A Randomized, Single-Center, Double-Blinded, Split-Body Clinical Trial of Poly- l -Lactic Acid for the Treatment of Cellulite of the Buttocks and Thighs.

BACKGROUND: More than 90% of women report concerns of cellulite on their skin. Poly- l lactic acid (PLLA-SCA) is a biocompatible, semipermanent, synthetic filler that induces neocollagenesis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of PLLA-SCA for the treatment of cellulite of the buttock and thigh regions. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, split-body, clinical trial of 20 women with slight to moderate skin laxity of the buttocks and/or thighs contributing to mild-to-moderate cellulite. Each subject's buttocks and thighs were randomized to receive injections with up to 2 vials of PLLA-SCA or the equivalent volume of bacteriostatic water per treatment area. Subjects received at total of 3 treatments 4 weeks apart and were followed for 330 days. RESULTS: Treatment of the buttocks with PLLA-SCA resulted in significant reduction of depression depth, improvement in the morphological appearance of the skin, improvement in the grade of skin laxity, and overall improvement in cellulite appearance. Treated thighs showed reduction in the depth and number of depressions and an improvement in overall cellulite appearance. No significant procedure side effects were found. CONCLUSION: Poly- l lactic acid offers an effective and safe method for treating cellulite of the buttocks and thighs.

Mass Spectrometric Identification of Licania rigida Benth Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Effects on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response.

Licania rigida Benth has been evaluated as an alternative drug to treat diseases associated with inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of L. rigida with inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides in in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. The phytochemical profile of the extracts, analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of gallic and ellagic acids in both extracts, whereas isovitexin, ferulate, bulky amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine), pheophorbide, lactic acid, and pyridoxine were detected in the hydroalcoholic extract. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses, reducing approximately 50% of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), and inhibiting both NO production and leukocyte migration by approximately 30 and 40% at 100 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results highlight and identify, for the first time, the ability of L. rigida leaf extract to modulate inflammatory processes. These data suggest that the leaf extracts of this plant have potential in the development of herbal formulations for the treatment of inflammation.

SR9009 Regulates Acute Lung Injury in Mice Induced by Sepsis.

Rev-Erbα is a nuclear heme receptor, transcriptional repressor, and critical component of the molecular clock that drives daily rhythms of metabolism. However, the roles of Rev-Erbα in acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclarified. Hence, the effect of Rev-Erbα on lung injury of sepsis mice is investigated here. The mice sepsis model is established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in both RAW246.7 cells and lung tissues, are tested. The inflammatory response is obviously enhanced in LPS-constructed sepsis mice and alleviated by SR9009 agonist treatment. Cell-based experiments reveal that pharmacological activation of Rev-Erbα via SR9009 attenuates the LPS-induced inflammatory response by suppressing TLR4-regulated NF-κB activation. Sepsis induces the increase in W/D ratio; promotes the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), lactic acid (LA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and inhibits the levels of glutathione (GSH), whereas SR9009 treatment could effectively yield beneficial effects on metabolism. In addition, SR9009 treatment ameliorates acidosis and hypoxemia by efficiently decreasing arterial PaCO2 and increasing arterial PaO2, SO2, HCO3 -, lactic acid concentration, and blood PH. These findings confirm that SR9009 treatment can alleviate the sepsis-induced lung injury and targeting Rev-Erbα may represent a promising approach for the prevention and management of ALI.

High-Frequency Ultrasound for Long-term Safety Assessment of Poly-L-Lactic Acid Facial Filler.

BACKGROUND: Injectable poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA) is a new type of biodegradable dermal filler that has been utilized for soft tissue filling. However, there is no convenient and reliable method to assess the long-term safety of PLLA filler. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term safety of PLLA injection into nasolabial folds by high-frequency ultrasound and to select the ultrasonic probes with the most appropriate frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a 30-month PLLA injection into the deep dermis of the nasolabial fold, subjects were examined by high-frequency ultrasound with the 20 MHz and 50 MHz probes. RESULTS: Twenty subjects with nasolabial fold contour deficiency were enrolled in this study. After a 30-month PLLA injection in nasolabial folds, PLLA degraded entirely in 16 subjects (16/20, 80%), and abnormal echo in the skin was observed in 4 subjects (4/20, 20%) caused by undegraded PLLA microparticles, PLLA microparticles deposition, fibrous nodules, and granuloma. The 20-MHz probe is more appropriate than the 50-MHz probe for evaluating the adverse effects of PLLA injection. CONCLUSION: High-frequency ultrasound is a rapid, reliable, and noninvasive method to monitor the degradation condition of PLLA and the formation of papules and nodules associated with PLLA injection.

