-37 within normal and inflammatory microenvironments. The roles of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway were also demonstrated. The results showed that LL-37 promoted bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC) proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation. LL-37 inhibited the expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) at both protein and gene levels, and attenuated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inhibition of osteogenesis. Immunofluorescence (IF) confirmed P2X7R expression in BMSCs. BBG, a P2X7R antagonist, significantly attenuated LL-37-promoted osteogenesis. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) increased after LL-37 stimulation, which did not affect p38 phosphorylation. The effects of LL-37 on osteogenesis-related gene expression were markedly attenuated by selective inhibitors of ERK1/2 and JNK. Furthermore, a mouse model of LPS-stimulated calvarial osteolysis was established, and results showed that LL-37 markedly inhibited osteoclastic bone resorption. In conclusion, we speculate that LL-37 inhibits inflammation and promotes BMSC osteogenesis via P2X7R and MAPK signaling pathway.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPUK, ZRSKP
Extra-short implants, of which clinical outcomes remain controversial, are becoming a potential option rather than long implants with bone augmentation in atrophic partially or totally edentulous ...jaws. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between extra-short implants (≤ 6 mm) and longer implants (≥ 8 mm), with and without bone augmentation procedures. Electronic (via PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) and manual searches were performed for articles published prior to November 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing extra-short implants and longer implants in the same study reporting survival rate with an observation period at least 1 year were selected. Data extraction and methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) was assessed by 2 authors independently. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed to compare the survival rate, marginal bone loss (MBL), biological and prosthesis complication rate. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool 2 and the quality of evidence was determined with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. 21 RCTs were included, among which two were prior registered and 14 adhered to the CONSORT statement. No significant difference was found in the survival rate between extra-short and longer implant at 1- and 3-years follow-up (RR: 1.002, CI 0.981 to 1.024, P = 0.856 at 1 year; RR: 0.996, CI 0.968 to 1.025, P = 0.772 at 3 years, moderate quality), while longer implants had significantly higher survival rate than extra-short implants (RR: 0.970, CI 0.944 to 0.997, P < 0.05) at 5 years. Interestingly, no significant difference was observed when bone augmentations were performed at 5 years (RR: 0.977, CI 0.945 to 1.010, P = 0.171 for reconstructed bone; RR: 0.955, CI 0.912 to 0.999, P < 0.05 for native bone). Both the MBL (from implant placement) (WMD: - 0.22, CI - 0.277 to - 0.164, P < 0.01, low quality) and biological complications rate (RR: 0.321, CI 0.243 to 0.422, P < 0.01, moderate quality) preferred extra-short implants. However, there was no significant difference in terms of MBL (from prosthesis restoration) (WMD: 0.016, CI - 0.036 to 0.068, P = 0.555, moderate quality) or prosthesis complications rate (RR: 1.308, CI 0.893 to 1.915, P = 0.168, moderate quality). The placement of extra-short implants could be an acceptable alternative to longer implants in atrophic posterior arch. Further high-quality RCTs with a long follow-up period are required to corroborate the present outcomes.Registration number The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020155342).
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Because of the high information asymmetry of carbon financial products (CFPs), financial institutions infringing on the rights of investors occurred worldwide. However, few studies focused on how to ...protect investors effectively. In this paper, from the perspective of regulation, we analyze the game relationships among governments, financial institutions, and investors. Following this, the tripartite regulation game of CFPs is further constructed. Meanwhile, centered on heterogeneity and bounded rationality, we divide participants in this game into two types: tough or weak ones, and the strategies for different types of game players are compared based on the prospect theory. Moreover, through discussion of the deterrence equilibrium, challenge equilibrium, and separation equilibrium, the crucial influencing factors of the behavioral strategy are explored separately. Finally, some countermeasures of CFPs are put forward for governments to design appropriate regulation policies.
Purpose: Based on a self-controlled case, this study evaluated the finite element analysis (FEA) results of a single missing molar with wide mesiodistal length (MDL) restored by a single or double ...implant-supported crown.Methods: A case of a missing bilateral mandibular first molar with wide MDL was restored using a single or double implant-supported crown. The implant survival and peri-implant bone were compared. FEA was conducted in coordination with the case using eight models with different MDLs (12, 13, 14, and 15 mm). Von Mises stress was calculated in the FEA to evaluate the biomechanical responses of the implants under increasing vertical and lateral loading, including the stress values of the implant, abutment, screw, crown, and cortical bone.Results: The restorations on the left and right sides supported by double implants have been used for 6 and 12 years, respectively, and so far have shown excellent osseointegration radiographically.The von Mises stress calculated in the FEA showed that when the MDL was >14 mm, both the bone and prosthetic components bore more stress in the single implant-supported strategy. The strength was 188.62–201.37 MPa and 201.85–215.9 MPa when the MDL was 14 mm and 15 mm, respectively, which significantly exceeded the allowable yield stress (180 MPa).Conclusions: Compared with the single implant-supported crown, the double implant-supported crown reduced peri-implant bone stress and produced a more appropriate stress transfer model at the implant-bone interface when the MDL of the single missing molar was ≥14 mm.
