Introduction Artemisinin (ART) is a sesquiterpene lactone from Artemisia annua L. and is best known as an antimalarial drug. Growing evidence indicates that artemisinin and its derivatives modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, bone remodeling, and tumor-associated pathways implicated in oral diseases. This review summarizes their therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms in major oral conditions and highlights formulation strategies, safety profile, and translational challenges. Method We conducted a systematic narrative review supported by a structured search of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English-language studies published from January 1, 2016, through September 2, 2025 (last search: September 2, 2025). We included original in vitro studies, in vivo (animal) studies, and clinical studies evaluating artemisinin-type compounds in oral/maxillofacial contexts and excluded non-English, non-original, duplicate, and irrelevant records. Study identification and screening were reported using a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020–style workflow, and findings were synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity. Results Artemisinin-related compounds showed multiple biological effects relevant to oral diseases. They inhibited pathogenic biofilm formation, alleviated periodontal inflammation, promoted osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, and suppressed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression by inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis. Novel formulations, including nano-carriers and hydrogels, enhanced its local delivery and bioavailability. Preliminary clinical studies of artesunate (ARS) in oral epithelial lesions suggest translational potential. Discussion Artemisinin and its derivatives show multifaceted biological actions that may benefit oral health management. Further well-designed clinical trials and standardized formulations are needed to establish efficacy and safety for dental use.

Cu-Ag-Al trimetallic nanorods were synthesized using a moisture-pressurized ultrasonic method and evaluated as antibacterial coatings for dental and dialysis sutures. The nanorods exhibited a mesoporous structure (surface area = 28.6 m2 g-1) and strong crystalline stability confirmed by XRD, FESEM, BET, TGA, and Raman analyses. The coated sutures showed concentration-dependent antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, achieving up to 86.5 % inhibition against E. coli and 74.2 % against S. aureus, with durable adhesion after washing. Cytotoxicity assays on KB and U87 cells revealed selective anticancer potential and acceptable biocompatibility at low doses. The developed ultrasonic synthesis offers a rapid, energy-efficient, and scalable route compared with conventional hydrothermal and microwave methods. The coatings maintained high stability, reduced the risk of nanoparticle release, and exhibited environmental and clinical safety potential. The enhanced antibacterial effect is attributed to synergistic reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and membrane disruption arising from the Cu-Ag-Al interaction. This scalable, low-cost approach demonstrates promise for next-generation infection-resistant sutures in clinical dentistry and dialysis applications.

Osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) facilitates the neogenesis of alveolar bone and contribute to the alveolar bone repair. Calcitonin (CT) has been reported to promote osteogenic differentiation in osteoblast, but its effects and mechanism on human PDLSCs remain obscure. In this study, alizarin red staining and western blot were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation and the expression level of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (pCREB), and osteopontin (OPN) in human PDLSCs. The transcriptional regulation of CREB on OPN expression was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays. In human PDLSCs, CT overexpression significantly enhanced the expression of OPN and strengthened the mineralization, and upregulated the expression level of CREB and pCREB. The mineralized deposit and expression of OPN promoted by CT were reduced by inhibiting the expression or activity of CREB. CREB could directly bind to OPN promoter and transcriptionally regulate OPN expression. Inhibiting the expression of OPN reversed the cell osteogenic differentiation promoted by CREB. Our study supports that CT can promote osteogenic differentiation of human PDLSCs through enhancing the expression and phosphorylation of CREB, subsequently transcriptionally regulating OPN expressions.

Periodontitis-induced periodontal bone defect is a key clinical challenge, and the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) is critical for bone repair. This study explored the role of the GATA-1-TOMM20-mitophagy axis in PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and periodontal bone repair. In a rat periodontitis model, TOMM20 expression was downregulated, accompanied by reduced bone volume/trabecular thickness (BV/TV/Tb.Th) and increased alveolar bone resorption (ABC-CEJ). TOMM20 overexpression (OE-TOMM20) ameliorated these bone defects, promoted mitophagy (reduced P62, increased LC3b/Beclin1), and enhanced PDLSC osteogenic differentiation (upregulated RUNX2/ALP/OCN, increased alizarin red/ALP staining), which was abolished by the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Genecards/JASPAR predicted GATA-1 as a top transcription factor for TOMM20. ChIP-PCR confirmed GATA-1 directly bound the TOMM20 promoter. GATA-1 overexpression upregulated TOMM20, while GATA-1 silencing downregulated it. Functional rescue experiments showed OE-GATA-1-induced mitophagy and PDLSC osteogenesis were reversed by TOMM20 silencing or 3-MA. In conclusion, GATA-1 transcriptionally activates TOMM20 to induce mitophagy, thereby promoting PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and periodontal bone repair, providing a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis.

