Search Results (5,046)

Introduction: Maxillary setback in orthognathic surgery has been extensively discussed regarding its effects on bone healing and facial soft tissue profile; however, its impact on upper airway volume remains unclear. Objective: We evaluate the influence of maxillary setback combined with counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the occlusal plane on upper airway dimensions. Methods: A retrospective observational case series was conducted with eight patients diagnosed with Class II malocclusion who underwent orthognathic surgery involving maxillary setback and CCW mandibular rotation. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Preoperative (T1) and 6-month postoperative (T2) facial CT scans were analyzed using Dolphin Imaging software11.7 to measure airway volume (VOL), surface area (SA), and linear distances D1, D2 and D3. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test with a 5% significance level. Results: Significant skeletal changes were observed, including 10.2 mm of mandibular advancement, 5.2 mm of hyoid advancement, and 4.1° of CCW rotation. Although increases in airway volume and surface area were noted, they did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.327 and p = 0.050, respectively), but suggesting a favorable trend toward airway adaptation. Conclusions: Maxillary setback combined with CCW rotation appears to safely correct Class II skeletal deformities without compromising upper airway space. These preliminary findings highlight the technique’s potential for both functional and aesthetic outcomes, warranting further long-term studies. Full article

Malignant bone and soft tissue tumors are often resistant to conventional treatment, and treatment options for unresectable and metastatic cases are limited. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is overexpressed in several malignancies, including sarcomas, making it an attractive target for targeted alpha therapy. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of LAT1-targeted alpha therapy using a novel modified 3-astatin-211 Astato-α-methyl-L-tyrosine (²¹¹At-AAMT) for bone and soft tissue sarcomas. LAT1 expression and the specificity of LAT1-mediated uptake of ²¹¹At-AAMT were evaluated in bone and soft tissue sarcoma cell lines. Antiproliferative effects were assessed using cell viability and colony formation assays. DNA damage was assessed using immunostaining with phosphorylated histone γH2AX. In vivo efficacy of ²¹¹At-AAMT, determined using xenograft mouse models, was compared with that of doxorubicin. LAT1 was highly expressed in all cell lines, especially MP-CCS-SY and MG-63 cells. ²¹¹At-AAMT uptake was LAT1-dependent and significant in all cell lines. It inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to that of doxorubicin. In xenograft models, a single administration of ²¹¹At-AAMT significantly inhibited tumor growth without systemic toxicity, whereas doxorubicin caused weight loss. Histopathological analysis showed reduced cell density, inhibited proliferation, and extensive DNA damage in tumors treated with ²¹¹At-AAMT, whereas LAT1 expression was maintained in residual tumor tissues. LAT1-targeted alpha therapy with ²¹¹At-AAMT demonstrated antitumor efficacy comparable to that of first-line chemotherapy for osteosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Sustained LAT1 expression suggests the potential for repeated or combination treatments, highlighting its promise as a novel therapy for advanced, treatment-resistant sarcomas. Full article

A gel scaffold for a biological canal is formed using a deformable soft microactuator mat. Three-dimensional cellular tissue structures are important for organ-on-a-chip in in-vitro biomimetic models. However, most traditional cellular tissues have been cultured in a dish or transwell. Furthermore, cellular culture on the inner wall of pre-manufactured channels has been recently reported. In this study, we propose a deformable actuator mat that can transform a flat structure into a tubular structure. The active mat, which is composed of pneumatic balloon actuator arrays, assembles a biological canal from a flat sheet of a gel scaffold for cell culture. The mat can return to its initial flat state so that the gel-based canal structure with cells can self-stand. A self-standing tubular gel structure is demonstrated as a biomimetic canal toward a biological canal with cells. A self-standing tubular gel structure has permeability, which is important for evaluation of pharmacokinetics. The actuator mat under the gel layers was curled into a tubular shape (approximately 1 mm diameter) and returned after the assembly. Culturing cellular tissues on a demonstrated gel structure will reproduce the biological permeability of organs such as an intestinal tract. This study confirms the gel-based canal formation process without cells as a feasibility study. The proposed technique has potential for the flexible design of biological three-dimensional structures, thereby contributing to pharmacokinetics research. Full article

Printed flexible materials have garnered considerable attention as next-generation materials for bioelectronic applications, particularly hydrogels and elastomers, owing to their intrinsic softness, tissue-like mechanical compliance, and electrical conductivity. In contrast to conventional fabrication approaches, printing technologies enable precise spatial control, design versatility, and seamless integration with complex biological interfaces. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the progress in printable soft conductive materials, with a particular emphasis on the composition, processing, and functional roles of conductive hydrogels and elastomers. This review first introduces traditional fabrication methods for conductive materials and explains the motivation for using printing techniques. We then introduce two major classes of soft conductive materials, hydrogels and elastomers, and describe their applications in both in vitro systems, such as biosensors and soft stimulators, and in vivo settings, including neural interfaces and implantable devices. Finally, we discuss current challenges and propose future directions for advancing printed soft bioelectronics toward clinical translation. Full article

