Efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant application in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various studies have focused on the application of fibrin sealants (FS) in thyroid surgery. Utilizing a meta-analysis, this systematic review analyzed the findings of recent randomized controlled trials on the safety and efficacy of FS in patients who underwent thyroidectomy. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Medline databases were searched for relevant studies, without any language restrictions. Seven randomized controlled trials were included in the originally identified 69 studies. Overall, 652 patients received FS during thyroid surgery; their outcomes were compared with those of conventionally treated patients. The primary outcomes were total volume of wound drainage, length of hospitalization, and operative time. Significant differences were observed in the total volume of wound drainage (mean deviation (MD): -29.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): -55.39 to -4.11, P = 0.02), length of hospitalization (MD: -0.84, 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.66, P < 0.00001), and surgery duration (MD: -7.60, 95% CI: -14.75 to -0.45, P = 0.04). Secondary outcomes were seroma and hypoparathyroidism development. The risk of hypoparathyroidism did not differ between the FS and conventional groups (I = 0%, relative risk = 1.31, P = 0.38). Analysis of "seroma formation that required invasive treatment" indicated that FS showed some benefit (I2 = 8%, relative risk 0.44, P = 0.15). Heterogeneity among the different trials limited their conclusions. The meta-analysis showed that although FS use did not significantly reduce seroma or hypoparathyroidism incidence in patients after thyroidectomy, it significantly reduced the total drainage volume, length of hospitalization, and duration of surgery.

Novel Biodegradable 3D-Printed Analgesics-Eluting-Nanofibers Incorporated Nuss Bars for Therapy of Pectus Excavatum.

A novel hybrid biodegradable Nuss bar model was developed to surgically correct the pectus excavatum and reduce the associated pain during treatment. The scheme consisted of a three-dimensional (3D) printed biodegradable polylactide (PLA) Nuss bar as the surgical implant and electrospun polylactide-polyglycolide (PLGA) nanofibers loaded with lidocaine and ketorolac as the analgesic agents. The degradation rate and mechanical properties of the PLA Nuss bars were characterized after submersion in a buffered mixture for different time periods. In addition, the in vivo biocompatibility of the integrated PLA Nuss bars/analgesic-loaded PLGA nanofibers was assessed using a rabbit chest wall model. The outcomes of this work suggest that integration of PLA Nuss bar and PLGA/analgesic nanofibers could successfully enhance the results of pectus excavatum treatment in the animal model. The histological analysis also demonstrated good biocompatibility of the PLA Nuss bars with animal tissues. Eventually, the 3D printed biodegradable Nuss bars may have a potential role in pectus excavatum treatment in humans.

Inhibition of bacterial growth on zirconia abutment with a helium cold atmospheric plasma jet treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents a surface modification method to treat the zirconia implant abutment materials using a helium cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet in order to evaluate its efficacy on oral bacteria adhesion and growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Yttrium-Stabilized Zirconia disks were subjected to helium CAP treatment; after the treatment, zirconia surface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, a contact angle measuring device, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for surface characteristics. The response of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis on treated surface was evaluated by a scanning electron microscopy, MTT assay, and LIVE/DEAD staining. The biofilm formation was analyzed using a crystal violet assay. RESULTS: After the helium CAP jet treatment, the zirconia surface chemistry has been changed while the surface topography remains unchanged, the bacterial growth was inhibited, and the biofilm forming decreased. As the treatment time increases, the zirconia abutment showed a better bacterial inhibition efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: The helium CAP jet surface modification approach can eliminate bacterial growth on zirconia surface with surface chemistry change, while surface topography remained. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Soft tissue seal around dental implant abutment plays a crucial role in maintaining long-term success. However, it is weaker than periodontal barriers and vulnerable to bacterial invasion. CAP has a potential prospect for improving soft tissue seal around the zirconia abutment, therefore providing better esthetics and most of all, prevent peri-implant lesions from happening.

