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Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers show problematic patterns of Internet use such as fear of missing out (FOMO) and sharing misinformation and fake news. This study aimed to investigate these associations in survivors of the 2008 earthquake in Wenchuan, China. Methods: A self-reported survey was completed by 356 survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake. A mediated structural equation model was constructed to test a proposed pattern of associations with FOMO as a mediator of the relationship between PTSD symptoms and belief in fake news, as well as moderators of this pathway. Results: PTSD was directly associated with believing fake news (β = 0.444, p <.001) and with FOMO (β = 0.347, p <.001). FOMO mediated the association between PTSD and fake news belief (β = 0.373, p <.001). Age moderated the direct (β = 0.148, t = 3.097, p =.002) and indirect (β = 0.145, t = 3.122, p =.002) pathways, with effects more pronounced with increasing age. Gender was also a moderator, with the indirect effect present in females but not in males (β = 0.281, t = 6.737, p <.001). Conclusion: Those with higher PTSD symptoms are more likely to believe fake news and this is partly explained by FOMO. This effect is present in females and not males and is stronger in older people. Findings extend knowledge of the role of psychological variables in problematic Internet use among those with PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with high viscosity was employed as a polymeric binder to stick SiO2 nanoparticles onto the surfaces of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) separators prepared by a phase inversion method for Li-ion batteries. The morphology, wettability, thermal stability, ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties of the composite separators were analyzed. These results indicated that the SiO2 nanoparticles were firmly attached by the PVB binder and uniformly dispersed on the surfaces of the PVDF separator, so the SiO2-PVB coated PVDF separator exhibited significantly improved hydrophilicity and electrolyte wettability, and better thermal stability and ionic conductivity than those composed of PVDF only enhance. More importantly, the cell using the SiO2-PVB coated PVDF separator displayed a better cycling performance and higher discharge capacity rate capability, which indicated the SiO2-PVB coating could enhance the physical and electrochemical performance of PVDF separators used in Li-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This prospective controlled study evaluated the effect of bone-anchored maxillary protraction therapy in cleft children with Class III malocclusion using CBCT-derived 3D surface models. Materials and subjects: Eighteen cleft patients between 10 and 12 years old were included. Intermaxillary elastics were worn after the placement of four zygoma bone plates for 18 months. Uniquely, three age-matched untreated groups including both cleft subjects and non-cleft subjects with Class III malocclusion served as controls. Profile photos and CBCT scans for each patient were taken before (T0) and 18 months after the protraction (T1). 3D measurements were made on CBCT surface models from the treatment group using tomographic color mapping method. Cephalometric measurements were made on lateral cephalogram reconstructed from the CBCT scans and were compared with those obtained from the control groups. Results: Two thirds of the treatment subjects showed improved lip projection towards more convex facial profile. The most significant skeletal changes on 3D surface models were observed at the zygomatic regions (mean 1.5-mm forward, downward, and outward displacement) and at the maxillary complex (mean 1.5-mm forward displacement). Compared with the control groups, the treatment subjects showed significant increase in the SNA and ANB angles, increased Wits appraisal, a more forward movement of point A and overjet improvement (p < 0.05). Conclusions: BAMP in cleft patients gives a significant forward displacement of the zygomaxillairy complex in favor of the Class III treatment. Clinical relevance: This treatment method shows clearly favorable outcome in cleft patients after 1.5 years of BAMP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fixed time point on the curve of the absorbance variation with time determined in the hydroxyl polyaluminum solution by 7-iodine-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid-timed spectrometry is usually used to quantify the mononuclear aluminum species in the hydroxyl polyaluminum solution. The right choice of the determining time of mononuclear Al must be established on the basis of the sufficient reaction between chromogenic reagent and the hydroxyl polyaluminum solution. But this question has never been noted, which resulted in the confusion of application and research of this assay. In this work, the effect of variation of the determining time on the accurate determination of mononuclear Al in the hydroxyl polyaluminum solution was first studied. The experimental results showed that 60 s was the best under the appropriate dosage of 7-iodine-8-hydroxyquinoline-5-sulfonic acid. The reasonableness of 60 s was further verified by27Al nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer and the absorbance–time curve obtained from the pure mononuclear Al solution with pH < 2. The above conclusion was further used to analyze the results reported in literature. The mononuclear Al determined at 60, >60, and <60 s in the literature were comparable to the corresponding results of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Articular cartilage has some capacity for self-repair. Clinically used low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatments were compared in their potency to prevent degeneration using an explant model of porcine cartilage. Methods: Explants of porcine cartilage and human osteoarthritic cartilage were cultured for four weeks and subjected to daily LIPUS or PEMF treatments. At one, two, three and four weeks follow-up explants were prepared for histological assessment or gene expression (porcine only). Results: Non-treated porcine explants showed signs of atrophy of the superficial zone starting at one week. Treated explants did not. In LIPUS-treated explants cell clusters were observed. In PEMF-treated explants more hypertrophic-like changes were observed at later follow up. Newly synthesized tissue was present in treated explants. Gene expression profiles did indicate differences between the two methods. Both methods reduced expression of the aggrecan and collagen type II gene compared to the control. LIPUS treatment of human cartilage samples resulted in a reduction of degeneration according to Mankin scoring. PEMF treatment did not. Conclusions: LIPUS or PEMF prevented degenerative changes in pig knee cartilage explants. LIPUS reduced degeneration in human cartilage samples. LIPUS treatment seems to have more potency in the treatment of osteoarthritis than PEMF treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Orthodontic treatment is highly popular for restoring functional and facial esthetics in juveniles and adults. As a downside, prevalence of biofilm-related complications is high. Objectives of this review are to (1) identify special features of biofilm formation in orthodontic patients and (2) emphasize the need for strong concerted action to prevent biofilm-related complications during orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods: Literature on biofilm formation in the oral cavity is reviewed to identify special features of biofilm formation in orthodontic patients. Estimates are made of juvenile and adult orthodontic patient population sizes, and biofilm-related complication rates are used to indicate the costs and clinical workload resulting from biofilm-related complications. Results: Biofilm formation in orthodontic patients is governed by similar mechanisms as common in the oral cavity. However, orthodontic appliances hamper the maintenance of oral hygiene and provide numerous additional surfaces, with properties alien to the oral cavity, to which bacteria can adhere and form a biofilm. Biofilm formation may lead to gingivitis and white spot lesions, compromising facial esthetics. Whereas gingivitis after orthodontic treatment is often transient, white spot lesions may turn into cavities requiring professional restoration. Complications requiring professional care develop in 15 % of all orthodontic patients, implying an annual cost of over US$500,000,000 and a workload of 1,000 full-time dentists in the USA alone. Conclusions: Improved preventive measures and antimicrobial materials are urgently required to prevent biofilm-related complications of orthodontic treatment from overshadowing its functional and esthetic advantages. Clinical relevance: High treatment demand and