Recombinant collagen coating 3D printed PEGDA hydrogel tube loading with differentiable BMSCs to repair bile duct injury.

Bile duct injury presents a significant clinical challenge following hepatobiliary surgery, necessitating advancements in the repair of damaged bile ducts is a persistent issue in biliary surgery. 3D printed tubular scaffolds have emerged as a promising approach for the repair of ductal tissues, yet the development of scaffolds that balance exceptional mechanical properties with biocompatibility remains an ongoing challenge. This study introduces a novel, bio-fabricated bilayer bile duct scaffold using a 3D printing technique. The scaffold comprises an inner layer of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) to provide high mechanical strength, and an outer layer of biocompatible, methacryloylated recombinant collagen type III (rColMA) loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)-encapsulated liposomes (bFGF@Lip). This design enables the controlled release of bFGF, creating an optimal environment for the growth and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into cholangiocyte-like cells. These cells are instrumental in the regeneration of bile duct tissues, evidenced by the pronounced expression of cholangiocyte differentiation markers CK19 and CFTR. The PEGDA//rColMA/bFGF@Lip bilayer bile duct scaffold can well simulate the bile duct structure, and the outer rColMA/bFGF@Lip hydrogel can well promote the growth and differentiation of BMSCs into bile duct epithelial cells. In vivo experiments showed that the scaffold did not cause cholestasis in the body. This new in vitro pre-differentiated active 3D printed scaffold provides new ideas for the study of bile duct tissue replacement.

Hyperbaric Oxygenation Maintains Elevated Stromal Oxygen Availability During Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with and Without Epithelial Removal.

PURPOSE: Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) can halt corneal ectasia. Leaving corneal epithelium intact during treatment may reduce the incidence of complications. However, it is under debate whether this reduces efficacy and if oxygen supplementation may be necessary to optimize the cross-linking effect. This study aimed to investigate the impact of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) on intracorneal oxygen concentrations during epi-off and epi-on CXL. METHODS: CXL was performed using riboflavin and ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiance (3 mW/cm2 for 30 min) on porcine corneas under normobaric and hyperbaric conditions, with and without supplemented oxygen, with and without epithelium. Intracorneal oxygen concentrations were continuously monitored before and during irradiation. Biomechanical properties were assessed through tensile strength testing. RESULTS: HBO alone did not cause perceivable changes in stromal oxygen concentrations. Oxygen supplementation resulted in higher oxygen concentration in corneal stroma during CXL. HBO may cause a further increase in oxygen levels, although this was not statistically significant in this study. Notably, a tendency of oxygen levels to rise continuously during UV-irradiation was observed using HBO. Biomechanical properties showend no statistically significant differences between any groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this ex-vivo model, HBO increased stromal oxygen levels during CXL, regardless of the presence of corneal epithelium. The dynamics in oxygen concentrations in corneal stromal tissue during CXL suggest that time is an important factor to consider in modifications of established protocols. Also, we hypothesize that stromal levels of riboflavin and UV-A irradiance may be more critical to the CXL effect when oxygen is supplemented and epithelium is not removed.

The effect of combined hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, methylsulfonylmethane, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate supplementation on knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combined hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), glucosamine sulfate (GS), and chondroitin sulfate (CS) supplement on knee pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Patients and methods: This multicenter, observational, noninterventional study included 98 patients (78 females, 20 males; mean age: 52.8±6.5 years; range, 40 to 64 years) who had Grade 1-3 knee OA between May 2022 and November 2022. The patients were prescribed the combination of hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, MSM, GS, and CS as a supplement for knee OA. The sachet form of the combined supplement containing 1250 mg hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, 750 mg MSM, 750 mg GS, and 400 mg CS was used once daily for two consecutive months. Patients were evaluated according to the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS)-pain, and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Patients were scheduled to visit for follow-up four weeks (Visit 2) and eight weeks (Visit 3) after Visit 1 (baseline; day 0 of the study). Results: For the VAS-pain, WOMAC, WOMAC-subscale, and HAQ scores, the differences in improvement between the three visits were significant (p<0.001 for all). The patient compliance with the supplement was a median of 96.77%, both for Visit 2 and Visit 3. Conclusion: The combination of hydrolyzed type 2 collagen, MSM, GS, and CS for eight weeks in knee OA was considered an effective and safe nutritional supplement.

