Search Results (16,041)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central retina, is pathologically defined by the irreversible degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), coupled with extracellular drusen deposition and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and AMD constitutes the predominant etiological factor for irreversible vision impairment in adults aged ≥60 years. Cell-based or cell-biomaterial scaffold-based approaches have been popular in recent years as a major research direction for AMD; monotherapy with cell-based approaches typically involves subretinal injection of progenitor-derived or stem cell-derived RPE cells to restore retinal homeostasis. Meanwhile, cell-biomaterial scaffolds delivered to the lesion site by vector transplantation have been widely developed, and the implanted cell-biomaterial scaffolds can promote the reintegration of cells at the lesion site and solve the problems of translocation and discrete cellular structure produced by cell injection. While these therapeutic strategies demonstrate preliminary efficacy, rigorous preclinical validation and clinical trials remain imperative to validate their long-term safety, functional durability, and therapeutic consistency. This review synthesizes current advancements and translational challenges in cell-based and cell-biomaterial scaffold approaches for AMD, aiming to inform future development of targeted interventions for AMD pathogenesis and management. Full article

Background: The attractiveness of the central area (the so-called mid-face area or middle third) has a strong impact on the observer, and the treatment of aging in this area is therefore considered a key component in facial rejuvenation. A standardized photographic and three-dimensional analysis was conducted in this observational study to determine the outcome of volumetric restoration procedures of the mid-face area with HA injection, providing an objective, repetitive, and reliable evaluation of this facial rejuvenation technique. Methods: In total, 47 patients were treated with two types of HA-based dermal fillers, and calibrated, stereoscopic images of the face were taken with volume reconstruction and analysis software performed before (t0), 45 days after HA implantation (t1), and at the check-up after the end of follow-up (t2). Results: In total, 39 out of 47 patients completed the study, which showed an overall volume restoration of 4.46 ± 1.34 mL at 45 days (t0–t1) after HA implantation, maintaining a value of 1.23 ± 0.68 mL at the end of the 318-day follow-up (t0–t2). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that rejuvenation of the mid-facial region through volumetric restoration with an HA filler leads to an indirect volumetric effect that is clinically more significant than the actual injected volume and equally long-lasting. Full article

Nowadays, custom-made subperiosteal implants are emerging as a solution in all those cases where there is lack of healthy bone tissue to support endosseous implants. The development of innovative techniques has allowed the production of grids that precisely match the patient’s anatomy. Elucidating the impact of laser-melted Ti6Al4V grids on both hard and soft tissues with which they come into contact is, therefore, mandatory. In this study, we analyzed the effects of five different surface treatments on a human osteoblast-like cell line (MG-63). In particular, the cell proliferation and osteogenic response were evaluated. Taken together, our data demonstrate that in our in vitro setting, the new surface treatment developed by Al Ti color could enhance osteogenesis and improve the stabilization of the implant to the residual bone by stimulating the best osteogenic response in MG-63 cells. Although further studies are required to validate our data in an in vivo model, our results provide the basis for future advances in implantology for the long-term maintenance of osseointegration. Full article

Stainless steel (SS) 316l constitutes a popular biomaterial with various applications as implants in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery, as well as in dentistry. Nevertheless, its cytocompatibility against neuronal cells has not been investigated, a feature that is important for the construction of implants that require contact with neurons, e.g., neuronal electrodes. In addition, most cytocompatibility studies have focused on decorated or surface-modified SS 316l. On the other hand, SH-SY5Y cells are an established cellular model for cytocompatibility studies of potential biomaterials given their ability to differentiate into neuron-like cells. Here, we used retinoic-acid-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and SH-SY5Y controls to investigate the cytocompatibility and biomimetics of uncoated SS 316l. The assessment of cytocompatibility was based on the determination of differentiation markers by immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and the neurite growth of these cells attached on SS 316l and standard tissue culture polystyrene (TCP) surfaces. Even though the neurite length was shorter in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells grown on SS 316l, no other significant changes were found. In conclusion, our results suggest that the uncoated SS 316l mimics a natural bio-surface and allows the adhesion, growth, and differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. Therefore, this alloy can be directly applied in the emerging field of biomimetics, especially for the development of implants or devices that contact neurons. Full article

