Fusobacterium nucleatum-infected periodontitis promotes renal interstitial fibrosis in rats through the TGF-ß/SMAD2/3 and ß-catenin signaling pathways.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontitis is associated with Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n) infection. Although the colonization of renal tissue by F.n is well documented, its specific role in kidney disease has yet to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between F.n-induced periodontitis and renal interstitial fibrosis. METHODS: The rat gingival sulcus was injected with F.n suspension, while the control group (NC) was injected with PBS. The levels of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), creatinine, and urea nitrogen (BUN) in rat serum and/or urine were quantified using the appropriate kits. Renal interstitial fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated in rats using Masson staining, Periodic Schiff-Methenamine (PASM) staining, and immunohistochemical staining. The levels of fibrosis- and EMT-related proteins and the TGF-ß/SMAD2/3 and ß-catenin signaling pathways were determined using Western blot analysis. F.n in the kidney tissues was quantitatively determined using bacterial 16S rRNA technology. RESULTS: Serum levels of TP, ALB, creatinine, and BUN were not significantly decreased in F.n-infected rats with periodontitis. The levels of creatinine and ALB in the urine were not statistically different between two groups. Masson and PASM staining showed that F.n-induced periodontitis could promote renal interstitial fibrosis in rats. The levels of collagen I, fibronectin (FN), vimentin, and α-SMA were upregulated in the kidney tissues of rats with F.n-induced periodontitis and in F.n-treated HK-2 cells. However, E-cadherin levels were reduced. F.n promoted renal interstitial and HK-2 cell fibrosis in rats by modulating the TGF-ß/SMAD2/3 and ß-catenin signaling pathways. F.n colonization increased renal interstitial fibrosis in rats. CONCLUSION: F.n-induced periodontitis promoted EMT by activating the TGF-ß/SMAD2/3 and ß-catenin signaling pathways, thus promoting renal interstitial fibrosis in rats.

Horizontal ridge augmentation in the maxillary aesthetic region using the autogenous circular cortical-lamina anchoring technique: A case series study.

AIM: This case series aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the autologous circular cortical lamina-anchoring (CCA) technique for horizontal bone augmentation in the maxillary aesthetic region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with 28 implants underwent horizontal bone augmentation using CCA followed by implant placement and crown delivery. The primary outcome measures were alveolar ridge width (ARW) and buccal bone thickness (BBT), whereas the secondary outcome measures included marginal bone loss (MBL), mid-facial mucosal margin loss (MML), clinical assessment of peri-implant and aesthetic parameters, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and implant survival rates. RESULTS: All 25 patients with 28 implants completed the treatment, no dropouts occurred. After CCA, the mean ARW at 1, 2, and 4 mm below the alveolar crest significantly increased from 2.38 ± 0.48, 2.85 ± 0.51, and 3.21 ± 0.53 mm to 6.80 ± 0.48, 6.99 ± 0.50, and 8.08 ± 0.52 mm, respectively. At the 3-year follow-up, the mean BBT0, BBT2, and BBT4 slightly decreased from 2.51 ± 0.26, 2.63 ± 0.31, and 2.75 ± 0.29 mm to 2.43 ± 0.27, 2.51 ± 0.30, and 2.64 ± 0.28 mm, respectively. Although the overall MBL was <0.15 mm, the results were statistically significant. The mean MML at the 3-year follow-up was 0.02 mm. All implant sites showed acceptable peri-implant and aesthetic outcomes. Incisions healed without complications, and no significant differences in PROMs observed at any time point. The 3-year follow-up showed a 100% implant survival rate. CONCLUSION: The autologous CCA technique is a useful method for increasing ARW and maintaining BBT in the maxillary aesthetic region.

Advances in magnetoelectric composites for promoting bone regeneration: a review.

