Search Results (409)

Introduction: Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) is a new synthetic dermal substitute suitable for wound closure and tissue regeneration. The data in paediatric population remain limited. The study purpose is to review the indications for BTM application in paediatric patients; evaluate the short-term and long-term results, including complications and functional outcomes, as well as to share some unique observations regarding the use of BTM in paediatric population. Patients and Methods: Patients undergoing reconstructive surgery and BTM application during the last three years were included. Data collected included patient demographics, primary diagnosis, previous surgical management, post-operative complications and final outcomes. BTM was used in 32 patients. The indications varied including epidermolysis bullosa (n = 6), burns (n = 4), trauma (n = 7), infection (n = 4), ischemia or necrosis (n = 11). Results: The results were satisfying with acceptable aesthetic and functional outcomes. Complications included haematomaunderneath the BTM leading to BTM removal and re-application (n = 1), BTM infection (n = 1) and split-thickness skin graft failure on top of BTM requiring re-grafting (n = 2). Conclusions: BTM can be a good alternative to large skin grafts, locoregional flaps or even free flaps. The big advantages over other dermal substitutes or skin grafts are that BTM is less prone to infection and offers excellent scarring by preserving the normal skin architecture. Specifically in children, BTM might not require grafting, resulting in spontaneous healing with good scarring. In critically ill patients, BTM reduces the operation time and there is no donor site morbidity. BTM should be considered in the reconstructive ladder when discussing defect coverage options in children and young people. Full article

Background and Objectives: Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition that can be treated with continuous radiofrequency. However, its efficacy is not always optimal, with failure rates of 15–20%. It has been suggested that these failures may be due to incomplete nerve ablation, allowing for nerve regeneration and persistent pain. So, the aim of this study was to assess the histological effects of continuous radiofrequency on the nerves affected by Morton’s neuroma. Materials and Methods: The effect of continuous radiofrequency was evaluated in two patients with Morton’s neuroma, which required open surgery excision. In both cases, radiofrequency with a standard protocol was applied ex vivo, following the surgical excision of the neuroma. A TLG10 RF generator (90 °C, 90 s) with a monopolar needle with a 0.5 cm active tip was used. Subsequently, the samples were histologically analyzed to determine the degree of nerve ablation. Results: Histological analysis showed homogeneous focal necrosis in both cases, with lesion depths of 2.4 mm and 3.18 mm. However, areas of intact nerve tissue were identified at the periphery of the neuroma, suggesting incomplete ablation. Conclusions: The findings indicate that continuous radiofrequency does not guarantee total nerve ablation, which could explain recurrence in some cases. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring could be key to optimizing the procedure, ensuring complete interruption of nerve conduction and improving treatment efficacy. Full article

