Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Hard Tissue Healing in Rat Tooth Extraction Sockets.

Objective: To investigate the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on hard tissue healing in rat maxillary first molar extraction sockets. Methods: A total of 20 male Wistar rats were used in the study. The right extraction sockets were irradiated with a Ga-Al-As laser (500 mW, 980 nm) for 51.7 J/cm2 every 24 h for 7 days, while the left sockets served as controls. Rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 14, and 28 after tooth extraction, and microcomputed tomography (CT) analysis, histopathological evaluation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were conducted at different time points. Results: Micro-CT analysis showed that the percentage of bone volume/tissue volume (TV) and bone mineral density were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group on day 28 (p < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation revealed that PBMT promoted new bone formation and accelerated bone remodeling. ELISA demonstrated a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase expression in the laser sides on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: One application postextraction followed by seven consecutive daily applications of PBMT can effectively promote hard tissue healing in rat maxillary first molar extraction sockets.

Analysis of cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and tumor immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant digestive tract tumor, with a dismal 5-year survival rate. Recently, cuproptosis was found to be copper-dependent cell death. This work aims to establish a cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature which could predict the prognosis of PC patients and help clinical decision-making. Firstly, cuproptosis-related lncRNAs were identified in the TCGA-PAAD database. Next, a cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature based on five lncRNAs was established. Besides, the ICGC cohort and our samples from 30 PC patients served as external validation groups to verify the predictive power of the risk signature. Then, the expression of CASC8 was verified in PC samples, scRNA-seq dataset CRA001160, and PC cell lines. The correlation between CASC8 and cuproptosis-related genes was validated by Real-Time PCR. Additionally, the roles of CASC8 in PC progression and immune microenvironment characterization were explored by loss-of-function assay. As showed in the results, the prognosis of patients with higher risk scores was prominently worse than that with lower risk scores. Real-Time PCR and single cell analysis suggested that CASC8 was highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and related to cuproptosis. Additionally, gene inhibition of CASC8 impacted the proliferation, apoptosis and migration of PC cells. Furthermore, CASC8 was demonstrated to impact the expression of CD274 and several chemokines, and serve as a key indicator in tumor immune microenvironment characterization. In conclusion, the cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature could provide valuable indications for the prognosis of PC patients, and CASC8 was a candidate biomarker for not only predicting the progression of PC patients but also their antitumor immune responses.

ADAMTS12 promotes migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition and predicts poor prognosis for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-like motifs) family, a group of extracellular multifunctional enzymes, has been proven to play a pivotal role in the tumor. In pancreatic cancer, the role and mechanism of this family remain unclear. The present study aimed to figure out the hub gene of ADAMTSs and explore the exact roles in the prognosis and biological functions in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS: We used several databases to analyze the ADAMTS family and then screen out the hub genes. The expression of ADAMTS12 in 106 pairs of PDAC tumors and adjacent normal tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry, and its correlations with clinical parameters were further analyzed. The impacts of ADAMTS12 on the migration of PDAC cells were predicted by gene set enrichment analysis and confirmed by transwell assays. The potential impacts of ADAMTS12 on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were identified by database analysis and experimental proof of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: Our study found that ADAMTS12 was a crucial gene in PDAC, and it was highly expressed in tumor tissues when compared to that in the adjacent tissues. ADATMS12 had predictive value of a poor prognosis for PDAC. The elevation of ADAMTS12 was parallel to the progression of PDAC. Inhibition of ADAMTS12 suppressed the migration of PDAC cells and interfered with the process of EMT. CONCLUSIONS: ADAMTS12 is a crucial member of ADAMTSs in PDAC and a predictor of poor prognosis. Additionally, based on its impacts on migration and metastasis in PDAC and the relationship with EMT, ADAMTS12 plays a role of an oncogene in PDAC and may be a promising target for treatment.

