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Dental resin composites (DRCs) with diverse fillers added are widely-used restorative materials to repair tooth defects. The addition of fillers brings an improvement in the mechanical properties of DRCs. In the past decade, diverse fillers have emerged. However, the change of emerging fillers mainly focuses on the chemical composition, while the morphologic characteristics changes are often ignored. The fillers with new morphologies not only have the advantages of traditional fillers (particles, fibrous filler, etc.), but also endow some additional functional characteristics (stronger bonding ability to resin matrix, polymerization resistance, and wear resistance, drug release control ability, etc.). Moreover, some new morphologies are closely related to the improvement of traditional fillers, porous filler vs. glass particles, core-sheath fibrous vs. fibrous, etc. Some other new morphology fillers are combinations of traditional fillers, UHA vs. HA particles and fibrous, tetrapod-like whisker vs. whisker and fibrous filler, mesoporous silica vs. porous and silica particles. In this review, we give an overall description and a preliminary summary of the fillers, as well as our perspectives on the future direction of the development of novel fillers for next-generation DRCs.

China’s higher education system is one of the largest and most complex in the world, with a vast number of higher education institutions scattered across different provinces. Evaluating the efficiency, productivity change, and technology gaps of these institutions is significant for understanding their performance and identifying areas for improvement. In this context, this study employs three different approaches, DEA super-SBM, Malmquist Productivity Index, and Meta-Frontier Analysis, to evaluate the efficiency, productivity change, and technology gaps of China’s provincial higher education systems. The study results revealed that the average higher education efficiency in China is 1.0015 for the study period of 2010–2021. A rapid and continuous increase was witnessed in higher education efficiency in China from 2014 to 2020. Meta-frontier and Group-frontier, higher education efficiency scores of low-level literate provinces are greater than middle and high-level literate provinces. However, the TGR of higher and middle-level literate provinces is greater than low-level literate provinces, indicating a superior technological level. The average MI score is 1.0034, indicating growth in productivity change. Efficiency change is the main determinant in higher education productivity growth instead of technological growth. The Middle and Low-level literate provinces witnessed growth in higher education productivity, while high-level literate provinces observed a decline in productivity change. The Kruskal-Wallis test provides evidence that a significant statistical difference exists among the three groups of education levels for the average scores of MI, EC, TC, and TGR.

The unexpected outbreak of the Covid-19 in 2020 has shifted the focus of the media worldwide to the comprehensive, tridimensional and truthful coverage of the catastrophe to the audience. Through the shooting of the Wuhan epidemic as an example, the article analyzes the photographic works in the epidemic, and discusses the innovation of images under the visual communication of digital technology, so that the fight “epidemic” images have become historical witnesses and development tracks.

Background The preference for glucose oxidative mode has crucial impacts on various physiological activities, including determining stem cell fate. External mechanical factors can play a decisive role in regulating critical metabolic enzymes and pathways of stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are momentous effector cells that transform mechanical force into biological signals during the reconstruction of alveolar bone. However, mechanical stimuli-induced alteration of oxidative characteristics in PDLSCs and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Methods Herein, we examined the expression of LDH and COX4 by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. We detected metabolites of lactic acid and reactive oxygen species for functional tests. We used tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining and a transmission electron microscope to clarify the mitochondrial status. After using western blot and immunofluorescence to clarify the change of DRP1, we further examined MFF, PINK1, and PARKIN by western blot. We used cyclosporin A (CsA) to confirm the regulation of mitophagy and ceased the stretching as a rescue experiment. Results Herein, we ascertained that mechanical force could increase the level of LDH and decrease the expression of COX4 in PDLSCs. Simultaneously, the yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in PDLSC reduced after stretching, while lactate acid augmented significantly. Furthermore, mitochondrial function in PDLSCs was negatively affected by impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) under mechanical force, and the augment of mitochondrial fission further induced PRKN-dependent mitophagy, which was confirmed by the rescue experiments via blocking mitophagy. As a reversible physiological stimulation, the anaerobic preference of PDLSCs altered by mechanical force could restore after the cessation of force stimulation. Conclusions Altogether, our study demonstrates that PDLSCs under mechanical force preferred anaerobic oxidation induced by the affected mitochondrial dynamics, especially mitophagy. Our findings support an association between mechanical stimulation and the oxidative profile of stem cells, which may shed light on the mechanical guidance of stem cell maintenance and commitment, and lay a molecular foundation for periodontal tissue regeneration. Graphical Abstract