Repair of large bone defects is one of the clinical problems that have not yet been fully solved. The dynamic balance of bone tissue is regulated by many biological, chemical and physical environmental factors. Simulating the microenvironment of bone tissue in the physiological state through biomimetic materials is an important development direction of tissue engineering in recent years. With the deepening of research, it has been found that when bone tissue is damaged, its surrounding magnetoelectric microenvironment is subsequently destroyed, and providing a magnetoelectric microenvironment in the biomimetic state will be beneficial to promote bone repair. This review describes the piezoelectric effect of natural bone tissue with magnetoelectric stimulation for bone regeneration, provides a detailed account of the historical development of magnetoelectric composites and the current magnetoelectric composites that are most commonly utilized in the field of tissue engineering. Besides, the hypothesized mechanistic pathways through which magnetoelectric composite materials promote bone regeneration are critically examined, including the enhancement of osteogenesis, promotion of cell adhesion and angiogenesis, modulation of bone immunity, and promotion of nerve regeneration.

Evaluation of hair transplantation for improving unnatural hairlines after laser hair removal: A multicenter retrospective study.

CONTEXT: Laser hair removal treatment for hairlines with an unsatisfactory appearance often leads to an unnatural appearance; however, few studies have reported treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the satisfaction rate of laser hair removal involving the hairline. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Data from 5 clinical institutions. PATIENTS: Patients (915; 630 female and 285 male) who underwent laser hair removal. INTERVENTIONS: Issues associated with hair removal were classified, and their proportions were calculated. Hair transplantation was performed to improve the appearance of different hairline issues. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relevant indicators of hair transplantation and postoperative effects. RESULTS: Overall, 82 patients were unsatisfied with their hairline appearance; of these patients, 58 underwent hair transplantation to improve the hairline. Additionally, demographic statistics showed that 68% and 32% of patients were in the 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 years age groups, respectively; there were no patients in the 40 to 50 years age group. Among female patients who underwent hair transplantation, 25% had a poor hairline position, 64% had a stiff hairline appearance, and 11% experienced both issues. Among male patients, 50% had a stiff hairline appearance, 28% had temporal absence, and 22% experienced both issues. Surgical treatment included moving the hairline forward and rebuilding the frontal curves. All patients were satisfied with hair transplantation outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Laser hair removal can result in diverse types of unnatural hairlines. Hair transplantation has been proven to effectively improve the aesthetic appearance of the hairline.

The effects of early osseointegration in different implant sites in rabbit tibias.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early osseointegration of implants with the same surface treatment in different implant sites in rabbit tibias after 4 weeks. A total of 42 acid-etched implants were implanted in three different sites in the tibia: group A was 2.08 ± 0.18 mm below epiphyseal line; group B was 7.00 ± 0.61 mm below the epiphyseal line; group C was 13.01 ± 1.26 mm below the epiphyseal line. After 4 weeks, the average bone-to-implant contact (BIC) values were as follows: group A, 40.02 ± 4.82 %; group B, 28.20 ± 5.41 %; group C, 20.76 ± 3.10 %. The BIC measurements yielded statistically significant differences among group A, group B and group C (P < 0.01); group A demonstrated the best osseointegration. In the present study, the different implantation sites in the selected 20-mm area demonstrated different early osseointegration; the sites located 7 ± 1.5 mm below the epiphyseal line were best suited for observing the effectiveness of early osseointegration among the three sites. The statistical results of the early osseointegration of implants are therefore affected by the location of the implant sites in this 20-mm area.