Sporadic Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects 3% of people over 65 years of age. People are living longer, thanks in large part to improvements in global health technology and health access for non-neurological diseases. Consequently, neurological diseases of senescence, such as PD, are representing an ever-increasing share of global disease burden. There is an intensifying research focus on the processes that underlie these conditions in the hope that neurological decay may be arrested at the earliest time point. The concept of neuronal death linked to ageing- neural senescence- first emerged in the 1800s. By the late 20th century, it was recognized that neurodegeneration was common to all ageing human brains, but in most cases, this process did not lead to clinical disease during life. Conditions such as PD are the result of accelerated neurodegeneration in particular brain foci. In the case of PD, degeneration of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) is especially implicated. Why neural degeneration accelerates in these particular regions remains a point of contention, though current evidence implicates a complex interplay between a vast array of neuronal cell functions, bioenergetic failure, and a dysfunctional brain immunological response. Their complexity is a considerable barrier to disease modification trials, which seek to intercept these maladaptive cell processes. This paper reviews current evidence in the domain of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, focusing on alpha-synuclein accumulation and deposition and the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in progressive brain changes. Recent approaches to disease modification are discussed, including the prevention or reversal of alpha-synuclein accumulation and deposition, modification of oxidative stress, alteration of maladaptive innate immune processes and reactive cascades, and regeneration of lost neurons using stem cells and growth factors. The limitations of past research methodologies are interrogated, including the difficulty of recruiting patients in the clinically quiescent prodromal phase of sporadic Parkinson’s disease. Recommendations are provided for future studies seeking to identify novel therapeutics with disease-modifying properties. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: The retreatment of failed dental implants remains a challenging clinical scenario, particularly when complicated by peri-implantitis and as sociated bone loss. Successful management requires a comprehensive and predictable approach that addresses both hard and soft tissue deficiencies. Case Presentation: This case report illustrates a fully digital, prosthetically driven workflow for the rehabilitation of a posterior mandibular site following implant failure. A 44-year-old female patient underwent removal of a failing implant and adjacent tooth due to advanced peri-implantitis and periodontitis. After healing, a digital workflow—including intraoral scanning, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and virtual planning—was employed to design and fabricate a customized CAD/CAM titanium mesh for vertical guided bone regeneration. The grafting procedure utilized a composite mixture of autogenous bone and anorganic bovine bone (A-Oss). After nine months of healing, two implants with a hydrophilic surface (SOI) were placed using a fully guided surgical protocol (OneGuide system). Subsequent soft tissue grafting and final prosthetic rehabilitation with monolithic zirconia restorations resulted in stable functional and aesthetic outcomes. Conclusions: This case highlights how the integration of modern digital technologies with advanced regenerative procedures and innovative implant surfaces can enhance the predictability and long-term success of implant retreatment in compromised posterior sites. Full article

Stem-cell behavior is governed not solely by intrinsic genetic programs but by highly specialized microenvironments—or niches—that integrate structural, biochemical, and mechanical cues to regulate quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation. This review traces the evolution of stem-cell niche biology from foundational embryological discoveries to its current role as a central determinant in tissue regeneration and disease. We describe the cellular and extracellular matrix architectures that define adult stem-cell niches across diverse organs and dissect conserved signaling axes—including Wnt, BMP, and Notch—that orchestrate lineage commitment. Emphasis is placed on how aging, inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic stress disrupt niche function, converting supportive environments into autonomous drivers of pathology. We then examine emerging therapeutic strategies that shift the regenerative paradigm from a stem-cell-centric to a niche-centric model. These include stromal targeting (e.g., FAP inhibition), which are engineered scaffolds that replicate native niche mechanics, extracellular vesicles that deliver paracrine cues, and composite constructs that preserve endogenous cell–matrix interactions. Particular attention is given to cardiac, hematopoietic, reproductive, and neurogenic niches, where clinical failures often reflect niche misalignment rather than intrinsic stem-cell deficits. We argue that successful regenerative interventions must treat stem cells and their microenvironment as an inseparable therapeutic unit. Future advances will depend on high-resolution niche mapping, mechanobiologically informed scaffold design, and niche-targeted clinical trials. Re-programming pathological niches may unlock regenerative outcomes that surpass classical cell therapies, marking a new era of microenvironmentally integrated medicine. Full article

Background: Solid tumors have long presented a significant challenge in the field of oncology due to their ability to develop resistance to multiple drugs, known as multidrug resistance (MDR). This phenomenon often leads to treatment failure and poor patient outcomes. In recent years, researchers have been exploring innovative approaches to combat MDR, including the use of hydrogels for localized drug delivery. Methods: Through the biological crosslinking of an MB-smDNA-MB agent to form a pH sensitive hydrogel matrix, we introduce the injection coating of a novel PVA-MB-smDNA-MB-Mxene (PMSDMM) carrier for Adriamycin (a potent chemotherapy drug) and miR-375 (as tumor-suppressive microRNA) delivery. Results: We aimed to enhance the effectiveness of drug delivery to solid tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity via the pH-sensitive characteristics of methylene blue at the end of smDNA as a dsDNA biological crosslinking agent, i.e., ^anti-miR-375 PMSDMM _ADR. Our hydrogel was shown to improve the release of the drug in the acid tumor environment. In the first 24 h, the cumulative release rate was higher at pH = 5.5 than at pH = 7.4. Conclusions: We show that this DNA bio-inspired PMSDMM hydrogel has potential in hydrogel injection applications for tumor suppression and tissue regeneration after the surgical resection of tumors. Full article