WIN55212-2 alleviates acute lung injury by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis through the miR-29b-3p/FOXO3/PFKFB3 axis.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe organ dysfunction caused by sepsis. WIN55212-2 (WIN) is a cannabinoid receptor agonist. Activation of cannabinoid type 2 receptor can alleviate septic lung injury. Therefore, the effects of WIN on sepsis-related ALI were evaluated. METHODS: MiR-29b-3p, FOXO3 and PFKFB3 levels, as well as M1 and M2 macrophage markers were assessed by RT-qPCR in MH-S cells after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and WIN treatment. ChIP and dual luciferase reporter assays determined molecules interactions. Glycolysis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting assay. Lactic acid and ATP were also tested. Furthermore, the effect of WIN was tested in sepsis mice model. HE staining evaluated the histopathological changes in mouse lung tissues. The number of inflammatory cells and macrophages, protein concentration and lactic acid content were detected in mouse bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. RESULTS: We found that WIN suppressed M1 polarization and glycolysis in alveolar macrophages induced by LPS. Moreover, WIN inhibited FOXO3 by up-regulating miR-29b-3p. Furthermore, we verified that FOXO3 induced macrophage M1 polarization and glycolysis through activating PFKFB3. In vivo, WIN alleviated ALI in mice with sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that WIN inhibits macrophage glycolysis through the miR-29b-3p/ FOXO3/PFKFB3 axis, suggesting new therapeutic targets to alleviate sepsis-related ALI.

Mogroside V Improves Follicular Development and Ovulation in Young-Adult PCOS Rats Induced by Letrozole and High-Fat Diet Through Promoting Glycolysis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovaries. In this study, we induced a young-adult PCOS rat model by oral administration of letrozole combined with a high-fat diet and then treated with mogroside V (MV) to evaluate the protective effects of MV on endocrine and follicle development in young-adult PCOS rats. MV (600 mg/kg/day) administration not only significantly reduced the body weight and ovary weight, but also attenuated the disrupted estrous cycle and decreased the level of testosterone. MV restored the follicular development, especially by increasing the number of corpus luteum and the thickness of the granular layer in young-adult POCS rats. Moreover, metabolomics showed that MV markedly increased the levels of D-Glucose 6-phosphate, lactate and GTP, while decreased the level of pyruvate. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that MV recovered multiple metabolism-related processes including gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and glucose metabolic process. Further real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that MV upregulated the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha), hexokinase 2 (Hk2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (Pkm2). Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that MV restored the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (Ldha), hexokinase 2 (Hk2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (Pkm2). Collectively, these findings indicated that MV could effectively improve the ovarian microenvironment by upregulating the expression of LDHA, HK2 and PKM2 in granulosa cells and enhancing lactate and energy production, which may contribute to follicle development and ovulation of young-adult PCOS rats.

Gut microbiome-derived lactate promotes to anxiety-like behaviors through GPR81 receptor-mediated lipid metabolism pathway.

Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic stress could perturb the composition of the gut microbiota and induce host anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. In particular, microorganism-derived products that can directly or indirectly signal to the nervous system. This study sought to investigate whether high levels of Lactobacillus and lactate in the gut of rats under chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were the factors leading to anxiety behavior. We collected faeces and blood samples in a sterile laboratory bench to study the microbiome and plasma metabolome from adult male rats age and environment matched healthy individuals. We sequenced the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene from faeces samples. UPLC-MS metabolomics were used to examine plasma samples. Search for potential biomarkers by combining the different data types. Finally, we found a regulated signaling pathway through the relative expression of protein and mRNA. Both lactate feeding and fecal microbiota transplantation caused behavioral abnormalities such as psychomotor malaise, impaired learning and memory in the recipient animals. These rats also showed inhibition of the adenylate cyclase (AC)-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway of lipolysis after activation of G protein-coupled receptor 81 (GPR81) by lactate in the liver, as well as increased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, we showed that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) protein expression in hippocampus was reduced in chronic unpredictable stress compared to control group and its expression negatively correlates with symptom severity. Our study suggest that the gut microbiome-derived lactate promotes to anxiety-like behaviors through GPR81 receptor-mediated lipid metabolism pathway.