occurrence of biofilm-related complications requiring professional care make orthodontic treatment a potential public health threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth rates of edge-on lamellar polymer crystals in variable thickness films were investigated in terms of dynamic Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The growth rates linearly decreased with decreasing film thickness for the thinner films and were nearly constant for the thicker films. The mean stem lengths (crystal thickness) were also constant in different thickness films. The crystal widths parallel to the film thickness increased more slowly with increasing film thickness in the thinner films than that in the thicker films, indicating they were restrained by the film thickness. We propose that the growth rate of edge-on lamellar crystals in thin films is dominanted by the crystal width in the thinner films and by the crystal thickness in the thicker films; the variation of the film thickness can change the three-dimensional shape of the crystal growth front, also affecting the growth rate of the edge-on lamellar crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used dynamic Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the crystallization kinetics of flat-on lamellar polymer crystals in variable thickness films. We found that the growth rates linearly reduced with decreasing film thickness for the films thinner than a transition thickness dt , while they were constant for the films thicker than dt . Moreover, the mean stem lengths (crystal thickness) we calculated decreased with film thickness in a similar way to the growth rates, and the intramolecular crystallinities we calculated confirmed the film thickness dependence of the crytsal thickness. Besides, the crystal melting rates in thin films were calculated and increased with decreasing film thickness. We proposed a new interpretation on the film thickness dependence of the crystal growth rate in thin films, suggesting that it is dominated by the crystal thickness in terms of the driving force term (l–l min) expressed by Sadler, rather than the chain mobility based on experiments. The crystal thickness can determine whether a crystal grows or melts in a thin film at a fixed temperature, indicating the reversibility between the crystal growth and melting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In radiology research soft tissues are often simulated on bone specimens using liquid materials such as water, or gel-like materials, such as ballistic gel. This study aimed to test the effect of hydration on the anatomical form of dry craniofacial bone specimens. Sixteen human dry skulls and 16 mandibles were scanned with an industrial scanner in dry conditions and after water embedding. Ten skulls were also embedded for different time periods (5 or 15 min). The subsequent 3D surface models were best-fit superimposed and compared by calculating mean absolute distances between them at various measurement areas. There was a significant, primarily enlargement effect of hydration on the anatomical form of dry skeletal specimens as detected after water embedding for a short time period. The effect was smaller in dry skulls (median 0.20 mm, IQR 0.17 mm) and larger in mandibles (median 0.56 mm, IQR 0.57 mm). The effect of different water embedding times was negligible. Based on the present findings, we suggest to shortly hydrate the skeletal specimens prior to reference model acquisition so that they are comparable to hydrated specimens when liquid materials are used as soft-tissue simulants for various radiologic research purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyloid‐fibers help to maintain the structure of infectious biofilms. Disassembly of amyloid‐fibers contributes to biofilm‐dispersal in the blood‐circulation, from which bacteria should be cleared by the host immune system. However, often the immune system is insufficiently prepared for increasing bacterial concentrations in blood, causing septic symptoms. Here, poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(β‐amino ester), pH‐responsive micelles are prepared for co‐delivery of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) as a dispersant. Hydrophilic EGCG can not be loaded in the micellar core, but is cross‐linked in the micellar shell through pH‐reversible, boronic‐ester binding. Disassembly of micelles under acidic biofilm conditions facilitates release of EGCG and dispersal of biofilm‐bacteria. When core‐loaded with ciprofloxacin, in‐shell EGCG prevents ciprofloxacin‐leakage at physiological pH. Bacterial killing by core‐loaded ciprofloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms is enhanced when released in combination with EGCG in vitro and in vivo. In mice, micelles with in‐shell EGCG self‐target after tail‐vein injection to an infection site, yielding dispersal of pathogens with mild septic symptoms and bacterial killing by the immune system. Septic symptoms disappear slightly faster when micelles are additionally core‐loaded with ciprofloxacin. Thus, micelles with in‐shell EGCG yield balanced biofilm dispersal inducing only mild septic symptoms, which is good news in an era of increasing antibiotic‐resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a simple and rapid cell seeding procedure for both calcium phosphate ceramic scaffolds and polymer scaffolds. Poly(d,l-lactic acid) and β-tri-calcium phosphate scaffolds were seeded with MC3T3-E1 cells in a syringe. Scaffolds were put in the syringe. After replacing the plunger, the cell suspension was drawn into the syringe. The syringe was closed and the plunger was retracted to the volume of the cell suspension to create a vacuum. This was done for 3 × 10 s. By this procedure, cells were homogenously distributed throughout the scaffold. The efficiency of cell seeding was approximately 60% for both scaffolds independent of the initial cell density. The hypotension the cells experienced for 3 × 10 s did not affect the proliferation capacity of the cells. In conclusion, this method of syringe-vacuum cell seeding is easy, quick, cheap, and easily to perform at an operating theatre. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Chain-folded lamellar crystal growth of polymers typically makes a semicrystalline texture, which exhibits a layer-by-layer, alternating assembly of crystalline and amorphous phases. We performed dynamic Monte Carlo simulations of lamellar crystal growth in a row structure. We found that parallel growth of lamellar crystals appears staggered at high temperatures, and those loops and cilia on the fold-end crystal surfaces interfere with the in-between lagging growth of the third crystal. This mechanism produces an intrinsic amorphous layer between two crystals, with its thickness comparable with coil sizes of single polymers. The results may facilitate our better understanding about the low crystallinity of high-molecular-weight polyethylenes, and the scaling law of their amorphous thickness on chain lengths. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This review aimed to evaluate studies on cytokines in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during orthodontic treatment, summarizing the regulation patterns of the most commonly studied cytokines and exploring their clinical implications. To achieve this, a number of key databases were searched using MESH terms and free text terms. An additional search was made by reference tracking. The procedures suggested by the QUOROM statement were followed. Data from the included studies were extracted into orthodontic mechanics, GCF sampling/handling methods, and cytokine measurements. From the 85 relevant studies identified, 23 studies could be included. Common drawbacks consisted mainly of inadequacies in the study design (e.g. short duration and small number of study subjects). The most consistent result was a peak of cytokine levels at 24 h. Associations existed between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and pain, velocity of tooth movement, and treatment mechanics. Interleukin-1β and PGE2 showed different patterns of up-regulation, with IL-1β being more responsive to mechanical stress and PGE2 more responsive to synergistic regulation of IL-1β and mechanical force. The results might be taken to support, at the cellular level, the use of light continuous forces for orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the effect of age on root resorption and distribution along different parts of the root during prolonged light force application. Material and methods. Orthodontic appliances were placed in two groups of 30 rats (one group 6 weeks old, the other 9-12 months old), with contralateral sides as controls. Groups of animals were killed at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At the study site, incidence was counted as either 1 (with resorption) or 0 (without); severity was measured as the