Loss of dental pulp potentially increased the risk of Alzheimer's dementia.

Background/purpose: Chronic periodontitis and tooth loss contribute to cognitive decline. Since many biological processes are shared by loss of teeth and loss of pulps, this study investigated the potential association between loss of pulp and the development of dementia.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted to investigate the association between dental treatment and the development of dementia.

Polarization optical coherence tomography optoretinography: verifying light-induced photoreceptor outer segment shrinkage and subretinal space expansion.

Significance: Stimulus-evoked intrinsic optical signal (IOS) changes in retinal photoreceptors are critical for functional optoretinography (ORG). Optical coherence tomography (OCT), with its depth-resolved imaging capability, has been actively explored for IOS imaging of retinal photoreceptors. However, recent OCT studies have reported conflicting results regarding light-induced changes in the photoreceptor outer segments (OSs), with both elongation and shrinkage being observed.

Tailoring of Selective Chemo-Responsiveness in Liquid Crystals via Organic Ionic Plastic Crystals.

Liquid crystals (LCs) are widely used as promising stimuli-responsive materials due to their unique combination of liquid and crystalline properties, providing the capability to sense even molecular-scale events and amplify them into macroscopic optical outputs. However, encoding a high level of selectivity to a specific intermolecular event remains a key challenge, leading to prior studies regarding chemically functionalized LC interfaces. Herein, we propose an integrative strategy to significantly advance the design of chemo-responsive LCs through a deep fundamental understanding on the orientational coupling of LCs with new functional molecules, organic ionic plastic crystals (OIs), presented at LC interfaces.

A systematic review and meta-analyses of the temporal stability and convergent validity of risk preference measures.

Understanding whether risk preference represents a stable, coherent trait is central to efforts aimed at explaining, predicting and preventing risk-related behaviours. We help characterize the nature of the construct by adopting a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analytic approach to summarize the temporal stability of 358 risk preference measures (33 panels, 57 samples, 579,114 respondents). Our findings reveal noteworthy heterogeneity across and within measure categories (propensity, frequency and behaviour), domains (for example, investment, occupational and alcohol consumption) and sample characteristics (for example, age).

Radiofrequency Ablation of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study Including Patients with More than 10 Years of Follow-up.

The longest reported follow-up for thermal ablation of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is 5 years. We evaluated the long-term efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with low-risk PTMC with clinical follow-up of more than 10 years. In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with low-risk PTMC who had more than 10 years of follow-up after ultrasound (US)-guided RFA (performed between May 2008 and December 2013).

Fabrication of a micropatterned shape-memory polymer patch with L-DOPA for tendon regeneration.

A scaffold design for tendon regeneration has been proposed, which mimics the microstructural features of tendons and provides appropriate mechanical properties. We synthesized a temperature-triggered shape-memory polymer (SMP) using the ring-opening polymerization of polycaprolactone (PCL) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a macroinitiator. We fabricated a micropatterned patch using SMP capillary force lithography, which mimicked a native tendon, for providing physical cues and guiding effects.

Liquid-based encapsulation for implantable bioelectronics across broad pH environments.

Wearable and implantable bioelectronics that can interface for extended periods with highly mobile organs and tissues across a broad pH range would be useful for various applications in basic biomedical research and clinical medicine. The encapsulation of these systems, however, presents a major challenge, as such devices require superior barrier performance against water and ion penetration in challenging pH environments while also maintaining flexibility and stretchability to match the physical properties of the surrounding tissue. Current encapsulation materials are often limited to near-neutral pH conditions, restricting their application range.

Improved Hematology Analysis Based on Microfluidic Impedance Spectroscopy: Erythrocyte Orientation and Anisotropic Dielectric Properties of Flowing Blood.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has great potential for laboratory blood tests. The overall aim of this study is to develop a microfluidic sensor for determining the physical properties and hematological parameters of blood based on its dielectric spectra. Impedance was measured in flowing blood to prevent aggregation and sedimentation at frequencies between 40 Hz and 110 MHz.

Enhancing Thermal Insulation Property and Flexibility of Starch/Poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) Blend Foam by Improving Rheological Properties.

Starch foam has attracted significant attention as an alternative to expanded styrene (EPS) foam owing to its abundance and biodegradability. Despite these merits, its limited thermal insulation and flexibility compared to EPS have hindered its utilization in packaging. Herein, we report the effect of blending with starch/PBAT on foaming behavior and physical properties during foaming processing.

Yeokwisan: Standardised Herbal Formula Enhancing Gastric Mucosal Protection Against Gastric Ulcers in Mice, a Preclinical Study.

: Yeokwisan (YWS) is a standardised herbal formula for relieving functional dyspepsia symptoms. : We explored the therapeutic value of YWS and its potential effects on gastritis. Its inhibitory effect on gastric mucosal damage and anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of alcohol- and restraint stress-induced gastritis were also examined.

High-Mobility All-Transparent TFTs with Dual-Functional Amorphous IZTO for Channel and Transparent Conductive Electrodes.

The increasing demand for advanced transparent and flexible display technologies has led to significant research in thin-film transistors (TFTs) with high mobility, transparency, and mechanical robustness. In this study, we fabricated all-transparent TFTs (AT-TFTs) utilizing amorphous indium-zinc-tin-oxide (a-IZTO) as a dual-functional material for both the channel layer and transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). The a-IZTO was deposited using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering, with its composition adjusted for both channel and electrode functionality.

Characterization of Phage Endolysin PlyDolk21.

is a significant cause of food poisoning. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, commonly used to control , are becoming less effective due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, necessitating alternative control strategies. A -infecting bacteriophage, Dolk21, and its endolysin, PlyDolk21, were isolated and characterized.