Clinical evaluations of alveolar ridge preservation in compromised extraction sockets with cortical-lamina anchoring technique: Case series study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) in the compromised extraction sockets using autogenous cortical-lamina anchoring technique (CAT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients were treated with ARP in the compromised extraction sockets by applying CAT. Then implant placement and crown delivery was performed. A planned follow-up was performed by analyzing various outcome measures to evaluate the clinical outcomes, including primary outcome measures [radiographic assessment of residual alveolar ridge height (RARH) and residual alveolar ridge width (RARW)] and secondary outcome measures [clinical assessment of the healing of the soft and hard tissue, survival rates of implants, marginal bone loss (MBL) evaluation of implants, buccal bone thickness (BBT), and esthetic treatment outcomes]. RESULTS: Among the 20 patients, 17 were consecutively treated and 3 dropped out after implant crown delivery because of loss to follow-up. After the ARP, the initial RARH (12.37 mm) significantly increased to 19.29 mm (P < .05). No significant difference was detected in the RARW before (7.92 ± 1.18 mm) and after (7.92 ± 1.18 mm) the ARP, but reduce to 6.99 ± 1.18 mm at the implant placement and 6.64 ± 0.77 mm at the 3-year follow-up (P < .05). The MBL at the implant crown delivery (0.13 ± 0.12 mm) significantly increased to 0.31 ± 0.14 mm at 1-year follow-up and 0.56 ± 0.23 mm at 3-year follow-up, respectively. The bone loss was limited (<1 mm) but statistically significant (P < .05). The BBT at the implant placement (2.53 ± 0.56 mm) significantly reduced to 2.23 ± 0.44 mm at implant crown delivery and 2.14 ± 0.40 mm at 3-year follow-up, respectively. The bone loss was also limited (<0.5 mm) but statistically significant (P < .05). Each implant site showed acceptable aesthetic outcome and the average score was 16.4. The incisions healed uneventful in all patients and the implant survival rate was 100% during the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Autogenous CAT was successfully applied to preserve the height and width of alveolar ridge in the compromised extraction sockets.

Platelet lysate promotes hair growth: In vitro and in vivo mechanism and randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet lysate (PL), a novel platelet derivative, has been widely used in regenerative medicine and is a potential therapy for improving hair growth. It is necessary to fully clarify the potential mechanism and evaluate preliminary clinical effect of PL on hair growth. METHODS: We used the C57BL/6 model, organ-cultured hair follicles, and RNA-seq analysis to explore the mechanisms of PL regulating hair growth. Then, we performed a randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 107 AGA patients to verify the therapeutic efficacy of PL. RESULTS: The results confirmed that PL improved hair growth and accelerated hair cycling in mice. Organ-cultured hair follicle evaluation confirmed that PL prolonged anagen remarkably and down-regulated IL-6, C-FOS, and p-STAT5a. Clinically, diameter, hair counts, absolute anagen counts and changes from baseline in the PL group showed a significant improvement at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: We elucidated the specific molecular mechanism of PL action on hair growth and proved equal changes in hair follicle performance after PL vs PRP in AGA patients. This study provided novel knowledge of PL, making it ideal for AGA.

Retraction of "Biological Effects of Titanium Surface Charge with a Focus on Protein Adsorption".

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02518.].

Bone response to a pure titanium implant surface modified by laser etching and microarc oxidation.

PURPOSE: To compare the bone responses to a pure titanium machined implant surface and one that has been modified by laser etching and microarc oxidation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight threaded implants with a machined surface were manufactured from rods of commercially pure titanium. The control group consisted of 24 implants with a machined surface. The test group consisted of 24 machined-surface implants that were modified by laser etching and treated by microarc oxidation in an electrolyte solution containing Ca2+ and PO43- ions. The implants were analyzed by energy-dispersive x-ray and scanning electron microscopy. Next, the two types of implants were inserted in the tibiae of 12 New Zealand White rabbits; one of the two tibiae received two control implants and the opposite side received two test implants. After 2, 4, and 6 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed. Prior to sacrifice, all rabbits were injected with fluorescent-labeled achromycin and calcein. Samples were cut and ground for histomorphologic observation, and the mineralization appositional rate and the osseointegration index were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: Proportional spacing craters were found with a diameter of 100 microm and a depth of 80 to 100 microm at intervals of 100 microm around the test surface, and a porous titanium dioxide coating on the surface with pores of 1 to 5 micro in diameter was also produced. Carbon, oxygen, calcium, and phosphonium were detected by electronic probe. The ratio of calcium to phosphonium was 1.418, and the crystal structure of x-ray diffractive patterns indicated pure anatase phases. Compared with the control samples, the mineralization ratio and the osseointegration index of the bone around the test implants were higher (P = .00). CONCLUSIONS: The porous titanium dioxide coating produced by laser etching and microarc oxidation treatment improved the bone response versus that seen around machined titanium implants and enhanced the bone formation rate. It was concluded that the surface chemistry and topography, either separately or together, play an important role in the bone response to implants.