summed length of all resorption lacunae as a percentage of study total root length. Results. Young and adult rats had the same incidence of root resorption in the early phase (<4 weeks), and both increased in the late phase (4-12 weeks) to the same level. Severity of resorption increased with prolonged tooth movement only in adult rats. However, there was no age-related difference in either the early or the late phase. In both groups, the middle part of the root had the highest incidence of resorption; the most severe resorption occurred exclusively at this part. Conclusion. Orthodontic intervention even with light forces increased both the incidence and severity of root resorption, the more so in the middle part of the root. Adult rats had increased incidence and severity with prolonged tooth movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate tooth movement characteristics in relation to root resorption in young and adult rats. Two groups of 30 rats each (aged 6 wk and 9–12 months, respectively) were used. Standardized orthodontic appliances were placed to move the maxillary molars mesially. Animals were killed 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk after the beginning of the experiment and their jaws were processed for histomorphometric analysis. In parasagittal sections of ‘pressure zones’ the extent of root resorption was measured and expressed as percentage of total root length. Whereas a negative correlation was found between the velocity of tooth movement and the extent of root resorption, a positive correlation was noted between the amount/duration of tooth movement and root resorption, but only in adult rats. The duration of tooth movement showed the highest correlation coefficient and the smallest 95% confidence interval. In younger animals, correlations were weak, and other factors are likely to be involved in the individual susceptibility to root resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: Orthodontic tooth movement starts slower in adults than in juveniles, but the rate of tooth movement in later phases is the same in both age groups. The hypotheses to be tested are that these phenomena are related to slower osteoclast recruitment in adults than in juveniles, but that in later phases the osteoclast numbers are the same in both age groups. Design: Standardized orthodontic tooth movement was performed in two groups of 30 rats, aged 6 weeks and 9–12 months, respectively. All maxillary molars at one side were together moved mesially by a continuous force of 10cN. The other side served as a control. After 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, groups of animals were killed. After ED1 staining osteoclast numbers at the mesial and distal sides of selected roots were counted. Results: At the compression sides osteoclast numbers increased in both age groups. In young rats, a maximum was reached at 2 weeks, in adults at 4 weeks. In later phases of tooth movement, the number of osteoclasts in the adults was approximately twice as high as in the juveniles, while the rate of tooth movement was the same. A positive correlation between the rate of tooth movement and osteoclast numbers was found only in young rats. Conclusions: Orthodontic forces induce faster osteoclast recruitment in young than in adult rats and more osteoclasts are needed to achieve a certain rate of tooth movement in adult than in young rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Objectives: Bone remodelling during orthodontic tooth movement is related to the expression of mediators in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). No information is available concerning the effect of age on the levels of these mediators in GCF. The purpose of this study was to quantify three mediators (prostaglandin E2 , interleukin-6 and granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor) in GCF during orthodontic tooth movement in juveniles and adults. Material and methods: A total of 43 juvenile patients (mean age 11 ± 0.7 year), and 41 adult patients (mean age 24 ± 1.6 year) took part in the study. One of the lateral incisors of each patient was tipped labially, the other served as control. GCF samples were taken before force activation (t0 ) and 24 h later (t24 ). Mediator levels were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results: PGE2 concentrations were significantly elevated at t24 in juveniles and adults, while concentrations of IL-6 and GM-CSF were significantly elevated only in juveniles. Total amounts of all three mediators in GCF significantly increased at t24 in both groups. Conclusions: In early tooth movement, mediator levels in juveniles are more responsive than levels in adults, which agrees with the finding that the initial tooth movement in juveniles is faster than in adults and starts without delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone-anchored maxillary protraction (BAMP) aims to correct midfacial deficiencies, with proven positive skeletal changes without potential unwanted side effects. However, the influence of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues, particularly in subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate (CUCLAP), remains unclear. Methods: This single-center longitudinal cohort study examined the effects of 1.5 years of BAMP treatment on facial soft tissues in growing subjects with complete unilateral cleft lip, alveolus, and palate. The sample consisted of 25 patients, age range 9.7 to 12.6 years. Three-dimensional surface models derived from CBCT scans were superimposed on stable structures of the anterior cranial base and on the occipital area posterior of the foramen magnum to assess three-dimensional changes due to growth and BAMP therapy. Results: The results revealed a moderate positive correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient from 0.203 to 0.560) between changes in hard tissue and soft tissue; some correlations were found to be weak (<0.300). Linear changes in soft tissue following BAMP were in the same direction as skeletal changes, showing downward, forward, and outward displacement. The only exception was in the vertical dimension. The lower facial third showed a slight but significant reduction, mainly in lip length (−1.2 mm), whereas the middle facial third showed a small increase (1.1 mm). Conclusions: It was concluded that during BAMP, soft tissue changes occur in the same direction as skeletal changes, although with a larger variability and less pronounced effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study on the intramolecular triplet energy transfer in bichromophoric molecules. Production of the T2 state by two-laser excitation of the anthracene group; Decay of the acceptor (ketone) triplet state; Relieving ring strain in the bicyclic connecting units by rotation of the alkene triplets to perpendicular geometries.

Sepsis is a dysregulated host response to infection that can lead to life‐threatening organ failure. Circulating bacterial toxins, termed pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), and excess cytokines produced by the immune system play a key role in the response that can progress into organ failure. Yet, no therapy is available to effectively remove these PAMPs and cytokines from the circulation or effectively block their action. Macrophage membrane coatings possess a natural blood compatibility, ideal for coating of adsorbent surfaces in extracorporeal blood‐cleansing. Here, the ability of Escherichia coli‐activated macrophage membrane coatings on silicon nanowired (SiNW) surfaces in a microfluidic device to remove PAMPs and cytokines from blood is determined. In vitro, such membrane‐coated SiNW adsorbent surfaces remove significantly more PAMPS or cytokines from spiked human blood than achieved by hemofiltration. Cleansing of plasma from patients with bacterial sepsis using membrane‐coated SiNW adsorbent surfaces reduces cytokine concentrations to healthy levels. In vivo, this coincides with two‐fold better restoration of healthy cytokine levels after 4 h of extracorporeal blood‐cleansing in rats with lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced sepsis and four‐fold higher survival rates. Collectively, blood‐cleansing microfluidic devices using bacterially activate macrophage membrane‐coated SiNW surfaces are more effective than hemofiltration for therapeutic intervention in septic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) is a critical surgical intervention in patients with a cleft of the alveolus, aimed at reconstructing the alveolar ridge to facilitate proper eruption, periodontal support, and alignment of adjacent permanent teeth. The optimal timing for ABG remains debated, with late secondary ABG between the ages of 9 and 11 being widely adopted. This study compared the palatal shapes of 28 children at a mean age of 9.5 years (SD = 0.7) who underwent early secondary ABG at a mean age of 2.1 years (SD = 0.6) or 33 children at a mean age of 10.8 years (SD = 1.5) who underwent late secondary ABG at a mean age of 8.6 years (SD = 1.3) to 60 non-cleft controls at a mean age of 8.6 years (SD = 1.2). The palatal shapes were captured with 239 landmarks digitized on the palate on a digital model. Utilizing geometric morphometric methods, i.e., generalized Procrustes superimpositions, principal component analysis, and permutation tests, we assessed the impact of ABG timing on palatal morphology. The first five principal components (PCs) explained 64.1% of the total shape variability: PC1 = 26.1%; PC2 = 12%; PC3 = 11.9%; PC4 = 7.8%; and PC5 = 6.4%. The Procrustes distance between both cleft groups and the control group was more than twice as large as the Procrustes distance between the early ABG and late ABG groups. Nonetheless, all intergroup differences were statistically significant. Our findings suggest that early ABG has a limited negative effect on palatal shape, providing comparable outcomes to late ABG. The study highlights the potential suitability of early ABG, challenging conventional practices and encouraging further exploration into its long-term effects on maxillary growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To provide a critical overview of the effect of various orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic interventions on three-dimensional volumetric changes in the upper airway. Materials and methods: Four databases were searched for clinical studies concerning 3D volumetric assessments based on CBCT before and after orthodontics interventions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the quality assessment tool of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. After the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the pre-and post-treatment volumes were used to visualize the effect of various orthodontics interventions. Results: A total of 48 studies were included in this review and none of which were RCTs. The quality of all included studies was assessed as medium. Overall, there is a tendency for an increase in airway volumes after various orthodontic interventions, except for studies concerning extraction therapy with fixed appliances in adults, in which both increases and decreases in airway volumes have been reported. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment by growth modification and non-extraction therapy with fixed appliances, regardless of the malocclusion, generally showed positive effects on the airway volume. Orthodontic treatment in combination with extractions does not provide an unambiguous insight. A consensus on the methodology of the airway measurement and nomenclature is urgently needed in order to gain insight into the effect of different interventions on three-dimensional airway changes. Clinical relevance: Various orthodontic treatments do not negatively influence the upper airway volume. However, extraction therapy in adults should be chosen with caution, especially in subjects belonging to a group susceptible to airway obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internalization of Staphylococcus aureus by macrophages can inactivate bacterial killing mechanisms, allowing intracellular residence and dissemination of infection. Concurrently, these staphylococci can evade antibiotics that are frequently unable to pass mammalian cell membranes. A binary, amphiphilic conjugate composed of triclosan and ciprofloxacin is synthesized that self‐assemble through micelle formation into antimicrobial nanoparticles (ANPs). These novel ANPs are stabilized through encapsulation in macrophage membranes, providing membrane‐encapsulated, antimicrobial‐conjugated NPs (Me‐ANPs) with similar protein activity, Toll‐like receptor expression and negative surface charge as their precursor murine macrophage/human monocyte cell lines. The combination of Toll‐like receptors and negative surface charge allows uptake of Me‐ANPs by infected macrophages/monocytes through positively charged, lysozyme‐rich membrane scars created during staphylococcal engulfment. Me‐ANPs are not engulfed by more negatively charged sterile cells possessing less lysozyme at their surface. The Me‐ANPs kill staphylococci internalized in macrophages in vitro. Me‐ANPs likewise kill staphylococci more effectively than ANPs without membrane‐encapsulation or clinically used ciprofloxacin in a mouse peritoneal infection model. Similarly, organ infections in mice created by dissemination of infected macrophages through circulation in the blood are better eradicated by Me‐ANPs than by ciprofloxacin. These unique antimicrobial properties of macrophage‐monocyte Me‐ANPs provide a promising direction for human clinical application to combat persistent infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth or material wear in a dentition is a common finding that requires timely diagnosis for management and prevention of further loss or associated esthetic or functional impairment. Various qualitative and quantitative methods have been suggested to measure tooth or material wear, but they present with limitations, such as imprecision, subjectivity, or high complexity. Here we developed and assessed an efficient 3D superimposition method to accurately measure occlusal tooth wear on 3D digital dental models. For this purpose, teeth on plaster casts were manually grinded on their occlusal surfaces to simulate various degrees of tooth wear. The casts were scanned using a surface scanner. Grinded tooth crowns (T1) were segmented and compared to the original crowns (T0) using five 3D surface superimposition techniques and a gold standard technique (GS). GS measurements were obtained by using intact adjacent structures as superimposition references. The technique of choice (complete crown with 30% estimated overlap of meshes) showed the best reproducibility (maximum difference < 0.050 mm3) and excellent agreement with the GS technique (median difference: 0.032 mm3). The suggested 3D superimposition method offers a highly efficient and accurate tool for tooth wear assessment, which could be applicable to clinical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intra‐tumor bacteria promote tumor growth and inactivate cancer‐chemotherapeutics, causing poor treatment prognoses. Combined administration of cancer‐chemotherapeutics and antibiotics may disturb the oral and intestinal microflora in critically‐ill patients. To establish intra‐tumor co‐delivery of cancer‐chemotherapeutics and antibiotics, gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin are loaded in so‐called "self‐targeting", highly blood‐compatible, synthetic DCPA‐H2O liposomes equipped with complexed water for pH‐responsiveness. Liposomal pH‐responsiveness can be maintained by in‐shell loading of gemcitabine and in‐core loading of ciprofloxacin. These dual‐loaded liposomes are stealthily transported in the blood circulation to accumulate in the acidic environment of an infected tumor. Upon tumor self‐targeting, liposomes are fused with tumor cells and infecting bacteria and are disassembled to simultaneously release gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin. Treatment of mice with these self‐targeting liposomes yields significantly higher responses of Escherichia coli infected tumors with respect to both infection and tumor volume than gemcitabine and ciprofloxacin co‐delivered from non‐self‐targeting liposomes or free gemcitabine with or without ciprofloxacin in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of infectious biofilms to dispersants induces high bacterial concentrations in blood that may cause sepsis. Preventing sepsis requires simultaneous biofilm dispersal and bacterial killing. Here, self-targeting DCPA(2-(4-((1,5-bis(octadecenoyl)1,5-dioxopentan-2-yl)carbamoyl)pyridin-1-ium-1-yl)acetate) liposomes with complexed water were self-assembled with ciprofloxacin loaded in-membrane and PEGylated as a lipid-membrane component, together with bromelain loaded in-core. Inside biofilms, DCPA-H 2 O and PEGylated ciprofloxacin became protonated, disturbing the balance in the lipid-membrane to cause liposome-burst and simultaneous release of bromelain and ciprofloxacin. Simultaneous release of bromelain and ciprofloxacin enhanced bacterial killing in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms as compared with free bromelain and/or ciprofloxacin. After tail-vein injection in mice, liposomes accumulated inside intra-abdominal staphylococcal biofilms. Subsequent liposome-burst and simultaneous release of bromelain and ciprofloxacin yielded degradation of the biofilm matrix by bromelain and higher bacterial killing without inducing septic symptoms as obtained by injection of free bromelain and ciprofloxacin. This shows the advantage of simultaneous release from liposomes of bromelain and ciprofloxacin inside a biofilm. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional surface scans of skeletal structures have various clinical and research applications in medicine, anthropology, and other relevant fields. The aim of this study was to test the precision of a widely used hand-held surface scanner and the associated software's 3D model generation-error in both dry and wet skeletal surfaces. Ten human dry skulls and ten mandibles (dry and wet conditions) were scanned twice with an industrial scanner (Artec Space Spider) by one operator. Following a best-fit superimposition of corresponding surface model pairs, the mean absolute distance (MAD) between them was calculated on ten anatomical regions on the skulls and six on the mandibles. The software's 3D model generation process was repeated for the same scan of four dry skulls and four mandibles (wet and dry conditions), and the results were compared in a similar manner. The median scanner precision was 31 μm for the skulls and 25 μm for the mandibles in dry conditions, whereas in wet conditions it was slightly lower at 40 μm for the mandibles. The 3D model generation-error was negligible (range: 5–10 μm). The Artec Space Spider scanner exhibits very high precision in the scanning of dry and wet skeletal surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The authors used a 3-dimensional (3D) printer and a bending robot to produce a multicomponent dental appliance to assess whether 3D digital models of the dentition are applicable for a full digital workflow. Methods. The authors scanned a volunteer's dentition with an intraoral scanner (Lava Chairside Oral Scanner C.O.S., 3M). A digital impression was used to design 2 multicomponent orthodontic appliances. Biocompatible acrylic baseplates were produced with the aid of a 3D printer. The metal springs and clasps were produced by a bending robot. The fit of the 2 appliances was assessed by 2 experienced orthodontists. Results. The authors assessed both orthodontic appliances with the volunteer's dentition and found the fit to be excellent. Conclusions. Clinicians can fully produce a multicomponent dental appliance consisting of both an acrylic baseplate and other parts, such as clasps, springs, or screws, using a digital workflow process without the need for a physical model of the patient's dentition. Practical Implications. Plaster models can be superfluous for orthodontic treatment as digital models can be used in all phases of a full digital workflow in orthodontics. The arduous task of making a multicomponent dental appliance that involves bending wires can possibly be replaced by a computer, design software, a 3D printer, and a bending robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial biofilms occur in many natural and industrial environments. Besides bacteria, biofilms comprise over 70 wt% water. Water in biofilms occurs as bound- or free-water. Bound-water is adsorbed to bacterial surfaces or biofilm (matrix) structures and possesses different Infra-red and Nuclear-Magnetic-Resonance signatures than free-water. Bound-water is different from intra-cellularly confined-water or water confined within biofilm structures and bacteria are actively involved in building water-filled structures by bacterial swimmers, dispersion or lytic self-sacrifice. Water-filled structures can be transient due to blocking, resulting from bacterial growth, compression or additional matrix formation and are generally referred to as "channels and pores." Channels and pores can be distinguished based on mechanism of formation, function and dimension. Channels allow transport of nutrients, waste-products, signalling molecules and antibiotics through a biofilm provided the cargo does not adsorb to channel walls and channels have a large length/width ratio. Pores serve a storage function for nutrients and dilute waste-products or antimicrobials and thus should have a length/width ratio close to unity. The understanding provided here on the role of water in biofilms, can be employed to artificially engineer by-pass channels or additional pores in industrial and environmental biofilms to increase production yields or enhance antimicrobial penetration in infectious biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic foot ulcers infected with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria form a severe complication of diabetes. Antimicrobial‐loaded hydrogels are used as a dressing for infected wounds, but the ongoing rise in the number of antimicrobial‐resistant infections necessitates new, nonantibiotic based designs. Here, a guanosine‐quadruplex (G4)‐hydrogel composed of guanosine, 2‐formylphenylboronic acid, and putrescine is designed and used as a cascade‐reaction container. The G4‐hydrogel is loaded with glucose‐oxidase and hemin. The first cascade‐reaction, initiated by glucose‐oxidase, transforms glucose and O2 into gluconic acid and H2O2. In vitro, this reaction is most influential on killing Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa in suspension, but showed limited killing of bacteria in biofilm‐modes of growth. The second cascade‐reaction, however, transforming H2O2 into reactive‐oxygen‐species (ROS), also enhances killing of biofilm bacteria due to hemin penetration into biofilms and interaction with eDNA G‐quadruplexes in the biofilm matrix. Therewith, the second cascade‐reaction generates ROS close to the target bacteria, facilitating killing despite the short life‐time of ROS. Healing of infected wounds in diabetic mice proceeds faster upon coverage by these G4‐hydrogels than by clinically common ciprofloxacin irrigation. Moreover, local glucose concentrations around infected wounds decrease. Concluding, a G4‐hydrogel loaded with glucose‐oxidase and hemin is a good candidate for infected wound dressings, particularly in diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferron dosage ([Ferron]) is key to ferron-timed spectrophotometry (ferron assay). In order to clarify some important questions, the following studies were conducted: (1) The effect of [Ferron] on the sensitivity of total aluminum (AlT) determination was experimentally investigated and 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance (27Al NMR) spectroscopy was used to verify our developed Ferron assay; (2) the chemical equilibrium calculation was employed to analyze the effect of [Ferron] on the determination of AlT; and (3) the main reason for insufficient [Ferron] was further analyzed. This is the first study to standardize a ferron assay operating procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterial-associated infections can occur any time after surgical implantation of biomaterial implants and limit their success rates. On-demand, antimicrobial release coatings have been designed, but in vivo release triggers uniquely relating with infection do not exist, while inadvertent leakage of antimicrobials can cause exhaustion of a coating prior to need. Here, we attach magnetic-nanoparticles to a biomaterial surface, that can be pulled-off in a magnetic field through an adhering, infectious biofilm. Magnetic-nanoparticles remained stably attached to a surface upon exposure to PBS for at least 50 days, did not promote bacterial adhesion or negatively affect interaction with adhering tissue cells. Nanoparticles could be magnetically pulled-off from a surface through an adhering biofilm, creating artificial water channels in the biofilm. At a magnetic-nanoparticle coating concentration of 0.64 mg cm−2, these by-pass channels increased the penetrability of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms towards different antibiotics, yielding 10-fold more antibiotic killing of biofilm inhabitants than in absence of artificial channels. This innovative use of magnetic-nanoparticles for the eradication of biomaterial-associated infections requires no precise targeting of magnetic-nanoparticles and allows more effective use of existing antibiotics by breaking the penetration barrier of an infectious biofilm adhering to a biomaterial implant surface on-demand. Implant-associated biofilms are difficult to penetrate and eradicate by antibiotics. Biofilms growing on a magnetic-nanoparticle coated surface can be channelized by pulling-off magnetic nanoparticles attached to an implant surface through the biofilm, making it more penetrable to antibiotics and enhancing their killing efficacy [Display omitted] • Iron-oxide MNPs can be stably attached to a surface by sedimentation and air-drying. • Pulling MNPs off a surface through a biofilm creates additional biofilm-channels. • By-pass channels in infectious biofilms increase antibiotic penetration and killing. • Pulling MNPs off a surface through a tissue layer does not affect layer integrity. • The surface concentration of attached MNPs influences the effects of pulling-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Several representative flexible EMWAMs were selected as the main research objects. • The application, absorption mechanisms of flexible