Peptide/protein-based macrocycles: from biological synthesis to biomedical applications.

Living organisms have evolved cyclic or multicyclic peptides and proteins with enhanced stability and high bioactivity superior to their linear counterparts for diverse purposes. Herein, we review recent progress in applying this concept to artificial peptides and proteins to exploit the functional benefits of these macrocycles. Not only have simple cyclic forms been prepared, numerous macrocycle variants, such as knots and links, have also been developed.

Erratum: Podoplanin promotes the invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma in coordination with MT1-MMP and Rho GTPases.

[This corrects the article on p. 514 in vol. 5, PMID: 25973294.

Effectiveness of modified periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics in skeletal class II malocclusion treated by a camouflage approach.

Skeletal Class II malocclusion is a complex orofacial condition. Here, we translated the single clinical problem to a multidisciplinary approach that combined the periodontal surgery, biomaterial implantation, and orthodontics to treat this condition. This study aimed to explore the clinical effectiveness of modified periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) in adult patients with skeletal Class II discrepancy via a camouflage orthodontic approach.

The Dynamic Counterbalance of RAC1-YAP/OB-Cadherin Coordinates Tissue Spreading with Stem Cell Fate Patterning.

Tissue spreading represents a key morphogenetic feature of embryonic development and regenerative medicine. However, how molecular signaling orchestrates the spreading dynamics and cell fate commitment of multicellular tissue remains poorly understood. Here, it is demonstrated that the dynamic counterbalance between RAC1-YAP and OB-cadherin plays a key role in coordinating heterogeneous spreading dynamics with distinct cell fate patterning during collective spreading.

[Diagnostic accuracy of MALDI-TOF mass spectrum in identification of oral Candidiasis isolates].

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in the identification of clinical oral Candida isolates.

Methods: In the first experiment, 170 suspected oral candidiasis patients were included. Unstimulated saliva was collected and cultured on solid plate (Sabouraud's agar) for 48 hours.

Integrated analysis of lncRNA-mRNA networks associated with an SLA titanium surface reveals the potential role of HIF1A-AS1 in bone remodeling.

Microstructured titanium surface implants, such as typical sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) titanium implants, are widely used to promote bone apposition in prosthetic treatment by dental implants following tooth loss. Although there are multiple factors associated with the superior osseointegration of an SLA titanium surface, the molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are still unclear. In this study, we characterized smooth (SMO) and SLA surfaces, and compared the osteoinduction of these surfaces using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and implants in a rat model .

Three-dimensional cell printing of gingival fibroblast/acellular dermal matrix/gelatin-sodium alginate scaffolds and their biocompatibility evaluation .

Tissue engineering has emerged as a promising approach for soft tissue regeneration. Three-dimensional (3D) cell printing showed great potential for producing cell-encapsulated scaffolds to repair tissue defects. The advantage of 3D cell printing technology is precise cell loading in scaffolds to achieve tissue regeneration instead of only relying on the cells from surrounding tissue or blood.

The miR-193a-3p-MAP3k3 Signaling Axis Regulates Substrate Topography-Induced Osteogenesis of Bone Marrow Stem Cells.

Substrate topographical features induce osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. As microRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in osteogenesis and bone regeneration, it would be meaningful to elucidate the roles of miRNAs in the intracellular signaling cascade of topographical cue-induced osteogenic differentiation. In this study, the miRNA expression profile of the topographical feature-induced osteogenic differentiation group is different from that of the chemical-factors-induced osteogenic differentiation group.

Thermoresponsive and Protease-Cleavable Interferon-Polypeptide Conjugates with Spatiotemporally Programmed Two-Step Release Kinetics for Tumor Therapy.

Protein-polymer conjugates show improved pharmacokinetics but reduced bioactivity and tumor penetration as compared to native proteins, resulting in limited antitumor efficacy. To address this dilemma, genetic engineering of a body temperature-responsive and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-cleavable conjugate of interferon alpha (IFNα) and elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) is reported with spatiotemporally programmed two-step release kinetics for tumor therapy. Notably, the conjugate could phase separate to form a depot postsubcutaneous injection, leading to 1-month zero-order release kinetics.

[Clinical effect of a new low-shrinkage composite on restoring dental wedge-shaped defects].

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical effect of a new low-shrinkage composite FiltekTM P90 on restoring dental wedge-shaped defects.

Methods: Fifty-two patients with at least two equivalent non-carious cervical lesions on bilateral teeth (180 teeth with wedge-shaped defect) were enrolled in this study. Self-control design was used in this study.

[Analysis and reflections of dental qualification examination for oversea dentists in Beijing].

Purpose: To improve the management of qualification examination for oversea dentists in Beijing based on analysis of examinations during 2000-2013.

Methods: The information of examinees for qualification examination of oversea dentists during 2000-2013 were collected and analyzed in Beijing.

Results: Among 142 examinees from 21 countries, China Hong Kong and Taiwan region, the pass rate was 48.

[Quantitative assessment on artifacts of dental restorative materials in cone beam computed tomography].

Objective: To quantitatively evaluate the artifacts appearance of eight kinds of common dental restorative materials, such as zirconia.

Methods: For the full-crown tooth preparation of mandibular first molar, eight kinds of full-crowns, such as zirconia all-ceramic crown, glass ceramic crown, ceramage crown, Au-Pt based porcelain-fused-metal (PFM) crown, Pure Titanium PFM crown, Co-Cr PFM crown, Ni-Cr PFM crown, and Au-Pd metal crown were fabricated. And natural teeth in vitro were used as controls.

[Influence of intra-pulpal temperature when using femtosecond laser in specific parameters to prepare cavities in tooth enamel: an in vitro study].

Objective: To take the Real-time measurement of the intra-pulpal temperature (IPT) when using femtosecond laser in specific parameters to prepare cavities in tooth enamel in vitro, and to preliminarily evaluate the effect of air cooling.

Methods: All pulp champers of extracted human teeth (premolars and molars) were exposed by roots amputated and pulp scraped out. All chambers were tightly filled with copper powder, and thermocouple was inserted into the center of the powder stack.

[Induction of human dental pulp stem cells of premolars into osteoblast-like cells by mineralizing culture medium].

Purpose: To induce human dental pulp stem cells(HDPSCs) of premolars into osteoblast-like cells by mineralizing culture medium.

Methods: HDPSCs of premolars were induced by mineralizing culture medium for 28 days.The activity of ALP was examined by enzyme histochemical staining on the 7th and 28th day.