IRAK2-NF-κB signaling promotes glycolysis-dependent tumor growth in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a core hallmark of cancer, and cancer metabolism has long been equated with aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, hypoxia and the hypovascular tumor microenvironment (TME) are major hallmarks of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in which glycolysis is imperative for tumor cell survival and proliferation. Here, we explored the impact of interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 2 (IRAK2) on the biological behavior of PDAC and investigated the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The expression pattern and clinical relevance of IRAK2 was determined in GEO, TCGA and Ren Ji datasets. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies were employed to investigate the cellular functions of IRAK2 in vitro and in vivo. Gene set enrichment analysis, Seahorse metabolic analysis, immunohistochemistry and Western blot were applied to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that IRAK2 is highly expressed in PDAC patient samples and is related to a poor prognosis. IRAK2 knockdown led to a significant impairment of PDAC cell proliferation via an aberrant Warburg effect. Opposite results were obtained after exogenous IRAK2 overexpression. Mechanistically, we found that IRAK2 is critical for sustaining the activation of transcription factors such as those of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) family, which have increasingly been recognized as crucial players in many steps of cancer initiation and progression. Treatment with maslinic acid (MA), a NF-κB inhibitor, markedly attenuated the aberrant oncological behavior of PDAC cells caused by IRAK2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal a role of IRAK2 in PDAC metabolic reprogramming. In addition, we obtained novel insights into how immune-related pathways affect PDAC progression and suggest that targeting IRAK2 may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for PDAC.

CD74 promotes perineural invasion of cancer cells and mediates neuroplasticity via the AKT/EGR-1/GDNF axis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a common feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and is one of the important causes of local recurrence in resected pancreatic cancer, but the molecular mechanism remains largely unexplored. Here, we used immunohistochemistry staining to determine the expression of CD74. Then the in vivo PNI model, in vitro neuroplasticity assay, cell proliferation assay, wound healing and Transwell-based invasion assay were performed to examine the function of CD74 in pancreatic cancer cell lines. ChIP assay and Luciferase reporter assay were used to illustrate the mechanism underlying CD74 induced GDNF expression. We confirmed that the expression level of CD74 was an independent predictor of PNI and poor prognosis for PDAC. Moreover, we found that upregulation of CD74 on PDAC enhanced its migration and invasive capabilities and potentiated the secretion of neurotrophic factor GDNF to promote the neuroplasticity. Mechanistically, CD74 promoted GDNF production via the AKT/EGR-1/GDNF axis in PDAC. Taken together, our findings suggest a supportive role of CD74 in the PNI of PDAC, and deepen our understanding of how cancer cells promote neuroplasticity in the microenvironment of PDAC.

The Nd:YAG Laser or Combined with Er:YAG Laser Therapy for Oral Venous Lakes.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical treatment effect on oral venous lakes (OVL) treated with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser or a combination of erbium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Patients and methods: Between June 2015 and March 2017, nine patients, suffering from OVL in the mandibular regions, were treated with Nd:YAG laser or combination of Nd:YAG laser and Er:YAG laser in our department. The Nd:YAG laser was mainly performed for the treatment of nine initial lesions. The preset parameters were as follows: average power of 5 W, frequency of 100 Hz, microshort pulse (MSP), tip size of 300 µm, spot size of 3 mm, irradiation distance of 3-4 mm, and speed of 1-2 mm/sec, sequential treatment. The power density at work was 57 W/cm2. If postoperative scars occurred after the Nd:YAG treatment, the Er:YAG laser was used. The parameters were set as follows: power of 3.75 W, energy of 150 mJ, frequency of 25 Hz, very long pulse (VLP), tip size of 0.6 mm, 40% water, and 60% gas. The patients were followed up for 4-8 weeks. The therapeutic results were graded on a 4-point scale system. Adverse effects after laser treatment were evaluated and managed accordingly. Results: With single Nd:YAG laser, the therapeutic outcome was excellent in seven patients (77.8%) and good in two patients (22.2%). Scar tissue was encountered in two patients 2 weeks after Nd:YAG laser therapy, and then Er:YAG laser was used for the scar removal. No mucosal necrosis was found in any of the patients. Conclusions: The Nd:YAG laser or combined with Er:YAG laser was an effective and safe treatment for patients with OVL in the mandibular region.

