Application of nanotechnology to dentistry:Impact of graphene nanocomposites on clinical air quality

Concerns about air quality in dental clinics where aerosol generation during procedures poses significant health risks,have prompted investigations on advanced disinfection technologies.This editorial describes the strengths and limitations of ventilation and aerosol control measures in dental offices,especially with respect to the use of graphene nanocomposites.The potential of graphene nanocomposites as an innovative solution to aerosol-associated health risks is examined in this review due to the unique properties of graphene(e.g.,high con-ductivity,mechanical strength,and antimicrobial activity).These properties have produced promising results in various fields,but the application of graphene in dentistry remains unexplored.The recent study by Ju et al which was published in World Journal of Clinical Cases evaluated the effectiveness of graphene-based air disinfection systems in dental clinics.The study demonstrated that graphene-based disinfection techniques produced significant reductions in suspended particulate matter and bacterial colony counts,when co-mpared with traditional methods.Despite these positive results,challenges such as material saturation,frequency of filter replacement,and associated costs must be addressed before widespread adoption of graphene-based disinfection techniques in clinical practice.Therefore,there is need for further research on material structure optimization,long-term safety evaluations,and broader clinical applications,in order to maximize their positive impact on public health.

The evolution of robotics:research and application progress of dental implant robotic systems

The use of robots to augment human capabilities and assist in work has long been an aspiration.Robotics has been developing since the 1960s when the first industrial robot was introduced.As technology has advanced,robotic-assisted surgery has shown numerous advantages,including more precision,efficiency,minimal invasiveness,and safety than is possible with conventional techniques,which are research hotspots and cutting-edge trends.This article reviewed the history of medical robot development and seminal research papers about current research progress.Taking the autonomous dental implant robotic system as an example,the advantages and prospects of medical robotic systems would be discussed which would provide a reference for future research.

A Review of Multifunctional Nanocomposite Fibers:Design,Preparation and Applications

Nanocomposite fibers are fibrous materials with specific properties and functionalities,which are prepared by introducing nanomaterials or nanostructures in the fibers.Polymeric nanocomposite fibers exhibit multiple functionalities,showing great application potential in healthcare,aerospace,mechanical engineering,and energy storage.Here,six functionalities of polymer nanocomposite fibers are reviewed:mechanical reinforcement,resistance to electromagnetic interference and flame,thermal and electrical conduction,generation of far-infrared ray,negative ion and electricity,energy storage,and sensing.For each functionality,the fiber component selection and preparation methods are summarized.The commonly used polymers comprise natural and synthetic polymers,and typical nanomaterials include carbon-based,polymer-based,metal-based,and metal oxide-based ones.Various compounding strategies and spinning approaches,such as wet-spinning,melt-spinning,and electrospinning,are introduced.Moreover,the functional properties of fibers fabricated from different constituents and by different strategies are compared,providing a reference for performance optimization.Finally,the prospective directions of research and application are discussed,and possible approaches are suggested to facilitate the development of advanced nanocomposite fibers.

Potential industrial applications of photo/electrocatalysis: Recent progress and future challenges

Nowadays,the rapid development of the social economy inevitably leads to global energy and environmental crisis.For this reason,more and more scholars focus on the development of photocatalysis and/or electrocatalysis technology for the advantage in the sustainable production of high-value-added products,and the high efficiency in pollutants remediation.Although there is plenty of outstanding research has been put forward continuously,most of them focuses on catalysis performance and reaction mechanisms in laboratory conditions.Realizing industrial application of photo/electrocatalytic processes is still a challenge that needs to be overcome by social demand.In this regard,this review comprehensively summarized several explorations in thefield of photo/electrocatalytic reduction towards potential industrial applications in recent years.Special attention is paid to the successful attempts and the current status of photo/electrocatalytic water splitting,carbon dioxide conversion,resource utilization from waste,etc.,by using advanced reactors.The key problems and challenges of photo/electrocatalysis in future industrial practice are also discussed,and the possible development directions are also pointed out from the industry view.

