PLCL/SF/NGF nerve conduit loaded with RGD-TA-PPY hydrogel promotes regeneration of sciatic nerve defects in rats through PI3K/AKT signalling pathways.

Peripheral nerve defect are common clinical problem caused by trauma or other diseases, often leading to the loss of sensory and motor function in patients. Autologous nerve transplantation has been the gold standard for repairing peripheral nerve defects, but its clinical application is limited due to insufficient donor tissue. In recent years, the application of tissue engineering methods to synthesize nerve conduits for treating peripheral nerve defect has become a current research focus. This study introduces a novel approach for treating peripheral nerve defects using a tissue-engineered PLCL/SF/NGF@TA-PPy-RGD conduit. The conduit was fabricated by combining electrospun PLCL/SF with an NGF-loaded conductive TA-PPy-RGD gel. The gel, synthesized from RGD-modified tannic acid (TA) and polypyrrole (PPy), provides growth anchor points for nerve cells. In vitro results showed that this hybrid conduit could enhance PC12 cell proliferation, migration, and reduce apoptosis under oxidative stress. Furthermore, the conduit activated the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in PC12 cells. In a rat model of sciatic nerve defect, the PLCL/SF/NGF@TA-PPy-RGD conduit significantly improved motor function, gastrocnemius muscle function, and myelin sheath axon thickness, comparable to autologous nerve transplantation. It also promoted angiogenesis around the nerve defect. This study suggests that PLCL/SF/NGF@TA-PPy-RGD conduits provide a conducive environment for nerve regeneration, offering a new strategy for peripheral nerve defect treatment, this study provided theoretical basis and new strategies for the research and treatment of peripheral nerve defect.

The Role of Immunocyte Infiltration Regulatory Network Based on hdWGCNA and Single-Cell Bioinformatics Analysis in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Immune infiltration plays a crucial role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). In this study, we explored the immune microenvironment of IDD through single-cell bioinformatics analysis. Three single-cell datasets were integrated into this study. Nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) were divided into subgroups based on characteristic genes, and the role of each subgroup in the IDD process was analyzed through pseudo-time trajectory analysis. The hub genes were obtained using hdWGCNA, further identified by bulk datasets and pseudo-time sequence. The expression of the hub genes defined the NPCs related to immune infiltration, and the interaction between these NPCs and immunocytes was explored. The NPCs were divided into four subgroups: reserve NPCs, HCL-NPCs, response NPCs, and support NPCs, which, respectively, dominate the four processes of IDD: non, mild, moderate, and severe degeneration. SPP1 and ICAM1 were identified as the nucleus pulposus immune infiltration hub genes. Macrophages and myelocytes played pro-inflammatory roles in the SPP1-ICAM both-up NPC group through the SPP1-CD44 pathway and ICAM1-ITGB2 ligand-receptor pathway, respectively. At the same time, both-up NPCs sought self-help inflammation remission from neutrophils through the ANXA1-FPR1 pathway. The systematic analysis of the differentiation and immune infiltration landscapes helps to understand IDD's overall development process. Our data suggest that SPP1 and ICAM1 may be new targets for the treatment of inflammatory infiltration in IDD.

Gut microbiota: A potential player in psychiatric symptoms during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the potential interconnections among gut microbiota, COVID-19 infection, depression and anxiety disorder. Additionally, it tries to assess potential therapeutic interventions that may improve the dysbiosis of gut microbiota. METHODS: To achieve these objectives, we reviewed existing literature, encompassing studies and critical reviews that intersect the domains of gut microbiota, COVID-19, depression and anxiety disorders. RESULTS: The findings highlight a notable correlation between the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and psychiatric symptoms in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, there is a marked reduction in the populations of bacteria that generate anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), alongside a rise in the prevalence of gut bacterial clusters linked to inflammatory processes. Furthermore, several potential treatment strategies were summarised for improving the dysbiosis. CONCLUSIONS: Gut microbiota plays a significant role in psychiatric symptoms during COVID-19, which has significant implications for the study and prevention of psychiatric symptoms in major epidemic diseases.