Split-crest technique with inlay bone block grafts for narrow posterior mandibles: a retrospective clinical study with a 3-year follow-up.

The use of the split-crest technique (SCT) and bone block grafts provides benefits to horizontal bone augmentation. However, no information is currently available to evaluate the clinical effects of SCT combined with inlay bone block grafts on soft and hard tissues of the narrow posterior mandibles. In this study, 56 healthy patients underwent SCT to augment the alveolar ridge width. Implant placement was performed 3 months after SCT, and the implants were restored 3 months after placement. A planned follow-up was performed to analyze various clinical features, including X-ray radiographs, alveolar ridge width, and keratinized mucosal width, after SCT to evaluate the success of the procedure. The incisions healed well in all patients. The average initial alveolar ridge width was 2.78 ± 0.56 mm, which increased to 6.67 ± 0.60 mm after SCT. Three months later, this width declined slightly to 6.19 ± 0.48 mm. The average initial keratinized mucosal width was 2.83 ± 0.66 mm, which increased to 6.00 ± 0.71 mm 3 months later. Both at 3 months and 1 year after the procedure, vertical bone loss at the buccal sites was 1.32 ± 0.56 mm and 1.94 ± 0.54 mm, respectively. Survival rates of the implants were 100% after 3 years. SCT with inlay bone block grafts was successfully applied to narrow posterior mandibles with efficient augmentation of soft and hard tissue widths. The findings of this study aim to identify future beneficial applications of SCT.

Biological Effects of Titanium Surface Charge with a Focus on Protein Adsorption.

The effect of changes in surface charge on the biological properties of implants is not clear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biological properties of the surface of titanium sheets with different charges due to different treatment methods. Titanium sheets were sandblasted with large grit and underwent acid etching before being subsequently divided into the following groups: SLA, no further treatment; SLA-Ca2+, immersed in 1% CaCl2 solution; SLA-NaCl, immersed in saline; and SLA-Ca2+-NaCl, immersed in 1% CaCl2 solution followed by saline. Surface characteristics were evaluated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, surface profilometry, and contact angle assays. Additionally, we used a ζ-potential analyzer to directly measure the electrostatic charge on the different group surfaces. The effect of changes in the Ti surface on biological processes after different treatments was determined by analyzing fibronectin adsorption, osteoblast-like MG63 cell adhesion and proliferation, and the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Compared to the SLA surface, the other three groups contained corresponding trace elements because they were soaked in different liquids; the contact angles of the three groups were not significantly different, but they were significantly smaller than that of the SLA group; and there was no change in the surface topography or roughness. Furthermore, the SLA-Ca2+ group had a significantly reduced negative charge compared to that of the other three groups. There were no differences between the SLA-NaCl and SLA-Ca2+-NaCl groups in terms of negative charge, and the SLA group surface carried the most negative charge. Fibronectin adsorption capacity and cytological performance testing further showed that the SLA-Ca2+ group had the most significant change, followed by the SLA-NaCl and SLA-Ca2+-NaCl groups; the SLA group had significantly lower capacity and performance than the other three groups. These results suggest that the surface charge of the titanium sheet changed when immersed in different liquids and that this treatment enhanced biocompatibility by reducing the electrostatic repulsion between biomaterials and biomolecules.

The Cleaning Effect of the Photocatalysis of TiO2-Bï¼ anatase Nanowires on Biological Activity on a Titanium Surface.