Objective To explore whether c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） pathway is involved in the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells（hPDLSCs） induced by low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field（PEMF） via using the specific inhibitor SP600125 to intervene JNK signaling pathway. Methods h PDLSCs were exposed to the low-frequency PEMF stimulation（15 Hz, 0-3.0 mT, radiate for 1 h every 12 h） in vitro for 7 d or 14 d and the expression levels of osteogenic-related genes Runt-related transcription factor 2（Runx2）, alkaline phosphatase（ALP）, osteopontin（OPN） and osteocalcin（OCN） were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction（qPCR）, so as to determine the osteogenic differentiation ability of cells induced by low-frequency PEMF and the appropriate magnetic field intensity. To determine whether JNK pathway plays a role in the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs stimulated by low-frequency PEMF, the expression levels of JNK and phosphorylated-JNK（p-JNK） proteins were detected by Western blotting; and the expression levels of osteogenic genes in cells treated with different concentrations of SP600125 were detected by qPCR. Results The expression levels of osteogenic-related genes Runx2, ALP, OPN and OCN were higher in hPDLSCs irradiated with low-frequency PEMF at 15 Hz and 2.5 mT than other intensity groups（all P＜0.05）. Low-frequency PEMF significantly stimulated the expression of JNK and p-JNK proteins in cells（both P＜0.05）. The expression levels of osteogenic genes in hPDLSCs were decreased after the JNK pathway was inhibited by SP600125, and the inhibitory effects of 20 and 30 μmol/L SP600125 were more obvious than that of 10 μmol/L SP600125（both P＜0.05）. Conclusion PEMF（15 Hz,2.5 mT） partially activates JNK pathway to induce hPDLSC osteogenic differentiation.

[目的]探讨小剂量阿司匹林对大鼠钛合金种植体周围神经再生的影响.[方法]40只8周龄SPF级、SD雄性大鼠随机分为对照组和观察组(阿司匹林组),每组20只,均于右侧股骨干骺端植入Ti-6A1-4V种植钉一枚.大鼠术后苏醒后,观察组给予阿莫西林67 mg/(kg·d)(3次/d,连续3 d)灌胃处理,并于当 日给予小剂量阿司匹林1.786 mg/(kg·d)灌胃处理(连续8周).对照组同时间给予等剂量的阿莫西林和0.9％氯化钠注射液灌胃处理.两组分别于药物干预后4周、8周各取10只大鼠种植体股骨组织,采用Van Gieson染色观察种植体周围骨组织形态学并计算骨小梁容积率(TBV)、骨结合率(BIC);采用免疫组化法分析并比较神经丝蛋白(NFP)阳性情况,并计算NFP蛋白阳性率.[结果]术后4周、8周,对照组和观察组大鼠种植体表面均有新骨形成,与对照组比较,观察组大鼠种植体周围股骨组织TBV、BIC均升高(P＜0.05);大鼠种植体周围股骨组织NFP阳性神经结构分布在种植窝边缘、周围骨髓腔、骨小梁腔隙及骨膜中,给药干预后4周时,观察组、对照组种植体周围NFP阳性率分别为90.00％、60.00％,观察组NFP阳性率高于对照组(P＜0.05);术后8周时,两组NFP阳性率均为80.00％,两组比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).[结论]小剂量阿司匹林可能增加大鼠钛合金种植体周围早期神经纤维数量,进而促进种植体周围神经功能再生.

The aim was to obtain bone repair materials with sustained release of minocycline and evaluate the effect in periodontal bone defect repair. Two complex material, hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CS) and minocycline-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (Mino-HA/CS), were prepared by the co-precipitation method. The physical and chemical property, cytotoxicity, release of minocycline and the bacteriostasis examination of the materials were evaluated, they were applied to the rabbit model of mandible bone defect to evaluate their effects on the regeneration of periodontal bone defect. After minocycline was added to HA/CS, the setting time of the material was prolonged, the compressive strength was reduced and the pore size and porosity were increased significantly. The pH value did not change obviously and stayed in the neutral range. Mino-HA/CS could promote the growth of osteoblasts effectively compared with control medium. In vivo, Mino-HA/CS material showed better effect of promoting periodontal bone formation.

