A comparative analysis of NLRP3-related inflammatory mediators in synovial fluid in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and internal derangement.

Background: The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway is a highlighted topic in the field of inflammation. However, there is little research on the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). The aim of this study was to examine the expression of inflammatory mediators related to the NLRP3 inflammasome in the synovial fluid of patients with condylar cartilage degeneration and verify the clinical effects of sodium hyaluronic acid (HA) treatment on TMJOA.

Surface plasmon polariton propagation and combination in Y-shaped metallic channels.

The propagation and combination of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in Y-shaped metallic nanochannels are investigated numerically via finite difference time domain (FDTD). It is shown that the behavior of SPPs in nano-size channels resembles that of light guiding in conventional waveguides, and SPPs can also be combined effectively with appropriately designed structures. The loss associated with metal absorption and scattering with the multiple reflections between slit openings on the bend angle are analyzed numerically.