Clinical significance of intrapancreatic choledochal cyst excision in surgical management of type I choledochal cyst.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of intrapancreatic choledochal cyst excision in treating type I choledochal cyst, and increase understanding of the need for thorough surgical management of the disease. Methods Primary and secondary (including multiple) surgical cases, treated between 2005 and 2015, were retrospectively analysed, and follow-up data of post-treatment effectiveness to date were reviewed. Differences in curative effects were compared between whole and partial excision of the choledochal cyst. Results Out of 350 cases, patients with whole excision of the choledochal cyst ( n = 272) experienced no associated symptoms in the long-term (3/272 [1.1%] experienced stomach ache or fever). Patients with partial resection of the choledochal cyst ( n = 78) developed associated symptoms, including new cyst, calculus of the bile duct (51/78 [65.4%]), and carcinogenesis (11/78 [14.1%]) in the residual intrapancreatic biliary duct. Post-treatment clinical manifestations were significantly different between patients with partial resection versus whole excision of the choledochal cyst ( P<0.05). Conclusion Surgical re-excision should be considered in patients with a residual intrapancreatic portion of the choledochal cyst due to prior incomplete surgery, regardless of clinical symptoms.

A Study on Environmental Factors for Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between environmental factors and nonsyndromic cleft of the lip and/or palate (NSCL/P) in Yantai District, China. A retrospective case-control study was carried out. A total of 236 NSCL/P children were selected from Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Yantai Stomatological Hospital between September 2013 and December 2016 as cases; 209 controls were chosen from other diagnosis in the same department during the same period. The 2 groups matched age and sex. The parents of participants were inquired regarding the risk factors, and the answers were filled in a questionnaire by physicians. Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analysis the data. There was significantly increased NSCL/P risk with high maternal age (P =0.002), family history (P = 0.001), abortion history (P = 0.033), poor parental education level (P = 0.008), maternal smoking (P = 0.044), maternal alcohol (P = 0.039), common cold or fever (P = 0.035), drug use (P = 0.006), and maternal stress (P = 0.049). Reduced NSCL/P risk was found with folic acid supplementation (P = 0.005), adequate maternal age (P = 0.002), and high parental education (P = 0.001). The proper amount of folic acid, the appropriate age of childbearing, and the high education were the protective factors of NSCL/P, whereas family history, abortion history, drug use during pregnancy, maternal tobacco and alcohol, and maternal stress were the risk factors for NSCL/P in Yantai District, China.

In Situ Analysis of Oxygen Vacancies and Band Alignment in HfO2/TiN Structure for CMOS Applications.

The density of oxygen vacancies characterization in high-k/metal gate is significant for semiconductor device fabrication. In this work, a new approach was demonstrated to detect the density of oxygen vacancies by in situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) measurement. Moreover, the band alignment of the structure with optical band gap measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and valence band offset by UPS were reported. The specific areal density of oxygen vacancies in high-k dielectric of HfO2/TiN was obtained by fitting the experiment data to be 8.202 × 1010cm- 2. This study would provide an effective approach to characterize the oxygen vacancies based defects which cause threshold voltage shifts and enormous gate leakage in modern MOSFET devices.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of topical timolol maleate combined with oral propranolol treatment for parotid mixed infantile hemangiomas.

