Ecoflex is a commercial designation for elastomers developed based on the principles of environmental sustainability and flexibility. Various manufacturers offer different types of Ecoflex products with distinct compositions and functions. Among these, the platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber Ecoflex series has demonstrated considerable applicability in various fields of oral medicine due to its excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, stability across a wide temperature range, and tunable mechanical properties. In tissue engineering, it can simulate the mechanical behavior of oral mucosa, and is used in cleft lip surgical training models and preoperative evaluation for temporal bone defect reconstruction. In the field of wearable devices, leveraging its encapsulation protection and flexible characteristics, highly sensitive sensors constructed from Ecoflex can monitor signals such as oral bite force and masticatory muscle activity, thereby aiding in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders and postoperative evaluation of cleft lip and palate. Moreover, when combined with bio-waste materials, it promotes the functionalization and sustainability of oral wearable devices.In drug delivery systems, its conformability and controlled-release capability address challenges in localized oral drug administration. Designs such as flexible microneedles and temperature-responsive composite systems provide precise solutions for treating periodontitis and oral ulcers. In minimally invasive surgical instruments, its softness enables the development of soft robots and magnetically controlled microfluidic valves, enhancing surgical safety and precision. In the field of oral rehabilitation, Ecoflex soft liner materials, inspired by the suction cup structure of octopus tentacles, improve denture retention. Their low modulus reduces mucosal irritation, ensuring both comfort and durability. Although Ecoflex shows great potential in biomedical applications, it still faces certain challenges, particularly regarding long-term stability after implantation, mechanical fatigue resistance, and microbial colonization, which require further investigation. In the future, with advancements in 3D printing technology, Ecoflex is expected to achieve more precise clinical translation across multiple fields and drive innovation in intelligent biomaterials.

Objective To explore the effects of behavior change intervention based on the multi-ple-theory model on patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke.Methods A total of 93 patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke who were hospitalized in the vascular neurology ward of Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from January to August 2024 were selected as the study subjects using the convenience sampling method.They were randomly divided into control group(n=49)and intervention group(n=44)using the envelope-drawing method.Patients in the control group re-ceived routine stroke health education,while those in the intervention group underwent a 3-month be-havior change program guided by the multiple-theory model.The levels of healthy behaviors,body mass index(BMI),total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein(HDL-C),and low-density lipoprotein(LDL-C)were compared between the two groups.Results There were no statistically significant differences in general information and disease-related data between the two groups(P＞0.05).At 1-,3-,and 6-month after the intervention,the level of healthy behaviors in the intervention group was higher than that in the control group,with statistically significant differ-ences(P＜0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in BMI between the two groups at 6 months after the intervention(P＜0.05).The TC levels in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months after the intervention were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The HDL-C level in the intervention group at 6 months after the intervention was high-er than that in the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).The LDL-C levels in the intervention group at 1-,3-,and 6-month after the intervention were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in TG levels between the intervention group and the control group at different time points after the intervention(P＞0.05).Conclusion The behavior change intervention pro-gram based on the multiple-theory model can effectively improve and maintain healthy behaviors and improve blood lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemic ischemic stroke.

Regenerating periodontal bone defect surrounding periodontal tissue is crucial for orthodontic or dental implant treatment. The declined osteogenic ability of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) induced by inflammation stimulus contributes to reduced capacity to regenerate periodontal bone, which brings about a huge challenge for treating periodontitis. Here, inspired by the adhesive property of mussels, we have created adhesive and mineralized hydrogel microspheres loaded with traditional compound cordycepin (MMS-CY). MMS-CY could adhere to the surface of alveolar bone, then promote the migration capacity of PDLSCs and thus recruit them to inflammatory periodontal tissues. Furthermore, MMS-CY rescued the impaired osteogenesis and ligament-forming capacity of PDLSCs, which were suppressed by the inflammation stimulus. Moreover, MMS-CY also displayed the excellent inhibitory effect on the osteoclastic activity. Mechanistically, MMS-CY inhibited the premature senescence induced by the inflammation stimulus through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) pathway and reducing the DNA injury. Utilizing in vivo rat periodontitis model, MMS-CY was demonstrated to enhance the periodontal bone regeneration by improving osteogenesis and inhibiting the osteoclastic activity. Altogether, our study indicated that the multi-pronged approach is promising to promote the periodontal bone regeneration in periodontitis condition by reducing the inflammation-induced stem cell senescence and maintaining bone homeostasis.
Animals ; Bone Regeneration/drug effects* ; Rats ; Periodontal Ligament/cytology* ; Microspheres ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2 ; Hydrogels ; Periodontitis/therapy* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Stem Cells ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans

Objective: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Xuanfei Baidu Decoction (XFBD) in a mouse model of dampness-heat toxin pneumonia. By exploring how XFBD exerts its effects, we seek to deepen our understanding of its role in treating pulmonary diseases and to address the current knowledge gap regarding its mechanisms of action, thereby supporting its clinical application. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) were employed to analyze the chemical constituents of XFBD. The protective effects of XFBD were evaluated using a dampness-heat toxin-induced mouse model, established through dampness-heat exposure and HCoV-229E infection. XFBD was administered orally, followed by assessments including lung index measurement, micro-CT imaging, viral load quantification, cytokine analysis, and histological evaluation via hematoxylin-eosin staining. Proteomics and single-cell transcriptomic analyses were conducted to explore the potential mechanisms underlying XFBD’s pharmacological effects. A cellular model of HCoV-229E infection was developed to investigate changes in the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments confirmed the strong binding affinity between key XFBD components and PKA. Finally, PKA activators and inhibitors were applied in vitro to validate these mechanistic findings. Results: In vivo studies demonstrated that XFBD significantly reduced the lung index, improved the structural integrity of lung and tongue tissues, and decreased levels of proinflammatory mediators, including IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Proteomic and single-cell transcriptomic analyses showed that the differentially expressed proteins after XFBD treatment were primarily associated with inflammatory responses and immune regulation. The cAMP/PKA signaling pathway was identified as a key mechanism underlying these therapeutic effects. Notably, Western blot, ELISA, molecular docking, and SPR analyses confirmed that XFBD elevated cAMP levels and p-PKA expression, thereby activating the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in vitro. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that XFBD significantly alleviates symptoms in mice with dampness-heat toxin pneumonia. Its therapeutic effects are mediated, at least in part, through activation of the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway. These findings provide compelling evidence that XFBD is an effective herbal remedy against HCoV-229E infection.

Objective To analyze residents' awareness,usage,and influencing factors regarding smart shared Tradition-al Chinese Medicine(TCM)pharmacies in Nanchang City.Methods Descriptive analysis,one-way ANOVA,chi-square tests,and hierarchical regression analysis were employed to determine the awareness,usage,and influencing factors of shared TCM pharmacies.Results The survey revealed that the primary channel for disseminating information about smart shared TCM phar-macies is the internet.The functions of TCM decoction and delivery services were widely recognized among respondents.Conven-ience was a key advantage considered by users.Most respondents had not used smart shared TCM pharmacy services,while over half primarily utilized TCM decoction,delivery,and prescription review services.Willingness to pay for decoction and delivery services was moderate,and drug quality emerged as a critical issue for the development of smart shared TCM pharmacies.Statisti-cally significant differences in awareness were observed across age,education level,residential area,household registration type,occupation,and household income(P＜0.05).Age,occupation,residential area,and household registration significantly influ-enced usage frequency(P＜0.05).The primary drivers of usage behavior were the functional value of smart shared TCM phar-macies rather than demographic characteristics.Conclusion It is recommended that the government,hospitals,and enterprises collaborate to establish a service framework for smart shared TCM pharmacies that ensures"visible quality,reliable delivery,and affordable pricing".