Subcision™ plus poly-l-lactic acid for the treatment of cellulite associated to flaccidity in the buttocks and thighs.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing demand for procedures to treat cellulite. Subcision™ is widely used for cellulite correction, and injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has been shown to be an effective option for various body conditions. AIMS: Present the results of combining Subcision™ plus PLLA, in the same session, in patients with cellulite and flaccidity. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty-four women underwent Subcision™ followed by PLLA injections. An expert panel of dermatologists evaluated before and after photographs according to Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Patients also answered a satisfaction questionnaire. RESULTS: The author describes the results, as well as number of sessions and dose used. The most frequent GAIS score was "great improvement." No nodules or granulomas appeared in the treated areas. CONCLUSION: The combination of Subcision™ plus PLLA, in the same treatment session, promotes safe and desirable results for cellulite associated with flaccidity.

Oral lactate intensifies insulin toxicity during severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia in mice

ABSTRACT We investigated whether oral lactate could prevent seizures and deaths in mice with severe hypoglycemia induced by a high dose of insulin. For this purpose, mice were fasted for 15 h and then given an intraperitoneal injection of regular insulin (5.0 U/kg or 10.0 U/kg). Immediately after insulin injection, the mice received an oral dose of saline (control), glucose (5.5 mmol/kg), or lactate (18.0 mmol/kg). Glucose and lactate levels were measured in the blood and brain before and after the seizures began. Glucose and lactate delayed (p < 0.05) the onset of seizures associated with severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Elevated (p < 0.05) brain levels of lactate were associated with an absence of seizures in mice that received glucose or lactate, suggesting that lactate could prevent convulsions associated with severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia. However, the same oral dose of lactate that delayed the onset of convulsions also increased the mortality rate. In contrast, diazepam (3.0 mg/kg) prevented seizures and markedly decreased the frequency of death during severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia. The results demonstrated that in contrast to oral glucose, oral lactate intensifies insulin toxicity.

Optimization of the yield of bacteriocin-like substance (BLIS) produced by Pediococcus pentosaceus and its application as food bioconservative / Otimização do rendimento de substância semelhante a bacteriocina (BLIS) produzido por Pediococcus pentosaceus e sua aplicação como bioconservante de alimentos

Bacteriocins are peptides produced by various species of bacteria, especially lactic acid bacteria (LABs), which exhibit a large spectrum of action against spoilage bacteria and foodborne pathogens. However, when this bacteriocin has not been completely characterized regarding its amino acid and the nucleotide sequences of the corresponding gene, the qualified term bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) is recommended. In order to increase the antimicrobial activity of bacteriocins, the ability of probiotics LABs, such as Pediococcus pentosaceus, to ferment different carbon and nitrogen sources has been studied. For the development of an improved culture medium, carbon and nitrogen sources must be considered as nutrients responsible for cell growth and bacteriocin production. The best condition, after 48 h of cultivation, for growth (3.420 g/L) and for BLIS production by Pediococcus pentosaceus ATCC 43200 was in Man, Rogosa and Sharp (MRS) culture medium supplemented with 1.5% peptone, initial pH 6.0 and under the following culture conditions: anaerobiosis, 30oC and agitation of 200 rpm. Compared with control (MRS without supplement), the growth of Pediococcus was significantly lower (1.995 g/L) as well as it reduced significantly its generation time from 2.05 h (control) to 1.28 h (MRS supplemented), a reduction of approximately 62.5%. Moreover, addiction of peptone to MRS medium promoted reduction of 4 h to the Pediococcus exponential phase onset. Regarding BLIS antimicrobial activity, addition of nitrogen source to MRS medium was also quite significant. Through the agar diffusion method, BLIS showed inhibition halos between 12.50 and 19.50 mm against LABs strains (Lactobacillus sakei ATCC 15521, Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 221 and Carnobacterium piscicola CECT 4020). Against Listeria strains (Listeria innocua NCTC 111288 and Listeria seeligeri NCTC 11289), their antimicrobial activity was better detected in liquid medium assay, evaluating the minimal inhibitory concentration of 50%. BLIS was able to inhibit 60 and 100% of L. seeligeri and L. innocua, respectively, as well as, diluted 1x (v/v) in water was able to inhibit 100% growth of both Listeria. BLIS 17 showed also good results as food preservative when applied in ready-to-eat pork ham artificially contaminated with L. seeligeri in vacuum-package at 4oC during shelf life of 10 days. BLIS was able to maintain low Listeria multiplication, lower samples weight loss, low lipid peroxidation and good color parameters during samples storage. Results demonstrated the importance of optimizing the culture medium to increase microbial mass, to produce and to improve the activity of this antimicrobial molecule. Moreover, results also suggest the possible application of BLIS as a natural food preservative