Collagen-Type Composition in the Semitendinosus, Quadriceps, and Patellar Tendons of a 22-Year-Old Patient: A Case Report.

Graft failure is a common postoperative complication after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Recently, a theory has emerged that histological and microstructural factors of autografts may be related to graft failure. We simultaneously collected the semitendinosus tendon (ST), quadriceps tendon (QT), and patellar tendon (PT) from a 22-year-old patient to provide insights into the differences in the collagen-type composition of the three tendons in skeletally mature patients. These findings may serve as a basis for selecting autografts for ACL to reduce graft failure rates. The patient was a 22-year-old female who required the removal of artificial ligament, screws, and washers and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction with an ST autograft after two surgeries for recurrent dislocation of the left patella. The ST, QT, and PT obtained during necessary intraoperative procedures were used as samples. The tissues were processed and immunostained; this was followed by confocal microscopy. Evaluation was performed by calculating the percentage of areas positive for collagen types I and III.The percentage of type I collagen in the ST, QT, and PT groups was 88%, 85%, and 88%, respectively.The collagen-type composition was examined following simultaneous collection of the ST, QT, and PT. The results revealed no significant differences in the content of physically strong type I collagen, which supports previous findings showing that the clinical outcomes after ACL reconstruction do not vary with the autograft used.

Imaging of colorectal adenomas with pseudoinvasion and malignant polyps using two-photon excitation microscopy.

Introduction: Although the incidence and mortality rates of colorectal cancer exhibit significant variability, it remains one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Endeavors to prevent colorectal cancer development focus on detecting precursor lesions during colonoscopy. The diagnosis of endoscopically resected polyps relies on hematoxylin and eosin staining examination. For challenging cases like adenomatous polyps with epithelial misplacement, additional diagnostic methods could prove beneficial. Methods: This paper aims to underscore stromal changes observed in malignant polyps and polyps with pseudoinvasion, leveraging two-photon excitation microscopy (TPEM), a technique extensively employed in the medical field in recent years. Results and discussions: Both the subjective and quantitative analysis of TPEM images revealed distinct distributions and densities of collagen at the invasion front in malignant polyps compared to areas of pseudoinvasion. TPEM holds potential in discerning true invasion in malignant polyps from pseudoinvasion, offering enhanced visualization of local stromal changes.

Imbalance in the vWF - ADAMTS13 axis exists early in acute pancreatitis and predicts persistent organ failure and pancreatic necrosis-a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of Acute Pancreatitis (AP) may be complicated by endothelial activation. von Willebrand Factor (vWF)- ADAMTS13 axis is a marker of endothelial activation. The study aimed to investigate the axis in AP, comparing it in patients with and without persistent organ failure (OF), with and without pancreatic necrosis, and correlating it with the standard severity scores (CRP, APACHE II, BISAP, SOFA, and qSOFA) METHODS: vWF-Antigen (vWF:Ag), vWF-Collagen-Binding-Assay (vWF:CBA), and ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:act) levels were measured within 5 days of symptom onset in consecutive patients (n = 98), who were admitted with a first episode of AP (Dec 2021-May 2023). RESULTS: Of the 98 patients admitted with AP, 78(79.6 %) had no or transient OF; 20(20.4 %) had persistent OF. Age was comparable (43.73 ± 15.36 vs 38.65 ± 13.69) [mean ± SD](years), and males were predominant in both groups (70.5 % vs 80 %). Patientswith persistent OF had higher vWF:CBA(%)[323(279-486.5) vs 199.5(159.1-295.75)] and lower ADAMTS13:act(%)[35.4(23.8-56.85) vs 56.35(44.1-71.9)][median (25th - 75th percentile)](P = 0.001) than those with no or transient OF. Patients with pancreatic necrosis (n = 19) had lower ADAMTS13:act(%)[42.79 ± 18.69] than those without pancreatic necrosis (n = 18) [62.49 ± 22.64] (P < 0.01). ADAMTS13:act had a negative correlation(r = -0.2), whereas vWF:Ag and vWF:CBA had a positive correlation (r = 0.2) with the standard severity scores (P < 0.05). ADAMTS13:act could predict pancreatic necrosis [AUROC-0.737, P < 0.05] and persistent OF [AUROC-0.746, P < 0.001], while vWF:CBA could predict persistent OF [AUROC- 0.73, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: vWF-ADAMTS13 axis helps to predict severe disease and is associated with poor outcomes in acute pancreatitis.

