BACKGROUND:Inflammation affects the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells,and the osteogenic ability and autophagy level of periodontal ligament stem cells are closely related.However,there are no relevant reports on whether inflammation affects the osteogenic ability and autophagy level of periodontal ligament stem cells at different stages of osteogenic differentiation. OBJECTIVE:To explore alkaline phosphatase expression and autophagy periodontal ligament stem cells levels in periodontitis and normal conditions. METHODS:Periodontal ligament stem cells from normal and periodontitis patients were isolated and cultured,and underwent Vimentin,pan-CK,and Stro-1 fluorescence staining.At 3,7,and 14 days of osteogenic differentiation,western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of alkaline phosphatase,LC3B,Beclin1,and ATG5 in normal and inflammatory periodontal ligament stem cells.The mRNA expression levels of alkaline phosphatase,bone sialoprotein,osteocalcin,Runx2,LC3B,Beclin1,and ATG5 were detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Stro-1 was positive,Vimentin was positive,and pan CK was negative in periodontal ligament stem cells.(2)At 3,7,and 14 days after osteogenic differentiation,compared with normal periodontal ligament stem cells,the mineralization nodules formed by periodontal ligament stem cells from inflammatory sources were significantly reduced(P<0.01);the expression of alkaline phosphatase protein and mRNA was significantly lower(P<0.05);the mRNA expression levels of bone sialoprotein,osteocalcin,and Runx2 were significantly decreased(P<0.05).(3)At 7 and 14 days after osteogenic differentiation,compared with normal periodontal ligament stem cells,the expression levels of ATG5,LC3B,and Beclin1 proteins and mRNA of periodontal ligament stem cells were downregulated(P<0.05).These findings suggest that inflammation reduces the activity of periodontal ligament stem cells in mineralizing nodule formation and the expression of alkaline phosphatase and weakens the autophagy potential of periodontal ligament stem cells at 7 and 14 days after osteogenic differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of a zero-profile three-dimensiaonal (3D)-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage and a conventional titanium plate combined with a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-Cage in the treatment of single-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) by anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: The clinical data of 83 patients with single-segment CSM treated with ACDF between January 2022 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into 3D-ZP group (35 cases, using zero-profile 3D-printed microporous titanium alloy Cage) and CP group (48 cases, using titanium plate in combination with PEEK-Cage). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, surgical intervertebral space, and preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI), vertebral height at the fusion segment, Cobb angle, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, complications, interbody fusion, and prosthesis subsidence were recorded and compared between the two groups. VAS score, NDI, and JOA score were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation, at 3 months after operation, and at last follow-up, and the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle were measured by imaging. The degree of dysphagia was assessed by the Bazaz dysphagia scale at 1 week and at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all the 83 patients. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05), but the operation time in the 3D-ZP group was significantly shorter than that in the CP group (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 24-35 months, with an average of 25.3 months, and there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence and grade of dysphagia in CP group were significantly higher than those in 3D-ZP group at 1 week after operation and at last follow-up (P<0.05). There was no dysphagia in 3D-ZP group at last follow-up. There was no complication such as implant breakage or displacement in both groups. The intervertebral fusion rates of 3D-ZP group and CP group were 65.71% (23/35) and 60.42% (29/48) respectively at 3 months after operation, and there was no significant difference between the two groups [OR (95%CI)=1.256 (0.507, 3.109), P=0.622]. The JOA score, VAS score, and NDI significantly improved in the 3D-ZP group at 3 months and at last follow-up when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation and at last follow-up, the vertebral height at the fusion segment and Cobb angle significantly improved in both groups, and the two indexes in 3D-ZP group were significantly better than those in CP group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the incidence of prosthesis subsidence in 3D-ZP group (8.57%) was significantly lower than that in CP group (29.16%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The application of zero-profile 3D-printed Cage and titanium plate combined with PEEK-Cage in single-segment ACDF can both reconstruct the stability of cervical spine and achieve good effectiveness. Compared with the latter, the application of the former in ACDF can shorten the operation time, reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence, and reduce the incidence of dysphagia.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Titanium ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Male ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Benzophenones ; Adult ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Aged ; Polymers ; Ketones ; Polyethylene Glycols

Psoriasis is an incurable chronic inflammatory disease that requires new interventions. Here, we found that fibroblasts exacerbate psoriasis progression by promoting macrophage recruitment via CCL2 secretion by single-cell multi-omics analysis. The natural small molecule celastrol was screened to interfere with the secretion of CCL2 by fibroblasts and improve the psoriasis-like symptoms in both murine and cynomolgus monkey models. Mechanistically, celastrol directly bound to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) β-chain and abolished its binding to the transcription factor c-Jun in the nucleus, which in turn inhibited CCL2 production by skin fibroblasts, blocked fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and ameliorated psoriasis progression. Notably, fibroblast-specific LRP1 knockout mice exhibited a significant reduction in psoriasis like inflammation. Taken together, from clinical samples and combined with various mouse models, we revealed the pathogenesis of psoriasis from the perspective of fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk, and provided a foundation for LRP1 as a novel potential target for psoriasis treatment.