Comparison between percutaneous short-segment fixation and percutaneous vertebroplasty in treating Kummell's disease: A minimum 2-year follow-up retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous short-segment fixation (PSSF) is often used to treat Kummell's disease. However, it is not clear which treatment is better for patients. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the clinical efficacy of PVP and PSSF for the treatment of Kummell's disease. METHOD: 60 patients were involved in this research and the period of follow-up was at least 2 years. 27 of them were treated with PVP (Group I) and the rest who received PSSF (Group II). The visual analog scale (VAS) and radiographic indexes of each participant had been measured preoperatively as well as 1 week, 3 months, and 2 years postoperatively. Additionally, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were assessed at the last time point. RESULTS: Comparing the two groups, no statistical significance was found among all parameters preoperatively. The time of operations and blood loss is less in Group I. At each time point after operation, the imaging indices in Group II are lower (P< 0.05). One week after treatments, the VAS scores are lower in Group I, and similarly, 3 months are the same (P< 0.05), while VAS are similar at the last time point. In the aspect of ODI scores, they are lower in Group II during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of Kummell's disease, both PVP and PSSF have been found to be effective. PVP can provide rapid pain relief with a shorter operation time. However, in cases with severe kyphosis deformity, PSSF should be given priority.

METTL3-mediated maturation of miR-192-5p targets ATG7 to prevent Schwann cell autophagy in peripheral nerve injury.

The inhibition of miR-192-5p can promote nerve repair in rats with peripheral nerve injury (PNI) but the precise mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. Schwann cell (SC) autophagy mediated by autophagy-related gene (ATG) proteins has a key role in PNI but it is uncertain whether miR-192-5p affects the involvement of SC autophagy in PNI. In this study, we investigated the impact of methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3)/miR-192-5p/ATG7 on SC autophagy in a rat PNI model and in an SC oxygen and glucose deprivation model. The results revealed that METTL3 stimulated miR-192-5p maturation via m6A methylation to depress ATG7 and SC autophagy and aggravate PNI. These findings provide a new target and potential basis for the treatment of patients with PNI.

Acute water intoxication in hysteroscopic myomectomy: a rare case report.

Water intoxication is rarely seen in forensic practice and is typically associated with excessive water consumption, amphetamine intake, and child abuse. Iatrogenic water intoxication is rare but usually related to medical disputes. Here, we report a 44-year-old female was admitted to the hospital due to a 3-month history of excessive menstrual bleeding. B-ultrasound revealed multiple substantial intrauterine masses, leading to a diagnosis of multiple uterine fibroids. After admission, she underwent submucous myomectomy, endometrial resection, and transcervical resection of endometrial polyps. During the procedure, the patient suffered dizziness and chest tightness, her blood pressure decreased to 89/52 mmHg, and moist rales were heard in her both lungs; she died despite medical efforts. A forensic autopsy was performed and revealed severe pulmonary edema. Considering the patient's clinical history, acute water intoxication was considered to be the cause of death. This highlights the need for forensic pathologists to be vigilant of postoperative water intoxication, a rare complication in obstetrics, to ensure accurate assessments.

Bioactive Dental Resin Composites with MgO Nanoparticles.

Photoactivating dental resin composites have been the most prevailing material for repairing dental defects in various clinical scenarios due to their multiple advantages. However, compared to other restorative materials, the surface of resin-based composites is more susceptible to plaque biofilm accumulation, which can lead to secondary caries and restoration failure. This study introduced different weight fractions (1, 2, 5, 10, and 15%) of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) as antibacterial fillers into dental resin composites. Multifarious properties of the material were investigated, including antibacterial activity against a human salivary plaque-derived biofilm, cytotoxicity on human gingival fibroblasts, mechanical and physicochemical properties as well as the performance when subjected to thermocycling aging treatment. Results showed that the incorporation of MgONPs significantly improved the composites' anti-biofilm capability even at a low amount of 2 wt % without compromising the mechanical, physicochemical, and biocompatibility performances. The results of the thermocycling test suggested certain of aging resistance. Moreover, a small amount of MgONPs possibly made a difference in enhancing photoactivated polymerization and increasing the curing depth of experimental resin composites. Overall, this study highlights the potential of MgONPs as an effective strategy for developing antibacterial resin composites, which may help mitigating cariogenic biofilm-associated secondary caries.

Sitagliptin attenuates Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence and inflammatory response in macrophage on titanium.