Although previous studies have reported the dysregulation of respiratory tract microbiota in infectious diseases, insufficient data exist regarding respiratory microbiota imbalances in the lower ...respiratory tracts (LRTs) of children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). Here, we analysed the microbial community using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Finally, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 158 children with MPP and 29 with bacterial or viral pneumonia (control group) were collected. The diversity of the microbial community was significantly different between the two groups. A significantly increased abundance of Tenericutes and Mycoplasma was detected in the MPP group, exceeding 67% and 65% of the total bacterial population, respectively. Using Mycoplasma abundance as the diagnostic method, the sensitivity and specificity of the model was 97.5% and 96.6%, respectively. Compared to the mild MPP group, lower alpha diversity and significantly increased Mycoplasma abundance were found in the severe MPP group (P < 0.01). The abundance of Mycoplasma was positively correlated with complications and clinical indices in children with severe MPP compared with children with mild MPP. Our study describes the features of the LRT microbiota of children with MPP and uncovered its association with disease severity. This finding may offer insights into the pathogenesis of MPP in children.
Anti-Asian scapegoating, sentiment, and hate have caused devastating psychological and behavioral challenges among Asians and Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case study aims to ...understand Asians’ and Asian Americans’ experiences of racial discrimination during the pandemic, examine their reflections on the impacts of anti-Asian racism on their emotions and coping, and explore their perspectives on teaching Asian American history in combating anti-Asian racism. The results of this study showed that the participants articulated an array of profound emotional challenges in response to the deleterious effects of personal and vicarious experiences of racism. They used varied coping strategies, exhibiting heightened vigilance and intentional proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities against anti-Asian racism. The participants also underscored the intersectionality between race and gender, highlighting the vulnerability of Asian women. Additionally, the participants advocated for the inclusion of Asian American history in the school curriculum to dismantle and disrupt systematic racism. This study reveals the emotional and behavioral effects of anti-Asian racism on Asian and Asian American individuals and communities. It illustrates the crucial role of amplifying Asian and Asian American voices in the school curriculum in combating anti-Asian racism beyond the pandemic.
This study aimed to evaluate the salt intake in boarding school students and the consistency between salt intake measurements based on 24-h urine and weighed dietary records over 3 consecutive days ...in this population.
This was a school-based cross-sectional study. Overweight (including obesity) or hypertensive students aged 6-14 years and their normal counterparts were recruited for this study at three boarding schools in China. Three consecutive 24-h urine samples were collected from all participants. During the collection period of 24-h urine, the weighed diet records were collected in children who had all three meals at the school canteens on weekdays. Incomplete 24-h urine or dietary records were excluded from the analysis.
The median salt excretion was 6,218 4,636, 8,290 mg by 24-h urine and 120 (82.2%) consumed excess salt among the participants. The median salt intake was 8,132 6,348, 9,370 mg by dietary records and 112 (97.4%) participants consumed excess salt than recommended in participants who have all three meals in the school canteens. In children with complete dietary records and 24-h urine, the level of salt intake estimated by 24-h urine accounted for 79.6% of the dietary records.
Our study showed that boarding school students consumed excessive salt from school canteens. Thus, policies or strategies targeting school canteens are urgently needed. Weighed dietary records are recommended if feasible.
This paper proposes a transmission-type linear-to-multi-polarization converter based on cascading four-layer metasurface integrated with PIN diodes. By controlling the states of the PIN diodes, the ...polarization maintaining (PM) which means transmission without conversion, linear to linear (LTL), linear to right-hand circular polarization (LTRCP), linear to left-hand circular polarization (LTLCP) conversions can be realized. When the PM is realized, the incident wave will pass through the polarizer with low loss over wideband, the isolation is higher than 30 dB. When the linear-to-circular polarization conversion is realized, the incident linearly polarized (LP) wave can be converted to left-hand circularly polarized (LCP) or right-hand circularly polarized (RCP) wave with a relative bandwidth over 40%. When the LTL polarization conversion is realized, the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) is greater than 0.9 from 2.58 to 3.89 GHz. The overlapping bandwidth of the four operating states is 36%. The detailed design process and equivalent circuit of the proposed polarizer are analyzed in this paper. A sample consisting of 10 × 10 elements is fabricated. The measured and simulated results are in good agreement. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first reported reconfigurable polarizer capable of PM, LTLCP, LTRCP, and LTL polarization conversions within wideband. The proposed device can play an important role in polarization diversity and RF-integrated aperture of wideband channel multiplexing technology.
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