Drilling-based measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock and its field application

The technology of drilling tests makes it possible to obtain the strength parameter of rock accurately in situ. In this paper, a new rock cutting analysis model that considers the influence of the rock crushing zone(RCZ) is built. The formula for an ultimate cutting force is established based on the limit equilibrium principle. The relationship between digital drilling parameters(DDP) and the c-φ parameter(DDP-cφ formula, where c refers to the cohesion and φ refers to the internal friction angle) is derived, and the response of drilling parameters and cutting ratio to the strength parameters is analyzed. The drillingbased measuring method for the c-φ parameter of rock is constructed. The laboratory verification test is then completed, and the difference in results between the drilling test and the compression test is less than 6%. On this basis, in-situ rock drilling tests in a traffic tunnel and a coal mine roadway are carried out, and the strength parameters of the surrounding rock are effectively tested. The average difference ratio of the results is less than 11%, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method for obtaining the strength parameters based on digital drilling. This study provides methodological support for field testing of rock strength parameters.

MXene-Based Elastomer Mimetic StretchableSensors: Design, Properties, and Applications

Flexible sensors based on MXene-polymer composites are highly prospective for next-generation wearable electronics used in human-machine interfaces.One of the motivating factors behind the progress of flexible sensors is the steady arrival of new conductive materials.MXenes,a new family of 2D nanomaterials,have been draw-ing attention since the last decade due to their high electronic conduc-tivity,processability,mechanical robustness and chemical tunability.In this review,we encompass the fabrication of MXene-based polymeric nanocomposites,their structure-property relationship,and applications in the flexible sensor domain.Moreover,our discussion is not only lim-ited to sensor design,their mechanism,and various modes of sensing platform,but also their future perspective and market throughout the world.With our article,we intend to fortify the bond between flexible matrices and MXenes thus promoting the swift advancement of flexible MXene-sensors for wearable technologies.

A Review of Contact Electrification at Diversified Interfaces and Related Applications on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

The triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG)can effectively collect energy based on contact electrification(CE)at diverse interfaces,including solid–solid,liquid–solid,liquid–liquid,gas–solid,and gas–liquid.This enables energy harvesting from sources such as water,wind,and sound.In this review,we provide an overview of the coexistence of electron and ion transfer in the CE process.We elucidate the diverse dominant mechanisms observed at different interfaces and emphasize the interconnectedness and complementary nature of interface studies.The review also offers a comprehensive summary of the factors influencing charge transfer and the advancements in interfacial modification techniques.Additionally,we highlight the wide range of applications stemming from the distinctive characteristics of charge transfer at various interfaces.Finally,this review elucidates the future opportunities and challenges that interface CE may encounter.We anticipate that this review can offer valuable insights for future research on interface CE and facilitate the continued development and industrialization of TENG.

The Application of Bilayer Artificial Dermis Combined with VSD Technology in Chronic Wounds

Background: Bilayer artificial dermis promotes wound healing and offers a treatment option for chronic wounds. Aim: Examine the clinical efficacy of bilayer artificial dermis combined with Vacuum Sealing Drainage (VSD) technology in the treatment of chronic wounds. Method: From June 2021 to December 2023, our hospital treated 24 patients with chronic skin tissue wounds on their limbs using a novel tissue engineering product, the bilayer artificial dermis, in combination with VSD technology to repair the wounds. The bilayer artificial dermis protects subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and tendons, and also promotes the growth of granulation tissue and blood vessels to aid in wound healing when used in conjunction with VSD technology for wound dressing changes in chronic wounds. Results: In this study, 24 cases of chronic wounds with exposed bone or tendon larger than 1.0 cm2 were treated with a bilayer artificial skin combined with VSD dressing after wound debridement. The wounds were not suitable for immediate skin grafting. At 2 - 3 weeks post-treatment, good granulation tissue growth was observed. Subsequent procedures included thick skin grafting or wound dressing changes until complete wound healing. Patients were followed up on average for 3 months (range: 1 - 12 months) post-surgery. Comparative analysis of the appearance, function, skin color, elasticity, and sensation of the healed chronic wounds revealed superior outcomes compared to traditional skin fl repairs, resulting in significantly higher satisfaction levels among patients and their families. Conclusion: The application of bilayer artificial dermis combined with VSD technology for the repair of chronic wounds proves to be a viable method, yielding satisfactory therapeutic effects compared to traditional skin flap procedures.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Flower Border Application Value of New and Superior Plants in Hefei Area