Surface roughness and morphology, along with surface chemistry, are key features for improving ingrowth behavior and combating peri-implantitis after the insertion of dental implants. Using femtosecond laser texturing, this study aims to control both morphological and topographical surface properties of a glass solder coating on a zirconia substrate for dental applications. Experiments with varying laser and scanning parameters on the upper glass solder layer show the occurrence of two different surface morphologies. On the one hand, periodic wave-like structures are generated at relatively low pulse energy, with a high scanning pulse overlap of 80 to 90% and a scanning line overlap of 50%. On the other hand, a cauliflower-like structure can be observed at high pulse energies and a line overlap of up to 90%. Both surface morphologies represent a potential way to modify the glass solder surface to customize hard- and soft-tissue ingrowth, while realizing anti-adhesive properties for pathogenic bacteria in dental applications. Full article

The integration of nanomaterials within hydrogel scaffolds offers significant promise in bone tissue engineering by improving mechanical performance and modulating cellular responses through mechanotransductive and biochemical signaling. Previous studies have demonstrated that nanodiamonds (NDs) incorporated in electrospun microfibrillar meshes enhance cellular adhesion, spreading, and cytoskeletal organization through localized mechanical reinforcement. However, the effects of ND loading into soft, bioinert three-dimensional hydrogel matrices remain underexplored. Here, we developed nanostructured 3D printing inks composed of gellan gum (GG) supplemented with a low content of ND nanoadditive (0–3% w/v). ND integration improved the shear-thinning properties of the formulation, enabling consistent filament formation and reliable extrusion-based 3D printing. Structural and mechanical assessments confirmed enhanced scaffold morphology, reduced deformation, and improved morphostructural integrity under compression and increased local stiffness at 2% ND loading (GG_ND2%). Biological assessments revealed that increasing ND content enhanced murine preosteoblast viability, proliferation, and attachment, particularly in GG_ND2%. Furthermore, bioactivation of the GG_ND2% formulation with icariin (ICA), a bioflavonoid known for its osteogenic and angiogenic activity, amplified the beneficial cellular responses of MG-63 cells to ND loading, promoting enhanced surface mineralization and improved cell–matrix interactions. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of ND-reinforced GG scaffolds bioactivated with ICA, integrating structural reinforcement and biological functionalities that may support osteogenic responses. Full article

Objective: This scoping review identifies and analyzes factors influencing the effectiveness of orthodontic mini-implants and temporary anchorage devices in orthodontic treatments, including clinical applications, success rates, and associated complications. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across EBSCOhost, Ovid Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed, English-language human studies published between 2013 and 2023 that examined determinants of mini-implants/temporary anchorage devices success or failure. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were predefined, and screening was performed in duplicate. Thirty-six studies met criteria. Results: Placement site and peri-implant oral hygiene/soft-tissue health were the most consistent contributors to success. Optimal sites varied by indication, supporting individualized planning. Greater implant length generally improved stability but must be balanced against anatomic limits and patient comfort. Temporary anchorage devices supported diverse movements (e.g., molar distalization; posterior/anterior intrusion). Findings for loading protocol, patient age, bone quality, and operator experience were mixed, reflecting heterogeneity in primary stability, force magnitude/vector, and outcome definitions. Conclusion: Mini-implants/temporary anchorage devices success is multifactorial. Emphasis on site-specific selection, hygiene management, appropriate implant dimensions, and patient-specific modifiers can optimize outcomes and minimize complications. Future studies should report standardized outcomes and explicit loading parameters to enable granular analyses of movement-specific biomechanics and evidence-based decision-making. Full article

Extra-osseous calcification refers to the pathological deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues. Its most recognized forms affect the cardiovascular system, leading to vascular and heart valve calcifications. This process is active and regulated, involving the phenotype transition of resident cells into osteo/chondrogenic lineage. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients frequently suffer from vascular and other soft tissue calcification. OsteoSense dyes are fluorescent imaging agents developed to visualize calcium deposits during bone formation. In addition to its application in bone physiology, it has been used to detect vascular smooth muscle cell calcification in vitro and to evaluate calcification ex vivo. Here, we investigated CKD-associated soft tissue calcification by applying OsteoSense in vivo. CKD was induced by a diet containing adenine and elevated phosphate. OsteoSense (80 nmol/kg body weight) was injected intravenously through the retro-orbital venous sinus 18 h before the measurement on an IVIS Spectrum In Vivo Imaging System. OsteoSense staining detected calcium deposition in the aorta, kidney, heart, lung, and liver in CKD mice. On the other hand, no calcification occurred in the brain, eye, or spleen. OsteoSense positivity in the calcified soft tissues in CKD mice was associated with increased mRNA levels of osteo/chondrogenic transcription factors. Our findings demonstrate that OsteoSense is a sensitive and effective tool for detecting soft tissue calcification in vivo, and may be particularly valuable for studies of CKD-related ectopic calcification. Full article