Background: Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a prevalent congenital heart condition, resulting in left-to-right shunting. Untreated ASDs may be associated with complications, including right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and atrial arrhythmias. Percutaneous ASD closure, performed with various occluder devices, has become the preferred approach for symptomatic patients with suitable anatomy, yet data on device-specific efficacy and safety profiles remain limited. Methods: This study was a retrospective, single-center analysis involving patients who underwent percutaneous ASD closure between January 2000 and February 2023. Data on patient characteristics, indications for the procedure, procedural details, and clinical outcomes were extracted from electronic medical records. Endpoints included complications at the puncture site, pericardial effusion, atrial arrhythmias, device-related thrombus formation, and overall survival. Results: A total of 195 patients were included (mean age 53.6 ± 16.2 years; 60.5% female). Three different devices were used: Amplatzer ASD occluder (n = 111), Gore Septal Occluder (n = 67), and Occlutech ASD occluder (n = 17). Initial procedural success rate was 90.8%, with no significant differences observed between devices. Periprocedural complication rates were low and comparable across all devices. New-onset atrial fibrillation within the first month post-implantation occurred in 7.5% of patients with the Gore device, compared to 0.9% with the Amplatzer device (p = 0.03) and 0% with the Occlutech device. No statistically significant differences were observed among the devices regarding thrombus formation, late-onset pericardial effusion, device erosion, or stroke. Conclusions: Percutaneous ASD closure demonstrates high procedural success and low complication rates across different occluder devices, supporting its efficacy and safety as a treatment for adults. Although the Gore device showed a higher incidence of new-onset AF compared to the Amplatzer device, no significant differences were observed regarding thrombus formation, pericardial effusion, device erosion or stroke. Full article

Developmental dysplasia of the hip, particularly Crowe type IV, presents significant challenges in orthopedic surgery due to severe anatomical deformities and biomechanical instability. This study focuses on evaluating the biomechanical performance of a prosthesis–femur–derotation plate system designed to address these challenges. Using FEA, a comprehensive assessment of stress distribution, displacement, and safety factors was conducted under physiological loading conditions. The derotation plate was specifically engineered to stabilize the femur and restore the anatomical and biomechanical axis of the limb. Results demonstrated that the derotation plate effectively eliminated rotational and axial displacement, with a peak displacement of 0.08 mm, and maintained sufficient strength reserves, with a minimum safety factor of 3.63. The maximum von Mises stress in the plate was 76 MPa, significantly below the yield strength of the titanium alloy, ensuring long-term durability and reliability. The system as a whole exhibited favorable biomechanical properties, confirming its ability to manage high stress loads without the risk of material failure or instability. These findings underscore the potential of this novel system to improve surgical outcomes in complex cases of hip dysplasia. Future clinical trials will further validate its practical utility, providing valuable insights for advancing orthopedic implant design and patient care. Full article

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have emerged as promising biomaterials for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications, thanks to their good biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties close to that of natural bone. However, the rapid degradation of Mg in physiological environments and limited mechanical performance tend to compromise the structural integrity of implants before healing is complete. These drawbacks have been heavily limiting the application of Mg and its alloys as biomaterials. In this paper, we review recent advancements in two common solutions to these problems: alloying and surface treatment, with a focus on controlling the corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, and biocompatibility of Mg-based biomaterials. Full article

Background: Breast reconstruction (BR) following mastectomy plays a critical role in restoring breast contour and improving patients’ quality of life. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have emerged as valuable adjuncts in BR, providing structural support and enhancing soft tissue integration. However, their radiological characteristics remain underexplored, leading to potential misinterpretation and diagnostic challenges. This study aims to evaluate the imaging features of ADM in post-mastectomy patients using conventional imaging modalities, identifying its temporal evolution and clinical implications for radiologists and surgeons. Materials and Methods: This single-centre retrospective study included breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy followed by ADM-assisted BR. Patients were monitored using standardised radiological follow-up protocols, including digital mammography (DM) and ultrasound (US), at 6 (T0), 12 (T1), and 18 months (T2) postoperatively. The primary outcomes assessed were the presence and evolution of ADM-related imaging findings, differentiation between normal ADM integration and pathological changes, and the role of different imaging modalities in ADM evaluation. Results: Sixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent radiological follow-up. At T0, ADM was identified in 16% of cases, primarily as a peri-capsular hypoechoic thickening on US and a linear peri-implant density on DM. At T1, these findings were partially resolved, with 11% of cases still displaying peri-capsular changes. By T2, imaging signs of ADM were further reduced, with only 7% of cases showing residual peri-capsular thickening or pseudonodular formations. No ADM-related complications, graft rejection, or implant loss were detected. These findings suggest a progressive integration of ADM into the host tissue over time, with characteristic imaging changes that must be recognised to avoid misdiagnosis or unnecessary interventions. Conclusions: ADM exhibits a dynamic radiological evolution in post-mastectomy BR, with its imaging characteristics gradually fading. Recognising these features is critical for radiologists and surgeons to ensure accurate interpretation and optimised patient management. A structured imaging follow-up protocol, incorporating US as the primary modality and MRI in cases of inconclusive findings, is recommended to improve diagnostic accuracy. Future multicentre studies with extended follow-up and advanced imaging techniques are necessary to refine radiological criteria and further explore ADM integration patterns. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to enhance clinical decision-making, reduce unnecessary interventions, and optimise patient outcomes in ADM-assisted BR. Full article