Under laboratory conditions for recording a small amount of data, the characteristics of the phenomena distribution become a limitation of machine learning and advanced deep learning concepts for the diagnosis and localization of mechanical wear faults. In this paper, we adopt the combination of the diffusion model and TTT (test-time training), based on the sample distribution of feature data under the laboratory conditions, and we use the pre-trained decoder to decode the data into a continuous potential representation of natural language for sampling, to achieve data regeneration. Subsequently, the TTT algorithm becomes a model with weights in the hidden state itself. The gradient step on the self-supervised loss is selected as the update rule, which is trained synchronously during the testing time, adhering to the concept of migration learning, to construct a high-dimensional mapping relationship between the feature parameters and the failure modes of the mechanical wear. The final validation results show that the diagnosis accuracy reaches more than 95% for six types of typical aero-engine mechanical wear faults. Full article

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and histological outcomes of patients that receive implant-supported crowns after vacuum plasma surface treatment (VPST) of biomaterials used in socket preservation (SP) and guided bone regeneration (GBR). Materials and methods: This study was designed as a case series. Patients in need of tooth extraction and socket preservation or guided bone regeneration were enrolled. The socket preservation technique was performed after tooth extraction using a heterologous collagen bone graft and a collagen xenomatrix, both activated with vacuum plasma. Meanwhile, a two-stage horizontal ridge augmentation was performed using a customized titanium mesh and a mix of autologous (untreated) and heterologous (treated) bone grafts, along with a treated collagen membrane. ACTILINK Reborn with Universal Vortex Holder (Plasmapp Co., Ltd., Daejeon, Republic of Korea) was used to treat all biomaterials. The outcome measures were implant and prosthesis failures, complications, and histological examination. Soft and hard tissue samples were collected at the time of implant placement only in patients treated with SP. Results: A total of six patients were treated—three with socket preservation and delayed implant placement, and three with staged GBR. No implant or prosthesis failed. One customized titanium mesh broke after plasma treatment, requiring replacement with a pericardium membrane. No other complications occurred. Histological analysis at three months post-surgery revealed well-vascularized newly formed bone at different stages of maturation with integrated bone graft particles, while the soft tissue appeared to be physiologically structured. Conclusion: VPST may enhance the hydrophilicity of biomaterials, supporting favorable healing outcomes in SP and GBR. Further randomized controlled trials with appropriate sample size calculations are needed to confirm these preliminary results. Full article

In Maxillofacial Reconstruction Applications (MRA), nonunion is one of the critical complications after the reconstruction process and fracture treatment, including bone grafts and vascularized flap. Nonunion describes the failure of a fractured bone to heal and mend after an extended period. Different systems and methods have been developed to monitor bone regeneration and fracture healing during and after the treatment. However, the developed systems have limitations and are yet to be used in MRA. The proposed smart reconstruction plate is a microdevice that could be used in MRA for wireless monitoring of fracture healing by measuring the forces applied to the reconstruction plate. The device is wireless and can transmit the acquired data to a human–machine interface or an application. The designed system is small and suitable for use in MRA. The results of finite element analysis, as well as experimental verification, showed the functionality of the proposed system in measuring small changes on the surface strain of the reconstruction plate and determining the corresponding load. By using the proposed system, continuous monitoring of bone regeneration and fracture healing in oral and maxillofacial areas is possible. Full article