Objective:To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) and its inhibitor in alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization (CNV).Methods:Seventy-two SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a normal group and 1 day post-modeling, 4 days post-modeling, and 7 days post-modeling groups to establish an alkali burn-induced CNV model and determine the optimal time point for analysis.Another 90 mice were randomly assigned to five groups: alkali burn group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor combined with FGF2 group to evaluate the role of PRMT1 in CNV.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and murine macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells were used to establish a hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced in vitro model to mimic the ischemic microenvironment.Cells were assigned to the following groups: control group, H/R group, H/R+ DMSO group, H/R+ si-NC group, H/R+ si-PRMT1 group, H/R+ si-FGF2 group, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group.Corneal opacity and CNV areas were assessed by slit-lamp microscopy.Corneal structural changes and inflammatory cell count were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining.PRMT1-positive cell count was determined by immunohistochemistry and the expression of PRMT1, CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), F4/80, CD206, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was assessed by immunofluorescence staining.The expression levels of macrophage markers, including F4/80, iNOS, CD206, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and arginase-1 (Arg-1), were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot.Cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic capacity were evaluated by functional assays including the CCK-8 assay, wound healing assay, Transwell migration assay, and tube formation assay.The research process followed the relevant regulations of the Visual and Ophthalmology Association, and the research plan was approved by the Laboratory Animal Committee of Wuhan University (No.20220504A). Results:Compared with the normal group, the 7 days post-modeling group showed significantly increased corneal opacity scores and CNV area, upregulated VEGF expression, and increased inflammatory cells (all P<0.05).The number of PRMT1-positive cells in the alkali burn group was (39.67±3.51) cells/visual field, which was significantly higher than (3.33±0.58) cells/visual field in the normal group ( t=17.68, P<0.01).Both mRNA and protein expression levels of PRMT1 and FGF2 were significantly elevated in the alkali burn group compared with the normal group (all P<0.01).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group showed reduced corneal opacity scores, decreased CNV area, fewer inflammatory cells, and lower expression levels of PRMT1, FGF2, VEGF, Arg-1, IL-10 proteins, as well as CD206 mRNA (all P<0.05).Cell viability, migration distance, migration number, and tubes formed were significantly increased in the H/R group compared with the control group, significantly reduced in the H/R+ si-PRMT1 and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor groups compared with the H/R group and significantly increased in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the H/R group, the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group exhibited reduced expression of FGF2, VEGFA, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, while those were upregulated in the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).The proportions of CD206-positive cells in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups were all significantly higher than those in the control group, and significantly higher in the H/R, H/R+ DMSO, and H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups compared with the H/R+ PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the FGF2 inhibitor group, PRMT1 inhibitor group, and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group all showed reduced corneal opacity scores, CNV area, and decreased number of VEGFA-, CD206-, and F4/80-positive cells, with the above indicators being lower in the PRMT1 inhibitor group compared with the FGF2 inhibitor and PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 groups and higher in PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the FGF2 inhibitor group (all P<0.05).Compared with the alkali burn group, the PRMT1 inhibitor group had decreased protein expression levels of FGF2, p-PI3K, p-Akt, CD31, VEGFA and Arg-1, with higher protein expression levels in the PRMT1 inhibitor+ FGF2 group than in the PRMT1 inhibitor group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:PRMT1 may regulate macrophage activation and anti-inflammatory polarization via the FGF2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of CNV.Targeted inhibition of PRMT1 may serve as an effective therapeutic strategy for CNV.

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine on postop-erative sleep quality in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery following Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block(OSTAPB).Methods A total of 140 patients who underwent gastric surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between September 2024 and November 2024 were enrolled.According to the random number table method,they were randomly allocated into two groups:the simple subcostal transversus abdominis plane block group(Group A)and the dexmedetomidine combined with subcostal transversus abdominis plane block group(Group B),with 70 patients in each group.The study compared the Asymptomatic Sleep Distur-bance Scale(AIS)scores and Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)scores on the night before surgery,AIS scores on the night after surgery and the following day,the amount of remifentanil used during surgery,and the cumulative num-ber of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)button presses within 3 days postoperatively.Additionally,the Numeric Rating Scale(NRS)pain scores at 2 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h post-surgery,as well as the Quality of Recovery-15(QoR-15)scores on the night of surgery and the second day post-surgery,were evaluated.Results There were no significant differences in anxiety levels or subjective sleep quality scores between the two groups prior to the opera-tion(P>0.05).Additionally,there was no significant difference in the usage of remifentanil between Group A and Group B(P>0.05).The NRS scores for pain differed significantly between the two groups within the first 48 hours post-operation(P<0.05);however,no significant difference was observed in NRS scores between the two groups after 24 hours during rest.Furthermore,the number of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)activations in Group B was significantly lower than that in Group A at 12 hours post-operation(P<0.05).Lastly,both the QoR-15 and sleep quality were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine for subcostal transversus abdominis plane block not only provides superior postoperative analgesia compared to ropivacaine alone but also enhances patients' sleep quality and recovery quality on the night following surgery,thereby contributing to improved overall postoperative recovery.

Objective To analyze residents' awareness,usage,and influencing factors regarding smart shared Tradition-al Chinese Medicine(TCM)pharmacies in Nanchang City.Methods Descriptive analysis,one-way ANOVA,chi-square tests,and hierarchical regression analysis were employed to determine the awareness,usage,and influencing factors of shared TCM pharmacies.Results The survey revealed that the primary channel for disseminating information about smart shared TCM phar-macies is the internet.The functions of TCM decoction and delivery services were widely recognized among respondents.Conven-ience was a key advantage considered by users.Most respondents had not used smart shared TCM pharmacy services,while over half primarily utilized TCM decoction,delivery,and prescription review services.Willingness to pay for decoction and delivery services was moderate,and drug quality emerged as a critical issue for the development of smart shared TCM pharmacies.Statisti-cally significant differences in awareness were observed across age,education level,residential area,household registration type,occupation,and household income(P＜0.05).Age,occupation,residential area,and household registration significantly influ-enced usage frequency(P＜0.05).The primary drivers of usage behavior were the functional value of smart shared TCM phar-macies rather than demographic characteristics.Conclusion It is recommended that the government,hospitals,and enterprises collaborate to establish a service framework for smart shared TCM pharmacies that ensures"visible quality,reliable delivery,and affordable pricing".