Microbial infections are a prevalent challenge in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Antibiotic therapy faces clinical limitations due to its single-target mechanism and tendency to induce resistance with repeated use, necessitating novel antibacterial strategies. Stimuli-responsive antibacterial materials, whose antimicrobial activity can be modulated by external stimuli, offer advantages such as remote controllability, potential for localized precision treatment, and a reduced risk of inducing resistance. Among these materials, mechanical force-triggered piezoelectric materials exhibit significant antibacterial activity in the biomedical field owing to their unique piezoelectric effect, excellent stability, and good biocompatibility. Research has shown that piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in response to external forces, which enables antibacterial effects without requiring an external power source. The underlying mechanisms primarily include direct electric field effects, generation of reactive oxygen species, and immune modulation. Preliminary applications in treating oral infections (e.g., dental caries, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis) have confirmed their stability and biocompatibility, establishing a foundation for clinical translation. However, long-term efficacy and biosafety in the complex oral microenvironment require further validation. Future research should focus on optimizing material preparation protocols to enhance antibacterial efficacy and stability, further investigating the underlying antimicrobial mechanisms, and systematically evaluating their therapeutic outcomes and safety profiles across various types of oral infections. This review summarizes the antibacterial effects, mechanisms, stability, safety, and research progress of piezoelectric materials in the stomatologic field, aiming to provide new insights for further research and application in this area.

Objective: To compare the changes in the concentration of relevant growth factors released from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stored at -80℃ by cryopreservation and at 4℃ by refrigerated lyophilization over 2 years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for prolonging PRP storage duration. Methods: PRP (n=15) was separated using a blood cell separator and stored under -80℃ cryopreservation (F-PRP group) and 4℃ refrigerated freeze-drying conditions (FD-PRP group). The contents of growth factors (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, EGF, TGF-β1, and VEGF) in both groups were measured by ELISA at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 months. Results: PDGF-AA and VEGF maintained good stability in both groups for up to 24 months. PDGF-BB and TGF-β1 showed high stability in the first 12 months but their stability decreased gradually from 12th to 24th months. EGF demonstrated good stability in the first 6 months, and its stability gradually decreased from the 9th to 24th months. Comparing the F-PRP and FD-PRP groups, the concentrations of the five growth factors in the FD-PRP group were either not statistically different or higher than those in the F-PRP group at all time points. Specifically, the concentrations of EGF were significantly higher in the FD-PRP group at all time points. Conclusion: Both -80℃ freezing and 4℃ freeze-drying enable long-term preservation of PRP. Freeze-drying imposes less stringent storage requirements and facilitates growth factor compared to frozen storage.

Objective To investigate the correlation between different forms of serum vitamin D levels and liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2021–2023 were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between serum total vitamin D, 25(OH)D₃ levels, and liver fibrosis in the MAFLD patients. Results A total of 2 628 patients were included. There were significant differences between MAFLD patients with liver fibrosis and those without fibrosis in age, smoking history, waist circumference, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, hypertension history, vitamin D, and 25(OH)D₃ levels (P＜0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared to the low total serum vitamin D group (11.2-61.8 nmol/L), MAFLD patients with high total vitamin D levels (89.1 nmol/L＜vitamin D≤290 nmol/L) exhibited a 22% reduced risk of liver fibrosis (OR＝0.78, 95%CI 0.64-0.94, P＝0.015). Similarly, compared to the low 25(OH)D₃ group (4.1-57.0 nmol/L), those with high 25(OH)D₃ level [84.7 nmol/L＜25(OH)D₃≤288 nmol/L] showed a 23% lower risk of liver fibrosis (OR＝0.77, 95%CI 0.62-0.95, P＝0.021). After adjusting for covariates, high total vitamin D levels remained significantly associated with reduced liver fibrosis risk (OR＝0.63, 95%CI 0.42-0.94, P＝0.036). Conclusions Elevated serum total vitamin D and 25(OH)D₃ levels are protective factors against early liver fibrosis in MAFLD patients.