BACKGROUND: In peri-implantitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis and macrophage play important roles. The aim of this study was to detect the attenuating effect of an anti-diabetic drug sitagliptin on Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence and inflammatory response in macrophage on titanium discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Porphyromonas gingivalis and macrophage were cultured on titanium discs. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of sitagliptin were assessed and the morphology of Porphyromonas gingivalis was observed by SEM. Bacterial early adhesion, aggregation, hemolysis and Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence factors mRNA expression were assessed to preliminarily investigate the mechanisms of action. Flow cytometry assay, qRT-PCR assay and ELISA were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of sitagliptin on Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage. RESULTS: The present study demonstrated the inhibiting effect of sitagliptin on the growth, biofilm and virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis and the protective effect on the Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-induced polarization in macrophage. And we also confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of sitagliptin on the secretion of inflammation-related factors in macrophage. CONCLUSIONS: Sitagliptin possesses the attenuating effect on Porphyromonas gingivalis virulence and inflammatory response in Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage on titanium.

Comparison of Static and Dynamic Navigation in Root End Resection Performed by Experienced and Inexperienced Operators: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the effects of static navigation (SN), a dynamic navigation system (DNS), and the freehand (FH) technique in root end resection and the differences between these effects according to the level of experience of the operator. METHODS: Maxillary models reconstructed with Mimics software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) were 3-dimensionally printed and divided according to the experimental technique (FH, SN, or DNS) and the operator (experienced or inexperienced). SN was designed using 3-matic Medical software (Materialise) and printed, and a surgical approach plan for DNS was established and performed using DCARER (Suzhou, China) software. The accuracy, efficiency, and safety of the resections were assayed. RESULTS: The length, angle, volume, and depth deviations of the root end resections were significantly lower in the SN and DNS group compared with the FH group. SN significantly improved the efficiency of both operators, whereas DNS only improved the efficiency of the inexperienced operator. No difference between the SN and DNS groups was found, except for the time required for the surgery. No mishaps occurred during surgery in the SN or DNS group. The number of mishaps with the FH technique when used by the inexperienced operator was significantly higher than that registered for the rest of the groups. No interaction effect between technique and operator experience level was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of operator experience, both SN and DNS could improve the accuracy and safety of root end resection. SN significantly improved the chairside efficiency of both operators, whereas DNS was more helpful for the inexperienced operator.

Comparison of five single-file systems in the preparation of severely curved root canals: an ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The ex vivo study is to compare the root canal preparation outcomes achieved by five nickel-titanium single-file instrumentation systems (M3-L, Reciproc Blue, V-Taper 2H, WaveOne Gold, XP-endo Shaper) in severely curved molar root canals. METHODS: A total of 60 root canals were selected from extracted human molar teeth with curvatures ranging from 25° to 50° and divided into five groups based on the instrumentation system employed (n = 12). Before and after root canal preparation, a Micro-CT scan was taken, and pre- and post-operative data were analyzed to evaluate the following parameters: volume increment of root canals (VI), untouched root canal areas (UTA), and canal transportation (CT). Apically extruded debris (AD) was collected during preparation. After that, all samples were separated into two parts and examined respectively by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to assess cleaning ability. Data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA (UTA, AD, VI) or Kruskal-Wallis test (CT, SEM-score), the level of significance was set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the five systems regarding the AD, VI, and UTA parameters (P > 0.05). In terms of CT, no significant difference was noted at the straight section of canal and apical levels, while XP-endo Shaper showed less canal transportation than M3-L at the level of curved vertex (P < 0.05), and the centering ability of V-Taper 2H was significantly better than WaveOne Gold at the initial point of bending (P < 0.05). Debris and smear layers were present on the canal walls of all specimens, the apical thirds of the canal presented higher SEM scores than the coronal thirds in all groups (P < 0.05). Reciproc Blue and XP-endo Shaper showed fewer smear scores than WaveOne Gold in the apical thirds (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), and no statistical difference was found between other groups in the middle and coronal thirds. CONCLUSION: The five single-file systems evaluated performed equally in apically debris extrusion, dentin removal, and untouched root canal areas, while XP-endo Shaper and V-Taper 2H resulted in less canal transportation compared to M3-L and WaveOne Gold. Regarding cleaning ability, Reciproc Blue and XP-endo Shaper were associated with less smear layer than WaveOne Gold in the apical thirds.

Treatment of Pulp Canal Obliteration Using a Dynamic Navigation System: Two Case Reports.