[Comparative research for micro-push-out bond strengths of glass fiber posts treated by poly-dopamine or silane coupling agent].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the micro-push-out bond strengths of prefabricated glass fiber posts with poly-dopamine functionalized to root dentin using resin cements, contrasted with silane treatment. METHODS: In the study, 30 glass fiber posts were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 posts in each group) for different surface treatments. Group 1, treated with poly-dopa; Group 2, treated with silane coupling agent for 60s; Group 3, no surface treatment (Control group). The 30 extracted human, single-rooted teeth were endodontically treated and a 9 mm post space was prepared in each tooth with post drills provided by the manufacturer. Following post cementation, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 7 days. The micro-push-out bond strengths were tested using a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min), and the failure modes were examined with a stereomicroscope. The data of the three groups were statistically analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test(α= 0.05). RESULTS: The bond strengths were (7.909 ± 1.987) MPa for Group 1, (5.906 ± 0.620) MPa for Group 2, and 4.678 ± 0.910 MPa for Group 3. The bond strength of poly-dopamine group was significantly higher than that of the silane group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Contrasted with silane treatment, surface poly-dopamine functionalization was confirmed to be a more reliable method for improving the bond strength of resin luting agents to fiber posts.

Recent progress in biomedical applications of titanium dioxide.

As one of the most common chemical materials, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been prepared and widely used for many years. Among all the applications, the biomedical applications of TiO2 have motivated strong interest and intensive experimental and theoretical studies, owing to its unique photocatalytic properties, excellent biocompatibility, high chemical stability, and low toxicity. Advances in nanoscale science suggest that some of the current problems of life science could be resolved or greatly improved through applying TiO2. This paper presents a critical review of recent advances in the biomedical applications of TiO2, which includes the photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment, drug delivery systems, cell imaging, biosensors for biological assay, and genetic engineering. The characterizations and applications of TiO2 nanoparticles, as well as nanocomposites and nanosystems of TiO2, which have been prepared by different modifications to improve the function of TiO2, are also offered in this review. Additionally, some perspectives on the challenges and new directions for future research in this emerging frontier are discussed.

[A clinical study of drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

OBJECTIVE: The Chinese Children's Leukemia Group (CCLG)-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 08 protocol for childhood ALL was established in 2008. This study aims to evaluate the drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol in the treatment of childhood ALL. METHODS: A total of 114 children with newly diagnosed ALL were treated with the CCLG-ALL 08 protocol. The protocol was divided into five phases: remission induction (VDLD), early reinforcement (CAM), consolidation therapy, delayed reinforcement (DIa & DIb) and maintenance treatment. Drug-related toxicities in each phase were evaluated according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0. RESULTS: Toxicities were more frequent in phase VDLD than other treatment phases, including hepatotoxicity (87.7%), dental ulcer (20.2%), hyperglycemia (20.2%), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (21.1%) and decreased fibrinogen (34.2%), with the incidence rates of severe adverse events at 7%, 0, 1.3%, 0.8% and 2.7% respectively. The incidence of allergic reaction to L-ASP was significantly higher in phase DIa than in phase VDLD (28.0% vs 7.9%; P<0.01), and there were no longer any allergic reactions in 15 patients who received continuing treatment with pegaspargase instead. There was no severe arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, decreased left ventricular function, osteonecrosis, myopathy, organ failure or treatment-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The drug-related toxicities of CCLG-ALL 08 protocol are common in phase VDLD, but they are mild and reversible. There is no treatment-related mortality. The CCLG-ALL 08 protocol for childhood ALL is safe.

Preparation of a biodegradable oil absorber and its biodegradation.

The biodegradable oil absorption resin (B-PEHA) was prepared by suspension polymerization, and its preparation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The oil absorption capacities of the prepared B-PEHA were: chloroform 30.88, toluene 19.75, xylene, 18.78, THF 15.96, octane 11.43, hexane 9.5, diesel oil 12.80, and kerosene 13.79 g/g. The biodegradation of the prepared B-PEHA was also investigated by determination of reduced sugar produced after enzymatic hydrolysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and incubation with Aspergillus niger. The biodegradation of B-PEHA was ~18%.

