Novel L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA Nanocomposite Hydrogel with Dual Anti-Inflammatory and Mineralization Effects for Efficient Vital Pulp Therapy.

Background: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is considered a conservative treatment for preserving pulp viability in caries and trauma-induced pulpitis. However, Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as the most frequently used repair material, exhibits limited efficacy under inflammatory conditions. This study introduces an innovative nanocomposite hydrogel, tailored to simultaneously target anti-inflammation and dentin mineralization, aiming to efficiently preserve vital pulp tissue. Methods: The L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA nanocomposite hydrogel was designed by combining L-Arginine modified calcium phosphate/zinc phosphate nanoparticles (L-(CaP-ZnP) NPs) with sodium alginate (SA), and was characterized with TEM, SEM, FTIR, EDX, ICP-AES, and Zeta potential. In vitro, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory properties. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory response, and the cell odontogenic differentiation was measured and possible signaling pathways were explored by alkaline phosphatase (ALP)/alizarin red S (ARS) staining, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blotting, respectively. In vivo, a pulpitis model was utilized to explore the potential of the L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA nanocomposite hydrogel in controlling pulp inflammation and enhancing dentin mineralization by Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry staining. Results: In vitro experiments revealed that the nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized successfully and presented desirable biocompatibility. Under inflammatory conditions, compared to MTA, the L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA nanocomposite hydrogel demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory and pro-odontogenesis effects. Furthermore, the nanocomposite hydrogel significantly augmented p38 phosphorylation, implicating the involvement of the p38 signaling pathway in pulp repair. Significantly, in a rat pulpitis model, the L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA nanocomposite hydrogel downregulated inflammatory markers while upregulating mineralization-related markers, thereby stimulating the formation of robust reparative dentin. Conclusion: The L-(CaP-ZnP)/SA nanocomposite hydrogel with good biocompatibility efficiently promoted inflammation resolution and enhanced dentin mineralization by activating p38 signal pathway, as a pulp-capping material, offering a promising and advanced solution for treatment of pulpitis.

Revisited and innovative perspectives of oral ulcer: from biological specificity to local treatment.

Mouth ulcers, a highly prevalent ailment affecting the oral mucosa, leading to pain and discomfort, significantly impacting the patient's daily life. The development of innovative approaches for oral ulcer treatment is of great importance. Moreover, a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of mouth ulcers will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. The oral environment possesses distinct traits as it serves as the gateway to the digestive and respiratory systems. The permeability of various epithelial layers can influence drug absorption. Moreover, oral mucosal injuries exhibit distinct healing patterns compared to cutaneous lesions, influenced by various inherent and extrinsic factors. Furthermore, the moist and dynamic oral environment, influenced by saliva and daily physiological functions like chewing and speaking, presents additional challenges in local therapy. Also, suitable mucosal adhesion materials are crucial to alleviate pain and promote healing process. To this end, the review comprehensively examines the anatomical and structural aspects of the oral cavity, elucidates the healing mechanisms of oral ulcers, explores the factors contributing to scar-free healing in the oral mucosa, and investigates the application of mucosal adhesive materials as drug delivery systems. This endeavor seeks to offer novel insights and perspectives for the treatment of oral ulcers.

Carbon Dots as Potential Therapeutic Agents for Treating Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Associated Inflammatory Bone Loss.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the most significant metabolic diseases worldwide and is associated with heightened systemic inflammation, which has been shown to foster the development of extrahepatic complications. So far, there is no definitive, effective, and safe treatment for NAFLD. Although antidiabetic agents show potential for treating NAFLD, their efficacy is significantly limited by inadequate liver accumulation at safe doses and unwanted side effects. Herein, we demonstrate that pharmacologically active carbon dots (MCDs) derived from metformin can selectively accumulate in the liver and ameliorate NAFLD by activating hepatic PPARα expression while maintaining an excellent biosafety. Interestingly, MCDs can also improve the function of extrahepatic organs and tissues, such as alleviating alveolar inflammatory bone loss, in the process of treating NAFLD. This study proposes a feasible and safe strategy for designing pharmacologically active MCDs to target the liver, which regulates lipid metabolism and systemic inflammation, thereby treating NAFLD and its related extrahepatic complications.

