Retraction Note: Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 reverses high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury via targeting CYP11B2

The article "Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LUCAT1 reverses high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte injury via targeting CYP11B2, by Y. Yin, Z.-F. Yang, X.-H. Li, L.-Q. Zhou, Y.-J. Zhang, B. Yang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (19): 8560-8565-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201910_19171-PMID: 31646588" has been retracted by the authors as they cannot ensure the reproducibility of the data. The third party who provided some data turned out to be unreliable. The same manuscript was also questioned on PubPeer after publication. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/19171.

Does head and cervical posture correlate to malocclusion? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association of head and cervical posture with malocclusion has been studied for many years. Despite extensively encouraging researches, no conclusive evidence has been reached for clinical application.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the question "Does head and cervical posture correlate to malocclusion?", a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the available studies were carried out (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022319742).

METHODS

A search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the grey literature was performed without language restrictions. The study screening, data extraction, risk-of-bias evaluation and methodological quality assessment were performed by two independent investigators. When a disagreement arose, a third author was consulted.

RESULTS

6 original cross-sectional studies involving 505 participants were included, which were of moderate methodological quality. NL/VER in Class Ⅱ group and NL/CVT in Class Ⅲ group showed significant differences compared to Class Ⅰ group, but no significant differences were observed in most of the variables like NSL/VER, OPT/CVT, OPT/HOR, CVT/HOR, NSL/OPT, NSL/CVT, NL/OPT in Class Ⅱ and Ⅲ groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that the current research evidence is not sound enough to prove the association of head and cervical posture with sagittal malocclusion. Better controlled design and a larger sample size are required for clarifying this question in future study.

Modulating the Electromechanical Response of Bio-Inspired Amino Acid-Based Architectures through Supramolecular Co-Assembly

Supramolecular packing dictates the physical properties of bio-inspired molecular assemblies in the solid state. Yet, modulating the stacking modes of bio-inspired supramolecular assemblies remains a challenge and the structure-property relationship is still not fully understood, which hampers the rational design of molecular structures to fabricate materials with desired properties. Herein, we present a co-assembly strategy to modulate the supramolecular packing of N-terminally capped alanine-based assemblies (Ac-Ala) by changing the amino acid chirality and mixing with a nonchiral bipyridine derivative (BPA). The co-assembly induced distinct solid-state stacking modes determined by X-ray crystallography, resulting in significantly enhanced electromechanical properties of the assembly architectures. The highest rigidity was observed after the co-assembly of racemic Ac-Ala with a bipyridine coformer (BPA/Ac-DL-Ala), which exhibited a measured Young's modulus of 38.8 GPa. Notably, BPA crystallizes in a centrosymmetric space group, a condition that is broken when co-crystallized with Ac-L-Ala and Ac-D-Ala to induce a piezoelectric response. Enantiopure co-assemblies of BPA/Ac-D-Ala and BPA/Ac-L-Ala showed density functional theory-predicted piezoelectric responses that are remarkably higher than the other assemblies due to the increased polarization of their supramolecular packing. This is the first report of a centrosymmetric-crystallizing coformer which increases the single-crystal piezoelectric response of an electrically active bio-inspired molecular assembly. The design rules that emerge from this investigation of chemically complex co-assemblies can facilitate the molecular design of high-performance functional materials comprised of bio-inspired building blocks.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes periodontal regeneration in a beagle model of furcation involvement

Objective: To evaluate the regeneration potential of periodontitis tissue treated by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) technique in a beagle model of furcation involvement (FI).

Background: Achieving predictable regeneration remains a clinical challenge for periodontitis tissue due to the compromised regenerative potential caused by chronic inflammation stimulation. LIPUS, an FDA-approved therapy for long bone fracture and non-unions, has been demonstrated effective in the in vitro attenuation of inflammation-induced dysfunction of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), the key cells contributing to periodontal regeneration. However, the in vivo effect of LIPUS on periodontitis tissue is rarely reported.

Methods: A beagle model of FI was established, and the experimental teeth were randomly assigned into three groups: control group, GTR group, and GTR+LIPUS group. Radiographic examinations were performed, and clinical periodontal parameters were recorded to reflect the periodontal condition of different groups. Histological analyses using H&E and Masson’s staining were conducted to evaluate the periodontal tissue regeneration.

Results: LIPUS could enhance new periodontal bone formation and bone matrix maturity in FI after GTR treatment. Moreover, clinical assessment and histomorphometric analyses revealed less inflammatory infiltration and superior vascularization within bone grafts in the LIPUS treatment group, indicating the anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects of LIPUS in FI.

Conclusion: Our investigation on a large animal model demonstrated that LIPUS is a promising adjunctive approach for the regeneration of periodontitis tissue, paving a new avenue for LIPUS application in the field of periodontal regenerative medicine.

