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Periodontitis is the top reason for tooth loss, and smoking significantly increases severe periodontitis risk. Defective autophagy has been reported to play a vital role in periodontitis. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between autophagy and inflammation factors production in nicotine-treated periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and the underlying mechanism.In this study, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and the mCherry-GFP-LC3 plasmid were used to study autophagy flux. The gene levels of inflammation factors and long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blot was performed to assess the protein levels of autophagic markers and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR).We found that nicotine impaired autophagosome-lysosome fusion and lysosome functions to block autophagy flux, contributing to inflammatory factors production in nicotine-treated PDLSCs. Moreover, nicotine upregulated NEAT1 by activating α7nAChR. NEAT1 decreased autophagy flux by downregulating syntaxin 17 (STX17).Our data indicate that NEAT1-decreased autophagy flux is pivotal for inflammation factors production in nicotine-treated PDLSCs.

The present study aimed to analyze the clinical effects of Er:YAG laser applied in pulpotomy of children's asymptomatic deep caries-affected primary molars. Included primary molar teeth from children (aged 3 ~ 6 years) were randomly assigned to "Er:YAG laser" and "conventional" groups, and pulpotomies were performed under general anesthesia using the respective approaches. The treatment time and clinical efficacy were evaluated. The study sample included 100 primary molar teeth of 40 children with an average age of 4.60 ± 1.02 years. The pulpotomy time in the Er:YAG laser group was significantly longer than that in the conventional group (p 0.0001) but the hemostasis time and the total treatment time were significantly shorter (p 0.0001, p = 0.029). In terms of clinical efficacy, up to 6 months after treatment, the success rate in the Er:YAG laser group was non-significantly but slightly higher than that in the conventional group (100% versus 98%, p = 0.436). With longer observation time, the success rate of both groups declined, with the conventional group showing a more rapid decline. After 24 months, the success rate in the Er:YAG laser group remained non-significantly higher than that in the conventional group (89.58% versus 82.98%, p = 0.386). Overall, Er:YAG laser significantly reduced the treatment time for pulpotomy in primary teeth and tended to produce higher clinical efficacy over time and thus can be a valuable tool in clinical pediatric dentistry practice.

Currently, the common treatment for pulpitis and periapical diseases is root canal treatment. However, the complex variations of root canal system often affect the effect of root canal treatment and even lead to treatment failure. Therefore, it is of great significance for dentists to emphasize the diversity of root canal morphology and to be familiar with the anatomical morphology of root canal to improve the success rate of clinical diagnosis and treatment. We reported a case of an eight-year-old female patient of type V root canal in a young maxillary middle incisor. The young maxillary central incisor was diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis by radiography and CBCT examination. The present case report described the entire treatment procedure of a young maxillary central incisor after trauma, including successive apical examination, CBCT examination and multiple root canal filling, and finally the treatment was completed with the aid of microscope. The root canals were filled with the vertical compression technique. Z350 composite resin was used to repair the tooth. The patient was followed-up at three, six, and 12 months after endodontic treatment. All of the examinations were normal. Finding the anatomical configuration of root canal by various ways will help to improve the success rate of root canal therapy.

Internal governance is the monitoring of a CEO by immediate subordinate executives with different career horizons. In this paper, we examine the role of internal governance on corporate innovation. Conducting a study of privately owned firms listed in China, we find that internal governance significantly increases firms’ innovation investment, but we uncover little evidence that it affects innovation quality as indicated by patents. We further discuss that a possible channel for increased innovation investment is enhanced decision‐making quality. Regarding the quality of innovation, executives’ knowledge plays a larger role than internal governance. In sum, this study provides evidence about the innovation consequences of internal governance in China’s weak internal governance culture.