Endodontic treatment of calcified canals presents a major challenge because of the high incidence of complications, such as perforation, canal geometry alteration, and loss of dental hard tissue. The dynamic navigation technique uses an optical tracking system for real-time navigation to guide the operator to drill according to the preoperative plan and obtain access to the calcified canals. This article describes in detail the use, advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of a novel dynamic navigation system in 2 cases with severely calcified canals. The findings in these cases demonstrate that dynamic navigation system is a promising technique for locating calcified root canals.

Modified axial computed tomography classification of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: selecting the optimal operating procedure and enhancing the accuracy of prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) causes spinal cord compression, which can lead to myelopathy or radiculopathy. Non-surgical treatments have little effect on this condition. Current OPLL classification systems offer little guidance on the selection of an appropriate operating procedure. In this study, we developed a modified axial computed tomography classification (MACTC) scheme. We then examined the usefulness of the MACTC scheme and two other existing classification schemes in guiding OPLL operation choice. METHODS: Following screening in which a defined exclusion criteria was used, a total of 91 patients with OPLL participated in the study. Patients' follow-up data for at least 2 years were obtained. The recovery rate of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores was compared to two other classification schemes. RESULTS: According to the MACTC, central-sharp-type OPLL had a lower recovery rate of the JOA score than that of central-gentle-type OPLL (36.05±32.38 vs. 83.90±23.52, P≤0.05). The recovery rate of the JOA scores in the ipsilateral open-door OPLL group was significantly lower than that in the contralateral group of the lateral-steep type (36.67±41.5 vs. 88.89±17.21, P=0.04), but not of that in the lateral-gentle type. There was no significant difference in the recovery rates of the JOA scores between groups when using either existing classification scheme (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The MACTC scheme can assist surgeons to choose the most appropriate operating procedure, and provide an accurate prognosis. If operations on central-sharp-type OPLL are not performed using both the posterior and anterior approaches, prognosis will be poor. The contralateral side should be the first choice for door opening in laminoplasty, especially for patients with lateral-steep-type OPLL. Severe OPLL may not be an absolute contraindication for the posterior approach.

Predictor of Surgical Outcomes in Ankylosing Spondylitis Cervical Spinal Fracture: An At Least 2 Years Follow-Up Retrospective Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: A retrospective study was conducted to clarify the prognostic factors of postoperative for cervical spine fractures patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Now the high probability of cervical fractures in patients with AS is unanimously recognized. Fractures mostly occur in the lower cervical spine and two-thirds of patients are accompanied by spinal cord injury. But there are few studies on treatment of AS patients with cervical fracture and it is unclear whether the surgical method, timing of surgery, basic treatment of AS, and different doses of steroids therapy have an impact on the prognosis. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the impact of perioperative factors on the prognosis of traumatic cervical fractures in surgical patients with AS. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative spinal cord function were assessed according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Scores and Improvement rate were calculated. The neck pain severity were rated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The t test and v2-test were used for comparison of clinical data between the preoperative and postoperative groups. Logistic univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used to obtain adjusted odds ratios. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The degree of fracture displacement in cervical spine fractures patients with AS was most common at the neck-chest junction (26.1%). Patients with degree of cervical fracture displacement less than 50% had significantly improved JOA scores after surgery (P = 0). The incidence of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to fracture was high (52.2%). Patients with combined anterior and posterior is helpful for neurological recovery (P = 0.01). Basic AS treating before injury would be benefit for neurological improvement (P = 0). CONCLUSION: Basic AS treatment, SCI, and surgical methods are independent factors that affect the prognosis of cervical spine fractures patients with AS. It is controversial to perform surgery and preoperative steroid application as soon as possible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Therapeutic effect of curcumin on oral diseases: A literature review.

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenol compound extracted from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa. It has the feature of being a yellow or orange pigment with a variety of biological properties, including anti-inflammation, antioxidation, anti-tumor, anti-bacteria, anti-fungus, and wound healing. Previous studies have reported the role of curcumin in treating different inflammatory diseases and tumors in vitro and in vivo. Recently, it has been demonstrated that curcumin has therapeutic benefits in oral mucosal diseases, periodontal diseases, and mouth neoplasms. In this review, we will focus on the therapeutic effects of curcumin on oral diseases.

Transdural Approach to Resection of Intraspinal Extradural Ventral Cysts in the Lumbar Spine.