An analytic hierarchy process(AHP)was employed to assess the applicability of 18 new and superior varieties of flowers in Hefei City flower border applications.A total of 12 indicators were selected from three distinct aspects of adaptability,ornamental characteristics and use traits,in order to establish a comprehensive evaluation model.The results demonstrate that grade I(J≥2.685)exhibits excellent application value,encompassing six species of plants,such asHydrangeamacrophylla‘Endless Summer’;grade II(2.684≤J≤2.420)is also of notable application value,encompassing five species of plants,such asCallistemonrigidus;grade III(2.419≤J≤2.615)is of average application value,including five species of plants,such asCrocosmiacrocosmiflora;grade IV(J≤2.16)is of relatively poor application value.The evaluation results may be utilized as a theoretical reference for the promotion of new and superior varieties in the flower border of Hefei.

Synthesis and modification strategies of g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets for photocatalytic applications

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets(CNNs)become the most promising member in the carbon nitride family benefitted from their two-dimensional structural features.Recently,great endeavors have been made in the synthesis and modification of CNNs to improve their photocatalytic properties,and many exciting progresses have been gained.In order to elucidate the fundamentals of CNNs based catalysts and provide the insights into rational design of photocatalysis system,we describe recent progress made in CNNs preparation strategies and their applications in this review.Firstly,the physicochemical properties of CNNs are briefly introduced.Secondly,the synthesis approaches of CNNs are reviewed,including top-down stripping strategies(thermal,gas,liquid,and composite stripping)and bottom-up precursor molecules design strategies(solvothermal,template,and supramolecular self-assembly method).Subsequently,the modification strategies based on CNNs in recent years are discussed,including crystal structure design,doping,surface functionalization,constructing 2D heterojunction,and anchoring single-atom.Then the multifunctional applications of g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheet based materials in photocatalysis including H_(2) evolution,O_(2) evolution,overall water splitting,H_(2)O_(2) production,CO_(2) reduction,N_(2) fixation,pollutant removal,organic synthesis,and sensing are highlighted.Finally,the opportunities and challenges for the development of high-performance CNNs photocatalytic systems are also prospected.

Heating of nanoparticles and their environment by laser radiation and applications

This review considers the fundamental dynamic processes involved in the laser heating of metal nanoparticles and their subsequent cooling.Of particular interest are the absorption of laser energy by nanoparticles,the heating of a single nanoparticle or an ensemble thereof,and the dissipation of the energy of nanoparticles due to heat exchange with the environment.The goal is to consider the dependences and values of the temperatures of the nanoparticles and the environment,their time scales,and other parameters that describe these processes.Experimental results and analytical studies on the heating of single metal nanoparticles by laser pulses are discussed,including the laser thresholds for initiating subsequent photothermal processes,how temperature influences the optical properties,and the heating of gold nanoparticles by laser pulses.Experimental studies of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the results of an analytical study of the heating of an ensemble of nanoparticles and the environment by laser radiation are considered.Nanothermometry methods for nanoparticles under laser heating are considered,including changes in the refractive indices of metals and spectral thermometry of optical scattering of nanoparticles,Raman spectroscopy,the thermal distortion of the refractive index of an environment heated by a nanoparticle,and thermochemical phase transitions in lipid bilayers surrounding a heated nanoparticle.Understanding the sequence of events after radiation absorption and their time scales underlies many applications of nanoparticles.The applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles are reviewed,including thermochemical reactions and selective nanophotothermolysis initiated in the environment by laser-heated nanoparticles,thermal radiation emission by nanoparticles and laser-induced incandescence,electron and ion emission of heated nanoparticles,and optothermal chemical catalysis.Applications of the laser heating of nanoparticles in laser nanomedicine are of particular interest.Significant emphasis is given to the proposed analytical approaches to modeling and calculating the heating processes under the action of a laser pulse on metal nanoparticles,taking into account the temperature dependences of the parameters.The proposed models can be used to estimate the parameters of lasers and nanoparticles in the various applicationfields for the laser heating of nanoparticles.