Local anesthetics (LAs), such as articaine (AT), exhibit limited efficacy in inflammatory environments, which constitutes a significant limitation in their clinical application within oral medicine. In our prior research, we developed AT-17, which demonstrated effective properties in chronic inflammatory conditions and appears to function as a novel oral LA that could address this challenge. In the present study, we further elucidated the beneficial effects of AT-17 in acute inflammation, particularly in oral acute inflammation, where mitochondrial-related apoptosis played a crucial role. Our findings indicated that AT-17 effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nerve cell apoptosis by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro. This process involved the inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production and the subsequent activation of the NRF2 pathway. Most notably, improvements in mitochondria-related apoptosis were key contributors to AT-17's inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels. Additionally, AT-17 was shown to reduce mtROS production in nerve cells through the Na⁺/NCLX/ETC signaling axis. In conclusion, we have developed a novel local anesthetic that exhibits pronounced anesthetic functionality under inflammatory conditions by enhancing mitochondria-related apoptosis. This advancement holds considerable promise for future drug development and deepening our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action.

Insufficient alveolar bone thickness increases the risk of periodontal dehiscence and fenestration, especially in orthodontic tooth movement. Abaloparatide (ABL), a synthetic analog of human PTHrP (1-34) and a clinical medication for treating osteoporosis, has recently demonstrated its potential in enhancing craniofacial bone formation. Herein, we show that intraoral submucosal injection of ABL, when combined with mechanical force, promotes in situ alveolar bone thickening. The newly formed bone is primarily located outside the original compact bone, implying its origin from the periosteum. RNA sequencing of the alveolar bone tissue revealed that the focal adhesion (FA) pathway potentially mediates this bioprocess. Local injection of ABL alone enhances cell proliferation, collagen synthesis, and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the alveolar periosteum; when ABL is combined with mechanical force, the FAK expression is upregulated, in line with the accomplishment of the ossification. In vitro, ABL enhances proliferation, migration, and FAK phosphorylation in periosteal stem cells. Furthermore, the pro-osteogenic effects of ABL on alveolar bone are entirely blocked when FAK activity is inhibited by a specific inhibitor. In summary, abaloparatide combined with mechanical force promotes alveolar bone formation via FAK-mediated periosteal osteogenesis. Thus, we have introduced a promising therapeutic approach for drug-induced in situ alveolar bone augmentation, which may prevent or repair the detrimental periodontal dehiscence, holding significant potential in dentistry.
Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Periosteum/cytology* ; Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Focal Adhesion Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism* ; Alveolar Process/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Male ; Humans ; Focal Adhesion Kinase 1/metabolism* ; Cell Movement/drug effects*

Foreign bodies in the tongue are rare in clinical practice. Accurate localization and appropriate surgical path selection are essential to reduce surgical risk and postoperative complications. This paper reports a case in which the fishbone foreign body at the base of tongue was removed using a translingual ventral approach aided with imaging localization.
Humans ; Foreign Bodies/diagnostic imaging* ; Tongue/surgery*

Objective To investigate the effect of manual therapy based on surface electromyography on knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the older people. Methods A total of 106 outpatient with unilateral KOA were selected from Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,from August,2023 to June,2024,and were randomly divided into control group(n=53)and experimental group(n=53).The control group accepted routine manual therapy,and the experimental group accepted manual therapy based on the analysis of average electromyography(AEMG).They were assessed with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC),Visual An-alogue Scale(VAS)for pain,Tinetti Balance and Gait Score,and 6-minute walk test(6-MWT)distances before and after treatment. Results One case dropped down in each group.Before treatment,AEMG decreased in the rectus femoris,medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius on the affected side in the experimental group(|Z|>8.647,P<0.001),and it increased in the lateral femoris,semitendinosus and biceps femoris(|Z|>4.808,P<0.001).The scores of WOMAC,VAS,Tinetti Balance and Gait Score,and distances of 6-MWT improved in both groups after treat-ment(|t|>3.987,P<0.001),and improved more in the experimental group than in the control group,except the VAS score(|t|>2.213,P<0.05). Conclusion Manual therapy focusing on activation of rectus femoris,medial femoris and medial head of gastrocnemius,inhibition of the lateral femoris,semitendinosus and biceps femoris,and releasing the tension of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments,according to the results of surface electromyography,can alleviate the pain of the KOA in the older people and improve the mobility of the knee.