Clinical target volume design of postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy for major salivary gland tumours according to surgical principles: an innovative method.

BACKGROUND: No international consensus has been reached regarding delineation of postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (PO-IMRT) clinical target volumes (CTV) for major salivary gland carcinoma (SGC). The purpose of this article was to report our experience according to surgical principles. METHODS: Between June 2010 and June 2018, 54 consecutive patients were enrolled. Reserved tissues around the margin of resection that were less than 5 mm from the invasive tumour edge before surgery were defined as high-risk clinical target volumes (CTV-HD), those less than 10 mm away were defined as medium-risk CTV (CTV1), and those 10-20 mm away were defined as low-risk CTV (CTV2), and were irradiated with 63-65 Gy, 59.5-61 Gy, and 45-54 Gy, respectively. Target volume distributions of reserved tissues were analysed and actuarial estimates of overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were obtained with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In parotid gland tumours, the percentages of defined CTV-HD in the styloid process, mandibular ramus, posterior venter of the digastric muscle, carotid sheath and stylomastoid foramen reached 34.29%, 25.71%, 54.29%, 40.00%, and 37.10%, respectively. The median follow-up was 33 months (range, 5-98 months). The 3-year and 5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of OS, RFS and DMFS were 85.4% and 77.8%, 97.4%, and 97.4%, and 82.0% and 82.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to delineate CTVs according to distances between various reserved tissues and the primary tumour edge before operation.

Modulating Polymerization Thermodynamics of Thiolactones Through Substituent and Heteroatom Incorporation.

A central challenge in the development of next-generation sustainable materials is to design polymers that can easily revert back to their monomeric starting material through chemical recycling to monomer (CRM). An emerging monomer class that displays efficient CRM are thiolactones, which exhibit rapid rates of polymerization and depolymerization. This report details the polymerization thermodynamics for a series of thiolactone monomers through systematic changes to substitution patterns and sulfur heteroatom incorporation. Additionally, computational studies highlight the importance of conformation in modulating the enthalpy of polymerization, leading to monomers that display high conversions to polymer at near-ambient temperatures, while maintaining low ceiling temperatures (Tc). Specifically, the combination of a highly negative enthalpy (-19.3 kJ/mol) and entropy (-58.4 J/(mol·K)) of polymerization allows for a monomer whose equilibrium polymerization conversion is very sensitive to temperature.

Sodium fluoride suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis through decreased insulin-like growth factor-I expression and oxidative stress in primary cultured mouse osteoblasts.

It has been reported that sodium fluoride suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in osteoblasts. However, the details about the mechanism at work in bone metabolism are limited. In this study, we further investigated the mechanisms of NaF on proliferation and apoptosis in the primary cultured mouse osteoblasts, which were exposed to different concentration of NaF (10(-6)-5 × 10(-4) M). We examined the effect of NaF on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the protein level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in osteoblasts. All the tested NaF inhibited proliferation and arrested cell cycle at S phase in osteoblasts, and further demonstrated to induce apoptosis in osteoblasts. On the other hand, we found that NaF increased oxidative stress and decreased protein expression of IGF-I. Our study herein suggested that NaF caused proliferation suppression, and apoptosis may contribute to decrease IGF-I expression and increased oxidative stress damage by NaF in the primary mouse osteoblasts.

Enhanced Conductivity in Highly Stretchable Silver and Polymer Nanocomposite Conductors.