Combined application of CIRCLE Software and Topo-LASIK for SMILE enhancement

Dear Editor,We present a case of combined application of CIRCLE software(Carl Zeiss Meditec AG,Germany)and topography-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis(Topo-LASIK)for small-incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)enhancement.SMILE is a safe,minimally invasive corneal laser surgery using a femtosecond laser to create an extractable stromal lenticule.

Preparation,properties and applications of natural biomass materials(Ⅻ)Multifunctional acidic heteropolysaccharide:pectin

Pectin is a kind of natural hydrophilic colloid with complicated composition and structure,which has been abundantly found in the cells of higher plants.Pectin has good water solubility,stability,gelling ability and emulsifying ability,as well as safety and non-toxicity,good biocompatibility,biodegradability,and many excellent biological activities such as lowering cholesterol,anti-tumor,anti-oxidation,and lowering blood sugar.Moreover,both its physicochemical properties and functional performance can be further improved by physical,chemical and enzymatic treatments and compound modification upon the active functional groups,such as hydroxyl groups,carboxyl groups and glycosidic bonds.Therefore,pectin has been widely used in many fields,including food industry and pharmaceutical industry.Furthermore,great application potential has emerged in daily-use chemical industry,functional materials,and biodegradable biological materials.In this review,the source,chemical structure,main physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of pectin were briefly introduced.The extraction methods,separation and purification technologies,and modification methods for pectin were also systematically presented.In addition,the situation of application as well as the current problems for pectin and its modified products were summarized.Finally,some of the directions of future research and development of pectin were pointed out.

Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets in cancer and its clinical application

Cancer genomics has led to the discovery of numerous oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play critical roles in cancer development and progression.Oncogenes promote cell growth and proliferation,whereas tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell growth and division.The dysregulation of these genes can lead to the development of cancer.Recent studies have focused on non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs),including circular RNA(circRNA),long non-coding RNA(lncRNA),and microRNA(miRNA),as therapeutic targets for cancer.In this article,we discuss the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes of ncRNAs associated with different types of cancer and their potential as therapeutic targets.Here,we highlight the mechanisms of action of these genes and their clinical applications in cancer treatment.Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and identifying specific therapeutic targets are essential steps towards the development of effective cancer treatments.

Renewable Polymers in Biomedical Applications:From the Bench to the Market

Polymers from renewable resources have been used for a long time in biomedical applications and found an irreplaceable role in some of them.Their uses have been increasing because of their attractive properties,contributing to the improvement of life quality,mainly in drug release systems and in regenerative medicine.Formulations using natural polymer,nano and microscale particles preparation,composites,blends and chemical modification strategies have been used to improve their properties for clinical application.Although many studies have been carried out with these natural polymers,the way to reach the market is long and only very few of them become commercially available.Vegetable cellulose,bacterial cellulose,chitosan,poly(lactic acid)and starch can be found among the most studied polymers for biological applications,some with several derivatives already established in the market,and others with potential for such.In this scenario this work aims to describe the properties and potential of these renewable polymers for biomedical applications,the routes from the bench to the market,and the perspectives for future developments.

Magnesium fertilizer application increases peanut growth and pod yield under reduced nitrogen application in southern China

This study investigated the effect of magnesium application on peanut growth and yield under two nitrogen(N)application rates in acidic soil in southern China.The chlorophyll content,net photosynthetic rate and dry matter accumulation of the N-sensitive cultivar decreased under reduced N treatments,whereas no effect was observed on the relevant indicators in the N-insensitive variety GH1026.Mg application increased the net photosynthetic rate by increasing the expression of genes involved in chlorophyll synthesis and Rubisco activity in the leaves during the pegging stage under 50%N treatment,while no effect on the net photosynthetic rate was observed under the 100%N treatment.The rate of dry matter accumulation at the early growth stage,total dry matter accumulation and pod yield at harvest increased after Mg application under 50%N treatment by increasing the transportation of assimilates from stems and leaves to pods in both peanut varieties,whereas no effect was found under 100%N treatment.Moreover,Mg application increased the NUE under 50%N treatment.No improvement of NUE in either peanut variety was found under 100%N treatment,while Mg application under the 50%N treatment can obtain a higher economic benefit than the 100%N treatment.In acidic soil,application of 307.5 kg ha^(-1)of Mg sulfate fertilizer under 50%reduced nitrogen application is a suitable fertilizer management measure for improving carbon assimilation,NUE and achieve high peanut yields in southern China.