To compare the different restoration types of primary teeth to determine which type is appropriate for extensive caries of primary molars and incisors based on mechanical properties.A total of 160 primary teeth were evaluated in this study, including 80 incisors and 80 molars. Each category was divided into four groups: the control group, composite resin group, pre-veneered stainless steel crown (stainless steel crown) group, and zirconia crown group. Compressive strength test and fatigue strength test were performed.The compressive strength and fatigue strength of the composite resin group were significantly decreased compared with the control group (P 0.05). The prefabricated crown groups showed increased fatigue and compressive strength compared with the control group, and the zirconia crown group was higher than that of the pre-veneered stainless steel crown group (P 0.05). The zirconia crown group was less than the stainless steel crown group (P 0.05) in the compressive strength but more than the stainless steel crown group (P 0.05) in the fatigue strength.The compressive strength and fatigue strength of crown restoration were superior to that of the composite resin filling. The fatigue strength of the zirconia crown also performed better than the pre-veneered stainless steel crown and the stainless steel crown. The compressive strength of the zirconia crown was less than that of the stainless steel crown.The zirconia crown is a new restoration method for primary teeth that may be commonly applied in clinical practice.

Background：The HOX family transcription factor HOXB9 is a crucial element in the progression of various cancers. In the previous study conducted by the investigators, a drastically higher HOXB9 expression was reported in laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC), when compared to adjacent normal laryngeal squamous tissues. Furthermore, a high level of HOXB9 was closely correlated with histological grade and overall survival in LSCC patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Results: The present study explored the molecular mechanisms of HOXB9 in LSCC progression. Furthermore, the in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the gene knockout of HOXB9 using the CRISPR/CAS9 system inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistic studies in LSCC cell lines and human LSCC specimens demonstrated that HOXB9 promotes LSCC progression by directly upregulating the MMP12 expression at the level of its transcription.Conclusions: Collectively, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of HOXB9 in the regulation of LSCC progression by enhancing the upregulation of MMP12.

Aim: To measure the pulpal blood flow (PBF) of the upper incisors using the laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and to calculate the endodontic vitality clinical reference range using PBF as an indicator in the healthy children. To clarify the factors that might interfere the detection and interpretation of the results. Methods: Seven to twelve-year-old school-age children were recruited randomly. The basic characteristics of the subjects are described in terms of age and gender. The mean, standard deviation, and reference range of the subjects’ PBF values are described based on their age, sex, and tooth position. Multi-factor analysis of variance was implemented, mainly including age, gender, and tooth position. Results: 1) The clinical reference range of the anterior teeth PBF in children of different ages was preliminary defined that was approximately among the range of 7-14. 2). A statistically significant correlation between PBF and age in school-aged children (P < 0.05) was detected and no statistical significance between genders (P > 0.05) was detected. The PBF detection value of lateral incisors was higher than that of central incisors, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The determination of the range of clinical reference of anterior teeth PBF in children by LDF could provide a good theoretical basis and reference basis for further promotion of its application.

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease, affecting most middle-aged and elderly people. Astilin (AST) is the main active ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Astilbe chinensis and has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of AST on OA in rats mediated by papain. Methods In this study, in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of Astilbin (AST) when it inhibited the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Results A rat model of OA is constructed. Through HE staining, it is found that AST can protect the articular surface and reduce damage. The results of immunohistochemical staining also prove that AST can inhibit the expression of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and has an excellent inhibitory effect on inflammatory factors. It is found that AST can significantly inhibit the protein expression of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), TNF-α, and NF-κB. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay shows that the mRNA of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB is down-regulated, which also proves that the protective mechanism of AST is related to the NF-κB pathway. Conclusions In general, this study proves that AST can be a potential therapy for degenerative joint diseases, including OA.

Degeneration and destruction of articular cartilage are the key characteristics of osteoarthritis (OA). In recent studies, the use of astilbin (AST), the primary active ingredient of Astilbe chinensis, has been shown to correlate with a reduction in inflammatory disease symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of AST on OA. A rat model of OA was constructed and in vivo experiments were performed using the AST, PBS, OA and control groups. The cartilage tissues of each group were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining. The gene expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, AKT, PI3K and other related proteins were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis. AST was found to significantly inhibit IL-1β and TNF-α protein expression; this further confirmed that IL-1β, TNF-α and PI3K mRNA expression was downregulated, indicating that the protective mechanism of AST is associated with the PI3K/AKT pathway. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that AST can improve OA symptoms by downregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and may therefore be a potential therapeutic option for patients with OA.