The long-term success of bone implant scaffolds depends on numerous factors, such as their porosity, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. These properties depend on the type of material, such as metals and their alloys or ceramics, and the procedure used to create the scaffolds. This study aims to find the biomimetic properties of aluminum 6061 (Al 6061) alloy through Digital Light Processing (DLP) and sintering. Hollow cylindrical Al 6061 samples are printed through the DLP process at 90, 110, and 130 Wt.% aluminum powder concentrations inside a photocurable resin. The ideal temperature at which the material is sintered is 550 °C for 130 and 110 Wt.% and 530 °C for 90 Wt.%. The overall pore size ranges in the Al 6061 of these three concentrations from 30 μm to 700 μm. The compression test revealed the materials’ Ultimate Tensile Strengths (UTSs) to be 1.72, 2.2, and 1.78 MPa for the 90, 110, and 130 Wt.% materials, respectively. A simulation of the Al 6061 material as linear isotropic resulted in the UTS being 2.2 MPa. This novel hybrid of the additive manufacturing method and sintering created a scaffold model with anisotropic properties closer to trabecular bone, which could be used to observe fracture progression and could be tested for implant capabilities. Full article

We study a system of ultra-cold dipolar Bose gas atoms confined in a two-dimensional (2D) harmonic trap with a dipolar impurity implanted at the center of the trap. Due to recent experimental progress in dipolar condensates, we focused on calculating properties of dipolar impurity systems that might guide experimentalists if they choose to study impurities in dipolar gases. We used the Gross–Pitaevskii formalism solved numerically via the split-step Crank–Nicolson method. We chose parameters of the background gas to be consistent with dysprosium (Dy), one of the strongest magnetic dipoles and of current experimental interest, and used chromium (Cr), erbium (Er), terbium (Tb), and Dy for the impurity. The dipole moments were aligned by an external field along what was chosen to be the z-axis, and we studied 2D confinements that were perpendicular or parallel to the external field. We show density contour plots for the two confinements, 1D cross-sections of the densities, calculated self-energies of the impurities while varying both number of atoms in the condensate and the symmetry of the trap. We also calculated the time evolution of the density of an initially pure system where an impurity is introduced. Our results show that while the self-energy increases in magnitude with increasing number of particles, it is reduced when the trap anisotropy follows the natural anisotropy of the gas, i.e., elongated along the z-axis in the case of parallel confinement. This work builds upon work conducted in Bose gases with zero-range interactions and demonstrates some of the features that could be found when exploring dipolar impurities in 2D Bose gases. Full article

Porcine recombinant NK-lysin (prNK-lysin) has been shown to inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro. However, its effects on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vivo remain unclear. In this study, an allograft murine model using the murine HCC cell line Hepa1-6 was employed to investigate the anticancer effects of prNK-lysin. Initially, the in vitro anticancer efficacy of prNK-lysin was evaluated in Hepa1-6 cells, demonstrating that prNK-lysin effectively inhibited both proliferation and metastasis. These effects were mediated through the induction of oncosis and suppression of Fascin-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 protein expressions. Subsequently, the in vivo anticancer efficacy of prNK-lysin was assessed using a mouse liver orthotopic implantation model and a lung metastasis model of Hepa1-6 cells in BALB/cA-nu mice. The administration of 13 mg/kg of prNK-lysin could inhibit tumor growth in the liver and metastasis to the lungs. Our results demonstrate that prNK-lysin possesses strong anti-HCC effects both in vitro and in vivo, with the induction of oncosis and the inhibition of Fascin-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 protein expressions as potential molecular mechanisms for its anticancer activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystoid macular edema (CMO) is a common complication that follows cataract surgery, presenting management challenges due to the lack of standardized treatment guidelines and the potential for spontaneous resolution. This study aimed to evaluate various treatment modalities for post-operative CMO, including topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), periocular steroids, and intravitreal injections. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the efficacy of different treatment approaches for post-operative CMO. Studies evaluating topical NSAIDs, periocular steroids, intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TCA), dexamethasone implants (Ozurdex), and intravitreal bevacizumab were included. The main outcomes assessed included improvements in vision, resolution of CMO, recurrence rates, and safety profile. Results: Topical NSAIDs, particularly ketorolac and diclofenac, showed effectiveness in acute CMO, while their efficacy in chronic cases was variable. Periocular steroids, including retrobulbar TCA and sub-Tenon injections, demonstrated significant improvements in vision and the resolution of CMO, especially in cases resistant to topical therapy. Intravitreal TCA and dexamethasone implants exhibited variable effects on CMO resolution and recurrence rates, with some studies reporting sustained improvements over 12 months. The role of intravitreal bevacizumab as initial therapy remains unclear, although it may be considered in cases unresponsive to steroids. Conclusions: Topical NSAIDs, often combined with periocular steroids, serve as first-line therapy, with periocular steroids offering additional efficacy in resistant cases. Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment algorithms and improve outcomes for patients with post-operative CMO Full article