Ferroptosis: The Entanglement between Traditional Drugs and Nanodrugs in Tumor Therapy.

Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic programmed cell death caused by the accumulation of lipid peroxide. System Xc-/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis and iron axis are two main pathways regulating ferroptosis. Simultaneously, multiple pathways are also involved in the ferroptosis regulation. Ferroptosis is an intense area of the current study. With the improvement of the regulatory mechanisms that underlie ferroptosis, a variety of drugs associated with ferroptosis have been discovered and developed for cancer therapy. Among them, traditional drugs were developed initially. Small molecule compounds that regulate ferroptosis signaling pathway and iron complexes that promote the Fenton reaction have become important drugs for inducing ferroptosis. In recent years, the emerging development of nanotechnology has promoted the research of ferroptosis nanodrugs. Iron-based nanomaterials are extensively tested as ferroptosis-inducing agents. Furthermore, nanoscale drug delivery systems offer a suitable scaffold for traditional drug therapies. Traditional drugs and nanodrugs are complementary, each with their own strengths and limitations. This review describes the latest studies on the regulation of ferroptosis in tumor cells and focuses on the entanglement between traditional drugs and nanodrugs. To conclude, the challenges and perspectives in this field are put forward.

Immediate Implant Placement in Posterior Sockets With Periapical Infection and Bone Defects: Three Case Reports.

Immediate implant placement is considered a well-accepted procedure due to its advantages and predictable survival rates. However, data on immediate implantation in posterior sockets with infection and bone defects are limited. The purpose of this clinical report was to describe 3 cases of hopeless posterior teeth with periapical infection and relatively large destruction that were successfully treated with immediate implant placement. The mean follow-up time was 22 months. On the basis of correct clinical decision and treatment procedure, immediate implant placement may be a reliable treatment option for compromised posterior sockets.

Stiffness Regulates the Morphology, Adhesion, Proliferation, and Osteogenic Differentiation of Maxillary Schneiderian Sinus Membrane-Derived Stem Cells.

Recent studies, which aim to optimize maxillary sinus augmentation, have paid significant attention exploring osteogenic potential of maxillary Schneiderian sinus membrane-derived cells (MSSM-derived cells). However, it remains unclear that how MSSM-derived cells could respond to niche's biomechanical properties. Herein, this study investigated the possible effects of substrate stiffness on rMSSM-derived stem cell fate. Initially, rMSSM-derived stem cells with multiple differentiation potential were successfully obtained. We then fabricated polyacrylamide substrates with varied stiffness ranging from 13 to 68 kPa to modulate the mechanical environment of rMSSM-derived stem cells. A larger cell spreading area and increased proliferation of rMSSM-derived stem cells were found on the stiffer substrates. Similarly, cells became more adhesive as their stiffness increased. Furthermore, the higher stiffness facilitated osteogenic differentiation of rMSSM-derived stem cells. Overall, our results indicated that increase in stiffness could mediate behaviors of rMSSM-derived stem cells, which may serve as a guide in future research to design novel biomaterials for maxillary sinus augmentation.

Endoscope-Assisted Maxillary Sinus Floor Elevation with Platelet-Rich Fibrin Grafting and Simultaneous Implant Placement: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of endoscope-assisted maxillary sinus floor elevation with platelet-rich fibrin grafting and simultaneous implant placement (PESS) in atrophic maxillae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three implants were placed to rehabilitate atrophic maxillae. Patient satisfaction was measured with a visual analog scale (VASpain). CBCT was taken to assess the bone changes for the elevated sites. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 23 implants fulfilling the survival criteria represented a 1-year survival rate of 95.65%. The VASpain score decreased with time. The residual bone height was 4.45 ± 1.44 mm. The elevation height was 6.72 ± 1.84 mm. The definitive restoration was completed in the 4th month postsurgery. The peri-implant bone level value was 6.04 ± 2.30 mm, 6.32 ± 2.25 mm, and 6.71 ± 1.97 mm at the 3rd, 9th, and 15th month postsurgery. The crestal bone level value decreased by 0.22 ± 0.56 mm from the 3rd month to the 15th month postsurgery (P > .05). Bone mineral density increased with time at the neck, middle, and root site of implant. CONCLUSION: PESS in the maxilla resulted in predictable peri-implant bone formation. This strategy is a relatively safe and effective approach with less invasion, which provides new insights into the choice of implant treatment plans.