In stretchable conductors, there is a trade-off relationship between the stretchability and conductivity which makes it difficult to increase both properties simultaneously. From a practical point of view, however, high conductivity is a more important parameter for real-world applications of wearable and mobile electronics. To obtain a highly conductive stretchable conductor, we developed a stretchable conductor composed of silver (Ag) flat-type microparticles, Ag nanoparticles and a polyester binder. The printed stretchable conductor was then sintered using the intense pulse light sintering technique. The effects of different mixing ratios of Ag flat-type particles and nanoparticles on dispersibility, printability, surface properties, conductivity, and stretchability were examined. Increasing the content of Ag-flat type particles in the composite improved dispersibility, printability, and conductivity. The stretchable conductor exhibited the outstanding conductivity of 5.5×106 S/m. Increasing the Ag nanoparticles content increased the stretchability of the conductor. As the nanoparticle content increased to 30%, the stretchable conductor showed the excellent stretchability of 210%, and withstood 2,600 repeated stretching cycles at a fixed tensile strain of 50%. The conductors also exhibited superb foldability during 10,000 repeated folding tests, up to a radius of 1 mm, without any failures.

Fate of plastic film residues in agro-ecosystem and its effects on aggregate-associated soil carbon and nitrogen stocks.

Biodegradable (Bio) plastic films are widely viewed as promising alternative products of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films to minimize plastic debris accumulation and pollution in agroecosystems. Yet, this speculation indeed lacks of sufficient evidences. We conducted a landfill investigation on the aging characteristics of Bio and LDPE plastic films in maize field, and the effects on soil aggregate composition and carbon & nitrogen stocks. The degradation rate of Bio film was up to 41.1% while that of LDPE film was zero. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the crack formation of Bio film had a pronounced domino effect, and FTIR showed that old Bio film displayed an extra wide peak threshold ranging from 3000 to 3500 cm-1. Particularly, the abundance of microplastics was elevated with the increased plastic residues, and the increment mostly resulted from Bio residues. Critically, plastic residues significantly lowered the soil macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) proportion, while increasing that of micro-aggregates (0.1-0.25 mm) in LDPE, and silt/clay fraction (<0.1 mm) in Bio respectively. They significantly promoted total nitrogen content of the aggregates with the same size, but decreased the organic carbon content, dramatically lowering the C/N. Therefore, we first identified the fate of plastic film residues in agroecosystems and revealed the serious deficiencies of Bio plastic film.

Cellulose triacetate dialyzer reduces platelet loss during continuous veno-venous hemofiltration.

Thrombocytopenia is a common complication in patients receiving continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in the intensive care unit. The hemofilter itself plays an important role in the genesis of thrombocytopenia. The present study was undertaken to test whether there were differences in platelet loss and activation during CVVH with a polysulfone (PS) hemofilter or a cellulose triacetate (CTA) dialyzer. 96 patients with thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury requiring CVVH were randomly assigned to four groups receiving low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) PS (n = 24), LMWH CTA (n = 24), no anticoagulation PS (n = 24), and no anticoagulation CTA (n = 24), respectively. We found a significant decrease in platelet counts, but an increased platelet activation with the PS hemofilter in patients who received no anticoagulation. There was no significant decrease in platelet counts and activation in the CTA group. The cellulose membranes could be an effective alternative to the standard synthetic membranes in patients at high risk for thrombocytopenia during CVVH.

CT-guided needle biopsy through mandibular area for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the parapharyngeal space.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The primary submucous type of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) or the recurrent NPC in the parapharyngeal space is difficult to be diagnosed histologically by conventional biopsy because of the obstruction of the surrounding structures. This study was performed to evaluate the needle biopsy approach through the madibular area into the parapharyngeal space under the guidance of computed tomography (CT) for NPC. METHODS: Between July 6, 2005 and October 23, 2009, a total of 6 patients were enrolled into the study. Two patients with cervical lymph node metastasis were clinically suspicious of NPC according to their clinical manifestations. However, no cancer cell could be found by repeated nasopharyngeal biopsies followed by histologic examinations. The other 4 patients were diagnosed with recurrent NPCs by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or/and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT scan, showing tumors in the parapharyngeal spaces in 3 patients and enlarged retropharyngeal lymph node in 1 patient. The CT-guided puncture was performed through the mandibular skin and the cutting needle biopsy was taken at the parapharyngeal space focus. RESULTS: All the cutting needle biopsies of projected locations have been performed safely. Finally, all the 7 specimens met the requirement of pathologic diagnosis and the cases were all confirmed histologically to be NPCs. The main complication was mild ache at the puncture point. No blood vessel or nerve was injured and no patient needed special treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The CT-guided puncture biopsy of the parapharyngeal space through the mandibular area is simple and feasible. It can be an additional option for routine nasopharyngeal biopsy.

