Spectral computed tomography-guided photothermal therapy of osteosarcoma by bismuth sulfide nanorods

Osteosarcoma(OS)is the most normally primary malignant bone cancer in adolescents.Due to their analogous X-ray attenuation properties,healthy bones and malignancies with iodine enhancement cannot be distinguished by conventional computed tomography(CT).As one kind of spectral CT,dual-energy CT(DECT)offers multiple functions for material separation and cancer treatments.Herein,bismuth sulfide(Bi_(2)S_(3))nanorods(NRs)were synthesized as special contrast agents(CAs)for DECT,which have superior imaging properties than clinical iodine CAs.At the same time,the high photothermal conversion rates of Bi_(2)S_(3)NRs can be used for DECT-guided photothermal therapy(PTT)to destroy OS and inhibit tumor growth under the guidance of DECT imaging.Importantly,DECT imaging real-timely monitored that PTT could accelerate the diffusion of Bi2S3 NRs in the tumor,obtaining detailed information on the internal distribution of nanomaterials in tumors around the bone to avoid injury to normal tissues by PTT.Overall,the proposed strategy of DECT imaging-guided PTT appears enormous promise for bone disease treatment.

Recovering skin-nerve interaction by nanoscale metal-organic framework for diabetic ulcers healing

Skin-nerve interaction plays an important role in promoting wound healing.However,in diabetic ulcers(DUs),the diabetic periphery neuropathy and excessive levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)block skin-nerve interaction and further impede the DUs healing.Herein,we developed a nanoscale metal-organic framework loaded with nerve growth factor(NGF/Ce-UiO-66,denoted NGF/CU)for the treatment of DUs.The Ce-UiO-66(CU)was applied as an antioxidant to scavenge ROS and reduce the inflammatory response while the NGF aided in the recovery of cutaneous nerves to further promote DUs healing.Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed the effective ability of NGF/CU for DUs healing.Subsequent RNA sequencing analysis revealed the mechanism that NGF/CU can improve wound healing by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway and recovering the neuroendocrine system of the skin.This strategy of nerve regulation will provide more ideas for the treatment of DUs and other organ injuries.

Pre-expanded bipedicled visor flap:an ideal option for the reconstruction of upper and lower lip defects postburn in Asian males

Background:Reconstruction of upper and lower lip subunits is a complicated and elusive challenge.For patients affected by defects involving upper and lower lip subunits,a technique able to reconstruct both aesthetic units with matched colour,sufficient contours and similar texture would be ideal.In this study,we present our experience with upper and lower lip reconstruction using the pre-expanded bipedicled visor flap.Methods:From January 2014 to January 2017,12 male patients presenting with defects of the upper and lower lip subunits were treated using this surgical technique.After a period of expansion of the scalp flap of over 6 months,the bipedicled visor flap was raised from both the parietal regions and rotated to resurface the defect.Delay and section of the pedicle were then performed.Results:Twelve male patients with postburn scars aged 22 to 48 years(mean:34 years)were successfully treated with no major complications.The donor site was closed primarily in all cases.Subsequent flap debulking and minor revisions were performed under local anaesthesia between 6 and 12 months postoperatively.Conclusions:The pre-expanded bipedicled visor flap provides an effective and reliable option for upper and lower lip reconstruction with excellent colour and texture.It is feasible to achieve these results simultaneously from a single donor site by using a pre-expanded bipedicled visor flap.

Magnesium-based materials in orthopaedics:material properties and animal models

As a new generation of medical metal materials,degradable magnesium-based materials have excellent mechanical properties and osteogenic promoting ability,making them promising materials for the treatment of refractory bone diseases.Animal models can be used to understand and evaluate the performance of materials in complex physiological environments,providing relevant data for preclinical evaluation of implants and laying the foundation for subsequent clinical studies.To date,many researchers have studied the biocompatibility,degradability and osteogenesis of magnesium-based materials,but there is a lack of review regarding the effects of magnesium-based materials in vivo.In view of the growing interest in these materials,this review briefly describes the properties of magnesium-based materials and focuses on the safety and efficacy of magnesium-based materials in vivo.Various animal models including rats,rabbits,dogs and pigs are covered to better understand and evaluate the progress and future of magnesium-based materials.This literature analysis reveals that the magnesium-based materials have good biocompatibility and osteogenic activity,thus causing no adverse reaction around the implants in vivo,and that they exhibit a beneficial effect in the process of bone repair.In addition,the degradation rate in vivo can also be improved by means of alloying and coating.These encouraging results show a promising future for the use of magnesium-based materials in musculoskeletal disorders.

Efficacy and safety of a dual-scan protocol for carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of split-thickness skin graft contraction in a red Duroc pig model

Background:Fractional CO_(2) laser plays an important role in scar management post split-thickness skin graft by loosening the graft contracture and restoring the smoothness of the surface.However,the optimal treatment protocol remains unknown.This study applied a dual-scan protocol to achieve both releasing and ablation of contracted skin graft.We comprehensively describe this treatment method and compare the efficacy and safety between this dual-scan method and the conventional mono-scan mode.Methods:A hypercontracted scar model after split-thickness skin grafting in red Duroc pigs was established.All scars meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into four groups:high fluence–low density(HF–LD),low fluence–high density(LF–HD),combined group and control group.The energy per unit areawas similar in the HF–LD and LF–HD groups.Two laser interventions were performed at a 6-week interval.The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by objective measures of scar area,release rate,elasticity,thickness and flatness,while the safetywas evaluated based on adverse reactions and melanin index.Collagen structurewas observed histologically.The animals were followed up for a maximum of 126 days after modeling.Results:A total of 28 contracted scars were included,7 in each group.At 18 weeks postoperatively,the HF–LD and the combined groups showed significantly increased scar release rate(p=0.000)and elasticity(p=0.036)and decreased type I/III collagen ratio(p=0.002)compared with the control and LF–HD groups.In terms of flatness,the combined group was significantly better than the HF–LD group for elevations<1mm(p=0.019).No significant skin side effects,pigmentation or scar thickness changes were observed at 18 weeks.Conclusions:Dual-scan protocol could achieve superficial ablation and deep release of contracted split-thickness skin graft in a single treatment,with similar contraction release and texture improvement compared to a single deep scan.Its main advantage is to restore a smoother scar appearance.Adequate laser penetration was necessary for the release of contracted scars.