Research on business ecosystems highlights the strategic importance of complementors in determining focal firms' successes in various aspects. There are scarce systematic studies on ecosystem gover...

Aiming at the problems of garbage pollution on beaches and lawns, and delays in cleaning up, a small beach was designed. The lawn cleaning vehicle can fill the gap of small sanitation machinery, improve work efficiency and reduce labor intensity. The cleaning vehicle has two working modes: human work and automatic cleaning, which can adapt to different terrains and meet a variety of cleaning needs; it can achieve process-based cleaning through the cleaning module, vibrating screen module and collection module, and it is easy to operate; it can be applied to beaches and lawns, etc. Recreation sites, reducing garbage pollution to the ocean and soil, are inevitable choices for protecting natural resources and developing urban economy, and have good energy-saving, emission-reduction and social benefits.

Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and those who smoke are at an increased risk of developing periodontitis. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is proposed to mediate the potential synergistic effect of nicotine and inflammation in smoking‐related periodontitis. However, this has not been experimentally demonstrated. We isolated and cultured human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from healthy and inflamed tissues. PDLSCs were treated with either inflammatory factors or nicotine. We measured expression of genes that are associated with osteogenic differentiation and osteoclast formation using RT‐qPCR and Western blot analyses. Besides, immunohistochemical staining, micro‐CT analysis and tartaric acid phosphatase staining were used to measure α7 nAChR expression and function. Inflammation up‐regulated α7 nAChR expression in both periodontal ligament tissues and PDLSCs. The up‐regulated α7 nAChR contributed to the synergistic effect of nicotine and inflammation, leading to a decreased capability of osteogenic differentiation and increased capability of osteoclast formation‐induction of PDLSCs. Moreover, the inflammation‐induced up‐regulation of α7 nAChR was partially dependent on the level of phosphorylated GSK‐3β. This study provides experimental evidence for the pathological development of smoking‐related periodontitis and sheds new light on developing inflammation and α7 nAChR‐targeted therapeutics to treat and prevent the disease.

Backgroud: Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, and those who smoke are at an increased risk of developing periodontitis. α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is proposed to mediate the potential synergistic effect of nicotine and inflammation in smoking-related periodontitis. However, this has not been experimentally demonstrated. Methods: We isolated and cultured human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from healthy and inflamed tissues. PDLSCs were treated with either inflammatory factors and/or nicotine. We measured expression of genes that are associated with osteogenic differentiation and osteoclast formation using RT-qPCR and western blot analyses. Besides, Immunohistochemical staining, micro-CT analysis, shRNA lentivirus infection, and tartaric acid phosphatase staining were used to measure α7 nAChR expression and function. Findings: Inflammation up-regulated α7 nAChR expression in both periodontal ligament tissues and PDLSCs. The up-regulated α7 nAChR contributed to the synergistic effect of nicotine and inflammation, leading to a decreased capability of osteogenic differentiation and increased capability of osteoclast formation-induction of PDLSCs. Moreover, the inflammation-induced up-regulation of α7 nAChR expression was partially dependent on the level of phosphorylated GSK-3β. Interpretation: This study provides experimental evidence for the pathological development of smoking-related periodontitis, and sheds new light on developing inflammation and α7 nAChR targeted therapeutics to treat and prevent the disease. Funding Statement: This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81670988, 81800924, 81601620 and 81800979) and the in-hospital scientific research program (Grant No. 2018LQ04) of Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, China. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the School of Stomatology, Air Force Military Medical University (Committee’s reference number: IRB-REV-2016093). All participants and guardians of the patients were informed on the objectives of this study. Written consents were obtained from all participants prior to conducting the study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) modulate root resorption of human deciduous teeth under mechanical stress. In this investigation, the PDLSCs were derived from deciduous and permanent teeth at different stages of root resorption. A cyclic hydraulic pressure was applied on the PDLSCs to mimic chewing forces in the oral environment. The cultured cells were characterized using osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation assays, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting analysis. The PDLSCs exhibited the ability to induce osteoclast differentiation under certain mechanical stresses. As the expressions of RUNX2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were significantly reduced, the receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) was upregulated increasing the RANKL/OPG ratio. Under hydrodynamic pressure at 0-135 kPa, the expressions of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChR), p-GSK-3β, and active-β-catenin were markedly upregulated in PDLSCs from unresorbed deciduous teeth. Treatment with the α7 nAChR inhibitor alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BTX) and the Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 may reverse the mechanical stress inducing upregulation of RANKL and reduction of RUNX2, ALP, and OPG. Alizarin red staining confirmed these results. The mechanical stress applied on the deciduous tooth PDLSCs can induce osteoclastic effects through upregulation of α7 nAChR and activation of the canonical Wnt pathway. It can be suggested that chewing forces may play a major role at the beginning of the physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth.