Objective:This aims to investigate the diagnostic and evaluative value of MRI for lymphatic malformations in the head, neck, and facial regions of children. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the MRI imaging data of 31 cases of head, neck, and facial lymphatic malformations in children admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, from January 2022 to January 2024. Results:The MRI images of this group of cases primarily displayed irregular morphology（80.6%, 25/31）, thin-walled cysts（80.6%, 25/31）, and compression of surrounding tissues. The boundaries were clear（100%, 31/31）, with characteristics of invasive and drill-like growth（93.5%）. The cyst walls or internal septa exhibited high signal intensity on T1WI, low signal intensity on T2WI, and mild to moderate enhancement（100%）. The contents of the cysts showed low signal intensity on T1WI, high signal intensity on T2WI, and no enhancement（35.5%, 11/31）. Mixed signals with varying degrees of enhancement were observed in 20 cases（64.5%）. There were 29 cases of multilocular cysts（93.5%, 29/31）, and 11 cases of fluid-fluid levels（35.5%）. The MRI diagnostic accuracy for this group of cases was 100%. Conclusion:Lymphatic Malformations of head, neck and facial region in children have very characteristic features on MRI, such as typical thin wall, clear boundaries, irregular shapes, invasive growth, no enhancement, multilocular cystic masses, fluid-fluid level, etc. Furthermore, it is more appropriate for children with lymphatic malformations owing to its non-radiation and non-invasive benefits. Diagnosing lymphatic malformations in the head, neck, and facial region in children should begin with this.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Lymphatic Abnormalities/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck/diagnostic imaging* ; Head/diagnostic imaging* ; Face/diagnostic imaging* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Infant

G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) participates in the phosphorylation and desensitization of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), impacting various biological processes such as inflammation and cell proliferation. Dysregulated expression and activity of GRK2 have been reported in multiple cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, whether and how GRK2 regulates synovial hyperplasia and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) proliferation is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the regulation of GRK2 and its biological function in RA. We found that GRK2 transmembrane activity was increased in FLSs of RA patients and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Additionally, we noted a positive correlation between high GRK2 expression on the cell membrane and serological markers associated with RA and CIA. Immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry and pull-down analyses revealed tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as a novel substrate of GRK2. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking assays determined that the C-terminus of GRK2 binds to the C-terminus of TRAF2 at the Gln340 residue. GRK2 knockdown and the GRK2 inhibitor CP-25 attenuated synovial hyperplasia and FLS proliferation in CIA both in vitro and in vivo by decreasing GRK2 membrane expression and activity. Mechanistically, increased GRK2 transmembrane activity contributed to the recruitment of TRAF2 on the cell membrane, promoting GRK2-TRAF2 interactions that facilitate the recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM47 to TRAF2. This enhanced TRAF2 Lys63 polyubiquitylation and induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, leading to synovial hyperplasia and abnormal proliferation of FLSs. Our study provides a mechanistic and preclinical rationale for further evaluation of GRK2 as a therapeutic target for RA.

With the rapid advancement of vaccines, the research and application of vaccine adjuvants have garnered significant attention. Despite the development of numerous vaccine adjuvants, their applications in human vaccines remain limited due to either insufficient efficacy or severe side effects. Consequently, there is growing interest in developing bioactive compounds derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) as vaccine adjuvants, owing to their natural biocompatibility, diversity, and safety. Here, we systematically review the current application status and potential value of TCM-based bioactive compounds in vaccine adjuvants. Firstly, we elaborate on the types and characteristics of active ingredients, such as polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, acids, and alkaloids. The mechanisms by which these compounds function as vaccine adjuvants are then discussed, including their roles in enhancing humoral immunity, cellular immunity, and relieving the immune suppression in the microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize the current strategies for structural modification and platform optimization to adapt to different application scenarios. Finally, we offer insights into the future development directions for these potential adjuvants, highlighting research priorities, technical approaches, and application prospects. In conclusion, natural vaccine adjuvants derived from TCMs present broad application prospects and hold promise for future vaccine development.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Bushen Huoxue prescription on the cardiac function， inflammation， and quality of life of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. MethodA total of 78 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into observation and control groups （39 cases）. Both groups received standardized treatment for diuretic resistance in accordance with the guidelines. In addition， the observation group received Bushen Huoxue prescription. The cardiac function indicators， total response rate regarding symptom alleviation， exercise endurance， urine volume， body mass， quality of life， and levels of inflammatory cytokines were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. ResultBefore treatment， the two groups of patients showed no significant differences in terms of 24 h urine volume， body mass， 6 minute walk test （6MWT）， Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire （MLHFQ） score， N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） level， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， stroke volume （SV）， and serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-4 （IL-4）， and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）. After treatment， the observation group outperformed the control group in terms of the response rates regarding traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores and New York Heart Association （NYHA） grading of cardiac function （P<0.05）. After treatment， the body mass， MLHFQ score， and IL-6， TNF-α， and NT-proBNP levels decreased in both groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the observation group showed more significant decreases than the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Both groups showed increases in 24-h urine volume， 6MWT， LVEF， SV， and IL-4 after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the observation group showed more significant increases than the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe combination of Bushen Huoxue prescription with standardized treatment is effective in ameliorating the clinical symptoms of the patients with chronic heart failure resistant to diuretics. Moreover， it alleviates diuretic resistance and improves the cardiac function without causing obvious adverse reactions.