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common and devastating neurological disorders, manifesting with seizures and affecting approximately 1–2% of the world’s population. The criticality of seizure occurrence and associated risks, combined with the overwhelming need for more precise and innovative treatment methods, has led to the development of invasive neurostimulation devices programmed to detect and apply electrical stimulation therapy to suppress seizures and reduce the seizure burden. Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) is a rapidly growing branch of machine learning. One of its key characteristics is the ability to run machine learning algorithms without the need for high computational complexity and powerful hardware resources. The featured work utilizes TinyML technology to implement an algorithm that can be integrated into the microprocessor of an implantable closed-loop brain neurostimulation system to accurately detect seizures in real-time by analyzing intracranial EEG (iEEG) signals. Methods: A dataset containing iEEG signal values from both non-epileptic and epileptic individuals was utilized for the implementation of the proposed algorithm. Appropriate data preprocessing was performed, and two training datasets with 1000 records of non-epileptic and epileptic iEEG signals were created. A test dataset with an independent dataset of 500 records was also created. The web-based platform Edge Impulse was used for model generation and visualization, and different model architectures were explored and tested. Finally, metrics of accuracy, confusion matrices, and ROC curves were used to evaluate the performance of the model. Results: Our model demonstrated high performance, achieving 98% and 99% accuracy on the validation and test EEG datasets, respectively. Our results support the use of TinyML technology in closed-loop neurostimulation devices for epilepsy, as it contributes significantly to the speed and accuracy of seizure detection. Conclusions: The proposed TinyML model demonstrated reliable seizure detection in real-time by analyzing EEG signals and distinguishing epileptic activity from normal brain electrical activity. These findings highlight the potential of TinyML in closed-loop neurostimulation systems for epilepsy, enhancing both speed and accuracy in seizure detection. Full article

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has revolutionized the treatment of aortic stenosis, particularly in patients at high risk of adverse events for traditional open-heart surgery. Since the early 2000s, TAVR has evolved rapidly with advancements in device technology, procedural techniques, and patient selection criteria. Over the past 20 years, this catheter-based procedure has significantly improved patient survival and quality of life, demonstrating both the safety and efficacy of TAVR, even in patients at low surgical risk. This paper reviews the latest advances in valve design and strategies for treating aortic stenosis. It explores the challenges with long-term outcomes given the younger age of patients undergoing TAVR and the prospects of emerging technologies to improve long-term outcomes. Full article

Titanium (Ti) thin films deposited on insulated substrates were progressively anodized and formed titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotube arrays on the surface through a customized anodization tool designed to improve the uniformity and diameters of the nanotubes. With a motorized vertical moving arm attached to the anode, the sample was gradually submerged into the electrolyte at a controlled speed alongside the continuous anodization from the edge to the center to prevent the discontinuation of the conductive Ti layer and its nanotube surface. The effects of Ti deposition rate, anodization voltage, NH₄F concentration, and post-etching conditions on nanotube morphology were also explored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that smaller Ti grain sizes, higher anodization voltages, higher electrolyte concentrations, and optimized post-etching times produce uniform, mature nanotubes with larger diameters, which are crucial for practical applications. This work enhances the applicability of nanotube surfaces with non-conductive substrates, such as Zirconia dental implants, and establishes a foundation for future process optimizations. Full article