目的 调查分析7～9岁儿童第一恒磨牙龋病及需窝沟封闭现状并提出防控意见.方法 对1555例7～9岁儿童第一恒磨牙的临床资料进行回顾性分析,调查其流行病学特征,包括性别、年龄、年份以及不同牙位的第一恒磨牙龋病及需窝沟封闭情况.结果 需封闭(深窝沟)检出率为81.48％,患龋率为14.86％;需封闭(深窝沟)者中女性略高于男性,需封闭(深窝沟)率随年龄增加而降低,随年份增加而升高;患龋者中男性占比略高于女性,患龋率随年龄增加而升高,且9岁患龋者占比高于7岁(P<0.05),不同年份患龋率由高到低分别为2018年、2019年和2017年;需封闭(深窝沟)占比由高到低分别为牙位46、牙位16、牙位26和牙位36,且牙位16需封闭(深窝沟)者占比高于牙位26、牙位36(P<0.05),牙位46需封闭(深窝沟)者占比高于其余牙位(P<0.05);患龋者不同牙位占比由高到低分别为牙位36、牙位46、牙位26和牙位16,且牙位16、牙位26患龋者占比低于牙位36、牙位46(P<0.05),牙位36患龋者占比高于牙位46(P<0.05);牙位16需封闭(深窝沟)占比随年龄增加而升高,牙位26需封闭(深窝沟)占比由高到低分别为8岁、7岁和9岁;牙位36需封闭(深窝沟)占比随年龄增加而降低,牙位46需封闭(深窝沟)占比由高到低分别为9岁、7岁和8岁;牙位16和牙位46患龋占比由高到低分别为8岁、7岁和9岁,牙位26和牙位36随年龄增加患龋占比升高.结论 调查显示7～9岁儿童第一恒磨牙需窝沟封闭者超过80％且随年龄增加而降低,患龋率高达14.86％且随年龄增加而升高,不同年龄需窝沟封闭及患龋的儿童牙位有差异,建议根据调查结果加强防控.

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of blue shark skin collagen composite gel on oral mucosal ulcer using the rat oral ulcers model stimulated by glacial acetic acid. Methods: Collagen from blue shark skin was isolated and physiochemically characterized by FTIR, SDS-PAGE and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seventy standard male rats were divided into seven groups. The surface and the area of the ulcer were observed and calculated daily. After 12 days of administration, rats in the model group and the control group were killed and the ulcer and surrounding tissues were cut to pieces about one mm 3 size. The specimens were stained with 10% formalin solution, paraffinembedded sections, HE staining and light microscope were used to observe the histopathological changes in ulcer tissues. Results: The high-dose group had the fastest ulcer healing effects after 12 days of treatment with blue shark skin collagen composite gel. The composite gel was found to significantly accelerate the healing of oral ulcers in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The blue shark skin collagen composite gel in this study may be a good biomedical material candidate for the treatment of oral ulcers in the near future. Potential of other marine fish skin collagen comples on healing oral ulcers should be also considered.

2019 年 12 月中旬以来,武汉市暴发新型冠状病毒(2019-nCoV)感染疫情,很快扩散到全国各地,形势非常严峻.国家已将新型冠状病毒肺炎( COVID-19 )列入《中华人民共和国传染病防治法》规定的乙类传染病,并采取甲类传染病的预防和控制措施进行管理.目前已发现2019-nCoV主要通过呼吸道飞沫和密切接触传播,在相对密闭的环境中长时间暴露于高浓度气溶胶情况下存在经气溶胶传播的可能[1].