Preparation and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of doxorubicin-loaded poly[lactic-co-glycol acid] microspheres using electrospray method for sustained drug delivery and potential intratumoral injection.

For cancer treatment, intratumoral drug injection has many limitations and not commonly adopted. The poly[lactic-co-glycolic acid] (PLGA) has emerged as a promising vehicle to enhance the in vitro/in vivo characteristic of various drugs. We prepared doxorubicin-PLGA microspheres (DOX-PLGA MSs) using the electrospray method. An in vitro elution method was employed to evaluate the release of DOX from the MSs. We performed an in vivo study on rats, in which we directly injected DOX-PLGA MSs into the liver. We measured liver and plasma DOX concentrations to assess local retention and systemic exposure. The mean diameter of the MSs was 6.74 ±â€¯1.01 µm. The in vitro DOX release from the MSs exhibited a 12.3 % burst release on day 1, and 85.8 % of the drug had been released after 30 days. The in vivo tests revealed a higher local drug concentration at the target lobe of the liver than at the adjacent median lobe. In the first week, the DOX concentration in the peripheral blood of the MS group was lower than that of the direct DOX injection group. Based on the measured intrahepatic concentration and plasma pharmacokinetic profiles, DOX-PLGA MSs could be suitable vectors of chemotoxic agents for intratumoral injection.

Extended pain relief achieved by analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers in the Nuss procedure: in vitro and in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND: The most common complaint after the Nuss procedure is severe postoperative chest pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers in pain relief after the Nuss procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Poly(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide, lidocaine, and ketorolac were dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol. This solution was electrospun into a nanofibrous membrane. The elution method and high-performance chromatography were used to characterize the in vitro drug release. Stainless steel bars with and without coating of the analgesic-eluting nanofibrous membrane were implanted underneath the sternums of New Zealand white rabbits. The in vivo characteristics were further investigated. RESULTS: The in vitro study showed that the biodegradable nanofibers released high doses of lidocaine and ketorolac within 10 days. The in vivo study demonstrated high local and systemic concentrations of lidocaine and ketorolac. The serum creatinine level was unaffected. Animals that received implants of the analgesic-eluting nanofiber-coated stainless steel bar exhibited significantly greater food and water ingestion and physical activity than the control group did, indicating effective pain relief. CONCLUSION: The proposed analgesic-eluting biodegradable nanofibers contribute to the achievement of extended pain relief after the Nuss procedure, without obvious adverse effects, in an animal model.

Genomic data reveals potential for hybridization, introgression, and incomplete lineage sorting to confound phylogenetic relationships in an adaptive radiation of narrow-mouth frogs.

The microhylid frog genus Kaloula is an adaptive radiation spanning the edge of the Asian mainland and multiple adjacent island archipelagos, with much of the clade's diversity associated with an endemic Philippine radiation. Relationships among clades from the Philippines, however, remain unresolved. With ultraconserved element (UCE) and mitogenomic data, we identified highly supported differences in topology and areas of poor resolution, for each marker set. Using the UCE data, we then identified possible instances of contemporary hybridization, past introgression, and incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) within the Philippine Kaloula. Using a simulation approach, and an estimate of the Philippine Kaloula clade origin (12.7-21.0 mya), we demonstrate that an evolutionary history including inferred instances of hybridization, introgression, and ILS leads to phylogenetic reconstructions that show concordance with results from the observed mitogenome and UCE data. In the process of validating a complex evolutionary scenario in the Philippine Kaloula, we provide the first demonstration of the efficacy of UCE data for phylogenomic studies of anuran amphibians.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of site-specific pegylated genetically modified recombinant human interleukin-11 in normal and thrombocytopenic monkeys.