Background: Dental implants have become integral in restoring partially or completely edentulous patients due to their reported long-term success. While titanium remains the primary material for implants and abutments due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility, zirconia has emerged as a promising alternative, especially for aesthetic regions. This systematic review aimed to assess whether zirconia abutments present a rational alternative to titanium in modern implantology, focusing on their mechanical and clinical performances. Method: The workflow used for this review included the PRISMA checklist. The eligibility criteria included various study types, with a preference given to clinical trials. The search strategy employed the PICO model, including a large number of relevant studies, and online research was carried on the online databases PubMed and Scopus, with “implant” AND “abutment” AND “zirconia” and “zirconia abutment” AND “mechanical properties” used as search strings. Results: Six clinical studies were included with an adequate follow-up and patient cohort; they suggest that while zirconia abutments offer improved aesthetics and biological integration, concerns persist regarding their mechanical properties, particularly regarding their fatigue resistance and connection stability. In vitro studies have revealed differences between titanium and zirconia abutments, with the latter showing greater susceptibility to fatigue-induced deformation and fretting wear. The clinical outcomes, however, demonstrate favourable long-term performance, with zirconia abutments promoting healthy soft tissue conditions. CAD/CAM technologies enable the precise customization of zirconia abutments, enhancing their compatibility and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions: Although this review faces limitations due to the scarcity of comparative studies and varied methodologies, it underscores the potential of zirconia abutments in implantology. In conclusion, while zirconia abutments offer promising advantages, the careful consideration of patient-specific factors and the long-term outcomes is warranted for their optimal utilisation in implant-supported prostheses. Full article

Deformable object manipulation (DOM) is a primary bottleneck for the real-world application of autonomous robots, requiring advanced frameworks for sensing, perception, modeling, planning, and control. When fragile objects such as soft tissues or fruits are involved, ensuring safety becomes the paramount concern, fundamentally altering the manipulation problem from one of pure trajectory optimization to one of constrained optimization and real-time adaptive control. Existing DOM methodologies, however, often fall short of addressing fragility constraints as a core design feature, leading to significant gaps in real-time adaptiveness and generalization. This review systematically examines individual components in DOM with a focus on their effectiveness in handling fragile objects. We identified key limitations in current approaches and, based on this analysis, discussed a promising framework that utilizes both low-latency reflexive mechanisms and global optimization to dynamically adapt to specific object instances. Full article

Purpose: This case series examines the feasibility and outcomes of using a multi-tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) powder as an adjunct to standard wound care in a conflict zone. Primary objectives were granulation by day 7, wound closure, and minimizing early complications among patients with complex ballistic and blast injuries in Gaza during the 2024 Israeli military offensive. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the European Gaza Hospital from April to June 2024. Fifteen patients with high-energy soft tissue injuries who received ECM powder (XCellistem™) after surgical debridement were included. Data were extracted from operative reports, wound documentation, and clinical follow-up. Outcomes included granulation by day 7, wound closure method, and complications such as infection or dehiscence. Results: All 15 patients (median age 28; 14 male) sustained severe trauma, with 80% having exposed bone or tendon. ECM was applied directly to wound beds and often co-applied with vancomycin. Granulation tissue was observed in 12 patients by day 7, and 13 achieved wound closure via grafting, flap coverage, or secondary intention. No adverse reactions to ECM were reported. Conclusions: Multi-tissue ECM powder seems feasible and safe under austere conditions and appeared to support wound healing in severely injured patients. Its shelf stability, ease of use, and regenerative potential make it a promising adjunct for surgical care in resource-constrained conflict zones. Full article