Relationship between histopathological findings of patients with dermatochalasis and vitamin D deficiency.

PURPOSE: To compare the histopathological findings of patients who had been diagnosed with dermatochalasis (DC) and had undergone upper eyelid blepharoplasty (ULB) as well as those of controls (C-Group) according to their serum vitamin D (SVD) levels. METHODS: The prospective study included 136 upper eyelid skin from 68 patients who underwent surgery for DC and 53 upper eyelid skin from 53 patients who underwent levator surgery with ULB. The DC Group was then divided into 3 subgroups according to the marginal reflex distance (MRD4). The lymphatic vessel (LV) count and diameter of the largest LV (DLLV) were recorded, the stromal collagen bed (SCB) was observed, and its depth was measured, the interfibrillar edema was examined, and the elastic fiber and macrophage counts and recorded, respectively, and then all of these were evaluated. The SVD levels were compared between the DC patients and the C-Group. RESULTS: In comparison to the C-Group, significant changes were seen in the dilated LV, DLLV, SCB depth, interfibrillar edema, elastic fiber density, and macrophage count in the DC sub-Groups (P < 0.001 for all). While no difference was found between DC sub-Group 1 (MRD4 > 4 mm) and the C-Group (P > 0.05), a significant difference was found between DC sub-Group 2 (MRD4 2-4 mm) and DC sub-Group 3 (MRD4 < 2 mm) for all of the parameters (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was also found in the SVD levels between the DC sub-Group 1 and DC sub-Groups 2-3 (P < 0.017, P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, SVD level was significantly lower in DC group. Moreover, an increased LV count and diameter, decreased elastic fiber count, collagen fiber and stromal edema irregularity, and increased macrophage count were found to be associated with the SVD level.

Label-Free Monitoring of Endometrial Cancer Progression Using Multiphoton Microscopy.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the developed world. However, the accuracy of current diagnostic methods is still unsatisfactory and time-consuming. Here, we presented an alternate approach to monitoring the progression of endometrial cancer via multiphoton microscopy imaging and analysis of collagen, which is often overlooked in current endometrial cancer diagnosis protocols but can offer a crucial signature in cancer biology. Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) based on the second-harmonic generation and two-photon excited fluorescence was introduced to visualize the microenvironment of endometrium in normal, hyperplasia without atypia, atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer specimens. Furthermore, automatic image analysis based on the MPM image processing algorithm was used to quantify the differences in the collagen morphological features among them. MPM enables the visualization of the morphological details and alterations of the glands in the development process of endometrial cancer, including irregular changes in the structure of the gland, increased ratio of the gland to the interstitium, and atypical changes in the glandular epithelial cells. Moreover, the destructed basement membrane caused by gland proliferation and fusion is clearly shown in SHG images, which is a key feature for identifying endometrial cancer progression. Quantitative analysis reveals that the formation of endometrial cancer is accompanied by an increase in collagen fiber length and width, a progressive linearization and loosening of interstitial collagen, and a more random arrangement of interstitial collagen. Observation and quantitative analysis of interstitial collagen provide invaluable information in monitoring the progression of endometrial cancer. Label-free multiphoton imaging reported here has the potential to become an in situ histological tool for effective and accurate early diagnosis and detection of malignant lesions in endometrial cancer.