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy of Huangjin Shuangshen Jiawei （HJSSJW） granules in treating postoperative anxiety and depression after percutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for coronary heart disease and the effects of this medicine on inflammatory cytokines. MethodNinety-four patients diagnosed with anxiety and depression after PCI were randomized into observation and control groups （47 cases） by the double-blind method. On the basis of conventional Western medical treatment， the observation group was treated with HJSSJW granules for 12 weeks， and the control group with the simulant of HJSSJW granules for 12 weeks. The two groups were compared in terms of Hamilton Anxiety and Depression Scales （HAMA-14， HAMD-24）， Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory （PSQI）， Seattle Angina Score （SAQ）， TCM symptom scores， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom score and response rate， serum levels of hypersensitive-C reactive protein （hs-CPR）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and interleukin （IL-6）， and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events （MACEs） and adverse reactions. ResultAfter treatment， both groups showed declined scores of HAMA-14， HAMD-24， and PSQI （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the observation group had lower scores of HAMA-14， HAMD-24， and PSQI than the control group （P<0.01）. The scores of SAQ in both groups increased after treatment （P<0.01）， and the observation group had higher score of each dimension than the control group （P<0.05）. The TCM symptom scores decreased in both groups after treatment （P<0.01）， and they were lower in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.05）. The total response rate regarding TCM symptoms in the observation group was higher than that in the control group （χ²=9.225， P<0.01）. After treatment， the levels of hs-CPR， IL-6， and TNF-α became lowered in both groups （P<0.01）， and the observation group had lower levels of hs-CPR， IL-6， and TNF-α than the control group （P<0.05）. The incidence of MACEs in the observation group was lower than that in the control group during the 90 d of the follow-up period （χ²=4.242， P<0.05）. No adverse reactions associated with the use of HJSSJW granules were observed during the trial period. ConclusionHJSSJW granules can alleviate the bad mood， improve sleep， mitigate somatic symptoms， improve the quality of life， reduce inflammatory damage， and improve prognosis， being safe for clinical use in patients with postoperative anxiety and depression after PCI for coronary heart disease.

【Objective】 To investigate the feasibility of allogeneic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of skin injury around enterostomy. 【Methods】 The treatment process by PRP of 2 patients with skin injury around enterostomy was analyzed, and the PRP for each patient was tested with platelet count, bacteria and 5 growth factors. The clinical efficacy of enteral nutrition support therapy combined with allogeneic PRP was explored through analyzing treatment key points and literature review. 【Results】 After cleaning the skin around enterostomy, the patients were treated with PRP once daily for 5 days, adjusted to once every other day, and cure was achieved at 15 and 18 days, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Allogeneic PRP is a safe and effective treatment to promote skin injury around enterostomy regeneration in a short time, which can provide a new perspective for clinical.

Objective : To identify possible associated genetic variants and characterise the clinical presentation of isolated ectopia lentis (IEL) . Methods : Forty - eight members with 5 generations of an IEL family were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood samples of all members were collected , and clinical manifestations were observed through physical examination and routine ophthalmological examination. Whole⁃exome sequencing (WES) was performed for two patients to identify disease⁃causing variants. The target variants were verified by Sanger sequencing in family members and 200 normal controls. Then , candidate variants were verified using Sanger sequencing in family members and 200 healthy controls. SIFT , PolyPhen and MutationTester were used to predict the protein function. Results : A total of 13 IEL patients in this family which inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The mean age at disease onset was 51. 5 years. The main clinical phenotype of this ICE was characterised by ectopia lentis which anterior inclinated to the anterior chamber. As the anterior chamber became shallow , and the angle of the chamber became narrow , and eventually resulted in the secondary glaucoma. A heterozygous missense variantin the fibrillin gene⁃1 (FBN1) gene (c. 3463G > A) was identified by WES , which was present in all patients but was absent in 200 healthy controls. SIFT , PolyPhen and MutationTester predicted that the variant affected protein function. Conclusion This IEL family is characterized by secondary glaucoma as the first symptom which is caused by ectopia lens with inclination. The c. 3463G > A of FBN1 gene may be the pathogenic mutation leading to IEL in this family.