[Effects of different eye protection methods during head and neck surgery under general anesthesia]

Objective: To compare the protective effects of vitamin A eye gel combined with 3M transparent tape and erythromycin eye ointment combined with 3M transparent tape on the eye surface during head and neck surgery under general anesthesia. Methods: From June to December 2021, a total of 120 patients undergoing elective head and neck surgery under general anesthesia in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University were enrolled. Each participant was randomly received vitamin A eye gel (vitamin A eye, n=60) or erythromycin eye ointment (erythromycin eye, n=60), followed by 3M transparent tape on one eye, and taping 3M transparent tape alone for the other eye. The hand-held slit lamp examination was performed 3 times at before induction of anesthesia, after resuscitation in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 1 day after surgery. The primary outcome was corneal fluorescein sodium staining (CFS) score. Secondary outcomes included symptom assessment in dry eye (SANDE) questionnaire score, basic tear secretion test (Schirmer I test, SIt), break-up time (BUT) and incidence of adverse reactions. Results: Comparison within groups showed that CFS scores were significantly higher in vitamin A eyes and erythromycin eyes at PACU than before induction (P<0.05). Comparison between groups showed that CFS score at PACU in erythromycin eyes (0.62±0.16) was significantly higher than that in vitamin A eyes (0.13±0.01, P=0.007). Compared with before induction, SIt at PACU was significantly increased in the erythromycin eyes [(16.0±1.3) vs (11.4±4.9) mm, P=0.017],and was significantly decreased in vitamin A eyes [(10.2±3.6) vs (12.4±5.5) mm, P=0.046]. The BUT in PACU of erythromycin eyes, vitamin A eyes were (6.4±2.5) s, (6.8±2.1) s, respectively,and were significantly decreased compared with before induction (P<0.05). Comparison between groups showed that there was no significant difference in BUT and SANDE in PACU between two groups (P>0.05). For erythromycin eyes, discomfort symptoms in PACU included viscosity (66.7%, 40/60), conjunctival congestion (21.7%, 13/60), tingling (8.3%, 5/60), blurred vision (58.3%, 35/60). The incidence of these complications in vitamin A eye was 30.0% (18/60), 5.0% (3/60), 0 and 6.7% (4/60), respectively, and all the incidences were significantly higher than those of vitamin A eyes (all P<0.05). Conclusion: For patients undergoing head and neck surgery under general anesthesia, the combination of vitamin A ocular gel and 3M transparent tape is more effective in prevent postoperative ocular surface injury than the combination of erythromycin ointment and 3M transparent tape.

Pyroptosisin periodontitis: From the intricate interaction with apoptosis, NETosis, and necroptosis to the therapeutic prospects

Periodontitis is highly prevalent worldwide. It is characterized by periodontal attachment and alveolar bone destruction, which not only leads to tooth loss but also results in the exacerbation of systematic diseases. As such, periodontitis has a significant negative impact on the daily lives of patients. Detailed exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the physiopathology of periodontitis may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for periodontitis and the associated systematic diseases. Pyroptosis, as one of the inflammatory programmed cell death pathways, is implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Progress in the field of pyroptosis has greatly enhanced our understanding of its role in inflammatory diseases. This review first summarizes the mechanisms underlying the activation of pyroptosis in periodontitis and the pathological role of pyroptosis in the progression of periodontitis. Then, the crosstalk between pyroptosis with apoptosis, necroptosis, and NETosis in periodontitis is discussed. Moreover, pyroptosis, as a novel link that connects periodontitis with systemic disease, is also reviewed. Finally, the current challenges associated with pyroptosis as a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis are highlighted.

[Effect of ultrasound-guided serratus plane block combined with pectoral nerve block I on postoperative analgesia after radical mastectomy]