Expression of RAD51 and Its Clinical Impact in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To examine the expression of RAD51 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and analyze its connection with pathological grade, clinical stage, and lymphatic metastasis potential. METHODS: For this study, 74 OSCC samples, 15 normal mucosa tissues, and 11 normal skin tissue samples were collected. RAD51 expression was investigated using immunohistochemistry. A follow-up visit was used to assess the prognosis of each patient. We compared RAD51 expression in oral mucosa epithelial cells (OMECs), keratinocytes, and tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells (TSCCs) by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: RAD51 expression was higher in tumor cells than in normal mucosal tissues. In addition, RAD51 expression was associated with higher tumor differentiation (P < 0.05). Also, RAD51 expression was higher (P < 0.05). Also, RAD51 expression was higher (P < 0.05). Also, RAD51 expression was higher (. CONCLUSION: A strong positive correlation was found between RAD51 expression and the degree of malignancy in OSCC patients, suggesting that RAD51 could be an excellent prognostic indicator for OSCC patients.

Flapless immediate implant placement into fresh molar extraction socket using platelet-rich fibrin: A case report.

BACKGROUND: There are some challenges concerning immediate implant placement in the molar region. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), an autologous biomaterial, has been used widely for periodontal intra-bony defects, sinus augmentation, socket preservation, and gingival recession. However, the literature remains scarce for reports on immediate implants with PRF, particularly in the case of fresh molar extraction socket. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a 43-year-old woman with maxillary molar vertical crown-root fracture. She underwent flapless immediate implant placement into the fresh molar socket with PRF. At the follow-up visit 15 d post procedure, the vascularization of soft tissue was visible. There was no swelling or pain after the surgery. Six months postoperatively, the regeneration of bone and soft tissues was visible. Subsequently, the definitive restoration was placed. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. CONCLUSION: The flapless immediate implant placement into the fresh molar socket with PRF is a feasible procedure. This case report demonstrates that PRF promotes bone and soft tissue regeneration apart from having an enhanced anti-inflammatory ability. Furthermore, the procedure involves a minimally invasive technique, thus reducing the surgical complexity.

Novel nanoparticles of cerium-doped zeolitic imidazolate frameworks with dual benefits of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions against periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a common bacteria-borne inflammatory disease that can damage the supporting structures of teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss and systemic inflammations. The present study developed novel nanoparticles (ZIF-8:Ce) by doping cerium (Ce) into zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to simultaneously obtain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop novel ZIF-8 nanoparticles doped with different Ce/(Ce + Zn) molar ratios of 1%, 5% and 10% to combat periodontitis; (2) investigate the inhibition efficacy of different nanoparticles against biofilms of periodontal pathogens; and (3) evaluate the effects of different ZIF-8:Ce on inflammatory secretion and macrophage polarization in vitro. The results showed that Ce doping at a ratio from 1% to 10% did not compromise the regular and uniform structure of ZIF-8. ZIF-8:Ce possessed a sustained Zn2+ and Ce3+/Ce4+ release and favorable superoxide dismutase/catalase activities without cytotoxicity at a concentration below 30 µg mL-1. ZIF-8 exhibited an excellent anti-biofilm function against periodontal pathogens. Although 10% Ce doping into ZIF-8 slightly reduced the antibacterial effects, the CFU reduction still remained at approximately 2 orders of magnitude. More importantly, ZIF-8:Ce exhibited increasing anti-inflammatory effects with increasing amounts of Ce doping. In addition, ZIF-8:Ce10% exerted much better anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factor expression via restraining the NF-kB/p65 subunit translocation (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, ZIF-8:Ce10% elevated the polarization of the M2 phenotype of macrophages and promoted anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Therefore, the novel ZIF-8:Ce nanoparticles provided a unique insight into the development of effective anti-inflammatory and antibacterial platforms for treating periodontitis.