Association of Increased CT-Attenuation of Visceral Adipose Tissue After Surgery with Poor Survival Outcomes in Patients with Stage II-III Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether post-operative changes in the computed tomography (CT)-attenuation of subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral (VAT) adipose tissues were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS), peritoneal RFS, and overall survival (OS) in patients with stage II-III gastric cancer.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 243 patients with stage II-III gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery. CT-attenuation values of SAT (SAT HU) and VAT (VAT HU) were measured from non-contrast-enhanced abdominopelvic CT images taken pre-operatively and 6 months post-operatively.

Fc-binding nanodisc restores antiviral efficacy of antibodies with reduced neutralizing effects against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Passive antibody therapies, typically administered via parenteral routes, have played a crucial role in the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has revealed significant limitations of this approach, primarily due to mutational escape and the inadequate delivery of antibodies to the upper respiratory tract. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel prophylactic strategy involving the intranasal delivery of an antibody in combination with an Fc-binding nanodisc.

Essential Oils from Chromolaena odorata (L.) R. M. King and H. Robinson Stem Barks and Leaves: Chemical Analysis, Biological Activity and In Silico Approach.

The current study first describes the chemical profiles of essential oils from Vietnamese Chromolaena odorata fresh stem barks and leaves. The gas chromatography-flame inonization detection/mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS) analysis revealed that α-pinene (6.97-38.

A Model H5N2 Vaccine Strain for Dual Protection Against H5N1 and H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses.

Highly pathogenic (HP) H5Nx and low-pathogenicity (LP) H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose global threats to the poultry industry and public health, highlighting the critical need for a dual-protective vaccine. In this study, we generated a model PR8-derived recombinant H5N2 vaccine strain with hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from clade 2.3.

Polysaccharide Fraction Isolated from Exhibits Anti-Cancer Effects Through Immunostimulating Activities.

The present research aimed to assess the anti-cancer effects of the polysaccharide fraction (SJP) isolated from . The release of immune-activating cytokines, including IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α, was markedly stimulated by the SJP in a concentration-dependent manner within the range of 1 to 100 µg/mL. Furthermore, the prophylactic intravenous () and per os () injection of SJP boosted the cytolytic activity mediated by NK cells and CTLs against tumor cells.

Direct and Indirect Protein Interactions Link FUS Aggregation to Histone Post-Translational Modification Dysregulation and Growth Suppression in an ALS/FTD Yeast Model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are incurable neurodegenerative disorders sharing pathological and genetic features, including mutations in the gene. FUS is an RNA-binding protein that mislocalizes to the cytoplasm and aggregates in ALS/FTD. In a yeast model, FUS proteinopathy is connected to changes in the epigenome, including reductions in the levels of H3S10ph, H3K14ac, and H3K56ac.

Polydeoxynucleotide-Loaded Visible Light Photo-Crosslinked Gelatin Methacrylate Hydrogel: Approach to Accelerating Cartilage Regeneration.

Articular cartilage faces challenges in self-repair due to the lack of blood vessels and limited chondrocyte concentration. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) shows promise for promoting chondrocyte growth and cartilage regeneration, but its delivery has been limited to injections. Continuous PDRN delivery is crucial for effective cartilage regeneration.

Modulation of Second Messenger Signaling in the Brain Through PDE4 and PDE5 Inhibition: Therapeutic Implications for Neurological Disorders.

Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes regulate intracellular signaling pathways crucial for brain development and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. Among the 11 PDE subtypes, PDE4 and PDE5 are particularly significant due to their regulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling, respectively, which are vital for learning, memory, and neuroprotection. This review synthesizes current evidence on the roles of PDE4 and PDE5 in neurological health and disease, focusing on their regulation of second messenger pathways and their implications for brain function.

Exo- and Endo-1,5-α-L-Arabinanases and Prebiotic Arabino-Oligosaccharides Production.

There is growing interest in pentose-based prebiotic oligosaccharides as alternatives to traditional hexose-based prebiotics. Among these, arabino-oligosaccharides (AOS), derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis of arabinan polymers, have gained significant attention. AOS can selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, including and species, and contribute to health-benefit functions such as blood sugar control, positioning AOS as a promising synbiotic candidate.

Identification and characterization of CD83 and CD276 as markers of dendritic cells in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus).

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in activating naïve T-cells and bridging innate and adaptive immunity. This study aimed to identify and characterize CD83 and CD276 as potential markers for DCs in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Specific antibodies against these markers were developed and used to analyze their distribution in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and intestinal tissues.

Temporal trends and patterns in mortality from falls across 59 high-income and upper-middle-income countries, 1990-2021, with projections up to 2040: a global time-series analysis and modelling study.

Background: Deaths related to falls are a substantial public health problem worldwide, and insight into trends and differences in global fall-related deaths can be valuable for identifying prevention strategies and developing effective policies. Thus, we aimed to estimate global fall-related mortality rate trends and forecast future fall-related deaths.

Methods: In this global time-series analysis and modelling study, we investigated temporal trends in fall-related mortality rates from 1990 to 2021 using the WHO Mortality Database, following the GATHER guidelines, and forecasted trends until 2040 across 59 high-income and upper-middle-income countries.

Adhesive and Conductive Fibrous Hydrogel Bandages for Effective Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

Peripheral nerve injury is a common disease resulting in reversible and irreversible impairments of motor and sensory functions. In addition to conventional surgical interventions such as nerve grafting and neurorrhaphy, nerve guidance conduits are used to effectively support axonal growth without unexpected neuroma formation. However, there are still challenges to secure tissue-mimetic mechanical and electrophysiological properties of the conduit materials.