With the large-scale application of lithium-ion batteries in the field of new energy, many retired lithium batteries not only cause environmental pollution problems but also lead to serious waste of resources. Repairing failed lithium batteries and regenerating new materials has become a crucial path to break through this dilemma. Based on the research on the failure mechanism of ternary cathode materials, this paper systematically combs through the multiple factors leading to their failure, extensively summarizes the influence of heat treatment process parameters on the performance of recycled materials, and explores the synergistic effect between heat treatment technology and other processes. Studies have shown that the failure of ternary cathode materials is mainly attributed to factors such as cation mixing disorder, the generation of microcracks, phase structure transformation, and the accumulation of by-products. Among them, cation mixing disorder damages the crystal structure of the material, microcracks accelerate the pulverization of the active substance, phase structure transformation leads to lattice distortion, and the generation of by-products will hinder ion transport. The revelation of these failure mechanisms lays a theoretical foundation for the efficient recycling of waste materials. In terms of recycling technology, this paper focuses on the application of heat treatment technology. On the one hand, through synergy with element doping and surface coating technologies, heat treatment can effectively improve the crystal structure and surface properties of the material. On the other hand, when combined with processes such as the molten salt method, coprecipitation method, and hydrothermal method, heat treatment can further optimize the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the material. Specifically, heat treatment plays multiple key roles in the recycling process of ternary cathode materials: repairing crystal structure defects, enhancing the electrochemical performance of the material, removing impurities, and promoting the uniform distribution of elements. It is a core link to achieving the efficient reuse of waste ternary cathode materials. Full article

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, resulting from ischemic damage and necrosis to cardiomyocytes. While the standard treatment regimen for MI can be successful in restoring coronary perfusion, it typically does not resolve myocardial damage, which can leave patients particularly vulnerable to complications such as heart failure or electrical conduction abnormalities. Stem cell therapies offer a promising novel approach aimed at restoring cardiac function and decreasing the incidence of functional complications after an MI. This review used a literature search to evaluate the current landscape of stem cell therapy for post-MI recovery and focuses on the stem cell candidates for MI recovery therapy, delivery methods of such treatment, and their effectiveness. Both preclinical and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of stem cells, but have struggled with limited cell retention, inconsistent efficacy, and survival. Mechanisms are employed by stem cells to promote regeneration, such as paracrine signaling, angiogenesis, and structural remodeling, in addition to the various stem cell delivery methods, including intracoronary infusion, direct myocardial injection, and intravenous administration. Furthermore, some strategies to combat past challenges in this field are discussed; for instance, extracellular vesicles, bioengineered patches, hydrogels, gene editing, and bioprinting. This article will provide a framework for future research in stem cell therapies and highlight the current progress in the field. Full article

Small vascular graft engineering may help reduce early vein graft failure. We assessed the feasibility, safety, and in vivo vascular regeneration potential of the decellularised human saphenous vein (D-hSV) with and without pre-seeding with porcine endothelial-like cells (ELCs) following grafting in porcine carotid artery (CA). A total of 14 pigs received CA grafting of control D-hSVs (n = 7) or D-hSVs seeded with ELCs (SD-hSV; n = 7). Ultrasound vascular Doppler was undertaken before and after grafting, and at 4 weeks. Outcome measures included patency, intimal thickening (IT), in situ vascular regeneration, endothelial cell (EC) coverage, neo-angiogenesis, mesenchymal–EC transition, and contractile cells. All animals reached the predefined culling point in good health, with no feasibility/safety concerns. Mild graft dilatation occurred at 4 weeks vs. baseline, with no difference between groups. In total, 9/14 grafts (64.3%) remained patent at 4 weeks (4/7 (57.1%) vs. 5/7 (71.4%) in the D-hSV and SD-hSV groups, respectively). IT increased from 17.1 ± 4.7% at baseline to 54.1 ± 12.2% at 4 weeks. Vascular regeneration occurred in all patent grafts with EC coverage, an increase in collagen and elastin, vimentin, SM-MHC-11, and calponin, with no difference between groups. The D-hSV for arterial vascular grafting is feasible and safe and associated with signs of in situ vascular regeneration by host cells at 4 weeks. Pre-seeding with ELCs did not add benefits. Full article