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and safety of topical timolol maleate combined with oral propranolol for parotid infantile hemangiomas. Between October 2012 and April 2014, propranolol was administered orally at a dose of 1.0-1.5 mg/kg/day to 22 infants with proliferating hemangiomas in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China). A small amount of 0.5% timolol maleate eye drop solution was topically applied with medical cotton swabs to the area of the lesion twice a day, every 12 h. The study group consisted of 9 males and 13 females, aged 2-9 months, with a median age of 4.7 months. The lesions were all located in the parotid region, and measured between 3.5×4×0.5 and 7×8×3 cm in volume. The planned duration of therapy was 6-8 months, or the two drugs were stopped when complete regression of the lesions was obtained. The therapeutic outcomes and safety were assessed by the change in the size and color of the tumor, and the presence of adverse effects throughout the course of treatment. The mean duration of therapy was 21.1 weeks and ranged from 3 to 8 months. Of the 22 patients, 16 demonstrated an excellent response, 6 showed a good response and 2 displayed a moderate response. No major collateral effects were observed. Overall, oral propranolol combined with topical timolol maleate may be used as the first-line therapeutic choice in the treatment of infantile parotid mixed hemangioma.

Synthesis of and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel TGF-ß1-SF-CS three-dimensional scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

The role of transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in normal human fracture healing has been previously demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to examine the biocompatibility of TGF-ß1-silk fibroin-chitosan (TGF-ß1-SF-CS) three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds in order to construct an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering. We added TGF-ß1 directly to the SF-CS scaffold to construct a 3D scaffold for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, and performed evaluations to determine whether it may have potential applications as a growth factor delivery device. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded on the TGF-ß1-SF-CS scaffolds and the silk fibroin-chitosan (SF-CS) scaffolds. On the TGF-ß1­SF-CS and the SF-CS scaffolds, the cell adhesion rate increased in a time­dependent manner. Using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and analyzing the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression proved that TGF-ß1 significantly enhanced the growth and proliferation of BMSCs on the SF-CS scaffolds in a time-dependent manner. To examine the in vivo biocompatibility and osteogenesis of the TGF-ß1­SF-CS scaffolds, the TGF-ß1-SF-CS scaffolds and the SF-CS scaffolds were implanted in rabbit mandibles and studied histologically and microradiographically. The 3D computed tomography (CT) scan and histological examinations of the samples showed that the TGF-ß1-SF-CS scaffolds exhibited good biocompatibility and extensive osteoconductivity with the host bone after 8 weeks. Moreover, the introduction of TGF-ß1 to the SF-CS scaffolds markedly enhanced the efficiency of new bone formation, and this was confirmed using bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical evaluation, particularly at 8 weeks after implantation. We demonstrated that the TGF-ß1­SF-CS scaffolds possessed as good biocompatibility and osteogenesis as the hybrid ones. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TGF-ß1-SF-CS scaffolds fulfilled the basic requirements of bone tissue engineering, and have the potential to be applied in orthopedic, reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery. Thus, TGF-ß1-SF-CS composite scaffolds represent a promising, novel type of scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering.

Clinical Outcomes of Infants With Periorbital Hemangiomas Treated With Oral Propranolol.

PURPOSE: Periorbital infantile hemangiomas (IHs) require early intervention because they have the potential risk of causing visual disturbances. In recent years, propranolol has shown promise in the effective management of periocular and periorbital IHs. The objective of our study was to assess the clinical outcomes, efficacy, and safety of propranolol in the management of infants with high-risk periorbital IHs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the Stomatological Hospital affiliated with China Medical University. The medical records of infants with periorbital hemangiomas who were treated with systemic propranolol at a dose of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg per day between January 2014 and June 2015 were reviewed. We excluded infants who did not qualify for propranolol treatment and infants who received previous therapy or other treatments. The records were reviewed for treatment response, adverse events during treatment, length of treatment, and recurrences. Treatment response was classified using a 4-point scale system based on reduction in volume as poor (<25%), moderate (25 to 50%), good (50 to 75%), or excellent (>75 to 100%) and change in color, as well as surface texture, by a panel of 3 plastic surgeons using 2-dimensional photographs, clinical examination, and Doppler ultrasonography measurements taken before and after treatment. RESULTS: Of 38 infants with periorbital hemangiomas, 26 were treated with systemic propranolol at a dose of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg administered once daily. A total of 11 male and 15 female infants with a mean age of 5.2 months (range, 2 to 12 months) were treated. The mean length of treatment was 22 weeks (range, 4 to 41 weeks). Adverse events of diarrhea (n = 3) and sleep changes (n = 1) were encountered during treatment in 4 patients. The overall treatment response was scored as excellent in 17 patients, good in 7, moderate in 2, and poor in 0. No patients required discontinuation of treatment because of adverse events, and there were no cases of recurrence or tumor regrowth noted during the mean follow-up period of 6.5 months (range, 3 to 10 months). CONCLUSIONS: Oral propranolol at a dose of 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg per day (age ≤3 months, 1.0 mg/kg; age >3 months, 1.5 mg/kg) was effective and well tolerated for the management of 26 Chinese infants with high-risk periorbital IHs. Early intervention should be considered to reduce risk of visual impairment and improve esthetic outcomes.

