Search Results (200)

Tympanic membrane (TM) perforations, arising from infections, injuries, or chronic otitis media, remain a frequent clinical finding and can lead to hearing problems when the tissue does not regenerate adequately. Although autologous grafts are still the standard option for repairing persistent defects, they come with well-known limitations. Beyond the need for additional harvesting procedures, these grafts rarely reproduce the intricate, fibrous layering of the native TM, which can compromise sound transmission after healing. In search of alternatives, fibre-based scaffolds have attracted considerable interest. The primary advantage of this material is the level of structural control it affords. The fibre orientation, porosity, and overall microarchitecture can be adjusted to replicate the organisation and mechanical behaviour of the natural membrane. A range of biocompatible polymers—among them silk fibroin, poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(lactic acid), and poly(vinyl alcohol) and their composites—provide options for tuning stiffness, degradation rates, and interactions with cells, making them suitable building blocks for TM repair constructs. This review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary fabrication methodologies, namely electrospinning, additive manufacturing, melt electrowriting, and hybrid strategies. In addition, it offers a detailed discussion of the evaluation procedures employed for these scaffolds and discusses how scaffold structure affects later performance. Mechanical testing, microstructural imaging, and in vitro biocompatibility assays help to determine how closely a construct can approach the performance of the native tissue. Bringing these elements together may support the gradual translation of fibre-based TM scaffolds into clinical practice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Limited residual bone height in the atrophic posterior maxilla complicates implant placement. Transcrestal sinus elevation can be used to correct bone shrinkage after sinus pneumatization or crestal bone loss. This study evaluated a minimally invasive, one-stage transcrestal sinus lift using a double-layer crosslinked collagen scaffold (MCCS) with autogenous bone from the implant osteotomy site in patients with RBH ≤ 6 mm. Methods: In this prospective series, 11 patients (48–64 years, mean RBH 4.75 mm, SD 0.95 mm) underwent one-stage transcrestal sinus floor elevation with simultaneous implants. After osteotomy, autogenous bone chips collected during drilling were compacted into the site, and two layers of MCCS were placed under the elevated Schneiderian membrane. Buccal and palatal bone heights were measured on CBCT before and after surgery to assess vertical bone gain (ΔRBH). Results: All implants achieved stable osseointegration. Mean ΔRBH was approximately 3.1 ± 0.9 mm (combined buccal–palatal). No postoperative complications occurred. Two small Schneiderian membrane perforations were sealed intraoperatively by MCCS placement, with uneventful healing. Follow-up imaging showed maintenance of the augmented bone around the implants. Conclusions: This double-layer MCCS plus autogenous bone approach is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive transcrestal sinus lift for atrophic maxillae. It yielded crestal bone gains even with minimal initial RBH, leveraging the palatal sinus wall’s osteogenic potential and the implant’s tent-pole effect. The MCCS scaffold maintained space for bone formation and enabled immediate sealing of any membrane perforations. This one-stage protocol is viable for implant placement in low-RBH sites. Full article