Bacteriocinas são peptídeos produzidos por várias espécies de bactérias, especialmente bactérias ácido-láticas (BALs) e apresentam um amplo espectro de ação contra bactérias deteriorantes e patógenos de origem alimentar. Entretanto, quando estas bacteriocinas não foram completamente caracterizadas quanto a sequência de seus nucleotídeos e do seu gene correspondente, é recomendada a denominação de substância semelhante a bacteriocina (BLIS). Para aumentar a atividade antimicrobiana de bacteriocinas, a habilidade de BALs probióticas, como Pediococcus pentosaceus, em fermentar diferentes fontes de carbono e nitrogênio tem sido estudado. Para o desenvolvimento de um meio de cultura melhorado, fontes de carbono e nitrogênio devem ser consideradas como nutrientes responsáveis pelo crescimento celular e pela produção de bacteriocina. A melhor condição, após 48 h de cultivo, para o crescimento (3,420 g/L) e para a produção de BLIS por P. pentosaceus ATCC 43200 foi em meio de cultivo Man, Rogosa e Sharp (MRS) suplementado com 1,5% de peptona, pH inicial 6,0 e sob as seguintes condições de cultivo: anaerobiose, 30oC e agitação de 200 rpm. Comparado ao controle (MRS sem suplementação), o crescimento de Pediococcus foi significativamente menor (1,995 g/L) assim, como também, reduziu significativamente o tempo de geração de 2,05 h (controle) para 1,28 h (MRS suplementado), uma redução de aproximadamente 62,5%. Além disso, a adição de peptona ao meio MRS promoveu redução de 4 h para o início da fase exponencial de Pediococcus. Quanto a atividade antimicrobiana de BLIS, a adição de fonte de nitrogênio ao meio MRS também foi bastante significativa. Através do método ágar difusão, BLIS apresentou halos de inibição entre 12,50 a 19,50 mm contra cepas de BALs (Lactobacillus sakei ATCC 15521, Lactobacillus plantarum CECT 221 e Carnobacterium piscicola CECT 4020). Contra cepas de Listeria (Listeria innocua NCTC 11288 e Listeria seeligeri NCTC 11289), a sua atividade inibitória foi melhor detectada em meio líquido, através da determinação da concentração mínima inibitória de 50%. BLIS sem diluição foi capaz de inibir 60 e 100% de L. seeligeri e L. innocua, 15 respectivamente, assim como, diluído 1x (v/v) em água foi capaz de inibir 100% o crescimento de ambas Listeria. BLIS também apresentou bons resultados como conservante de alimento quando aplicado em presunto contaminado artificialmente com L. seeligeri e armazenado a 4oC a vácuo por 10 dias. BLIS foi capaz de manter baixa a multiplicação de Listeria, menor perda de peso das amostras, baixa peroxidação lipídica e bons parâmetros de cor durante o armazenamento das amostras. Os resultados demonstraram a importância de se otimizar meio de cultivo tanto para o aumento da massa microbiana como para a produção e melhoramento da atividade desta molécula antimicrobiana. Além disso, os resultados também sugerem a possível aplicação de BLIS como conservante natural de alimentos