Oral Propranolol for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas in the Post-Proliferative Phase: A-Single Center Retrospective Study of 31 Cases.

PURPOSE: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign tumors affecting infants, and most IHs are self-limiting. However, there are cases that require specific treatment. Propranolol is now widely used to treat severe IHs. Several studies have shown the efficacy and limited side effects associated with propranolol as the first-line treatment for IHs. There are a limited number of publications describing the role of propranolol in treating IHs beyond the proliferative phase (>12 months). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects and safety of oral high-dose (2.0 mg/kg per day) propranolol for IHs beyond the proliferative phase (>12 months). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study enrolled patients with IHs who accepted systemic propranolol treatment from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Stomatological Hospital Affiliated China Medical University. This is a single-center retrospective study conducted from April 2011 to July 2015. All children who were older than 12 months were eligible for the study. Digital photographs taken before and after treatment were analyzed by a panel of 3 plastic surgeons. The esthetic results were evaluated using a 4-point scale and ranked as poor, moderate, good, or excellent. The patient follow-up visits were scheduled monthly, and changes in the size, texture, and color of the lesions were recorded. The adverse effects after medication were evaluated and managed accordingly. RESULTS: We collected data on 31 eligible patients. The 31 patients had 32 hemangiomas (1 female patient had 2 lesions) and were treated with systemic propranolol at a high dose of 2 mg/kg per day. The mean age at the initiation of propranolol therapy was 18.4 months (range, 12 to 48 months), and the mean treatment duration was 10.1 months (range, 8 to 16 months). The treatment responses for the 32 hemangiomas included 17 excellent responses (53.1%), 8 good responses (25%), and 7 moderate responses (21.9%). There were no severe side effects encountered and recurrence was observed in 3 patients during the treatment and follow-up course. CONCLUSIONS: Oral propranolol, 2 mg/kg per day, is a safe and effective treatment for IHs beyond the proliferative phase (>12 months of age) in the Chinese population.

Synthesis of the New-Type Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Silk Fibroin-Chitosan Three-Dimensional Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering and In Vitro Evaluation.

The objective of the study was to discuss the biocompatibility of the vascular endothelial growth factor-silk fibroin-chitosan (VEGF-SF-CS) scaffolds. To offer an ideal scaffold for bone tissue engineering, the author added vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into silk fibroin-chitosan (SF-CS) scaffold directly to reconstruct a three-dimensional scaffold for the first time, SF-CS scaffold was loaded with VEGF and evaluated as a growth factor-delivery device. Human fetal osteoblast cell was seeded on the VEGF-SF-CS scaffolds and SF-CS scaffolds. On VEGF-SF-CS and SF-CS scaffolds, the cell adhesion rate was increased as time went on. Scanning electron microscopy: the cells grew actively and had normal multiple fissions, granular and filamentous substrates could be seen around the cells, and cell microfilaments were closely connected with the scaffolds. The cells could not only show the attached growth on surfaces of the scaffolds, but also extend into the scaffolds. Cell Counting Kit-8 and alkaline phosphatase analysis proved that the VEGF could significantly promote human fetal osteoblast1.19 cells growth and proliferation in the SF-CS scaffolds, but the enhancement of osteoblasts cell proliferation and activity by VEGF was dependent on time.