Purpose: Tympanostomy tubes are essential for middle ear ventilation, but conventional long-term tubes carry high perforation rates (12–22%). This study evaluated the Tympanostomy U-Tube (TUT), a novel silicone-based tube designed to minimize perforation risk by redistributing pressure away from the tympanic membrane rim. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 192 ears in children aged 1–4 years who underwent TUT insertion for chronic otitis media with effusion or recurrent acute otitis media. The primary outcomes were tube insertion time and the permanent perforation rate. Mean follow-up was 38.4 months. Results: Mean tube insertion time was 21.6 months. Spontaneous extrusion occurred in 18.2% of ears (mean 24.5 months), while 81.8% underwent elective removal (mean 21.0 months). Permanent perforation developed in only 4 ears (2.08%; 95% CI: 0.6–5.2%), substantially lower than rates reported in the literature for conventional long-term tubes (12–22%), although the retrospective design and reliance on historical controls limit direct comparison. Complications were minimal, with otorrhea (36%) responding to topical therapy. Office-based removal was successful in all cases. Conclusions: The TUT provides intermediate-duration ventilation with a perforation rate comparable to that of short-term tubes, while avoiding the high perforation rates of conventional long-term tubes. Prospective randomized trials are needed to validate these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) is a chronic, immune-mediated complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can progress to corneal ulceration or perforation. These cases are often refractory to standard therapy and present a high risk of graft failure after keratoplasty. We report a case of oGVHD-related corneal perforation successfully managed with a novel amniotic membrane-assisted “envelope” technique during corneal transplantation. Case Report: A 42-year-old man with chronic oGVHD and a full-thickness corneal perforation underwent urgent repair with a lamellar patch graft completely wrapped in cryopreserved amniotic membrane, followed by penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) using an amniotic membrane envelope surrounding the donor lenticule. Results: The amniotic membrane provided a 360° biological barrier that isolated graft antigens from the inflammatory environment while supporting epithelial healing and stromal remodeling. Despite recurrent inflammatory episodes and multiple procedures—including cataract extraction, pars plana vitrectomy, and multilayer amniotic membrane transplantation—the graft remained clear and stable at 12-month follow-up, achieving a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40. Conclusions: The amniotic membrane envelope technique may represent a valuable adjunct in managing high-risk corneal perforations secondary to oGVHD. By combining immune modulation and regenerative support, this approach can enhance tectonic stability, reduce rejection risk, and promote durable surface recovery, potentially delaying or avoiding keratoprosthesis in refractory cases. Full article

To sustain high-throughput extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, pellicles with high transmittance are essential. As conventional methods—such as material optimization and membrane thinning—have reached their practical limits, alternative strategies are now required. In this study, we investigate an alternative hole-patterned pellicle architecture that introduces a geometric degree of freedom beyond that of continuous-film architectures. EUV transmittance measurements show that transmittance increases with open ratio (OR), following the absorption-limited trend predicted by an OR-based upper bound model, while exhibiting a measurable deviation at higher OR. To provide structural insight into this deviation, pseudo-spectral time domain (PSTD) simulations were performed under scanner-relevant numerical aperture and illumination conditions, solely to extract qualitative angular redistribution trends associated with hole geometry. Lithographic aerial-image simulations indicate that pattern distortion effects emerge only under highly coherent illumination and are suppressed as radius sigma σ_r increases. Mechanical characterization using bulge tests reveals distinct pressure–deflection behavior in hole-patterned membranes compared with continuous films, including earlier pressure saturation and modified burst-failure statistics. Although a modest reduction in mean burst pressure is observed, the hole-patterned membranes exhibit a narrower failure distribution, reflecting altered defect sensitivity. Taken together, the results demonstrate how periodic perforation influences transmittance behavior and mechanical response, providing design-relevant trends that complement existing material- and thickness-based pellicle optimization approaches. Full article

Numerous modern scientific studies have demonstrated that animal venoms harbor a wealth of diverse anticancer active components, serving as a valuable resource for the development of natural antitumor drugs. AI-based computation and prediction models enable rapid screening of extensive active peptides. In this study, the anticancer activity of seven peptides was predicted using our previous deep learning model. Further verification experiments confirmed that Lpep3 can selectively and efficiently inhibit the growth of leukemia cells. Electron microscopy observations revealed cell shrinkage in morphology and honeycomb-like perforations on the cell membrane in the treated group. It is hypothesized that high-concentration peptides disrupt the cell membrane and increase cell permeability, which was confirmed by trypan blue staining and Calcein-AM/PI double-staining assays. Lpep3 induces the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ATP in a concentration-dependent manner, further suggesting that this peptide disrupts the cell membrane. In addition, although Lpep3 does not affect the cell cycle of MV-4-11, it can induce cell apoptosis. Western blotting and RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of Bax were upregulated, while the expression level of Bcl-2 protein was downregulated in the Lpep3 group. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Lpep3 has good biological safety, and compared with the control group, the Lpep3 group could inhibit the growth of tumor cells in mice. Collectively, Lpep3 is characterized by high potency and specificity and may serve as a promising lead compound for the development of anti-leukemia drugs. Full article

