Alginate encapsulation is one of the most widely used techniques for introducing cell-based therapeutics into the body. Numerous encapsulation methodologies exist, utilizing a variety of alginates, purification technologies, and unique polycationic membrane components. The stability of a conventional alginate formulation encapsulated using a commercially available technique and apparatus has been characterized extensively. The current study employs an encapsulation protocol and ultra-pure alginate pioneered at the University of Perugia. The enhanced microcapsules were produced, characterized, and implanted into the brain, peritoneal cavity, and subcutaneous space of Long-Evans rats. After 14, 28, 60, 90, 120, and 180 or 215 days, capsules were explanted and the surface was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Image analysis was carried out to measure changes in diameter and wall thickness. FTIR peak analysis and surface morphology from SEM indicated that the enhanced encapsulation technique and formulation produced a stable biocapsule capable of survival in all sites, including the harsh peritoneal environment, for at least 215 days. Preimplant analysis showed a marked increase in the structural integrity of the enhanced formulation with improved elasticity and burst strength compared with the baseline formulation, which remained stable for less than 60 days. The enhanced microcapsule composition showed advantages in physical strength and longevity, indicating that small changes in encapsulation methodologies and materials selection can dramatically impact the stability and longevity of alginate microcapsules and their contents.

Objective To assess clinical studies that compare synthetic or enriched natural materials to autologous osseous grafts among individuals with cleft lip and palate to determine which would be the substitute to autologous bone graft for alveolar cleft repair in humans. Materials and methods Randomized and controlled clinical trials on alveolar clefts treated with synthetic bone substitutes and autogenous bone grafts combined with osteoinductive factors compared with autogenous bone grafts alone (with ≥4-month follow-up and reporting clinical/radiographic data) were considered eligible. MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Central databases were searched for articles published until February 2020. Results Of 73 eligible articles, 15 were included. Some inductive factors along with iliac crest bone decreased bone reabsorption, preserved the generated bone height/width, and reduced the required autologous bone graft volume. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP2) as an autologous bone graft substitute, demonstrated satisfactory alveolar defect healing, by avoiding autograft use. Many materials did not yield better outcomes than did autologous grafts; however, hydroxyapatite and collagen complex, hydroxyapatite agarose composite gel, acellular dermal matrix film, fibrin glue, platelet-rich plasma, and deproteinized bovine bone showed similar bone healing outcomes, being an alternative alveolar defect treatment. Conclusions BMP2, as an osteoinductive factor along with a synthetic matrix, yields satisfactory bone healing and avoids the need for autologous bone grafts. However, high-quality RCTs are necessary to determine the most effective and safe concentration and protocol of BMP2 utilization as a substitute for the autologous iliac crest bone grafting.

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Introduction. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of vitamins D and E on the proliferation, morphology, and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Methods. In this in vitro experimental study, hDPSCs were isolated, characterized, and treated with vitamins D and E, individually and in combination, utilizing different doses and treatment periods. Changes in morphology and cell proliferation were evaluated using light microscopy and the resazurin assay, respectively. Osteoblast differentiation was evaluated with alizarin red S staining and expression of RUNX2, Osterix, and Osteocalcin genes using real-time RT-PCR. Results. Compared with untreated cells, the number of cells significantly reduced following treatment with vitamin D (49%), vitamin E (35%), and vitamins D + E (61%) after 144 h. Compared with cell cultures treated with individual vitamins, cells treated with vitamins D + E demonstrated decreased cell confluence, with more extensive and flatter cytoplasm that initiated the formation of a significantly large number of calcified nodules after 7 days of treatment. After 14 days, treatment with vitamins D, E, and D + E increased the transcription of RUNX2, Osterix, and Osteocalcin genes. Conclusions. Vitamins D and E induced osteoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs, as evidenced by the decrease in cell proliferation, morphological changes, and the formation of calcified nodules, increasing the expression of differentiation genes. Concurrent treatment with vitamins D + E induces a synergistic effect in differentiation toward an osteoblastic lineage.

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RESUMENEl objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la validez y confiabilidad en el contexto colombiano de la Escala de Evaluación de la Espiritualidad y el Cuidado Espiritual, diseñada por McSherry, Draper y Kendrick. Se realizó una investigación metodológica para establecer la validez facial, de contenido, de constructo y la confiabilidad. Para la validez facial participaron n=10, para la de contenido n=8, para la de constructo y la de confiabilidad n=183 enfermeras.La validez facial arrojó un porcentaje de acuerdo del 92% en los criterios de claridad, comprensión y precisión. El índice de validez de contenido (CVI) fue de 0,99. La validez de constructo con rotación Varimax reportó una estructura de cuatro factores. El resultado del Alpha de Cronbach de toda la escala fue de 0,73. De acuerdo con lo anterior, la versión en español de la escala cuenta con pruebas psicométricas suficientes en cuanto a confiabilidad y validez para utilizarse en la determinación de la percepción de la espiritualidad y el cuidado espiritual de enfermeras y enfermeros.Palabras clave: confiabilidad y validez, cuestionarios, espiritualidad, personal de enfermería, atención de enfermería.

Orthodontic wires are made of alloys containing different metals, including nickel. It is important to evaluate their biocompatibility prior to use, owing to their long-term use in patients. This in vitro study compared the cytotoxicity and chemical composition of six latest orthodontic wires: Fantasia®, Tanzo®, FLI®, NT3®, DuoForce®, and Gummetal®. The before-use group consisted of wires that were not used in the mouth, and the after-use group consisted of wires that were used in the mouth for two months. The wires were placed in contact with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) for 72 h, and cytotoxicity was determined using the resazurin test. The chemical composition and surface characterisation were evaluated by spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The groups were compared using ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test. Only the FLI® wires produced a 36% reduction in HGF viability ( p < 0.05 ) and presented greater irregularities and loss of polymer structure. After-use wires showed a significant reduction in the percentage of nickel and the appearance of new elements (oxygen and carbon). Therefore, it can be concluded that no toxic ion release was noticed in this study. Rhodium-coated wires were more stable than PTFE-coated wires, and only the FLI® wires showed a slight cytotoxic effect.

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