BACKGROUND: Improvements in the early osseointegration of titanium implants require investigations on the bone-implant interface, which is a critical and complex challenge. The surface cleanliness of titanium implants plays an important role at this interface. However, the implant surface would inevitably absorb contamination such as organic hydrocarbons, which is not conductive to the establishment of early osseointegration. Herein, an optimized approach for removing contamination from titanium surfaces was studied. METHODS: The TiO2-Bï¼ anatase NWs (nanowires) were prepared on titanium substrates through a hydrothermal process. A methylene blue degradation experiment was performed to assess the photodegradation activity. The cleaning effect of the photocatalysis of TiO2-Bï¼ anatase NWs on a titanium surface and the cellular early response was determined by analyzing cell morphology, attachment, proliferation and differentiation. RESULTS: The results indicated that the photocatalysis of TiO2-Bï¼ anatase NWs could effectively remove hydrocarbons on titanium surfaces without sacrificing the favourable titanium surface morphology. The methylene blue degradation experiment revealed that the photocatalysis of TiO2-Bï¼ anatase NWs had powerful degradation activity, which is attributed to the presence of strong oxidants such as ·OH. In addition, compared to the merely ultraviolet-treated titanium surfaces, the titanium surfaces treated after the NWs photocatalytic cleaning process markedly enhanced cellular early response. CONCLUSION: The photocatalysis of TiO2-Bï¼ anatase NWs for the removal of contamination from titanium surfaces has the potential to enable the rapid and complete establishment of early osseointegration.

Preparation and characterization of genipin-cross-linked silk fibroin/chitosan sustained-release microspheres.

We report the effects of distinct concentrations of genipin and silk fibroin (SF):chitosan (CS) ratios on the formation of SF-CS composite microspheres. We selected microspheres featuring an SF:CS ratio of 1:1, encapsulated various concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA), and then compared their encapsulation efficiency and sustained-release rate with those of pure CS microspheres. We determined that the following five groups of microspheres were highly spherical and featured particle sizes ranging from 70 µm to 147 µm: mass ratio of CS:SF =1:0.5, 0.1 g or 0.5 g genipin; CS:SF =1:1, 0.05 g or 1 g genipin; and CS:SF =1:2, 0.5 g genipin. The microspheres prepared using 1:1 CS:SF ratio and 0.05 g genipin in the presence of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg of BSA exhibited encapsulation efficiencies of 50.16%±4.32%, 56.58%±3.58%, and 42.19%±7.47%, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that SF and CS were cross-linked and that the α-helices and random coils of SF were converted into ß-sheets. BSA did not chemically react with CS or SF. Moreover, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that the melting point of BSA did not change, which confirmed the FTIR results, and X-ray diffraction results showed that BSA was entrapped in microspheres in a noncrystalline form, which further verified the TGA and FTIR data. The sustained-release microspheres prepared in the presence of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg of BSA burst release 30.79%±3.43%, 34.41%±4.46%, and 41.75%±0.96% of the entrapped BSA on the 1st day and cumulatively released 75.20%±2.52%, 79.16%±4.31%, and 89.04%±4.68% in 21 days, respectively. The pure CS microspheres prepared in the presence of 10 mg of BSA burst release 39.53%±1.76% of BSA on the 1st day and cumulatively released 83.57%±2.33% of the total encapsulated BSA in 21 days. The SF-CS composite microspheres exhibited higher sustained release than did the pure CS microspheres, and thus these composite microspheres might function as a superior drug carrier.

Characterization of Silk Fibroin/Chitosan 3D Porous Scaffold and In Vitro Cytology.

Bone tissue engineering is a powerful tool to treat bone defects caused by trauma, infection, tumors and other factors. Both silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) are non-toxic and have good biocompatibility, but are poor biological scaffolds when used alone. In this study, the microscopic structure and related properties of SF/CS composite scaffolds with different component ratios were examined. The scaffold material most suitable for osteoblast growth was determined, and these results offer an experimental basis for the future reconstruction of bone defects. First, via freeze-drying and chemical crosslinking methods, SF/CS composites with different component ratios were prepared and their structure was characterized. Changes in the internal structure of the SF and CS mixture were observed, confirming that the mutual modification between the two components was complete and stable. The internal structure of the composite material was porous and three-dimensional with a porosity above 90%. We next studied the pore size, swelling ratio, water absorption ratio, degradation and in vitro cell proliferation. For the 40% SF-60% CS group, the pore size of the scaffold was suitable for the growth of osteoblasts, and the rate of degradation was steady. This favors the early adhesion, growth and proliferation of MG-63 cells. In addition to good biocompatibility and satisfactory cell affinity, this material promotes the secretion of extracellular matrix materials by osteoblasts. Thus, 40% SF-60% CS is a good material for bone tissue engineering.