Minimally invasive endoscopic maxillary sinus lifting and immediate implant placement: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This case report discusses a modified approach for maxillary sinus augmentation, in which platelet-rich fibrin, endoscope, simultaneous implant placement, and sinus floor elevation (PESS) were applied for a maxillary sinus floor lift in a 40-year-old patient. CASE SUMMARY: A 40-year-old woman suffered missing upper right first molar. Implant stability quotient and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were used to evaluate the diagnosis. CBCT showed insufficient posterior maxillary bone with a mean residual alveolar bone height of only 3.5 mm. The patient underwent a minimally invasive sinus floor elevation endoscopically. The sinus membrane was elevated in two stages, and a 12-mm implant was placed immediately. At 3 mo postoperatively, the final impressions were accomplished, and a full-ceramic crown was fit-placed. A 6-mo follow-up demonstrated satisfactory aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: This is the first report to use an endoscope for maxillary sinus floor lifting in cases with severe and insufficient bone height. This case report demonstrates the advantages of the PESS technique, which include minimal invasiveness with high precision, being applicable in cases with a residual alveolar bone height < 4 mm with a promising result, and a shortened treatment period from 12 to 3 mo.

Shape-Controlled Dodecaborate Supramolecular Organic-Framework-Supported Ultrafine Trimetallic PtCoNi for Catalytic Hydrolysis of Ammonia Borane.

On the basis of the unique chaotropic supramolecular assembly of cucurbit[5]uril (CB5) and dodecahydro- closo-dodecaborate anion [ closo-B12H12]2-, we have developed an efficient and universal platform to fabricate shape-controlled dodecaborate-based supramolecular organic frameworks (BOFs) decorated with ultrafine monodispersed trimetallic alloys. Simply by regulating the molar ratio of CB5 and [ closo-B12H12]2-, a series of fascinating morphologies, such as flowerlike structures, nanorods, nanocubes, and nanosheets, were successfully constructed. These obtained BOFs were proved to be good substrate supports for in situ synthesis of trimetallic PtCoNi nanoalloys, where the final PtCoNi-BOFs materials were obtained efficiently as a precipitate from aqueous solutions, and showed excellent catalytic performance in ammonia borane hydrolysis with a high turnover frequency of 1490 molH2 molPt-1 min-1 and a low activation energy of 15.79 kJ mol-1.

Tissue preservation through socket-shield technique and platelet-rich fibrin in immediate implant placement: A case report.

RATIONALE: In this report, a combination of socket-shield technique (SST) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) technique was used for immediate implant placement on a fractured central incisor. During the follow-up visit, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and clinical observation were used to evaluate the preservation outcome of peri-implant bone and gingiva. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 28-year-old healthy female patient who desired her fractured 21 to be replaced with an implant-supported single crown; the fractured 21 comprised a post-core crown with insufficient residual bone at the labial site. DIAGNOSIS: The root of 21 exhibited a complex root fracture; the labial portion of the alveolar ridge was thin (<1 mm) and partial ankylosis of the residual root was observed. INTERVENTIONS: Modified SST was applied to the labial portion of the residual root. The implant was placed immediately at the lingual site of the retained socket-shield root fragment; PRF was the placed in the gap between the root fragment and the implant. Final prosthodontic treatment was performed at 24 weeks after implant placement. OUTCOMES: Clinical examination and CBCT scanning at various follow-up visits time showed that the periodontal tissue was well- preserved. At 6 months after surgery, the average horizontal and vertical peri-implant bone resorption was 0.4 mm; a follow-up visit at 18 months post-loading indicated that peri-implant tissue was well preserved by the shield-technique and no significant peri-implant tissue resorption was displayed. LESSON SUBSECTIONS: In cases of anterior teeth with intact but insufficient residual alveolar ridge, the SST with PRF may be effective for preservation and maintenance of stable peri-implant tissue.