absorbers were summarized. • Prospects and shortcomings of flexible EMWAMs were summarized in detail. High-power, high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) radiation not only poses a threat to electronic devices but also presents a well-established danger to human health within the scientific community's consensus. EM wave absorbing materials (EMWAMs) have gained extensive attention for their ability to efficiently convert surplus EM pollution into alternative forms of energy. Traditional EMWAMs typically come in the form of large sheets or powdered coatings, offering a broad absorption frequency range and robust absorption effects suitable for coating large-scale equipment. However, their lack of flexibility hampers their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions, rendering them ineffective in providing EM protection for small, precision equipment, and personnel. To date, researchers have responded to this challenge by developing a diverse range of flexible and multifunctional high-efficiency EMWAMs. This comprehensive review systematically summarizes these materials, including but not limited to sponges, foams, films, aerogels, and their construction methods, EM wave absorption mechanisms, performance comparisons, flexible characteristics, and multifunctional applications. In conclusion, we propose potential future directions and application prospects for flexible EMWAMs in the near term. This holds substantial theoretical and practical value in guiding the development of the next generation of flexible EMWAMs. [Display omitted] Application of flexible EMWAMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite the use of collagen-derived scaffolds in regenerative medicine, little is known about the degradation mechanisms of these scaffolds in vivo. Non-crosslinked dermal sheep (NDSC) and gelatin disks were implanted subcutaneously in mice. NDSC disks showed a very low degradation rate, despite the presence of high numbers of macrophages and the influx of neutrophils. This was attributed to the presence of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP-1. The limited degradation occurred mainly in the later stages of the foreign body reaction, and could be attributed to (1) phagocytosis by macrophages due to a co-expression of Endo180 and MT1-MMP on these cells (intracellular degradation) and (2) the presence of MMP-13 due to an upregulation of the expression of the DDR-2 receptor (extracellular degradation). In contrast, gelatin disks degraded quickly, due to the efficient formation of large giant cells as well as the presence of MMP-13; the inhibitor TIMP-1 was absent. The DDR-2 receptor was not expressed in the gelatin disks. Endo180 and MT1-MMP were expressed, but at most times no co-expression was seen. We conclude that the physical state of collagen (native or denatured) had a dramatic outcome on the degradation rate and provoked a completely different foreign body reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poisson analysis of retract force−distance curves in atomic force microscopy (AFM) has yielded a new dimension to the decoupling of individual bond forces into a hydrogen bonding and nonspecific force component. Accordingly, bacterial adhesion forces have been decoupled into a hydrogen bonding and nonspecific Lifshitz−Van der Waals contribution. Due to the forced nature of AFM contact, the nonspecific force contribution has hitherto turned out to be repulsive in the analysis of bacterial adhesion forces on nonconducting surfaces. In this study, we present the results of a Poisson analysis of adhesion forces for streptococci adhering to a conducting surface. Adhesion forces measured between stainless steel, both in the absence and presence of an adsorbed salivary conditioning film, increased with increasing contact time between the streptococcal AFM probe and the surface. Concurrent with the increase in adhesion force, there was an increase in the number of minor force peaks in the retract force−distance curves. Poisson analyses of the adhesion forces indicated repulsive nonspecific Lifshitz−Van der Waals forces for streptococci adhering to saliva-coated stainless steel, but interestingly and for the first time, attractive nonspecific forces were revealed on stainless steel in the absence of a salivary conditioning film. We tentatively attribute this to attraction between the negatively charged streptococci and their positive image charges in the conducting material, which cannot develop in a nonconducting material or in the presence of a nonconductive protein layer on the stainless steel surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lipid named DCPA was synthesized under microwave‐assisted heating. DCPA possesses a pyridine betaine, hydrophilic group that can be complexed with water through hydrogen bonding (DCPA‐H2O). DCPA‐H2O liposomes became protonated relatively fast already at pH<6.8, due to the high HOMO binding energy of DCPA‐H2O. In murine models, DCPA‐H2O liposomes had longer blood circulation times than natural DPPC or cationic DCPM liposomes, while after tail‐vein injection DCPA‐H2O liposomes targeted faster to solid tumors and intra‐abdominal infectious biofilms. Therapeutic efficacy in a murine, infected wound‐healing model of tail‐vein injected ciprofloxacin‐loaded DCPA‐H2O liposomes exceeded the ones of clinically applied ciprofloxacin as well as of ciprofloxacin‐loaded DPPC or DCPM liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lipid named DCPA was synthesized under microwave‐assisted heating. DCPA possesses a pyridine betaine, hydrophilic group that can be complexed with water through hydrogen bonding (DCPA‐H2O). DCPA‐H2O liposomes became protonated relatively fast already at pH<6.8, due to the high HOMO binding energy of DCPA‐H2O. In murine models, DCPA‐H2O liposomes had longer blood circulation times than natural DPPC or cationic DCPM liposomes, while after tail‐vein injection DCPA‐H2O liposomes targeted faster to solid tumors and intra‐abdominal infectious biofilms. Therapeutic efficacy in a murine, infected wound‐healing model of tail‐vein injected ciprofloxacin‐loaded DCPA‐H2O liposomes exceeded the ones of clinically applied ciprofloxacin as well as of ciprofloxacin‐loaded DPPC or DCPM liposomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium is frequently used for dental implants, percutaneous pins and screws or orthopedic joint prostheses. Implant surfaces can become peri-operatively contaminated by surgically introduced bacteria during implantation causing lack of surface coverage by mammalian cells and subsequent implant failure. Especially implants that have to function in a bacteria-laden environment such as dental implants or percutaneous pins, cannot be surgically implanted while being kept sterile. Accordingly, contaminating bacteria adhering to implant surfaces hamper successful surface coverage by mammalian cells required for long-term functioning. Here, nanotubular titanium surfaces were prepared and loaded with Ag nanoparticles or gentamicin with the aim of killing contaminating bacteria in order to favor surface coverage by mammalian cells. In mono-cultures, unloaded nanotubules did not cause bacterial killing, but loading of Ag nanoparticles or gentamicin reduced the number of adhering Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa CFUs. A gentamicin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis was only killed upon loading with Ag nanoparticles. However, unlike low-level gentamicin loading, loading with Ag nanoparticles also caused tissue-cell death. In bi-cultures, low-level gentamicin-loading of nanotubular titanium surfaces effectively eradicated contaminating bacteria favoring surface coverage by mammalian cells. Thus, care must be taken in loading nanotubular titanium surfaces with Ag nanoparticles, while low-level gentamicin-loaded nanotubular titanium surfaces can be used as a local antibiotic delivery system to negate failure of titanium implants due to peri-operatively introduced, contaminating bacteria without hampering surface coverage by mammalian cells. [Display omitted] • Loading of nanotubular (NT) Ti surfaces with Ag nanoparticles kills adhering pathogens. • Loading of NT-Ti surfaces with Ag nanoparticles negatively impacts surface coverage by mammalian cells. • Gentamicin (G) release from low-level G-loaded NT-Ti surfaces is similar as of G-loaded bone cements. • Low-level G-loaded NT-Ti surfaces favor surface coverage by mammalian cells over bacterial colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal devices to cleanse blood from infecting bacteria are based upon bacterial capture to surfaces, but the current generation of capture devices has variable and inconclusive therapeutic efficacy. Here, a microfluidic device equipped with a Si capture surface with a highly periodic nanowired structure is designed. Nanowired Si surfaces are coated with macrophage membranes