目的 考察降钙素(CT)促进人牙周膜干细胞(hPDLSC)的胶原合成和成骨作用.方法 将50名成人受试者分为慢性牙周炎(CP)组(n=25)和对照组(n=25).CP组中,选择探诊深度≥5 mm的上颌前部和有骨丢失影像学证据的部位,从每例患者的6个上颌位点收集龈沟液(GCF)样本.对照组中,对没有炎症的多个部位(每名受试者10～12个)进行取样以确保收集足够量的GCF.采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测GCF中CT、转化生长因子 β1(TGF-β1)和骨形态发生蛋白(BMP)2/4/7的表达,通过Spearman相关分析考察CT表达与临床参数牙周袋探诊深度(PD)、临床附着丧失(CAL)和牙龈指数(GI)及上述指标的相关性.用携带CT基因的重组腺病毒(Ad.CT)感染hPDLSC,并通过实时定量PCR和蛋白质印迹法分别检测TGF-β1、BMP2/4/7、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙蛋白(OCN)和Ⅰ/Ⅲ型胶原蛋白(ColⅠ/Ⅲ)的mRNA和蛋白质表达.结果 CP组患者GCF中CT表达水平高于对照组[(32.62±1.46)ng/mL vs(17.70±0.76)ng/mL,P<0.01)].CP组患者CT表达与临床参数PD、CAL、GI呈负相关(P<0.01、P<0.05).CP组患者GCF中BMP2/4/7和TGF-β1的表达水平均高于对照组[BMP2:(138.67±4.04)ng/mL vs(103.96±2.78)ng/mL;BMP4:(155.53±3.55)ng/mL vs(133.15±2.92)ng/mL;BMP7:(106.59±2.85)ng/mL vs(90.22±1.56)ng/mL;TGF-β1:(105.92±3.40)ng/mL vs(89.85±2.42)ng/mL;P均<0.01],且CP患者上述指标均与CT表达呈正相关(P<0.01、P<0.05).腺病毒感染的CT过表达使hPDLSC中TGF-β1、ColⅠ/Ⅲ及成骨细胞标志物BMP2/4、ALP和OCN表达增加(P均<0.01).与Ad.CT和空载腺病毒共同感染的细胞相比,用Ad.CT和特异性阻断TGF-β1小干扰RNA(siRNA)的重组腺病毒(Ad.TGF-β1 siRNA)共同感染的细胞胶原蛋白表达水平更低(ColⅠ:0.16±0.02 vs 0.22±0.03;ColⅢ:0.11±0.01 vs 0.15±0.02;P均<0.01).与Ad.CT感染的细胞相比,Ad.CT和头蛋白共处理细胞中ALP和OCN的蛋白质表达水平更低(ALP:0.19±0.02 vs 0.25±0.03;OCN:0.13±0.01 vs 0.19±0.02;P均<0.01).结论 CT通过TGF-β1和BMP信号转导途径促进hPDLSC的胶原合成和成骨作用.

口腔种植学作为一门新兴学科标志着口腔医学的进步,该学科不仅要求有扎实的基础理论知识,同时也是临床实践操作要求很高的一门学科,然而口腔种植这门学科的教学实际情况存在诸多的问题和困惑.面对目前口腔种植教学薄弱的现状,我们应当积极的进行口腔种植学的教学改革,PBL教学模式是以问题为中心的教学模式,将PBL运用于口腔种植教学之中,通过以问题为中心来教授和培养学生,让学生在问题解答的过程中,扎实掌握口腔种植基础理论知识,提高和强化临床实践能力.

As a non-invasive method, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can accelerate fracture healing. The mechanisms responsible for the enhanced fracture healing need to be studied further. Activation of YAP/TAZ, key mediators of the Hippo signaling pathway, could promote angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. The purpose of this study was to determine whether LIPUS treatment can activate YAP/TAZ. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used. After LIPUS treatment, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used for YAP/TAZ activation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) of YAP and short hairpin LATS1/2 (shLATS1/2) were used to check whether there is cross-talk with the Hippo pathway. The phosphorylated YAP (p-127 and p-397) protein increased more than 3-fold 0.5 h after LIPUS treatment (p < 0.05). TAZ protein increased 3.0-, 2.0- and 1.5-fold 0.5, 6 and 12 h after LIPUS treatment. We found that LIPUS treatment activates YAP/TAZ, which is translocated into the cell nucleus to activate target genes. This process can be inactivated by siYAP and activated by shLATS1/2. The cross-talk with the Hippo pathway can initiate angiogenesis so as to accelerate fracture healing by LIPUS.