Cartilage suspension using a poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid system.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine whether a bar-like implant made of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) could be used for cartilage suspension and whether the implant would be suitable for rhinoplasty. METHODS: Three types of in vivo animal experiments were performed. First, the ear cartilage was incised in a full-thickness pattern, and the PLGA system was placed between the upper and lower cartilage to offer support to the tissue. Second, after the ear cartilage was forcibly bent, an implant was placed in the cartilage. For these rabbits, the outer aspect of the ear cartilage was assessed at 2, 4, 8, 10, and 12 weeks postoperatively. In addition, tissue samples were collected for histological evaluation 12 weeks after surgery. Third, the bar-like nasal implant was used for nasal septal suspension. We obtained micro-computed tomography (CT) images and evaluated the inflammatory reaction at 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The results of both the ear suspension and bending retention tests revealed that the characteristic shapes of the cartilage were well preserved at 12 weeks postoperatively. Moreover, no abnormal inflammatory reaction was present in any site in the experimental group. We successfully implanted the bar-like nasal implant in the rabbit's septum, and no complications occurred. Furthermore, the physical examination and the micro-CT images did not reveal any nasal obstruction or inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that an implant made of PLGA can be maintained in the cartilage tissue and believe that this can be applied in rhinoplasty as an alternative to autologous cartilage.

Combined Jessner Solution and Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Trichloroacetic Acid Alone in the Treatment of Melasma in Dark-Skinned Patients.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common challenging pigmentary skin disorder especially in dark-skinned females urging them to seek medical help. Many modalities of treatment are available, but none is satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To compare safety and efficacy of combined trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (20%-25%) and Jessner's solution versus TCA (20%-25%) alone in dark patients with melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was a split face, right-left, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled study. Twenty-four adult female patients (skin phototypes IV-V) with bilateral melasma were treated for 6 sessions at 2 weeks intervals. Clinical assessment of the 2 sides of the face with Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score was performed, and photographs were taken before and after the peeling course. RESULTS: Both therapeutic modalities showed significant decrease in MASI score, which was significantly lower on the side treated with both Jessner solution and TCA. There were significant negative correlations between the percentage of improvement of MASI score and both age of the patients and duration of the melasma. CONCLUSION: Dark skin melasma can be treated with both regimens safely and effectively; however, combined Jessner solution and TCA is more effective.

Neuropathic Pain Following Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) Injection.

Injectable fillers have become a prevalent means of facial rejuvenation and volume expansion. While typically well tolerated, serious complications have been reported. The authors present a case in which an otherwise healthy female with a history of multiple filler injections including poly-L-lactic acid, developed 3 weeks of neuropathic pain in the left temporal fossa following injection. To the best of the authors knowledge, neuropathic pain has not been reported as a complication following poly-L-lactic acid injection. The patient was treated with an injection of steroid and long-acting anesthetic with resolution of symptoms.

Toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy of biotinylated chitosan surface-modified PLGA nanoparticles for tumor therapy.

Based on our previous work on the PLGA nanoparticles modified with biotinylated chitosan (Bio-CS-PLGA NPs), we further studied the stability, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo efficacy. The safety of NPs was studied through single-dose toxicity test in mice, and the result showed that NPs were well tolerated at the dose of 300 mg/kg. Compared with the free EPB group, the NPs group exhibited higher plasma drug concentration, longer half-life time. EPB-loaded NPs significantly inhibited the tumor growth compared to free EPB. All results suggested that Bio-CS-PLGA NPs were stable, safe, and showed a promising potential on targeted drug delivery.

Chemical Peeling: A Useful Tool in the Office. / Peeling químico, una herramienta útil en la consulta.

Chemical peeling is a common treatment in cosmetic dermatology. A peel that has been used for many years is trichloroacetic acid. Its adverse effects have for a long time been a major limitation. We present a practical review of the characteristics, mechanisms of action, indications, and complications of superficial chemical peels and of peeling with trichloroacetic acid.

Investigation of DNA damage in cells exposed to poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres.