Objective: To study the effect of ultrasonic-guided serratus plane block combined with pectoral nerve block Ⅰ on postoperative analgesia after radical mastectomy. Methods: A total of 30 patients, all female, aged [M (Q₁, Q₃)] 53 (43, 62) years old, who underwent radical mastectomy in Beijing Tongren Hospital from May to August 2021 were selected. The patients were divided into two groups (n=15 in each group) using a random number table: general anesthesia alone+patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) group (control group) and serratus plane block combined with pectoral nerve block Ⅰ before general anesthesia+PCIA group (combined group). Numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest in both groups were detected in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after operation. The time of first pain, the time of first pressing of the automatic analgesic device after the operation, the dosage of remifentanil during operation, cumulative dosages of sufentanil at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively, and the incidence of adverse effects were all recorded. Results: The NRS scores in combined group in the PACU and 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery were (2.1±1.7), (1.7±1.5), (1.5±1.4), (1.5±1.3) and (1.7±1.3), respectively, while the NRS scores in control group at each time points were (4.5±2.0), (3.2±1.4), (2.7±0.9), (2.8±0.9) and (2.4±0.8), respectively, and the NRS scores in combined group were significantly lower than those in control group (all P<0.05). The NRS scores in combined group at 36 and 48 h after surgery were (1.8±1.6) and (1.6±1.2), while the NRS scores in control group were (2.2±0.9) and (2.1±0.8), and the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). The time of first pain and the time of the first pressing of the automatic analgesic device in combined group were (573±174) min and (962±313) min, which were significantly longer than those of control group [(13±6) min and (135±41) min] (both P<0.05). The dosage of remifentanil during operation and cumulative dosage of sufentanil at 24 h postoperatively in combined group were (410±129) μg and (14±4) μg, which were lower than those in control group [(580±225) μg and (21±11) μg] (both P<0.05). Cumulative dosage of sufentanil at 48 h postoperatively in combined group was (29±11) μg, while in control group was (36±14) μg, and the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.131). The incidence of postoperative dizziness in combined group was 6.7% (1/15), which was lower than that of control group [40.0% (6/15)] (P=0.031). The incidence of nausea and pruritus was 6.7% (1/15) and 0 in combined group, while 20.0% (3/15) and 6.7% (1/15) in control group, with no statistical significance (both P>0.05). Conclusion: Serratus plane block combined with pectoral nerve block Ⅰ can effectively relieve postoperative pain, decrease the need for opioids, and reduce the incidence of adverse effects.

MicroRNA-29b/graphene oxide–polyethyleneglycol–polyethylenimine complex incorporated within chitosan hydrogel promotes osteogenesis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in regulating a number of physiologic and pathologic processes including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) osteogenic differentiation, making them a candidate used to promote osteogenesis. However, due to intrinsic structure and characteristics, “naked” miRNAs are unstable in serum and could not pass across the cellular membrane. Nano delivery systems seem to be a solution to these issues. Recently, graphene oxide (GO)-based nanomaterials are considered to be promising for gene delivery due to their unique physiochemical characteristics such as high surface area, biocompatibility, and easy modification. In this work, a GO-based nanocomplex functionalized by polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and polyethylenimine (PEI) was prepared for loading and delivering miR-29b, which participates in multiple steps of bone formation. The nanocomplex revealed good biocompatibility, miRNA loading capacity, and transfection efficiency. The miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI nanocomplex was capsulated into chitosan (CS) hydrogel for osteogenesis. In vitro and in vivo evaluation indicated that miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI@CS composite hydrogel was able to promote BMSC osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration. All these results indicate that PEG/PEI functionalized GO could serve as a promising candidate for miRNA cellular delivery, and the miR-29b/GO-PEG-PEI@CS hydrogel has the potential for repairing bone defects in vivo.

Prognostic Value of Pretreatment Skeletal Muscle Mass Index in Esophageal Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis

The prognostic role of pretreatment skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) has been verified in several types of cancers. However, it remains unclear whether pretreatment SMI is a valuable prognostic indicator in esophageal cancer. The aim of the present study was to identify the prognostic value of pretreatment SMI in esophageal cancer. PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies up to November 10, 2021. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the association of pretreatment SMI with the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of esophageal cancer patients. In total, 17 studies involving 2441 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that a lower SMI was significantly associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.09-1.27, P < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.10-2.88, P = 0.019). In addition, subgroup analysis based on treatment (surgery vs. nonsurgery), tumor type (squamous cell carcinoma vs. adenocarcinoma) and cutoff value of SMI showed similar results. The present findings demonstrated that pretreatment SMI is an independent prognostic indicator for esophageal cancer patients, and patients with a lower pretreatment SMI are more likely to have a worse prognosis. However, additional prospective high-quality studies are needed to verify the above findings.

The role of oral microbiome in periodontitis under diabetes mellitus

Periodontitis is among most common human inflammatory diseases and characterized by destruction of tooth-supporting tissues that will eventually lead to tooth loss. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia which results from defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance. Numerous studies have provided evidence for the inter-relationship between DM and periodontitis that has been considered as the sixth most frequent complication of DM. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood yet. The impact of DM on periodontitis through hyperglycemia and inflammatory pathways is well described, but the effects of DM on oral microbiota remain controversial according to previous studies. Recent studies using next-generation sequencing technology indicate that DM can alter the biodiversity and composition of oral microbiome especially subgingival microbiome. This may be another mechanism by which DM risks or aggravates periodontitis. Thus, to understand the role of oral microbiome in periodontitis of diabetics and the mechanism of shifts of oral microbiome under DM would be valuable for making specific therapeutic regimens for treating periodontitis patients with DM or preventing diabetic patients from periodontitis. This article reviews the role of oral microbiome in periodontal health (symbiosis) and disease (dysbiosis), highlights the oral microbial shifts under DM and summarizes the mechanism of the shifts.