Covering skin defects with a xenogeneic collagen matrix in comparison with a skin graft - A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

The objective of this study was to analyze, in a randomized controlled multicenter trial, whether a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) could be used to cover skin defects. Patients with the need for skin excisions were recruited and randomized to treatment with a skin graft after a period of granulation or to treatment with an XCM. The results were evaluated by two independent observers on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. On this scale, scars are ranked from 1 to 10 in six different categories. Results range from 6 to 60, with lower scores representing scars closer to normal skin. The results 6 months after reconstruction were used as primary endpoint and compared in a non-inferiority approach. A total of 39 wounds in the head and neck region were analyzed. The mean results were 16.55 (standard deviation 6.8) for XCM and 16.83 (standard deviation 8.21) in the control group. The result of the XCM was not significantly inferior to the result of the skin graft (p = 0.91). Within the limitations of the study, it seems that the use of xenogeneic collagen matrices is a viable alternative to other approaches in small skin defects, and therefore should be taken into account whenever the reduction of patient morbidity to a minimum is the priority. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under registration identification number DRKS00010930 and can be found under the following URLs: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010930. https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00010930.

Native vs. ribosome-crosslinked collagen membranes for periodontal regeneration: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate whether the ribosome-crosslinked collagen membrane (RCCM) is non-inferior to the natural collagen membrane (NCM) used in regeneration surgery in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at 6 months. METHODS: Eighty patients diagnosed as generalized periodontitis presenting with isolated infrabony defect (≥4 mm deep) were enrolled and randomized to receive regenerative surgery, either with NCM or RCCM, both combined with deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM). CAL, pocket probing depth (PPD), and gingival recession (GR) were recorded at baseline, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Periapical radiographs were taken at baseline, immediately, and 6 months after surgery. Early wound healing index (EHI) and patients' responses were recorded at 2 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months post-surgery, the mean CAL gain was 3.1 ± 1.5 mm in the NCM group and 2.9 ± 1.5 mm in the RCCM group, while the mean PPD was 4.3 ± 1.1 mm in the NCM group and 4.2 ± 1.0 mm in the RCCM group. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant improvement from the baseline (p < .01). RCCM was non-inferior to NCM concerning the primary outcome (CAL gain at 6 months). The GR at 6 months postoperatively was 1.3 ± 1.2 and 1.2 ± 1.1 mm, which showed no difference compared with baseline. At 6 months follow-up, the radiographic linear bone fill (RLBF) was 6.5 ± 2.8 and 5.5 ± 2.6 mm (p > .05), while the bone fill percentage (BF%) was 102.3 ± 53.5% and 92.3 ± 40.1% (p > .05), in the NCM and RCCM groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in EHI and postoperative responses between two groups. CONCLUSION: RCCM + DBBM resulted in no-inferior clinical and radiographic outcomes to NCM + DBBM for the treatment of isolated infrabony defect in 6 months.

Human Neural Stem Cell Expansion in Natural Polymer Scaffolds Under Chemically Defined Condition.

The maintenance and expansion of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) in 3D tissue scaffolds is a promising strategy in producing cost-effective hNSCs with quality and quantity applicable for clinical applications. A few biopolymers have been extensively used to fabricate 3D scaffolds, including hyaluronic acid, collagen, alginate, and chitosan, due to their bioactive nature and availability. However, these polymers are usually applied in combination with other biomolecules, leading to their responses difficult to ascribe to. Here, scaffolds made of chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, or collagen, are explored for hNSC expansion under xeno-free and chemically defined conditions and compared for hNSC multipotency maintenance. This study shows that the scaffolds made of pure chitosan support the highest adhesion and growth of hNSCs, yielding the most viable cells with NSC marker protein expression. In contrast, the presence of alginate, hyaluronic acid, or collagen induces differentiation toward immature neurons and astrocytes even in the maintenance medium and absence of differentiation factors. The cells in pure chitosan scaffolds preserve the level of transmembrane protein profile similar to that of standard culture. These findings point to the potential of using pure chitosan scaffolds as a base scaffolding material for hNSC expansion in 3D.

The therapeutic effect of sufficient oxygen-rich PRP injection in facial rejuvenation by multiple objective evaluations in 26 cases.