This study performed an experimental exploration to analyze the influence of different grain sizes of coal on the nanostructure and morphological parameters of soot generated during combustion. Initially, primary and mature soot samples were gained from the combustion flames of two different grain sizes of coal (less than 150 μm, named sample #1, and 6–8 mm, named sample #2) by using thermophoresis sampling technology. Subsequently, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate and analyze the soot samples, with the aim of obtaining their morphological parameters and nanostructure characteristics. The TEM images indicate that the nascent soot produced during the flame formed by small-sized coal is relatively uniform, with individual particles 8–14 nm in size. The grain size of the nascent soot produced by large-sized coal is much larger, within a wide range of 50–350 nm. Additionally, the nanostructures of the nascent soot particles produced by samples #1 and #2 mainly consist of upright parallel crystal stripes. The crystal stripes of the soot particles formed by sample #1 have obvious microcrystalline structures, whereas only a small amount of microcrystalline structure is found at the edge of sample #2. Compared with sample #2, the soot formed during the combustion of sample #1 exhibits a denser crystalline structure. The SEM results indicate that the mature soot agglomerates formed in sample #2 are larger and more in quantity compared to sample #1. Furthermore, the mature soot agglomerates formed in sample #2 have a stronger coagulation performance and a more compact structure than that formed in sample #1.

ContextLoke zupa decoction (Lok) is a well-established classic Chinese folk remedy for asthma.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the effect and mechanism of Lok on asthma airway remodelling and provide novel insights for the prevention and treatment of asthma.Materials and methodsFor in vitro experiments, BEAS-2B cells were assigned into six groups: Control, TGF-β1 (10 μM), TGF-β1 + Lok-20, TGF-β1 + Lok-40, TGF-β1 + Lok-80 μg/mL and TGF-β1 + SB431542 (5 μM). CCK8 and wound healing assays were performed. For in vivo experiments, 60 female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: Control, model, Lok-4.55, Lok-9.1, and DEX group. Lok was administrated by gavage during the challenge stage for 8 consecutive weeks (4.55 and 9.1 g/kg/day). We investigated airway inflammation and airway remodelling in the lungs and verified the activation status of EMT-related markers and the PI3K-Akt/HIF-1α signalling pathway.ResultsIn vitro, Lok efficiently inhibited TGF-β1-induced BEAS-2B cell proliferation ability (cell viability 165% vs. 105%) and migration (migration areas 85% vs. 35%) without affecting their normal growth (IC50 274.2 µg/mL at 48 h). In vivo, Lok effectively protected mice from asthma, as evidenced by decreased histological damage and level of cytokines in BALF (IL-4, IL-13 and TGF-β1) by 17%–77%. Mechanistic research revealed that Lok reduced the levels of EMT-related molecules and significantly downregulated the PI3K-Akt/HIF-1α signalling pathway.Discussion and conclusionsOur findings provide novel insights into the protective effect of Lok on asthma and the underlying mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis and potential treatment possibilities for this patient population.

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is frequently upregulated in prostate cancer (PCa) and further increased in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), a lethal state characterized by profound immune dysfunction. However, EZH2-associated immune programs in bulk cohorts and their corresponding cell-type-specific features in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data have not been systematically delineated in advanced PCa. We integrated bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq to map EZH2-associated transcriptional and immune features in PCa. In bulk cohorts (TCGA-PRAD and an independent metastatic CRPC cohort), we quantified EZH2 expression, clinical outcomes, and immune-signature enrichment. Immune-modulated differentially expressed genes (IMDEGs) were defined by intersecting EZH2-associated differential expression with correlations to Treg/TAM-related signature scores, and were used for NMF-based immune subtyping and penalized Cox modeling with validation. In scRNA-seq cohorts (GSE264573 and an independent CRPC cohort), malignant epithelial cells were inferred by copy-number alteration profiles, EZH2^high versus EZH2^low malignant programs were characterized, T-cell subsets were quantified, and tumor-Treg communication was inferred using CellPhoneDB as hypothesis-generating predictions. For perturbation, the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat was evaluated in the CRPC-relevant C42 cell line with H3K27me3 readouts and transcriptomic profiling, with key changes validated by RT-qPCR. Across bulk cohorts, higher EZH2 expression was associated with adverse clinical outcomes and increased enrichment of immunosuppressive signatures, including Treg- and TAM-related programs. IMDEG-based NMF subtyping identified patient groups with distinct immune states, and an IMDEG-derived risk score stratified prognosis. Single-cell profiling revealed elevated EZH2 in CRPC malignant cells and Tregs; EZH2^high malignant cells exhibited a proliferative transcriptional state accompanied by reduced expression of immune-related programs. Predicted tumor-Treg interaction patterns were stronger in CRPC and positively associated with EZH2 expression. In C42 cells, tazemetostat reduced H3K27me3 and induced coordinated transcriptional changes, including upregulation of immune- and inflammation-associated genes such as TIMP3, PLCG2, and SOCS3, validated by RT-qPCR. This multi-layer integrative analysis suggests that EZH2 is associated with proliferative malignant states and immunosuppressive microenvironment features in advanced PCa, including Treg-linked crosstalk. Transcriptomic profiling following EZH2 inhibition supports modulation of these programs by EZH2-targeted perturbation, while functional and causal mechanisms warrant further investigation.