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based materials are widely investigated for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Despite their popularity the genotoxic potential of PLGA has not been investigated. In this study, the comet assay, a sensitive assay for DNA damage, was used to evaluate potential genotoxicity in model cell types exposed to PLGA microspheres. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cells were exposed to PLGA microspheres (0.4-6 mg/mL) and DNA damage assessed at 24 h, 4 days, and 7 days. DNA damage was not identified after 24 h. However, after 4 and 7 days of exposure to 2 and 6 mg/mL of PLGA microspheres a significant elevation of DNA damage in both cell types was observed. The PLGA microspheres did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects on the cells under the conditions tested. Our results suggest that PLGA may have a genotoxic effect on cells. A broader investigation of the PLGA genotoxic profile in biological systems is needed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 284-291, 2017.

Ultrasonic assessment of the effects of self-assembling peptide scaffolds on preventing enamel demineralization.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the effect of self-assembling peptide P11-4 (Curodont Repair, CDR) on bovine enamel remineralization by measuring changes in ultrasonic propagation velocity. METHODS: Six specimens per group were prepared by sectioning bovine teeth into enamel blocks. These blocks were then immersed in lactic acid buffer solution (pH = 4.75) for 10 min twice a day and stored in artificial saliva. Other specimens were first treated with CDR, followed by a 10-min immersion in the lactic acid buffer solution twice a day, before storage in artificial saliva. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic waves was measured using a pulser/receiver. Six specimens were used for each treatment protocol. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference tests (α = 0.05). Specimens were observed using laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Sonic velocity was found to decrease with time for specimens stored in the demineralizing solution. On the other hand, increases in sonic velocity were found for specimens treated with CDR. These specimens also exhibited signs of mineral deposition. CONCLUSIONS: By measuring the ultrasonic propagation velocity, it can be concluded that CDR application has an ability to promote bovine enamel remineralization.

Repairing rabbit radial defects by combining bone marrow stroma stem cells with bone scaffold material comprising a core-cladding structure.

We prepared a bone scaffold material comprising a PLGA/ß-TCP core and a Type I collagen cladding, and recombined it with bone marrow stroma stem cells (BMSCs) to evaluate its potential for use in bone tissue engineering by in vivo and in vitro experiments. PLGA/ß-TCP without a cladding was used for comparison. The adherence rate of the BMSCs to the scaffold was determined by cell counting. Cell proliferation rate was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method. The osteogenic capability was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase activity. The scaffold materials were recombined with the BMSCs and implanted into a large segmental rabbit radial defect model to evaluate defect repair. Osteogenesis was assessed in the scaffold materials by histological and double immunofluorescence labeling, etc. The adherence number, proliferation number, and alkaline phosphatase expression of the cells on the bone scaffold material with core-cladding structure were significantly higher than the corresponding values in the PLGA/ß-TCP composite scaffold material (P < 0.05). An in vivo test indicated that the bone scaffold material with core-cladding structure completely degraded at the bone defect site and bone formation was completed. The rabbit large sentimental radial defect was successfully repaired. The degradation and osteogenesis rates matched well. The bone scaffold with core-cladding structure exhibited better osteogenic activity and capacity to repair a large segmental bone defect compared to the PLGA/ß-TCP composite scaffold. The bone scaffold with core-cladding structure has excellent physical properties and biocompatibility. It is an ideal scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

The Case for Synthetic Injectables.

There are several different classes of synthetic dermal fillers and volume enhancers including semipermanent and permanent products available in the United States. Based on clinical and scientific evidence, this article reviews the chemical and polymeric properties, clinical data, patient selection, indications for use, injection technique, and adverse event profiles of permanent synthetic injectables currently used in clinical practice in the United States: medical-grade liquid injectable silicone and polymethyl methacrylate. Understanding the unique characteristics of these two products reinforces the advantages and disadvantages of each, including under what circumstances they should be used and why they perform the way they do.

Collagen Stimulators: Poly-L-Lactic Acid and Calcium Hydroxyl Apatite.

Over the last decade, many studies of the structural changes observed in the aging face (in bone, fat pads, facial ligaments, muscle, skin) have increased our understanding that facial rejuvenation is more complex and nuanced than simply filling lines and folds or cutting and lifting soft tissue and skin. This, in addition to the many new products introduced to the marketplace over the same period, has fueled the evolution of panfacial rejuvenation and restoration using fillers. This article discusses current techniques used with calcium hydroxylapatite and poly-l-lactic acid to safely and effectively address changes observed in the aging face.