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.

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy between liposuction combined with circumareolar small incision and three-port endoscopic surgery for the treatment of Simon Ⅱ gynecomastia (GYN). Methods Comparative case data of 120 patients with GYN were retrospectively analyzed, 61 patients in the open group underwent circumareolar small incision mastectomy after liposuction, and 59 patients in the endoscopic group underwent three-port endoscopic mastectomy after liposuction. The two groups were compared in terms of surgery-related indexes, occurrence of postoperative complications and patient satisfaction. Results The unilateral operation time of the open group was shorter than that of the endoscopic group, the unilateral gland resection weight in the open group was more than that in the endoscopic group, the hospitalization cost of the open group was less than that of the endoscopic group (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in unilateral liposuction volume, drainage volume on the first postoperative day, and time to drain removal between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of complications in the open group and the endoscopic group were 8.2% and 13.6% respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The difference in the overall satisfaction scores between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions Liposuction combined with circumareolar small incision or three-port endoscopic surgery both has good cosmetic effects in the treatment of Simon Ⅱ GYN. The operation with circumareolar small incision is simple, has a shorter operation time, costs less, and does not require special equipment, which is suitable for promotion and application in medical institutions.

Objective : To generate heterozygous TRAF2 knockout mice, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology was successfully employed. These mice were served as a valuable model to explore the pathological mechanisms underlying inflammatory and immune disorders mediated by abnormal TNF-α-TRAF2 signaling and to develop new therapeutic targets. Methods : A vector targeting the knockout of the TRAF2 gene was constructed. Lead RNA and Cas9 Mrna were introduced into the fertilized eggs of C57BL/6JGpt mice through microinjection to mediate the TRAF2 gene mutation in mice. The mouse tail protein was extracted and the genotype of the F0 generation was determined by PCR and Western blot. TRAF2+/- mice were successfully obtained. F0 generation mice were backcrossed with C57BL/6JGpt wild-type mice to obtain stable TRAF2+/- mice for propagation and subsequent experiments. The body weight of TRAF2+/- mice was detected; Western blot was used to detect the expression of TRAF2 in the spleen, liver and kidney tissues of TRAF2+/- mice. The development of spleen, liver and kidney tissues in TRAF2+/- mice was detected by HE staining. Results : PCR identification using specific primers demonstrated that TRAF2+/- mice exhibited a target band at 679 bp. Western blot analysis results indicated that, compared with the WT group, the expression of TRAF2 in the tail protein of TRAF2+/- mice was significantly reduced(P+/- mice had a lower body weight compared to their littermate WT mice(P+/- mice was decreased(P+/- mice and WT mice. Conclusion The successful construction of TRAF2+/- mice has provided an important animal model for exploring the role of TRAF2 in developmental regulation, revealing the mechanism of inflammatory immune diseases mediated by abnormal TNF-α-TRAF2 signaling, and screening related drug targets.

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 per-formed 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 variant in 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.

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 per-formed 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 variant in 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.