Oral Propranolol With Topical Timolol Maleate Therapy for Mixed Infantile Hemangiomas in Oral and Maxillofacial Regions.

PURPOSE: The combination treatment for mix infantile hemangiomas (IHs) using oral propranolol with topical timolol maleate was not well documented in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of oral propranolol along with topical timolol maleate or oral propranolol alone for treating mixed IHs in the oral and maxillofacial regions. METHODS: Between March 2013 and June 2014, a total of 31 patients with mixed IHs in the oral and maxillofacial regions were recruited to the study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Fourteen patients in the experimental group (A) were treated with oral proranolol in combination with topical timolol maleate, and 17 patients in the control group (B) underwent orally proranolol treatment alone. The maximal treatment duration was planned for 8 months. Ultrasonography and serial photographs based on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to assess the effects of treatment before and after treatment, as well as adverse effects after medication were evaluated and managed accordingly. RESULTS: All patients completed treatment. Among the most patients, there was obvious fading of color or decrease in size of the IHs when compared with pretreatment. There was significant reduction of color fading in A (mean VAS score: 8.36 ± 1.39) than that in B (7.18 ± 1.71) (P = 0.043) after the end of treatment, whereas the reduction of sizes in A (8.00 ± 1.75) had no significant difference than that in B (7.59 ± 1.80) (P= .51). The treatment duration of A (5.64 ± 1.45) was shorter than that of B (6.71 ± 1.10) (P= .037). No major collateral effects were observed in both the groups throughout the course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Oral proranolol combined with topical timolol maleate was well tolerated and effective treatment, mild side effects, and especially gave rise to better clinical response in the treatment of mixed IHs than oral propranolol alone.

In vitro culture of hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells on TGF-ß1-SF-CS three-dimensional scaffolds.

The aim of the present study was to examine the biocompatibility of transforming growth factor-ß1-silk fibroin-chitosan (TGF-ß1-SF-CS) scaffolds. In order to provide an ideal scaffold for use in bone tissue engineering, TGF-ß1 was introduced into the SF­CS scaffold in order to reconstruct a three dimensional scaffold, following which hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells were seeded onto TGF­ß1­SF­CS and SF­CS scaffolds. On the TGF­ß1­SF­CS and SF­CS scaffolds, the cell adhesion rate increased in a time­dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the cells grew actively and exhibited normal morphological features with multiple fissions, and granular and filamentous substrates were observed surrounding the cells. In addition, the cell microfilaments were closely connected with the scaffolds. The cells exhibited attached growth on the surfaces of the scaffolds, however, the growth also extended into the scaffolds. Cell Counting Kit­8 and ALP analyses revealed that TGF­ß1 significantly promoted the growth and proliferation of the hFOB1.19 osteoblast cells in the SF­CS scaffolds, and the enhancement of osteoblast cell proliferation and activity by TGF­ß1 occurred in a time­dependent manner. The TGF-ß1-SF-CS composite material may offer potential as an ideal scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.

The Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α at Different Concentrations on Osteogenetic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been demonstrated to have a close relationship with inflammation in the body. Although most researchers confirmed that TNF-α can have an effect on the expression of osteoblast specific genes, they had not elucidated the regulation of inflammatory factors in osteogenic gene expression during the process of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) differentiating to osteoblast. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TNF-α at different concentrations on osteogenetic differentiation of BMMSCs. In this study, BMMSCs proliferation was analyzed by using cell counting kit-8 assay, cell osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by means of alkaline phosphatase activity assay and Von Koaas staining and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of bone morphogenetic proteins-2 (BMP-2) and drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein 1 (Smad1) was measured through real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that a low concentration of TNF-α at short-term promotes the osteogenetic differentiation of BMMSCs and increases the mRNA expression of BMP-2 and Smad1, but inhibits the osteogenetic differentiation of BMMSCs and the expression of BMP-2 and Smad1 at long term. In addition, regardless of a short or long time, a high concentration of TNF-α inhibits the osteogenetic differentiation of BMMSCs and the expression of Smad1, but results in a high expression of BMP-2.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of propranolol, timolol maleate, and the combination of the two, in the treatment of superficial infantile haemangiomas.