Soil salinity represents a major global agricultural constraint that significantly limits soybean productivity. While melatonin (MT) has demonstrated potential as a priming agent to enhance abiotic stress tolerance, the optimal application concentration and specific physiological mechanisms underlying its alleviation of salt stress remain poorly defined. Consequently, this study investigated the effects of exogenous MT (0, 50, 100, 250, 500 µmol/L) on seed germination and seedling physiology in two soybean varieties subjected to 100 mmol/L NaCl stress. The 100 µmol/L MT treatment proved to be the most effective, significantly alleviating salt-induced inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth. It enhanced the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and elevated osmolyte content, while reducing oxidative stress markers (H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde, MDA). Crucially, hormonal profiling revealed that the mitigation of salt stress was associated with a fundamental shift in hormonal homeostasis. The optimal MT treatment orchestrated a pronounced decrease in the stress hormone abscisic acid (ABA) alongside a concurrent rise in key growth-promoting hormones (e.g., IAA, GA, JA), thereby redirecting the plant’s metabolism from stress containment back toward growth. Conversely, a high MT concentration (500µmol/L) exacerbated stress damage. Multivariate analyses confirmed positive correlations between germination/growth and antioxidant capacity/growth-promoting hormones, and negative correlations with oxidative stress/ABA. The variety DS-7 exhibited stronger salt tolerance than DS-4, which is attributed to its inherently higher capacity for antioxidant activity and osmotic adjustment. In conclusion, 100 µmol/L exogenous melatonin significantly enhances soybean salt tolerance by boosting antioxidant defense, regulating osmotic balance, and optimizing hormonal homeostasis. The superior inherent traits of the DS-7 variety further contribute to its resilience. These findings provide a foundation for utilizing melatonin to improve soybean establishment in saline soils.

Objective To systematically evaluate the association between maternal active smoking during pregnancy and Tourette syndrome (TS), chronic tic disorder (CTD), and developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children, and to provide evidence-based medical references to reduce the incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Method We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library to obtain relevant articles published before 4 August 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles for eligibility and extracted data. Results We included eight studies involving a total of 50,317 participants (3 cohort, 3 case–control, and 2 cross-sectional studies). The pooled effect estimates suggested that prenatal maternal active smoking is related to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.30–2.80), especially DCD (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.35–3.75). Maternal active smoking during pregnancy is not associated with TS (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.66–1.73) in children. Conclusion In this meta-analysis, we found evidence for a correlation between active smoking exposure in pregnant women and neurodevelopmental disorders in children. Owing to the differences in sample size, smoking categories and diagnostic methods, further research is needed to validate our results.

Effective drugs for the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) are still lacking. Nortriptyline Hydrochloride (NTP), a commonly used antidepressant medication, has been demonstrated by numerous studies to have antitumor effects. This study first validated the ability of NTP to inhibit GC and preliminarily explored its underlying mechanism. To begin with, NTP inhibits the activity of AGS and HGC27 cells (Human-derived GC cells) in a dose-dependent manner, as well as proliferation, cell cycle, and migration. Moreover, NTP induces cell apoptosis by upregulating BAX, BAD, and c-PARP and downregulating PARP and Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, the mechanism of cell death caused by NTP is closely related to oxidative stress. NTP increases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and inducing glucose (GSH) consumption. While the death of GC cells can be partially rescued by ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Mechanistically, NTP activates the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (Keap1)—NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which is an important pathway involved in oxidative stress. RNA sequencing and proteomics analysis further revealed molecular changes at the mRNA and protein levels and provided potential targets and pathways through differential gene expression analysis. In addition, NTP can inhibited tumor growth in nude mouse subcutaneous tumor models constructed respectively using AGS and MFC (mouse-derived GC cells), providing preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in vivo. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that NTP exhibits significant anti-GC activity and is anticipated to be a candidate for drug repurposing.