Introduction: Allogeneic penetrating limbo-keratoplasty (limbo-PK) is one of the surgical methods for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). We report real-life results on different entities. Methods: Patients treated with limbo-PK at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Medical Center Mainz were evaluated retrospectively. The primary endpoint was the epithelialization of the graft one year postoperatively. In addition, the postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular concomitant diseases, drug treatment, and the need for further eye surgery postoperatively were examined. Results: We included 14 eyes of 13 patients (4 female) aged 59.8 ± 14.1 years who underwent limbo-PK between 2020 and 2024. Indications for limbo-PK included chemical burns (n = 4), blast injuries (n = 4), thermal burns (n = 2), trauma (n = 1) graft-versus-host disease (n = 1), and ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia (EEC) (n = 1). The mean preoperative BCVA was 2.2 ± 0.6 logMAR (range: light perception to 0.7 logMAR). Four limbo-PK-grafts were HLA-typed. All limbo-PKs were combined with amniotic membrane transplantation; three with cataract surgery and one with tarsorrhaphy. Postoperatively, all patients received local immunosuppression, and 12 (85.7%) received additional systemic immunosuppression. At one-year follow-up mean BCVA increased to 1.0 ± 0.7 logMAR (range: 2.3 to 0.1, p-value = 0.03) and 11 of 14 eyes showed a functional graft with closed epithelium. In the further postoperative course, four patients needed a further Limbo-PK due to graft failure (n = 2), immune graft rejection after stopping local immunosuppressive therapy (n = 1) and perforation of the graft in a severe case of GvHd (n = 1). Conclusions: Limbo-PK is an effective surgical method for the treatment of LSCD. In our study cohort, we observed a significant improvement in mean BCVA one year postoperatively, with a functional, epithelialized graft achieved in 11 of 14 eyes. Full article

Background: Maxillary sinus floor augmentation is widely used to enable implant placement in the atrophic posterior maxilla, yet comparative data for porcine-derived xenografts remain limited. Objective: To evaluate long-term bone regeneration and implant outcomes following sinus augmentation using a collagenated porcine xenograft. Methods: This paper reports a retrospective case series of three partially edentulous patients (aged 46–56 years) who underwent lateral sinus augmentation with a small-particle collagenated porcine xenograft (THE Graft™, Purgo Biologics, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea) and staged implant placement. In one case, a controlled perforation of the Schneiderian membrane was performed to access and remove a sinus mucocele, followed by repair using a resorbable collagen membrane. Core biopsies were harvested at implant placement for histology (hematoxylin-eosin, Masson–Goldner) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Clinical outcomes included surgical events, vertical bone gain, marginal bone levels, and implant survival at long-term follow-up. Results: Healing was uneventful in all cases. Mean vertical bone gain was 12.0 mm (baseline 1.33 mm to 13.33 mm final). At a mean 46.8-month follow-up (range 38.3–52.2 months), 100% of implants were functional without failure; marginal bone loss remained < 1 mm during the first year and was stable thereafter. Histology at 3.7, 4.7, and 7.5 months showed vascularized new trabecular bone intimately contacting residual xenograft particles (new bone 20–30%, residual biomaterial 30–40%, connective tissue 30–50%). TRAP-positive multinucleated giant cells at 7.5 months indicated ongoing biomaterial degradation without severe inflammatory reactions. Conclusions: Within the limits of a small case series, collagenated porcine xenograft supported predictable bone regeneration and stable long-term implant function after sinus floor elevation, with favorable histologic integration and gradual resorption. Full article