In order to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of recombinant human interleukin-11 mutein (mIL-11) and to reduce the frequency of administration, we examined the feasibility of chemical modification of mIL-11 by methoxy polyethylene glycol succinimidyl carbonate (mPEG-SC). PEG-mIL-11 was prepared by a pH controlled amine specific method. Bioactivity of the protein was determined in a IL-11-dependent in vitro bioassay, its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties were investigated by using normal and thrombocytopenic monkey models. N-terminus sequencing and peptide mapping analysis revealed that Lys33 is the PEGylated position for PEG-mIL-11. Bioactivity of PEG-mIL-11 assessed by B9-11 cell proliferation assay was comparable to that of mIL-11. More than 79-fold increase in area-under-the curve (AUC) and 26-fold increase in maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was observed in pharmacokinetic analysis. Single dose administration of the PEG-mIL-11 induced blood platelets number increase and the effect duration were comparable to that of 7 to 10 consecutive daily administration of mIL-11 to the normal and thrombocytopenic monkey models. PEG-mIL-11 is a promising therapeutic for thrombocytopenia.

Modulatory effects of aromatherapy massage intervention on electroencephalogram, psychological assessments, salivary cortisol and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

OBJECTIVES: Aromatherapy massage is commonly used for the stress management of healthy individuals, and also has been often employed as a therapeutic use for pain control and alleviating psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression, in oncological palliative care patients. However, the exact biological basis of aromatherapy massage is poorly understood. Therefore, we evaluated here the effects of aromatherapy massage interventions on multiple neurobiological indices such as quantitative psychological assessments, electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum pattern, salivary cortisol and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. DESIGN: A control group without treatment (n = 12) and aromatherapy massage group (n = 13) were randomly recruited. They were all females whose children were diagnosed as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and followed up in the Department of Psychiatry, Jeju National University Hospital. Participants were treated with aromatherapy massage for 40 min twice per week for 4 weeks (8 interventions). RESULTS: A 4-week-aromatherapy massage program significantly improved all psychological assessment scores in the Stat-Trait Anxiety Index, Beck Depression Inventory and Short Form of Psychosocial Well-being Index. Interestingly, plasma BDNF levels were significantly increased after a 4 week-aromatherapy massage program. Alpha-brain wave activities were significantly enhanced and delta wave activities were markedly reduced following the one-time aromatherapy massage treatment, as shown in the meditation and neurofeedback training. In addition, salivary cortisol levels were significantly reduced following the one-time aromatherapy massage treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that aromatherapy massage could exert significant influences on multiple neurobiological indices such as EEG pattern, salivary cortisol and plasma BDNF levels as well as psychological assessments.

Sodium fluoride affects proliferation and apoptosis through insulin-like growth factor I receptor in primary cultured mouse osteoblasts.

Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is important for maintaining proliferation and apoptosis in osteoblasts. However, the details about the effect of sodium fluoride supplementation on primary osteoblast cultures on mediating IGF-IR expression are still not well-known. In this study, we used mouse osteoblasts to examine the impact of sodium fluoride on the proliferation and apoptosis; the cells were treated with IGF-IR small interfering RNA (or left untreated) and subsequently divided into a control group and six experimental groups, which were exposed to different concentrations of NaF (10(-6), 10(-5), 10(-4), 10(-3), 5 × 10(-3), and 10(-2) mol/L) for analysis at 48 h. In particular, we examined cell proliferation, apoptosis, IGF-IR messenger RNA, and protein expression levels of the various cell groups. In summary, our findings suggest that the administration of NaF affects the expression of IGF-IR in mouse osteoblasts, contributing to the proliferation and apoptosis induced by fluoride.