Implant–prosthetic rehabilitation of the posterior edentulous maxilla is challenging due to inadequate bone volume resulting from alveolar ridge resorption and maxillary sinus pneumatization. This study explores the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) as a biomaterial in maxillary sinus elevation, particularly in combination with a fluid dynamic approach, as an alternative to traditional lateral approaches and granular biomaterials. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 58 patients with posterior maxillary edentulism. Preoperative CBCT scans assessed residual bone height and sinus width. A minimally invasive surgical protocol utilizing a device for fluid-dynamic membrane elevation and injection of 2% cross-linked hyaluronic acid was employed, followed by simultaneous implant placement. Postoperative follow-up included a CBCT scan at 12 months to evaluate new bone height, measured mesially and distally. Implant stability was assessed using resonance frequency analysis at second-stage surgery. Results: A significant increase in bone height was observed at 12 months post-surgery, with an average bone gain of 7.5 mm. All 58 implants achieved primary stability, and no implant failures or signs of peri-implantitis were noted during the follow-up period. Higher bone gain was observed in wider sinuses. Conclusions: The fluid-dynamic transcrestal sinus floor elevation technique combined with hyaluronic acid appears to be a minimally invasive and effective method for achieving significant bone regeneration in the posterior maxilla, facilitating implant–prosthetic rehabilitation with potentially low risks and morbidity. Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these findings across diverse clinical scenarios. Full article

Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2, also known as CTGF) is a complex protein that regulates numerous cellular functions. This biomolecule exhibits dual functions, depending on the context, and can act as a matricellular protein or as a growth factor. CCN2 is an established marker of fibrosis and a well-known mediator of kidney damage, involved in the regulation of inflammation, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell death, and activation of tubular epithelial cell (TECs) senescence. In response to kidney damage, cellular senescence mechanisms are activated, linked to regeneration failure and progression to fibrosis. Our preclinical studies using a total conditional CCN2 knockout mouse demonstrate that CCN2 plays a significant role in the development of a senescence phenotype after exposure to a nephrotoxic agent. CCN2 induces cell growth arrest in TECs, both in the early phase and in the chronic phase of folic acid nephropathy (FAN), associated with cell-death/necroinflammation and fibrosis, respectively. Renal CCN2 overexpression was found to be linked to excessive collagen accumulation in tubulointerstitial areas, microvascular rarefaction, and a decline in renal function, which were observed three weeks following the initial injury. All these findings were markedly diminished in conditional CCN2 knockout mice. In the FAN model, injured senescent TECs are associated with microvascular rarefaction, and both were modulated by CCN2. In primary cultured endothelial cells, as previously described in TECs, CCN2 directly induced senescence. The findings collectively demonstrate the complexity of CCN2, highlight the pivotal role of cellular senescence as an important mechanism in renal injury, and underscore the critical function of this biomolecule in kidney damage progression. Full article

Stem cell-based therapies are an emerging treatment modality aimed at replenishing lost cardiomyocytes and improving myocardial function after cardiac injury. This review examines the current state of research on injectable stem cell therapies in the setting of cardiovascular disease given their relative simplicity and ability for deep myocardial tissue penetration. Various methods of cell delivery, ranging in level of invasiveness and procedural complexity, have been developed, and numerous cell types have been studied as potential sources of stem cells, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. We discuss key challenges associated with this approach, including low stem cell retention after transplantation and the innovative biomolecular strategies that have been explored to address this issue. Overall, investigations into the application of stem cells toward cardiac regeneration remain predominantly in the preclinical stage with a number of small, early-phase clinical trials. However, continued scientific advancements in stem cell technology may provide transformative treatment options for patients with heart failure, offering improved survival and quality of life. Full article