Background: Ozone can enhance the expression of some growth factors (GFs) in platelet rich plasma (PRP), recent study showed oxygen-rich PRP (ozonized PRP) have better therapeutic effects on bone and joint diseases. PRP injection has been widely used in the treatment of facial rejuvenation, but the efficacy of sufficient oxygen-rich PRP in facial rejuvenation has not been studied. Objective: Firstly, we examined whether ozone treatment can increase the concentration of GFs of PRP in vitro. And then a variety of subjective and objective detection methods were used to evaluate the effect of sufficient(10-12 mL each time for the injection of face and neck) oxygen-rich (ozonized PRP) PRP injection in facial rejuvenation by follow-up for 6 months. At last, we investigated the satisfaction, side effects and pain score of the treatment through a questionnaire survey. Methods: The concentration of main GFs in PRP treated with different dose of ozone in vitro was measured by ELISA. Clinical picture, the collagen thickness of dermis by reflectance confocal microscope(RCM), skin conditions (including spots, ultraviolet (UV) spots, brown spots, red area, pores, wrinkles, texture and porphyrin) by VISIA were collected before treatment and each month follow-up visit after treatment until 6-month follow-up period was finished. Patients' satisfaction, side effects and pain score were collected at the end of follow-up period. Results: PRP treated by high-dose ozone (57 µg/mL, ozone/PRP volume ratio:1/1) in vitro showed a significant increase in endothelial growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) compared to baseline(P < 0.05). Collagen thickness of forehead, cheek and neck improved significantly compare to the baseline until to the 6 months after treatment. Spots, UV spots, brown spots, red area and texture improved significantly compare to the baseline(P < 0.05). All of participants reported improvement and have a median pain score of 4.19. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Ozone treatment can increase the concentration of GFs such as EGF and TGF-ß in PRP in vitro. Sufficient oxygen-rich PRP injection may be an effective and promising method to treat facial rejuvenation.

Zirconium ion mediated collagen nanofibrous hydrogels with high mechanical strength.

Low mechanical strength is still the key question for collagen hydrogel consisting of nanofibrils as hard tissue repair scaffolds with no loss of biological function. In this work, novel collagen nanofibrous hydrogels with high mechanical strength were fabricated based on the pre-protection of trisodium citrate masked Zr(SO4)2 solution for collagen self-assembling nanofibrils and then further coordination with Zr(SO4)2 solution. The mature collagen nanofibrils with d-period were observed in Zr(IV) mediated collagen hydrogels by AFM when the Zr(IV) concentration was ≥ 10 mmol/L, and the distribution of zirconium element was uniform. Due to the coordination of Zr(IV) with ─COOH, ─NH2 and ─OH within collagen and the tighter entanglement of collagen nanofibrils, the elastic modulus and compressive strength of Zr(IV) mediated collagen nanofibrous hydrogel were 208.3 and 1103.0 kPa, which were approximate 77 and 12 times larger than those of pure collagen hydrogel, respectively. Moreover, the environmental stability such as thermostability, swelling ability and biodegradability got outstanding improvements and could be regulated by Zr(IV) concentration. Most importantly, the resultant hydrogel showed excellent biocompatibility and even accelerated cell proliferation.

Yishen Tongbi decoction attenuates inflammation and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis by regulating JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 pathway.

Background: Yishen-Tongbi Decoction (YSTB), a traditional Chinese prescription, has been used to improve syndromes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for many years. Previous research has shown that YSTB has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the anti-RA effects of YSTB remains unclear. Purpose and study design: The purpose of this research was to investigate how YSTB affected mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results: The findings show that YSTB could significantly improve the clinical arthritic symptoms of CIA mice (mitigate paw swelling, arthritis score, thymus and spleen indices, augment body weight), downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6 and IL-17, while upregulated the level of anti-inflammatory like IL-10 and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß). Meanwhile, YSTB inhibits bone erosion and reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial proliferation, and joint destruction in CIA mice. In addition, we found that YSTB was able to suppress the LPS-induced inflammation of RAW264.7 cells, which was ascribed to the suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production and reactive oxygen species formation (ROS). YSTB also inhibited the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase and reduced the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation expression of JAK2, JAK3, STAT3, p38, ERK and p65 protein could be suppressed by YSTB, while the expression of SOCS3 could be activated. Conclusion: Taken together, YSTB possesses anti-inflammatory and prevention bone destruction effects in RA disease by regulating the JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling pathway.