to benefit from the natural blood compatibility and ligand–receptor binding of macrophages. When macrophages are activated by uptake of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli, zeta potentials of activated macrophage membrane coatings become less negative than those of nonactivated ones, stimulating nonspecific bacterial capture. In addition, Toll‐like receptors in bacterially activated membrane coatings on nanowired surfaces that are absent in nonactivated membrane coatings contribute to specific bacterial capture. These two factors, together with the maintenance of fluidity in activated membrane coatings, cause broad spectrum, high capture efficiencies of all six ESKAPE member pathogens, considered most threatening to human health. Surfaces with such broad‐spectrum capture efficiencies have not been previously described, but are clinically most relevant because blood cleansing should start as soon as possible after a septic patient becomes symptomatic, when the causative bacterial strain is still unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of acute bacterial meningitis is difficult due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier, greatly limiting the antibiotic concentrations that can be achieved in the brain. Escherichia coli grown in presence of iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles secrete large amounts of magnetic outer-membrane vesicles (OMVs) in order to remove excess Fe from their cytoplasm. OMVs are fully biomimetic nanocarriers, but can be inflammatory. Here, non-inflammatory magnetic OMVs were prepared from an E. coli strain in which the synthesis of inflammatory lipid A acyltransferase was inhibited using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene knockout. OMVs were loaded with ceftriaxone (CRO) and meso-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) and magnetically driven across the blood-brain barrier for sonodynamic treatment of bacterial meningitis. ROS-generation upon ultrasound application of CRO- and TCPP-loaded OMVs yielded similar ROS-generation as by TCPP in solution. In vitro , ROS-generation by CRO- and TCPP-loaded OMVs upon ultrasound application operated synergistically with CRO to kill a hard-to-kill, CRO-tolerant E. coli strain. In a mouse model of CRO-tolerant E. coli meningitis, CRO- and TCPP-loaded OMVs improved survival rates and clinical behavioral scores of infected mice after magnetic targeting and ultrasound application. Recurrence did not occur for at least two weeks after arresting treatment. [Display omitted] • Magnetically-harvested OMVs can be magnetically driven across the blood-brain barrier • Magnetic OMVs can be loaded with an antibiotic and a sonosensitizer • Antibiotics work synergistically in bacterial killing with sonodynamically generated ROS • Magnetic OMVs loaded with CRO and TCPP effectively cures murine, bacterial meningitis • Treatment with CRO-TCPP loaded OMVs delays recurrence of murine, bacterial meningitis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal biofilms cause a major clinical problem with a shrinking armamentarium for treatment. Here, the design and synthesis of voriconazole‐inbuilt zinc 2‐methylimidazolates frameworks (V‐ZIF) is reported. Voriconazole is built in through coordination‐binding between zinc and voriconazole. These metal–organic‐frameworks with inbuilt voriconazole, reduce inadvertent voriconazole‐leakage, yield a zero‐order release kinetics of voriconazole, aid antifungal penetration in Candida albicans biofilms, and prevent Candida aggregation yielding better dispersal. Once accumulated in an acidic C. albicans biofilm, voriconazole dissociates from the metal–organic framework to cause membrane‐damage and killing of inhabiting fungi. Moreover, in a murine model, the V‐ZIFs eradicate open‐wound infections caused by C. albicans better than voriconazole in solution, with negligible side effects to the healthy tissues of major organs. Thus, V‐ZIFs may provide a welcome addition to the antifungal armamentarium currently available for the treatment of fungal biofilms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head position during cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination can easily deviate from the ideal, which may affect the accuracy of the segmented three‐dimensional (3D) model. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of head positioning on the accuracy of the 3D model. A human dry skull was positioned at predetermined orientations in a CBCT scanner and scanned in multiple orientations and voxel sizes. The resulting 3D surface models were superimposed over those derived from the reproducible centered positioned skull with 0° inclination. Color mapping and analysis of the differences expressed by the root mean square error (RMSE) were performed. The RMSE for each orientation using the 0.3 mm voxel ranged from 0.31 to 0.87 mm for the whole maxillofacial region, from 0.44 to 0.91 mm in the maxilla, and from 0.31 to 0.72 mm in the mandible. For the 0.4 mm voxel, the RMSE ranged from 0.47 to 0.86 mm for the whole maxillofacial region, from 0.60 to 0.96 mm in the maxilla, and from 0.56 to 0.86 mm in the mandible. The maxilla showed a slightly higher deviation than the mandible in both voxel groups. It can be concluded that the head position affects the accuracy of the segmented 3D model, but the inaccuracy does not exceed clinically relevant levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial-infections are mostly due to bacteria in an adhering, biofilm-mode of growth and not due to planktonically growing, suspended-bacteria. Biofilm-bacteria are much more recalcitrant to conventional antimicrobials than planktonic-bacteria due to (1) emergence of new properties of biofilm-bacteria that cannot be predicted on the basis of planktonic properties, (2) low penetration and accumulation of antimicrobials in a biofilm, (3) disabling of antimicrobials due to acidic and anaerobic conditions prevailing in a biofilm, and (4) enzymatic modification or inactivation of antimicrobials by biofilm inhabitants. In recent years, new nanotechnology-based antimicrobials have been designed to kill planktonic, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but additional requirements rather than the mere killing of suspended bacteria must be met to combat biofilm-infections. The requirements and merits of nanotechnology-based antimicrobials for the control of biofilm-infection form the focus of this Tutorial Review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Nanostructured surfaces are called " promising " to control bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Initial adhesion is followed by emergence of surface-programmed bacterial properties and biofilm growth. A easy distinction between nanostructured surfaces can be made on basis of periodic- or random-occurrence of nanostructured features, although often nanostructured surfaces are microstructured due to merging of their nanofeatures. Characterization of nanostructured surfaces is not trivial due to the myriad of different nanoscaled morphologies. Both superhydrophobic and hydrophilic, nanostructured surfaces generally yield low bacterial adhesion. On smooth surfaces, bacteria deform when adhering, causing membrane surface tension changes and accompanying responses yielding emergent properties. Adhesion to nanostructured surfaces, causes multiple cell wall deformation sites when bacteria are adhering in valleys, while in case of hill-top adhesion, highly localized cell wall deformation occurs. Accordingly, bacterial adhesion to nanostructured surfaces yields emergent responses that range from pressure-induced EPS production to cell wall rupture and death, based upon which nanostructured surfaces are consistently called " promising " for bacterial adhesion and biofilm control. Other promising features of nanostructured surfaces are increased antibiotic housing, thermal effects and photo-induced ROS production, but the latter two promises are largely based on properties of suspended nanoparticles and may not hold when particles are comprised in nanostructured coatings or materials. Moreover, in order to bring nanostructured coatings and materials to application, experiments are needed that go beyond the current limit of the laboratory bench. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Characterization of nanostructured surfaces is not trivial due to the myriad of different nanoscaled morphologies. • Many surfaces called "nanostructured" are in fact microstructured due to merging of their nanofeatures. • The emergent response of bacteria adhering to nanostructured surfaces differs greatly from their response on smooth surfaces due to multiple, localized cell wall deformation. • The many promises of nanostructured surfaces for bacterial adhesion and biofilm control yet have to be made true. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the rates of survival and success and the complications related to autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation. Additionally, we attempted to identify the prognostic factors that influence the outcome of tooth autotransplantation.Materials and methods: A literature search for all data published until July 2016 was conducted. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were specified. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle checklist. Meta-analysis was performed by using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect model. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates and the weighted estimated survival, success, and complication rates per year were calculated.Results: Thirty-two studies were included for analysis. The survival rates reported after 1, 5, and 10 years were 97.4, 97.8, and 96.3%, respectively. The annual weighted estimated survival rate (98.2%), success rate (96.6%), and complication rates in terms of ankylosis (2.0%), root resorption (2.9%), and pulp necrosis (3.3%) were analyzed. No firm conclusions could be drawn with respect to the prognostic factors due to insufficient evidence of high quality.Conclusion: The survival and success rates of autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation were high (> 95%), with a low rate of complications (< 5%).Clinical relevance: Current evidence from the literature on autotransplantation of teeth with incomplete root formation shows favorable survival and success rates and low complication rates, indicating it is a reliable treatment option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infections are mostly due to bacteria in their biofilm mode-of-growth, making them recalcitrant to antibiotic penetration. In addition, the number of bacterial strains intrinsically resistant to available antibiotics is alarmingly growing. This study reports that micellar nanocarriers with a poly(ethylene glycol) shell fully penetrate staphylococcal biofilms due to their biological invisibility. However, when the shell is complemented with poly(β-amino ester), these mixed-shell micelles become positively charged in the low pH environment of a biofilm, allowing not only their penetration but also their accumulation in biofilms without being washed out, as do single-shell micelles lacking the pH-adaptive feature. Accordingly, bacterial killing of multidrug resistant staphylococcal biofilms exposed to protoporphyrin IX-loaded mixed-shell micelles and after light-activation is superior compared with single-shell micelles. Subcutaneous infections in mice, induced with vancomycin-resistant, bioluminescent staphylococci can be eradicated by daily injection of photoactivatable protoporphyrin IX-loaded, mixed-shell micelles in the bloodstream and light-activation at the infected site. Micelles, which are not degraded by bacterial enzymes in the biofilm, are degraded in the liver and spleen and cleared from the body through the kidneys. Thus, adaptive micellar nanocarriers loaded with light-activatable antimicrobials constitute a much-needed alternative to current antibiotic therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DNase was be conjugated to PAE to form pH-responsive, self-targeting micelles. • PAE-conjugated DNase in micellar shells is not inactivated by blood enzymes. • PEG/PAE-DNase micelles disperse biofilms by degrading matrix eDNA. • Biofilm bacteria are more effectively killed by antibiotics after matrix degradation. • Murine pneumonia can be treated effectively with ciprofloxacin loaded PEG/PAE-DNase micelles. DNase can break down the extracellular matrix that keeps infectious bacterial biofilm together through cleavage of eDNA. Herewith, biofilm bacteria can become dispersed to assist antibiotic eradication but this has hitherto remained an in vitro possibility. In vivo DNase is rapidly broken down in blood, impeding blood-injection of DNase combined with antibiotics to cure bacterial infections. Herein, we report the synthesis of pH-responsive, self-targeting micelles self-assembled from a solution of poly(ethylene glycol)- block -poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG- b -PCL) and poly(ε-caprolactone)- block -poly(amino ester) (PCL- b -PAE) with DNase conjugated to PAE-blocks. At physiological pH, this conjugation protected DNase inside the micellar shell, while PEG prevented adsorption of blood-borne proteins to the micelles. PAE became positively-charged below pH 6.4 facilitating self-targeting to an infectious biofilm. Simultaneously, PAE became hydrophilic and stretched to expose DNase upon accumulation in an infectious S. aureus biofilm where it degraded the biofilm matrix. PEG/PAE-DNase micelles internally core-loaded with ciprofloxacin significantly better eradicated murine pneumonia after blood-injection than ciprofloxacin-loaded PEG/PAE micelles without conjugated DNase or ciprofloxacin free in solution. Considering that DNase is clinically approved for use in cystic fibrosis patients, this paves the way for clinical translation of ciprofloxacin-loaded, PEG/PAE-DNase micelles for the treatment of pneumonia and other infections that can be reached through self-targeting after blood-injection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Orthodontic, multi-strand retention-wires are used as a generalized model for oral retention sites to investigate whether biofilm left-behind after powered toothbrushing in-vivo enabled better penetration of antibacterials as compared with manual brushing.Methods: 2-cm multi-strand, stainless-steel retention-wires were placed in brackets bonded bilaterally in the upper arches of 10-volunteers. Volunteers used NaF-sodium-lauryl-sulphate-containing toothpaste and antibacterial, triclosan-containing toothpaste supplemented or not with an essential-oils containing mouthrinse. Opposite sides of the dentition including the retention-wires, were brushed manually or with a powered toothbrush. Health-care-regimens were maintained for 1-week, after which wires were removed and oral biofilm was collected.Results: When powered toothbrushing was applied, slightly less bacteria were collected than after manual brushing, regardless whether an antibacterial-regimen was used or not. Powered-toothbrushing combined with antibacterial-regimens yielded lower biofilm viability than manual brushing, indicating better antibacterial penetration into biofilm left-behind after powered brushing. Major shifts in biofilm composition, with a decrease in prevalence of both cariogenic species and periodontopathogens, were induced after powered brushing using an antibacterial-regimen.Conclusion: Oral biofilm left-behind after powered brushing in-vivo enabled better penetration of antibacterials than after manual brushing.Clinical Significance: Mechanical removal of oral biofilm is important for prevention of dental pathologies, but biofilm is always left-behind, such as in fissures, buccal pits, interproximal areas and gingival margins and around orthodontic appliances. Use of antibacterial toothpastes or mouthrinses can contribute to removal or killing of biofilm bacteria, but biofilm structure hampers antibacterial penetration. A synergy between brushing mode and antibacterial-regimen applied exists with clinically demonstrable effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing is seen as a game-changing manufacturing process in many domains, including general medicine and dentistry, but the integration of more complex functions into 3D-printed materials remains lacking. Here, it is expanded on the repertoire of 3D-printable materials to include antimicrobial polymer resins, which are essential for development of medical devices due to the high incidence of biomaterial-associated infections. Monomers containing antimicrobial, positively charged quaternary ammonium groups with an appended alkyl chain are either directly copolymerized with conventional diurethanedimethacrylate/glycerol dimethacrylate (UDMA/GDMA) resin components by photocuring or prepolymerized as a linear chain for incorporation into a semi-interpenetrating polymer network by light-induced polymerization. For both strategies, dental 3D-printed objects fabricated by a stereolithography process kill bacteria on contact when positively charged quaternary ammonium groups are incorporated into the photocurable UDMA/GDMA resins. Leaching of quaternary ammonium monomers copolymerized with UDMA/GDMA resins is limited and without biological consequences within 4–6 d, while biological consequences could be confined to 1 d when prepolymerized quaternary ammonium group containing chains are incorporated in a semi-interpenetrating polymer network. Routine clinical handling and mechanical properties of the pristine polymer matrix are maintained upon incorporation of quaternary ammonium groups, qualifying the antimicrobially functionalized, 3D-printable composite resins for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]