Our aim was to compare in a prospective study the clinical effects and safety of propranolol given orally, timolol maleate applied locally, and the combination of the two, in the management of superficial infantile haemangiomas. Thirty-nine patients with superficial infantile haemangiomas were randomised into three equal groups of 13 each: the first given timolol maleate applied topically together with propranolol given orally, the second given only propranolol orally, and the third given only timolol maleate topically. Photographs were taken before, and periodically after, starting treatment. A minimum of 50% improvement was considered to be effective. The maximum duration of treatment was planned for 6 months, and the patients were followed up for 3-12 months. The overall rate of clinical effectiveness for the three groups was 11/13, 9/13, and 8/13, respectively. The two drugs together had a shorter effective response time than when they were given separately. There were no serious adverse effects. We therefore conclude that timolol maleate given topically together with propranolol given orally is safe and effective in the treatment of superficial infantile haemangiomas. Compared with simple medication, this method is more rapid, has an appreciable effect, takes a shorter time, and has fewer adverse reactions. It could be used as a first-line treatment, particularly if the lesion is potentially disfiguring or functionally threatening such as large periocular superficial haemangiomas.

Construction and in vitro characterization of three-dimensional silk fibroinchitosan scaffolds.

The objective of this study was to discuss the construction method, characterization, and biocompatibility of three-dimensional silk fibroin-chitosan (SF-CS) scaffolds which met the requirements of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. Silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) were mixed at different ratios -3 to 7, 5 to 5, and 7 to 3- to fabricate the composite materials. To find out the optimum mixing ratio of SF and CS, parameters such as pore size, porosity, water absorption, and the mechanical properties were evaluated. Osteoblast cells hFOB1.19 were seeded on SF-CS scaffolds and pure CS scaffolds for the first time. Cell adhesion rate, cell proliferation, and cell activity were evaluated, and cell growth and formation of mineralized nodules were observed. Results showed that SF-CS scaffolds are a suitable candidate for bone tissue engineering.

Percutaneous Treatment of Large Venous Malformations in the Oral and Maxillofacial Regions Using Electrochemical Therapy Combined With Pingyangmycin.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic outcome of using electrochemical therapy (ECT) combined with a sclerosing agent, pingyangmycin (bleomycin A5 hydrochloride; PYM), for large (>3 cm in diameter) venous malformations (VMs) in the oral and maxillofacial regions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients (15 male and 20 female; age range, 10 to 69 yr; mean age, 32 yr) with large VMs in the oral and maxillofacial region were treated with a combination of ECT and PYM under general anesthesia in the authors' department from June 2012 through May 2014. The size of the lesions varied from 3 × 3 to 12 × 15 cm. A repeated course of ECT and PYM was administered for larger VMs. The therapeutic interval was 3 months for ECT and 2 to 4 weeks for PYM. The dose of PYM for patients was 8 mg each time, and the injection concentration of PYM was 1.6 mg/mL. Patients were followed for 6 to 36 months. Therapeutic results were evaluated by clinical examination and Doppler ultrasonography before and after treatment. RESULTS: Of the 35 patients, 29 (82.9%) received 1 ECT treatment, 5 (14.3%) received 2 ECT treatments, and 1 (2.8%) received 3 ECT treatments. The number of PYM injection sessions was 1 to 5 (average, 2.5 times). According to the therapeutic criteria, the clinical outcome was excellent in 22 patients (62.9%), good in 10 patients (28.6%), and fair in 3 patients (8.5%). All patients (100%) had local swelling postoperatively that lasted approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Two patients (5.7%) had fever. No skin necrosis or nerve damage was found. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous treatment using ECT and PYM was a straightforward, safe, and reliable treatment modality for large VMs.