Objectives: We sought to document interim methodologic improvements and preliminary results for pulmonary suffusion. Methods: A Phase I/II trial of thoracoscopic lung suffusion for resectable sarcoma and colorectal carcinoma metastases followed a pilot study on oligometastatic lung malignancy at a comprehensive cancer center. Primary-specific chemotherapy doses (cisplatin, oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, or gemcitabine) suffused unilaterally for 30 min were escalated to amplify regional deliveries three-fold. Drug delivery was measured with tissue, blood samples, and ⁹⁹Tc; pulmonary function tests and clinical adverse events (AEs) assessed safety and tolerance. Results: From 2008–2025, 31 ECOG 0–2 patients (10 male) aged 33–75 years had unilateral lung suffusion (16 right, 14 left, 1 aborted, and 8 sides selected randomly). Vascular occlusion intolerance was immediate or delayed (25 min) in two cases. Two catheter-positioning grade 3 AEs occurred: hypotension with troponin leak (1) and atrial fibrillation (1). Patients averaged 1.3 ± 1.2 metastasectomies (17 sub-lobar, 8 lobar resections, and 2 intentional open cytoreductive metastasectomies). Hospitalizations were brief (1–4 days) except for 6–7 day stays in the only two open cases and one doxorubicin (grade 4 hypoxic respiratory failure) case. Ninety-day survival was 100%, and the Phase I delivery goal of 12.75 mg/m² 65 (15% systemic) was achieved for oxaliplatin. Lung function was preserved according to ⁹⁹Tc differentials within 6.1 ± 7.1% of the predicted reductions at 30 days. Sampling delays, tracer discordances, and atypical pharmacokinetics reduced tissue drug detections. Recent pulmonary artery snaring cases (two) demonstrated in-flow control more stable than that of balloon occlusions. Conclusions: Suffusion for metastatic malignancies appears safe and warrants further investigation. Full article

Heparin-based delivery platforms have gained increasing attention in regenerative medicine due to their exceptional affinity for growth factors and versatility in structural and functional design. This review first introduces the molecular biosynthesis and physicochemical diversity of heparin, which underpin its binding selectivity and degradability. It then categorizes the delivery platforms into microspheres, nanofibers, and hydrogels, with detailed discussions on their fabrication techniques, biofunctional integration of heparin, and release kinetics. Special focus is given to stimuli-responsive systems—including pH-, enzyme-, redox-, thermal-, and ultrasound-sensitive designs—which allow spatiotemporal control over growth factor release. The platform applications are organized by tissue types, encompassing soft tissue regeneration, bone and cartilage repair, neuroregeneration, cardiovascular regeneration, wound healing, anti-fibrotic therapies, and cancer microenvironment modulation. Each section provides recent case studies demonstrating how heparin enhances the bioactivity, localization, and therapeutic efficacy of pro-regenerative or anti-pathologic growth factors. Collectively, these insights highlight heparin’s dual role as both a carrier and modulator, positioning it as a pivotal component in next-generation, precision-targeted delivery systems. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare and aggressive malignant soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) arising from skeletal connective tissues and is most commonly seen in the pediatric population. The pleomorphic subtype is mostly seen in adults in the sixth and seventh decades of life, representing 1% of all histological types of RMS and having a very poor prognosis. Case Presentation: This report presents the case of a 63-year-old male with a medical history of papillary thyroid cancer, who presented with an ulcer-hemorrhagic malignant tumor, namely, a poorly differentiated desmin-positive pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS), with impressive dimensions located on the posterior thoracic wall. This tumor was surgically removed via a wide resection, followed by palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, the patient relapsed locally, with pulmonary, bone, and lymph node metastases. The peculiarity of this case is represented by the rapid growth, aggressive nature, and high metastatic potential of the adult RMS, as well as its poor response to treatment. Conclusions: The presented case underscores the need for early diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and exploration of molecular profiling for therapeutic planning. Full article

Surgical procedures trigger dynamic inflammatory responses that influence postoperative pain, wound healing, and long-term outcomes. Conventional therapies rely on the systemic delivery of anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, which often lack spatiotemporal precision and carry significant side effects. Inflammation-responsive hydrogels offer a promising alternative by enabling localized, stimulus-adaptive drug release aligned with the evolving biochemical milieu of surgical wounds. These smart biomaterials respond to endogenous triggers, such as reactive oxygen species, acidic pH, and proteolytic enzymes, allowing precise modulation of inflammation and tissue repair. This narrative review outlines the pathophysiological features of perioperative inflammation and the design principles of responsive hydrogel systems, including pH-, reactive oxygen species-, enzyme-sensitive, and multi-stimuli platforms. We evaluated the integration of key payloads, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, α₂-adrenergic agonists, and biologics, highlighting their therapeutic synergy and translational relevance. Preclinical studies across soft tissue, orthopedic, thoracic, and abdominal models have demonstrated the efficacy of these systems in modulating immune responses, reducing pain, and enhancing regeneration. Despite these encouraging results, challenges remain, including trigger fidelity, surgical compatibility, and regulatory readiness. Future advances in biosensor integration, logic-based design, and artificial intelligence-guided formulation may accelerate clinical translation. Inflammation-responsive hydrogels represent a transformative strategy for precise perioperative care. Full article