Introduction Aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with various cancer types. However, few studies have assessed lncRNAs in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to investigate the expression and impact of lncRNAs in OSCC. Material and methods Real-time PCR analysis was used to examine the expression of four lncRNAs, MALAT-1, UCA1, BC200 and SRA, in 14 OSCC and adjacent normal tissue pairs. The impact of MALAT-1 suppression by siRNA on the proliferation, apoptosis, anchorage-independent growth and migration of the human tongue carcinoma cell line SSC4 was also determined. Results MALAT-1 levels were significantly higher in the OSCC tissue than in the normal tissues (p < 0.004); no significant differences in UCA1, BC200 or SRA RNA levels were observed. Knockdown of MALAT-1 by siRNA significantly suppressed proliferation of SSC4 cells (p < 0.004) and enhanced their apoptosis (p < 0.001). In addition, siRNA-mediated suppression of MALAT-1 inhibited SSC4 cell colony formation (p < 0.001) and migration (p < 0.004). Conclusions Elevated expression of MALAT-1 in OSCC may play a role in tumorigenesis and/or metastasis. Further studies are necessary to identify the mechanism by which MALAT-1 influences SCC4 growth and migration and validate its increased expression in OSCC patients.

Bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9) shows great osteoinductive potential in bone regeneration. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) with multi-differentiation capability and low immunogenicity are increasingly used as seed cells for periodontal regenerative therapies. In the present study, we investigated the potent osteogenic activity of BMP9 on human PDLSCs (hPDLSCs), in which the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is possibly involved. Our results showed that JNK inhibition by the specific inhibitor SP600125 or adenovirus expressing small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting JNK (AdR-si-JNK) significantly decreased BMP9-induced gene and protein expression of early and late osteogenic markers, such as runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN), in hPDLSCs. We also confirmed the in-vivo positive effect of JNKs on ectopic bone formation induced by hPDLSCs injected into the musculature of athymic nude mice and BMP9 ex vivo gene delivery. For the cellular mechanism, we found that BMP9 activated the phosphorylation of JNKs and Smad2/3, and that JNKs may engage in cross-talk with the Smad2/3 pathway in BMP9-mediated osteogenesis.

Objective To research the therapeutic efficacy of the composite gel collagen from marine fish skin on stomatocace in rats.Methods Fifty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 7 groups:i.e.the 3 dosages groups (the high dosage,medium dosage and low dosage groups),the single gel group,the single collagen group,the positive control group and the model group,each consisting of 8 animals.Thirty-five per cent glacial acetic acid solution was used to develop the rat model of stomatocace,then,changes in stomatocace sizes were observed and detected both before and after medication in all the groups.Changes in the ultrastructure of the ulcer-affected cells in various groups were observed under electronmicroscope and pathological changes in the surface area of ulcer-affected tissues in various groups were further observed by HE staining.Results The composite gel collagen from marine fish skin could reduce ulcer sizes of the affected surface areas in various dosage groups.At day 3 after medication,ulcer sizes in the high dosage,medium dosage and low dosage groups as well as the model group were respectively (8.87 ± 2.11) mm2,(9.50 ± 0.48)mm2,(9.62 ± 1.29) mm2 and (12.31 ± 0.69) mm2.At day 7 after medication,ulcer sizes in the high dosage,medium dosage and low dosage groups as well as the model group were respectively (6.13 ± 2.00) mm2,(7.31 ± 2.70) mm2,(8.92 ± 2.09) mm2 and (10.46 ± 1.33) mm2.At day 10 after medication,ulcer sizes in the high dosage,medium dosage and low dosage groups as well as the model group were respectively(2.52 ± 1.30) mm2,(3.42 ± 1.80) mm2,(4.65 ± 1.51) mm2 and (8.62 ± 1.24) mm2.At day 12 after medication,ulcer sizes in the high dosage,medium dosage and low dosage groups as well as the model group were respectively(0.44 ± 0.92) mm2,(0.41 ± 0.40) mm2,(0.87 ± 1.20) mm2 and (3.12 ± 1.71) mm2.Statistical significance could be noted,when comparisons were made between different dosages groups and the model group (P ＜ 0.05),furthermore,there was a certain dosage-dependent relationship between them.Electronmicroscopy revealed that the tissues of ulcer-affected areas in various dosage groups were generally healed,epithelial cells were tightly lined and degenerative cells could only be occasionally seen between epithelial cells,but without presence of inflammatory cells.Pathological observation revealed that lesion of the tissues in the ulcer-affected areas of various dosage groups was relatively lighter and tissue necrosiswas also relatively lighter.Furthermore,granulation and fibrosis of the affected tissues were quite obvious.Conclusions Composite gel collagen from marine fish skin could produce certain therapeutic efficacy on stomatocace in rats.