Background/Objective: To outline strategies for the safe clinical use of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices (TADs) by analyzing papers that examine associated risks, complications, and approaches for their prevention and resolution. Methods: The research protocol used PubMed, Medline, and Scopus up to May 2024, focusing on controlled and randomized clinical trials aligned with the review objective. Fourteen studies were included; bias risk was assessed, key data extracted, and a descriptive analysis performed. Study quality and evidence strength were also evaluated. Results: TADs optimize anchorage control without relying on patient compliance. However, they carry risks and complications. TAD contact with the periodontal ligament or root without pulp involvement requires removal for spontaneous healing. If pulp is involved, the TAD should be removed and endodontic therapy performed. If anatomical structures are violated, TAD should be removed. If transient, spontaneous recovery occurs, but sometimes pharmacological treatment may be needed. A 2 mm gap between the TAD and surrounding structures can prevent damage. In the maxillary sinus, a less than 2 mm perforation of the Schneiderian membrane recovers spontaneously; wider perforations require TAD removal. Good oral hygiene and TAD abutments prevent soft tissue inflammation, which resolves with 0.2% chlorhexidine for 14 days. Unwanted forces can cause TAD fractures, requiring removal. Minor TAD mobility due to loss of primary stability can be maintained; significant instability requires repositioning. Conclusions: The use of TADs requires meticulous planning, radiological guidance, and monitoring to minimize risks and manage complications. With proper care, TADs improve orthodontic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Full article

Underwater acoustics is the optimal method for long-distance information transmission in aquatic environments. Hydrophones, as the core component of sonar systems, have found widespread application across multiple fields. However, existing types of hydrophones exhibit limited detection capabilities under low-signal conditions. To enhance low-frequency long-range detection performance, the development of new hydrophones featuring low power consumption, low frequency, high sensitivity, and miniaturization has become a research priority, with breakthroughs sought in the principle of electroacoustic conversion. Therefore, this study designed a frustum-cone triboelectric hydrophone (FCTH) based on friction layer materials, utilizing an indium-tin oxide (ITO) flexible conductive film on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. The sensor consists of a waterproof, sound-transparent polyurethane flow guide, silicone oil, and a frustum-cone triboelectric sensing unit based on a coupled membrane–cavity structure. The frustum-cone triboelectric sensing unit, based on a thin-film-perforated-tube resonance structure, enables omnidirectional detection of low-frequency hydroacoustic signals. The miniaturized design significantly reduces the volume of the FCTH. The acoustic–electric conversion relationship of the FCTH was derived using acoustic theory, thin-film vibration theory, and Maxwell’s displacement current theory. Furthermore, the low-frequency response characteristics of the frustum-cone triboelectric sensing unit were analyzed. The FCTH achieves a wide-frequency response ranging from 50 Hz to 12,000 Hz, with omnidirectional sensitivity and a maximum sensitivity of −174.6 dB. The FCTH achieves a wide-frequency response capability of 50 Hz to 12,000 Hz, with omnidirectional sensitivity and a maximum sensitivity of −174.6 dB. Additionally, through acoustic signal acquisition experiments in air, indoor, and outdoor water environments, the FCTH has been validated to possess excellent underwater acoustic detection performance and application potential across multiple scenarios. Full article

Covered stents have made a significant contribution to managing coronary artery perforation (CAP). Biocompatibility and toughness are critical properties for the covering membrane of covered stents. The mismatch between covered stents and patient coronary arteries in the clinic restricts the application of covered stents for emergency CAP. The ability to rapidly in situ coating of the stent at the rescue scene has so far been elusive, especially for small-diameter coronary artery covered stents. Here, we investigate a rapid coating technology of covered stents with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/dibutyl phthalate (DBP) covering membrane for CAP. The highly tough membrane and the short coating timeframe make it possible to prepare the covered stent suitable for patients with emergency CAP. In vitro cell assays demonstrated the excellent biocompatibility of the covering membrane. Moreover, in vivo evaluation in a rabbit model demonstrated successful delivery of the covered stent through the sheath system and effective sealing of vascular perforation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Perforation of the maxillary sinus floor by dental implants is a complication that can occur during treatment in posterior sectors; however, its clinical and radiological consequences remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to use the diagnostic value of CBCT to determine the possible association between sinus floor-perforating implants and their clinical and/or radiological impact. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on CBCT scans from 21 patients with implants protruding into the maxillary sinus. Morphometric analysis was performed to assess sinus membrane thickening (SMT) patterns, height, surface area and density and the presence of sinonasal symptoms. Statistical analysis was used to explore potential associations between SMT and variables such as implant protrusion length, number of perforating implants, age and gender. Results: SMT was observed in all patients, with a mean area of 11.1 ± 6.4 mm² in panoramic sections. Most cases (85.7%) exhibited a circumferential SMT pattern. No statistically significant correlation was found between SMT and implant protrusion length, age or sex. Additionally, none of the patients reported sinonasal symptoms, and no clinical signs of sinusitis were detected during follow-up. Conclusions: Although sinus floor-perforating implants commonly induce SMT detectable on CBCT, this thickening appears largely asymptomatic and may not compromise patient well-being in the short term. Nevertheless, clinicians should monitor these cases radiographically to detect possible long-term complications. Full article