Local delivery of rhVEGF165 through biocoated nHA/coral block grafts in critical-sized dog mandible defects: a histological study at the early stages of bone healing.

Alveolar defects of a critical size cannot heal completely without grafting. Thus, they represent a major clinical challenge to reconstructive surgery. Numerous types of grafts have been used to improve bone regeneration. In the case of particle grafts, the capacity for volume rebuilding and space maintaining is still not ideal, particularly for critical-sized bone defects. Although porous block grafts can overcome the above problems of particle grafts, they are still not widely used for critical-sized alveolar defects, because of their reduced efficacy in blood vessel and bone formation. Thus, in the present study, nano-hydroxyapatite/coralline (nHA/coral) blocks were pre-vascularized by coating them with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and then implanted in dogs with critical-sized mandibular defects. This model has possible applications in orthopedic and implant surgery. In vivo results indicate that the nHA/coral blocks allow cell and collagen ingrowth because of their suitable pore size and interconnectivity of pores. In addition, pre-vascularization properties were obtained by coating the scaffolds with VEGF. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as fluorescence analysis, revealed that the local delivery of VEGF can significantly improve neovascularization and mineralization of newly formed bone at the early stages of bone healing in this dog implantation model. Our data collectively show that nHA/coral blocks have possible applications in bone tissue engineering, and excellent results can be achieved by pre-vascularization with VEGF.

The effects of hierarchical micro/nanosurfaces decorated with TiO2 nanotubes on the bioactivity of titanium implants in vitro and in vivo.

In the present work, a hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructured titanium surface was obtained by sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA), and nanotubes of different diameters (30 nm, 50 nm, and 80 nm) were superimposed by anodization. The effect of each SLA-treated surface decorated with nanotubes (SLA + 30 nm, SLA + 50 nm, and SLA + 80 nm) on osteogenesis was studied in vitro and in vivo. The human MG63 osteosarcoma cell line was used for cytocompatibility evaluation, which showed that cell adhesion and proliferation were dramatically enhanced on SLA + 30 nm. In comparison with cells grown on the other tested surfaces, those grown on SLA + 80 nm showed an enhanced expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Cell spread was also enhanced on SLA + 80 nm. A canine model was used for in vivo evaluation of bone bonding. Histological examination demonstrated that new bone was formed more rapidly on SLA-treated surfaces with nanotubes (especially SLA + 80 nm) than on those without nanotubes. All of these results indicate that SLA + 80 nm is favorable for promoting the activity of osteoblasts and early bone bonding.

Silencing Dicer expression enhances cellular proliferative and invasive capacities in human tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are aberrantly expressed in cancer. An enzyme essential for miRNA processing is Dicer, whose expression is deregulated in diverse types of cancer and correlates with tumor progression. However, whether the regulation of Dicer expression affects tongue squamous cell carcinoma is unknown. In the present study, we investigated how silencing the expression of Dicer alters cell proliferation, cell cycle patterns, and cell migration and invasion in the Tca-8113 tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell line. Dicer expression levels were determined using quantitative PCR and western blot analysis in normal oral gingival epithelial cells and in two tongue squamous cell carcinoma lines, Tca-8113 and UM-1. Tca-8113 cells were transfected with Dicer siRNA or a negative control siRNA. Cell proliferation was determined using the MTT assay and the cell cycle was examined using flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion changes were evaluated using wound-healing, adherence and Transwell assays. Dicer was expressed at lower levels in the tongue squamous cell carcinoma cell lines Tca-8113 and UM-1 compared to normal gingival epithelial cells, and less Dicer was expressed in UM-1 cells compared to Tca-8113 cells. Notably, Tca-8113 cells transfected with Dicer siRNA had significantly higher proliferative and invasive abilities than cells transfected with the negative control siRNA or non-transfected cells. Silencing Dicer may promote the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Dicer could serve a promising biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