Objective To establish a three dimensional finite element model of the mesial occlusal distal (MOD) shape of the maxillary first premolar, by setting the distance from pulpal wall to gingival wall as H, the width of gingival wall as G, and anaylzing the change of stress distribution. Methods The models were modified depended on defined parameters (H and G) in Ansys 11.0 software. Under decentralized vertical loading 200N, the figure and data of stress distribution were got by using finite element analysis method. Results The stress distri-bution of all ceramic inlay restorations was affected by MOD dental preparation. Under the condition of constant gingival wall width, the Von Mises stress value of enamel decreased with the increase of pulp wall height. Under the condition that the distance between the pulp wall and the gingival wall remains unchanged, the Von Mises stress and the maximum principal stress of dentin increased with the increase of gingival wall width. Conclusion The stress of the teeth was increased after the restoration of all ceramic inlays. The change of pulp wall height is an important factor affecting enamel stress, which decreases with the increase of pulp wall height. The change of the width of gingival wall is an important factor affecting the stress of dentin, which increases with the increase of gingival wall width. Enamel at the edge of the inlay is prone to fracture.

Acceptance of chronic pain has increasingly become a significant issue in the field of pain management. Many researchers have suggested that patients with better acceptance of pain are more likely to have better functioning both in physical and psychological status. In many countries, the Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire (CPAQ) and CPAQ-8 have been validated and utilized frequently to measure the pain acceptance of patients with chronic pain. However, the CPAQ and CPAQ-8 yet have not been introduced and validated in Mainland China.In this study, we aimed to translate the English version of the CPAQ into simplified Chinese, make proper cross-cultural adaptations, and validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the CPAQ and the CPAQ-8.The English version of the CPAQ was first linguistically translated and cross-culturally adapted to formulate a Chinese version. Then, we recruited 224 patients from a pain clinic and every participant was asked to finish a series of questionnaires. Finally, statistical analysis was performed to test the psychometric properties of the CPAQ and the CPAQ-8.Both confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed a 2-factor structure for the CPAQ and the CPAQ-8. Nine out of 10 of the hypotheses were validated for construct validity. The overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) value for the CPAQ and CPAQ-8 were 0.92 and 0.89, respectively. In addition, the Cronbach α values for both the CPAQ and the CPAQ-8 showed excellent test-retest reliability.In conclusion, the original CPAQ was successfully developed into the Chinese version of the CPAQ and CPAQ-8 with excellent validity and reliability. The scores of the CPAQ or CPAQ-8 might be a strong predictor for the physical and psychological function of chronic pain patients. In addition, to improve the satisfaction of surgery patients, we recommend measuring patients' pain acceptance using the CPAQ or CPAQ-8 before and after the surgery. For patients with lower acceptance, psychological interventions may be more effective than treatment that simply reduces symptoms. Finally, we suggest that the Chinese version of the CPAQ and CPAQ-8 are appropriate for use in clinical settings or fundamental research in Mainland China.

Background: Extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion and osteogenic differentiation in periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) facilitate the neogenesis of alveolar bone, which is the cellular basis for alveolar bone repair. Calcitonin (CT) has been reported to play an important role in promoting ECM expression and inducing osteogenic differentiation in osteoblast, but its effects on PDLys remain obscure.Methods: The expression of CT, transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-beta 1) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was measured by ELISA. The effects of CT on collagen synthesis and osteogenic differentiation in hPDLFs were investigated by using the primarily cultured hPDLFs infected with adenovirus carrying the CT gene. Gene expression was measured by quantitative PCR and western blot.Results: The expression of CT in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects. In addition, CT expression correlated with the clinical indexes including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival index (GI). The in vitro study demonstrated that overexpression of CT by adenovirus infection increased the expression of TGF-beta 1, collagen type I and III, and osteoblastic markers including BMP-2/-4, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in human PDLFs. Moreover, CT-enhanced collagen synthesis was abrogated in hPDLFs transfected with TGF-beta 1 siRNA, and CT-induced osteoblastic differentiation was blocked in hPDLFs by BMPs inhibitor noggin.Conclusions: These results suggest that CT promotes collagen synthesis and osteogenic differentiation in hPDLFs via the TGF-beta 1 and BMPs signaling pathways, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.