Background: Permanent cancer resolution requires a complete immunological response with generation of memory against malignant cells. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) achieves this by coupling cell death with the emission of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Current cancer treatments immunosuppress the host; thus, new alternatives are needed. Ganoderma species produce anticancer triterpenoids (GTs); however, their mechanism remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review aims to provide insights into GTs’ pharmacodynamics and assess hypothetical ICD potential. Methods: Web of Science and PubMed databases were consulted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies from inception until 2024, reporting molecular changes associated with GTs’ anticancer effects, were considered. Nonhuman models were excluded. GTs and GTs-ICD converging molecular targets were listed and submitted to Cytoscape’s stringApp to construct protein interaction networks. Topological and enrichment analysis were performed. Results: A total of 204 articles were found, and 69 remained after screening. Overall anticancer effects include loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA and RNA damage, autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and leukocyte activation. 136 molecular targets of GTs were identified; upregulated proteins include CHOP, PERK, p-eIF2α, and HSP70, a key DAMP. GTs and ICD share 24 molecular targets. GO:BP and KEGG enrichment analysis suggest that GTs’ anticancer effects are related to stress response, cell death regulation, and PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint inhibition. GT-ICD enrichment converges on endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response, and organelle membrane perforation. Conclusions: GTs exhibit polypharmacological anticancer effects, including anti-immunosuppression, upregulation of ICD-adjacent machinery, and even an increase in HSP. However, further studies are required to confirm a proper causal link between GTs’ cancer cell treatment and DAMP emission. Full article

Grifola frondosa is a rare fungus valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, its bacterial spot disease has been largely overlooked. Thus, this study systematically investigated, isolated, and identified the pathogen and evaluated control strategies for bacterial spot disease affecting G. frondosa cultivation in Qingyuan County, Zhejiang Province. Through integrated morphological, physiological and biochemical analysis, and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (16S rRNA, gyrB), Priestia aryabhattai was identified as the causal pathogen. This pathogen exhibited host specificity, infecting only G. frondosa and Pleurotus ostreatus, inducing primordial growth arrest and causing spots on the stipe of mature fruiting bodies. Control assessments revealed significant antimicrobial efficacy for four chemical agents, benziothiazolinone, copper sulfate, ethylicin and tetramycin, three plant extracts, garlic, leek and onion, and two biocontrol strains, Chlorophyllum molybdites and Aspergillus fumigatus. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that these treatments caused ultrastructural damage to the pathogen’s cells, including membrane shrinkage, depression, and perforation. These findings establish key pathogenic characteristics and provide a scientific foundation for integrated disease management, supporting sustainable G. frondosa cultivation. Full article

The perforation of the tympanic membrane is a world-wide clinical problem resulting from trauma or infection and requiring effective regeneration methods. In recent years researchers have focused on natural polymers as promising materials for restoring the structure and function of the tympanic membrane. This review summarizes current advances in the use of natural polymers, such as silk fibroin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, collagen, bacterial cellulose, alginates and others, for the treatment of tympanic membrane perforations. The key properties of these materials are discussed, including their biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical strength, and ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation. The review also covers the potential of natural polymers and their combinations in tympanic membrane regeneration and suggests the directions for future research. Full article