BACKGROUND: Intraspinal extradural ventral cysts in the lumbar spine can cause back pain and neurological deficits of the lower extremities. For the resection of this type of space-occupying lesion, the transdural approach has not been reported in the literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 66-year-old man presented, suffering from progressive radiation pain of his bilateral lower extremities. Imaging examination revealed a cystic lesion in ventral side of lumbar spinal canal. We conducted the excision of the cyst with the transdural approach. The symptoms of the patient disappeared immediately after the operation and recurrence of the symptoms has not been observed in the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This operation approach is safe and effective. Compared with the previous surgical approach reported in the literature, by this approach surgeons could achieve less injury, shorter operation time, and the same surgical outcomes in the short term. Therefore, we would like to present this approach to provide an alternative to deal with similar lesions.

Risk factors of postoperative low back pain for low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of postoperative low back pain (LBP) following posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery for low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS). METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with IS that underwent PLIF between January 2011 and January 2016. Demographic, clinical, surgical and radiological characteristics were analysed to determine associations between these characteristics and LBP as measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score. RESULTS: A total of 192 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean VAS pain score of LBP decreased significantly after surgery. The mean preoperative VAS pain score was significantly greater in patients with symptoms of ≤3 years duration compared with those with symptoms lasting >3 years. The postoperative VAS pain score was significantly lower in patients with grade 1 slippage compared with those with grade 2 slippage. There was a significant correlation between preoperative to postoperative change of VAS pain score and postoperative disc height (r = 0.99). CONCLUSION: PLIF significantly improved LBP in patients with low-grade IS, although patients still reported some postoperative LBP. The grade of slippage was a risk factor for postoperative LBP. Restoring the disc height appeared to improve LBP.

The long noncoding RNA HOTAIR serves as a microRNA-34a-5p sponge to reduce nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis via a NOTCH1-mediated mechanism.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain, but the specific molecular mechanisms governing its development are poorly characterized. This study sought to assess to what extent HOTAIR, a long non-coding (Lnc) RNA is expressed in IDD and regulates the apoptotic death of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. We therefore used real-time qPCR to measure HOTAIR and microRNA(miR)-34a-5p in degenerative NP cells, and then validated their functional relevance via overexpressing them in these NP cells. We further verified the targets of these RNA constructs in 293 T cells through the use of a dual luciferase reporter assay. We further measured NP cell apoptosis via flow cytometry and Notch1 expression via western blotting. Our results indicated that IDD was linked with decreased HOTAIR expression relative to regular NP cells, and overexpressing this lncRNA was linked to reduced apoptotic NP cell death, whereas overexpressing miR-34a-5p had the opposite effect. We found that HOTAIR served as a miR-34a-5p sponge, sequestering this miRNA and thereby down regulating genes linked to apoptosis through the Notch signaling pathway. Even in naturally degenerated NP cells, HOTAIR delayed the onset of apoptosis. Together these results reveal that a HOTAIR/miR-34a-5p/Notch1 signaling pathway may regulate the development of IDD, potentially making HOTAIR a viable target for treatment of this disease.

[The effect of two leukocyte depletion in-line filters on the efficiency of whole blood filtration].

The aim of this study was to observe the difference in respect to the leukocyte reduction efficiency and quality of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) from filtered whole blood between two types of in-line filters wherein only filter materials were surface modified by the two methods respectively. Whole blood was kept in refrigerator and filtered within 6 h of collection at ambient temperature. Samples were taken pre- and post filtration for analysis of WBC numbers, coagulation factors and complement activation (n = 8 for each type of filter). All filtered units contained < 2. 5 x 10(6) residual leucocytes. RBCs recovery was over 93%. No significant difference between group A and B was seen. But group B appeared to take longer time for filtration than did group A (9'29" vs. 8'01"). Neither group A nor group B showed statistically significant losses of total protein, album, IgG, IgM, fibrin, factors VIII, IX, vWF and C3 (P > 0.05). Factor V, XI and AT-III decreased significantly in two group filters. Group B showed more significant losses of IgA content and factor V activity than did group A, which appeared to be related to the difference in surface character between group A and group B filters. These two types of filters could remove leukocytes effectively, and no significant changes were observed in the quality of FFP from the filtered whole blood. It is presumed that the filter material with better bio-compatibility will give a high recovery of plasma protein and coagulation factors after filtration.