Context: Ginsenoside Rb1 is a representative ginsenoside, and caspase-3 is implicated in chronic heart failure (CHF). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the level of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in serum and the expression of caspase-3 protein in the cardiomyocytes of CHF rats. Subjects and Methods: A total of 48 Wistar rats were divided into control, model, positive control (losartan), and ginsenoside Rb1 groups at random (n = 12). Abdominal aortic constriction was adopted for CHF modeling. Four weeks after surgery, ginsenoside Rb1 and losartan groups were intragastrically administered with 50 mg/kg ginsenoside Rb1 and 4.5 mg/kg losartan daily, respectively. Control and model groups were given equal volumes of distilled water. Cardiac function indices, electrocardiographic signals, BNP level, heart weight, body weight, heart-to-body weight ratio, myocardial pathological changes, and caspase-3 protein expression were compared. Results: In contrast to model group, heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, BNP level, and caspase-3 protein expression of ginsenoside Rb1 and losartan groups notably dropped, whereas left ventricular systolic pressure and maximal rise/fall rate of the left ventricular pressure significantly rose (P

Purpose To screen the novel biomarkers for gastric cancer and to determine the values of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) and gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase (GGCT) for detecting gastric cancer. Experimental design A discovery group of four paired gastric cancer tissue samples are labeled with Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation agents and identified with LC-ESI-MS/MS. A validation group of 168 gastric cancer samples and 30 healthy controls are used to validate the expression of GLS1 and GGCT. Results Four hundred and thirty-one proteins are found differentially expressed in gastric cancer tissues. Of these proteins, GLS1 and GGCT are found overexpressed in gastric cancer patients, with sensitivity of 75.6% (95% CI: 69-82.2%) and specificity of 81% (95% CI: 75-87%) for GLS1, and with sensitivity of 63.1% (95% CI: 55.7-71.5%) and specificity of 60.7% (95% CI: 53.3-68.2%) for GGCT. The co-expression of GLS1 and GGCT in gastric cancer tissues has sensitivity of 78.1% (95% CI: 70.1-86.1%) and specificity of 86.5% (95% CI: 79.5-93.4%). Moreover, both GLS1 and GGCT present higher expression of 82.6% (95% CI: 68.5-99.4%) and 73.9% (95% CI: 54.5-93.3%) in lymph node metastasis specimen than those in non-lymph node metastasis specimen. The areas under ROC curves are up to 0.734 for the co-expression of GLS1 and GGCT in gastric cancer. The co-expression of GLS1 and GGCT is strongly associated with histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ. Conclusions and clinical relevance The present study provides the quantitative proteomic analysis of gastric cancer tissues to identify prognostic biomarkers of gastric cancer. The co-expression level of GLS1 and GGCT is of great clinical value to serve as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for early gastric cancer.