Dynamic biaxial loading of vascular smooth muscle cell seeded tissue equivalents.

An intricate reciprocal relationship exists between adherent synthetic cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM). These cells deposit, organize, and degrade the ECM, which in turn influences cell phenotype via responses that include sensitivity to changes in the mechanical state that arises from changes in external loading. Collagen-based tissue equivalents are commonly used as simple but revealing model systems to study cell-matrix interactions. Nevertheless, few quantitative studies report changes in the forces that the cells establish and maintain in such gels under dynamic loading. Moreover, most prior studies have been limited to uniaxial experiments despite many soft tissues, including arteries, experiencing multiaxial loading in vivo. To begin to close this gap, we use a custom biaxial bioreactor to subject collagen gels seeded with primary aortic smooth muscle cells to different biaxial loading conditions. These conditions include cyclic loading with different amplitudes as well as different mechanical constraints at the boundaries of a cruciform sample. Irrespective of loading amplitude and boundary condition, similar mean steady-state biaxial forces emerged across all tests. Additionally, stiffness-force relationships assessed via intermittent equibiaxial force-extension tests showed remarkable similarity for ranges of forces to which the cells adapted during periods of cyclic loading. Taken together, these findings are consistent with a load-mediated homeostatic response by vascular smooth muscle cells.

Preparation, structural and morphological characterization of cartilage type II collagen peptide assemblies from sturgeon head.

BACKGROUND: Sturgeon cartilage type II collagen peptides (SHCPs) can self-assemble and be used to prepare collagen peptide assemblies. Self-assembled peptides have great potential for applications in the food industry. In the present study, self-assembled peptides were prepared from sturgeon cartilage and then characterized. RESULTS: The SHCPs self-assembled and formed collagen peptide assemblies. After response surface experiment optimization, the optimal enzyme digestion process comprised 43.1 °C, 3.37 h and 0.96% enzyme addition, and the peptide yield was 78.46%. Physicochemical analysis showed that the SHCPs were amphiphilic, with an average molecular weight of 1081 Da, and were rich in hydrophobic amino acids. Peptide sequence identification showed that the peptides of SHCPs with polar amino acids followed by hydrophobic amino acids could be self-assembled through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. Through turbidity experiments, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrated that SHCPs can self-assemble into reticular and tubular structures under specific conditions. Furthermore, both the SHCPs-Ca and SHCPs-Mg assemblies were stabilized within a pH range consistent with that of the human gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSION: The present study provides a simple and safe method for preparing novel self-assembled peptide materials from sturgeon by-products, providing a scientific basis for the exploitation of sturgeon cartilage and potentially reducing resource wastage. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effect of different conditioning agents on dentin roughness and collagen structure.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of various organic and inorganic acids on the roughness, demineralization, and collagen secondary structures of human dentin and to compare these effects with those of traditional agents, specifically phosphoric acid (PA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). METHODS: Coronal dentin discs (n = 10) were examined by optical profilometry (roughness) and ATR-FTIR before and after conditioning with 32 % PA, 3 % nitric acid (NA), 20 % citric acid (CA), 20 % phytic acid (IP6) or 17 % EDTA. Spectra data were processed to quantify dentin demineralization (DM%) and percentage area of amide I curve-fitted components of ß-turns, 310-helix, α-helix, random coils, ß-sheets, and collagen maturation index. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis for DM% and roughness parameters, and paired t-test/Wilcoxon test for amide I components at significance level set at α = 0.05. RESULTS: All treatments resulted in increased roughness parameters, with the most significant changes occurring primarily with PA, while EDTA exhibited the least changes. DM% was NA>PA>IP6>CA>EDTA in a descending order. Regarding amide I components, NA demonstrated a significant reduction in ß-turns, 310-helices, and α-helices and it increased ß-sheets and random coils. PA resulted in reduction in ß-turns and α-helices while it increased ß-sheets. CA and EDTA did not cause significant changes. The collagen maturation index significantly increased only after IP6 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The effect on dentin roughness parameters, demineralization, and collagen secondary structures varied based on the type of dentin surface treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the impact of acids on the intrinsic properties of dentin is clinically essential for gaining insights into how these effects influence adhesion to dentin, the long-term stability of resin-based restorations, and the success of remineralization therapies.

Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix Versus Free Gingival Graft for Augmenting Peri-Implant Keratinized Mucosa Around Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing evidence to suggest augmenting peri-implant keratinized mucosa in the presence of ≤ 2 mm of keratinized mucosa. However, the most appropriate surgical technique and augmentation materials have yet to be defined. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of augmenting keratinized mucosa around implants using free gingival graft (FGG) versus xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) before commencing prosthetic implant treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify observational studies comparing implant sites augmented with FGG to those augmented with XCM. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS: Six studies with 174 participants were included in the present review. Of these, 87 participants had FGG, whereas the remaining participants had XCM. At 6 months, sites augmented with FGG were associated with less changes in the gained width of peri-implant keratinized mucosa compared to those augmented with XCM (mean difference 1.06; 95% confidence interval -0.01 to 2.13; p = 0.05). The difference, however, was marginally significant. The difference between the two groups in changes in thickness of peri-implant keratinized mucosa at 6 months was statistically significantly in favor of FGG. On the other hand, XCM had significantly shorter surgical time, lower postoperative pain score, and higher color match compared to FGG. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this review, the augmentation of keratinized mucosa using FGG before the placement of the final prosthesis may have short-term positive effects on soft tissue thickness. XCM might be considered in aesthetically demanding implant sites and where patient comfort or shorter surgical time is a priority. The evidence support, however, is of low to moderate certainty; therefore, further studies are needed to support the findings of the present review.

COL4A1 gene mutations and perinatal intracranial hemorrhage in neonates: case reports and literature review.

Intracranial hemorrhage may represent a complication of the perinatal period that affects neonatal morbidity and mortality. Very poor data exist about a possible association between mutations of the type IV collagen a1 chain (COL4A1) gene and the development of intracranial hemorrhage, and only sporadic reports focus on intracerebral bleedings already developing in utero or in the neonatal period in infants with such a mutation. This study presents a case series of term neonates affected by intracranial hemorrhage, with no apparent risk factors for the development of this condition, who were carriers of COL4A1 gene variants. This study also provides a review of the most recent scientific literature on this topic, specifically focusing on the available scientific data dealing with the perinatal period.

The correlation between serum levels of laminin, type IV collagen, type III procollagen N-terminal peptide and hyaluronic acid with the progression of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.

COVID-19 patients often suffer from post-COVID-19 acute sequelae (PASC). Pulmonary fibrosis has the most significant long-term impact on the respiratory health of patients, known as post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PC19-PF). PC19-PF can be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or COVID-19-induced pneumonia. Individuals who experience COVID-19 pneumonia symptoms (including cough, shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, and desaturation) for at least 12 weeks after diagnosis, almost all develop PC19-PF. Extracellular matrix molecules: laminin (LN), type IV collagen (IV Col), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and hyaluronic acid (HA) are involved in the development and progression of PC19-PF. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the progression of PC19-PF and serum levels of laminin, IV COL, PIIINP, and hyaluronic acid. This retrospective study included 162 PC19-PF patients treated and 160 healthy controls who received treatment at Shenzhen Longgang District Third People's Hospital, Hebei PetroChina Central Hospital and Changzhi People's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Serum levels of LN, IV COL, PIIINP, and HA were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay using commercial kits. Predicted forced vital capacity percentage (FVC% pred), predicted carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity percentage (DLCO% pred), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores were assessed, and patient mortality was compared with healthy controls. Serum levels of LN, IV Col, PIIINP, and HA were significantly higher in PC19-PF or CTD-ILD patients than in healthy controls (all p < 0.05), and they were further elevated in acute exacerbation cases (all p < 0.01). In patients, HA was positively associated with HRCT scores and negatively associated with FVC% pred and DLCO% pred (all p < 0.05). Serum levels of LN, IV COL, PIIINP, and HA were significantly lower in surviving patients than in those who deceased (all p > 0.05). Serum levels of LN, IV C, PIIINP, and HA may affect the progression of PC19-PF and may serve as indicators of PC19-PF severity.