The aim of this study was to isolate human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the gingiva (GMSCs) and confirm their multiple differentiation potentials, including the odontogenic lineage. GMSCs, periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and dermal stem cells (DSCs) cultures were analyzed for cell shape, cell cycle, colony-forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) and stem cell markers. Cells were then induced for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation and analyzed for differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization nodule formation and Runx2, ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and collagen I expressions for the osteogenic differentiation, and lipid vacuole formation and PPARγ-2 expression for the adipogenic differentiation). Besides, the odontogenic differentiation potential of GMSCs induced with embryonic tooth germ cell-conditioned medium (ETGC-CM) was observed. GMSCs, PDLSCs and DSCs were all stromal origin. PDLSCs showed much higher osteogenic differentiation ability but lower adipogenic differentiation potential than DSCs. GMSCs showed the medial osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials between those of PDLSCs and DSCs. GMSCs were capable of expressing the odontogenic genes after ETGC-CM induction. This study provides evidence that GMSCs can be used in tissue engineering/regeneration protocols as an approachable stem cell source.

The objective was to evaluate the fracture resistance properties of maxillary incisors with flared canals restored with computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) integrated glass fiber post-and-core. Thirty prepared flared root canals were selected in vitro and restored with CAD/CAM integrated fiber post-and-core (Group A), prefabricated fiber posts (Group B), and cast gold alloy (Group C), respectively. After submitted to fatigue loading, each specimen was subjected to a static loading until fracture. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to determine statistical differences. The mean fracture strengths of Groups A and C were significantly higher than those of Group B, whereas no differences were observed between Groups A and C. In addition, reparable fracture modes were mostly observed in Group A while irreparable and catastrophic fractures were mostly found in Groups B and C. These results demonstrate that, in comparison to traditional treatments, CAD/CAM integrated glass fiber post-and-core restoration significantly enhances the fracture resistance of flared root canals.

In this study, a novel three-dimensional (3D) heterogeneous/bilayered scaffold was constructed to repair large defects in rabbit joints. The scaffold includes two distinct but integrated layers corresponding to the cartilage and bone components. The upper layer consists of gelatin, chondroitin sulphate and sodium hyaluronate (GCH), and the lower layer consists of gelatin and ceramic bovine bone (GCBB). The two form a 3D bilayered scaffold (GCH-GCBB), which mimics the natural osteochondral matrix for use as a scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this novel scaffold, combined with chondrocytes and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to repair large defects in rabbit joints. Thirty-six large defects in rabbit femoral condyles were created; 12 defects were treated with the same scaffold combined with cells (group A); another 12 defects were treated with cell-free scaffolds (group B); the others were untreated (group C). At 6 and 12 weeks, in group A hyaline-like cartilage formation could be observed by histological examination; the newly formed cartilage, which stained for type II collagen, was detected by RT-PCR at high-level expression. Most of the GCBB was replaced by bone, while little remained in the underlying cartilage. At 36 weeks, GCBB was completely resorbed and a tidemark was observed in some areas. In contrast, groups B and C showed no cartilage formation but a great amount of fibrous tissue, with only a little bone formation. In summary, this study demonstrated that a novel scaffold, comprising a top layer of GCH, having mechanical properties comparable to native cartilage, and a bottom layer composed of GCBB, could be used to repair large osteochondral defects in joints.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether IL-6 polymorphisms correlate with sepsis. According to the inclusion criteria, the association of IL-6 polymorphisms with sepsis was searched in databases and analysed using comprehensive meta-analysis software. A total of 16 studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was no significant association between the IL-6-174G/C polymorphism and sepsis risk in the total population (C vs. G: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.79–1.38; CC vs. GG: OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.53–1.41; CG vs. GG: OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.79–1.24; dominant model: OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.74–1.29; recessive model: OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.61–1.39). When patients were stratified according to ethnicity, a statistically significant association was observed in Asians and Africans. As for the -572G/C polymorphism, the results showed that the IL-6-572C/G polymorphism was not associated with sepsis susceptibility (G vs. C: OR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.79–1.22; GG vs. CC: OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.53–4.03; GC vs. CC: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.54–1.27; dominant model: OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.55–1.41; recessive model: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 0.82–2.92). The data indicated that the IL-6-174G/C polymorphism may contribute to sepsis risk, especially in Africans and Asians. No significant association was observed between the IL-6-572G/C polymorphism and sepsis risk.

Over the last two decades, the process of delivering therapeutic drugs to a patient with a controlled release profile has been a significant focus of drug delivery research. Scientists have given tremendous attention to ultrasound-responsive hydrogels for several decades. These smart nanosystems are more applicable than other stimuli-responsive drug delivery vehicles (ie UV-, pH-and thermal-, responsive materials) because they enable more efficient targeted treatment via relatively non-invasive means. Ultrasound (US) is capable of safely transporting energy through opaque and complex media with minimal loss of energy. It is capable of being localized to smaller regions and coupled to systems operating at various time scales. However, the properties enabling the US to propagate effectively in materials also make it very difficult to transform acoustic energy into other forms that may be used. Recent research from a variety of domains has attempted to deal with this issue, proving that ultrasonic effects can be used to control chemical and physical systems with remarkable specificity. By obviating the need for multiple intravenous injections, implantable US responsive hydrogel systems can enhance the quality of life for patients who undergo treatment with a varied dosage regimen. Ideally, the ease of selfdosing in these systems would lead to increased patient compliance with a particular therapy as well. However, excessive literature has been reported based on implanted US responsive hydrogel in various fields, but there is no comprehensive review article showing the strategies to control drug delivery profile. So, this review was aimed at discussing the current strategies for controlling and targeting drug delivery profiles using implantable hydrogel systems.