The physiological root resorption of deciduous teeth is a normal phenomenon, but the mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. In this study, deciduous dental pulp stem cells (DDPSCs) and permanent dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were derived from deciduous teeth and normal permanent teeth at different stages of resorption. In the middle stage of root resorption, DDPSCs exhibited an increase in the ability to induce osteoclast differentiation. Activation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) by secretory mammalian Ly-6 urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein 1 (SLURP-1) caused a significant increase in the expression levels of NF-κB, receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), and the ratio of RANKL/osteoprotegerin (OPG). These effects were inhibited by alpha-bungarotoxin (α-BTX). Furthermore, the expression levels of RANKL/OPG were significantly reduced following inhibition of NF-κB. High-strength, dynamic positive pressure increased the expression of SLURP-1 and α7 nAChR in DDPSCs in the stable stage. These data indicated that mechanical stress stimulated the expression of SLURP-1 and α7 nAChR in DDPSCs. Additionally, SLURP-1 activated α7 nAChR, thereby upregulating the expression of NF-κB and enhancing its activity, thus regulating RANKL/OPG expression and affecting the ability of DDPSCs to influence osteoclastogenesis, which likely enhances root resorption and leads to the physiological loss of deciduous teeth.

Importance Trustworthy clinical practice guidelines require reliable systematic reviews of the evidence to support recommendations. Since 2016, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has partnered with Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite to update their guidelines, the Preferred Practice Patterns (PPP). Objective To describe experiences and findings related to identifying reliable systematic reviews that support topics likely to be addressed in the 2016 update of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines on cataract in the adult eye. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study. Systematic reviews on the management of cataract were searched for in an established database. Each relevant systematic review was mapped to 1 or more of the 24 management categories listed under the Management section of the table of contents of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Data were extracted to determine the reliability of each systematic review using prespecified criteria, and the reliable systematic reviews were examined to find whether they were referenced in the 2016 AAO PPP guidelines. For comparison, we assessed whether the reliable systematic reviews published before February 2010 the last search date of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines were referenced in the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite did not provide systematic reviews to the AAO during the development of the 2011 AAO PPP guidelines. Main Outcomes and Measures Systematic review reliability was defined by reporting eligibility criteria, performing a comprehensive literature search, assessing methodologic quality of included studies, using appropriate methods for meta-analysis, and basing conclusions on review findings. Results From 99 systematic reviews on management of cataract, 46 (46%) were classified as reliable. No evidence that a comprehensive search had been conducted was the most common reason a review was classified as unreliable. All 46 reliable systematic reviews were cited in the 2016 AAO PPP guidelines, and 8 of 15 available reliable reviews (53%) were cited in the 2011 PPP guidelines. Conclusions and Relevance The partnership between Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite and the AAO provides the AAO access to an evidence base of relevant and reliable systematic reviews, thereby supporting robust and efficient clinical practice guidelines development to improve the quality of eye care.

To compare the distribution and concentration of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) in different dentin depth of premolar and molar of young people.Freshly extracted human premolars and molars (aged between 20-30) were sectioned to 1.5 mm thick slices along the longitudinal axis of the tooth separately. Enamel and pulp of each slice was removed, and then the premolar and molar slices were respectively divided into two subgroups according to superficial or deep dentin and pulverized to fine powder. After dentin protein was extracted, the concentrations of MMP-2 in different tooth were detected using fluorescent microsphere immunoassay.The content of MMP-2 in superficial layer dentin of premolar was (0.022 ± 0.006) ng/mg. The content of MMP-2 in deep layer dentin of premolar was (2.087 ± 0.090) ng/mg. The content of MMP-2 in superficial layer dentin of molar was (0.336 ± 0.037) ng/mg. The content of MMP-2 in deep layer dentin of molar was (3.312 ± 0.308) ng/mg.MMP-2 exists in human coronal dentin. In the same type of teeth of young people, the concentration of MMP-2 in deep dentin was significant higher than those in superficial dentin. In the same dentin depth, the concentration of MMP-2 in molar was significant higher than those in premolar.

Based on the mechanism of seawater corrodes concrete, the comprehensive and comparative analysis on the different anticorrosive methods was carried out. The several groups of samples were produced by adding new additive on the basis of concrete mix design in the laboratory. The erosion environments with the different corrosive ions were simulated. The mechanical nature and permeation heights of the pieces under the different erosion environments were studied. The study provides a reference for the durability design of concrete in the seawater.