[Preparation and characterization of genipin-crosslinked silk fibroin/chitosan controlled-release microspheres].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the property of genipin-crosslinked silk fibroin(SF)/chitosan(CS) microspheres for slow releasing of bovine serum albumin (BSA). METHODS: BSA-loaded genipin-crosslinked SF/CS microspheres were prepared by emulsion cross-linking technique. The micropheres were observed for surface morphology and size distribution under scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze their structural characteristics. BCA method was used for determining the drug entrapment, loading rate and cumulative drug release in 21 days. RESULT: The microspheres were spherical and showed a smooth surface with an average diameter of 7.84∓0.97 µm. The drug entrapment efficiency of the microspheres was (50.16∓4.32)% with a drug loading ratio of (1.25∓0.11)% and a cumulative release of the total drug of (75.2∓2.53)% in 21 days. CONCLUSION: Genipin-crosslinked SF/CS microspheres have a high drug entrapment efficiency and possess good capacity of sustained drug release.

Bone augmentation in a titanium cap with a porous surface modified by microarc oxidation.

PURPOSE: To compare bone augmentation on pure titanium-machined surfaces and surfaces that have been modified by microarc oxidation (MAO) using titanium caps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty caps were manufactured from rods of commercially pure titanium. The control group (CG) consisted of 10 titanium caps with machined inner walls. The test group (TG) consisted of 10 titanium caps that were modified by MAO in an electrolyte solution containing calcium phosphate ions. The two types of titanium caps were fixed on the calvaria of 10 New Zealand rabbits. Each rabbit received two different caps. Although each cap was unfilled, the marrow and blood from the wound of the rabbit skulls could penetrate into the caps. After 4 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed, and the skulls were removed for observation. The zenith of new bone was measured directly after the caps were removed from the skulls; subsequently, the bone volume was calculated by microcomputed tomography. RESULTS: Little bone augmentation could be observed in the CG caps, and the new bone height of the CG group was inconspicuous. In contrast, the new bone extended along the inner walls of the TG caps. The mean height of new bone of the TG group was 2.3 ± 0.28 mm. The mean volume of new bone in the TG group was 18.63 ± 3.80 mm(3). CONCLUSIONS: New bone formation in a titanium cap surface modified by MAO was greater than that of a nonmodified cap. A titanium cap allowed new bone formation on the MAO surface to be observed and is a promising device for bone augmentation. Additionally, this finding suggests that observation through a titanium cap is a feasible method for biomaterial testing in hard tissue.

The effects of different wavelength UV photofunctionalization on micro-arc oxidized titanium.

Many challenges exist in improving early osseointegration, one of the most critical factors in the long-term clinical success of dental implants. Recently, ultraviolet (UV) light-mediated photofunctionalization of titanium as a new potential surface treatment has aroused great interest. This study examines the bioactivity of titanium surfaces treated with UV light of different wavelengths and the underlying associated mechanism. Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) titanium samples were pretreated with UVA light (peak wavelength of 360 nm) or UVC light (peak wavelength of 250 nm) for up to 24 h. UVC treatment promoted the attachment, spread, proliferation and differentiation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells on the titanium surface, as well as the capacity for apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF). These biological influences were not observed after UVA treatment, apart from a weaker effect on apatite formation. The enhanced bioactivity was substantially correlated with the amount of Ti-OH groups, which play an important role in improving the hydrophilicity, along with the removal of hydrocarbons on the titanium surface. Our results showed that both UVA and UVC irradiation altered the chemical properties of the titanium surface without sacrificing its excellent physical characteristics, suggesting that this technology has extensive potential applications and merits further investigation.