In recent years, the incidence of obesity has been rapidly increasing, greatly elevating the incidence of hypertension, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and other diseases. Reducing the incidence of obesity has become the focus of global concern. There is an urgent need to find effective and safe treatment method. More and more evidence support the efficacy of auricular acupoint therapy for obesity. It has the advantages of safety, effectiveness, convenience, and cheap. This article intends to discuss the research status of auricular acupoint therapy for obesity based on theoretical development, mechanism exploration, and technical innovation in order to promote the clinical application of auricular acupoint therapy for obesity. At present, with the help of multiple disciplines, inheriting and enriching the theoretical connotation of auricular point therapy for obesity, confirming its clinical effectiveness and safety, clarifying its effect mechanism in the treatment of obesity, and improving the traditional auricular acupoint therapy are feasible directions to promote auricular point therapy in the treatment of obesity, and it can make auricular point therapy have a broader application prospect.

Objective:To describe the distribution of fat-free mass (FFM) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) in children aged 3-17 years in China.Methods:Data were collected from National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey in 0-18 years old children in China. By using multi-stage stratified randomized cluster sampling method, the project was conducted in 28 survey points in urban and rural areas in 14 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in 7 regions in China from 2019 to 2021. FFM was measured using bioelectrical impedance meter. Finally, the body composition data of 70 853 children were included in the analysis. M ( Q1, Q3) was used to describe the gender and age specific FFM and FFMI of the children in different regions. Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used to compare FFM and FFMI of boys and girls in same age group, boys in different age groups, girls in different age groups, as well as boys in same age group and girls in same age group in different regions. DSCF method was used for pairwise comparisons. Results:After the age of 11 years, the difference of FFMI between boys and girls increased year by year. The FFMI was 14.2 kg/m 2 in boys and 13.8 kg/m 2 in girls at 11 years old, the difference was significant ( χ2=135.86, P<0.001). The difference of FFMI between boys and girls exceed 1.0 kg/m 2 from 12 years old, and FFMI was 15.3 kg/m 2 in boys and 14.2 kg/m 2 in girls at 12 year old, the difference was significant ( χ2=597.27, P<0.001). The FFMI was 17.5 kg/m 2 in boys and 14.7 kg/m 2 in girls at 16 years old, the difference was significant ( χ2=2 543.60, P<0.001). The FFMI was higher in boys in northeast China, while the FFMI was lower in both boys and girls in northwest China. Conclusions:Gender specific difference was observed in the increase of FFMI with age. The FFMI was significantly higher in boys than in girls after 11 years old. It is necessary to pay attention to the problem of FFM in children in northeastern and northwestern China.

Objective:To investigate the distribution characteristics of body height, body weight and body mass index (BMI) in children aged 3-17 years in China.Methods:Data were obtained from the National Nutrition and Health Systematic Survey in 0-18 years old children in China. The study selected 70 853 children aged 3-17 years from 28 urban and rural survey sites in 14 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in 7 regions of China with multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. M ( Q1, Q3) was used to describe the region, age and gender specific body height, body weight and BMI in the children aged 3-17 years. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the body height, body weight, and BMI between boys and girls in same age group. Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used to compare the body height, body weight and BMI among boys in different age groups and among girls in different age groups, as well as among boys in same age group and among girls in same age group from different regions, and DSCF method was used for further pairwise comparisons. Results:In this study, the median body height and body weight were 172.0 cm and 62.9 kg in 17-year-old boys and 160.0 cm and 53.7 kg in 17-year-old girls. The median for children's body height, body weight, and BMI in most age groups were higher in northeastern and northern China than in southern China, and the differences could be observed until age 17 years. The differences in body weight and BMI in children in northeastern and northern China were greater in Q3 than in Q1 compared with southern China. Conclusions:The body height of children aged 3-17 years continues to increase in China. Northeastern and northern China have more children with higher bodyweight, showing an obvious body weight increase trend, to which close attention needs to be paid.