Study on the Application of Refined Nursing Care in The Care for Elderly Patients with Reflux Esophagitis

Objective: To investigate the application effect of refined nursing care in the care for elderly patients with reflux esophagitis. Methods: Following the difference in nursing style, 84 cases of elderly patients with reflux esophagitis admitted to our hospital from May 2022 to May 2023 were randomly grouped into a control group and a research group, with 42 cases each. The control group was given conventional nursing care and the research group was given refined nursing care. The psychological state and treatment adherence of the two groups of patients after the nursing intervention were compared. Results: After the nursing intervention, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores of the research group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The treatment compliance of the research group was better than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of refined nursing care for elderly patients with reflux esophagitis exhibited a significant effect on improving the patient’s psychological state, treatment compliance, and rehabilitation.

Advances in Biomedical Applications of Hydrogels from Seaweed-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharides:Carrageenan,Fucoidan,and Ulvan

Sulfated polysaccharides extracted from seaweeds,including Carrageenan,Fucoidan and Ulvan,are crucial bioactive compounds known for their diverse beneficial properties,such as anti-inflammatory,antitumor,immunomodulatory,antiviral,and anticoagulant effects.These polysaccharides form hydrogels hold immense promise in biomedicine,particularly in tissue engineering,drug delivery systems and wound healing.This review comprehensively explores the sources and structural characteristics of the three important sulfated polysaccharides extracted from different algae species.It elucidates the gelation mechanisms of these polysaccharides into hydrogels.Furthermore,the biomedical applications of these three sulfated polysaccharide hydrogels in wound healing,drug delivery,and tissue engineering are discussed,highlighting their potential in the biomedicine.

3D bioprinting of tumor models and potential applications

Cancer is the most common cause of human mortality and has created an unbridgeable health gap due to its unrestrained aberrant proliferation,rapid growth,metastasis,and high heterogeneity.Conventional two-dimensional cell culture and animal models for tumor diagnostic and therapeutic studies have extremely low clinical translation rates due to their intrinsic limitations.Appropriate tumor models are therefore required for cancer research.Engineered human three-dimensional(3D)cancer models stand out for their ability to better replicate the spatial organization,cellular resources,and microenvironmental features(e.g.,hypoxia,necrosis,and delayed proliferation)of actual human tumors.Further,the fabrication of these models can be achieved by an emerging technology known as 3D bioprinting,which allows for the fabrication of living structures by precisely regulating the spatial distribution of cells,biomolecules,and matrix components.The aim of this paper is to review the current technologies and bioinks associated with 3D bioprinted cancer models for glioma,breast,liver,intestinal,cervical,ovarian,and neuroblastoma,as well as,advances in the applications of 3D bioprinted-based tumor models in the fields of tumor microenvironment,tumor vascularization,tumor stem cells,tumor resistance and therapeutic drug screening,tumorimmunotherapy,and precision medicine.

Spatiotemporal variations of sand hydraulic conductivity by microbial application methods

The spatiotemporal distributions of microbes in soil by different methods could affect the efficacy of the microbes to reduce the soil hydraulic conductivity.In this study,the specimens of bio-mediated sands were prepared using three different methods,i.e.injecting,mixing,and pouring a given microbial so-lution onto compacted sand specimens.The hydraulic conductivity was measured by constant-head tests,while any soil microstructural changes due to addition of the microbes were observed by scan-ning electron microscope(SEM)and mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP)tests.The amount of dextran concentration produced by microbes in each type of specimen was quantified by a refractometer.Results show that dextran production increased exponentially after 5-7 d of microbial settling with the supply of culture medium.The injection and mixing methods resulted in a similar amount and uniform dis-tribution of dextran in the specimens.The pouring method,however,produced a nonuniform distri-bution,with a higher concentration near the specimen surface.As the supply of culture medium discontinued,the dextran content near the surface produced by the pouring method decreased dramatically due to high competition for nutrients with foreign colonies.Average dextran concentration was negatively and correlated with hydraulic conductivity of bio-mediated soils exponentially,due to the clogging of large soil pores by dextran.The hydraulic conductivity of the injection and mixing cases did not change significantly when the supply of culture medium was absent.