Background: Thyroid cancer remains the most common endocrine malignancy, and a subset of patients exhibit aggressive invasion and recurrence. Conventional two-dimensional culture models fail to replicate the three-dimensional (3D) tumor microenvironment, underscoring the need for biomimetic scaffolds to study invasion and therapy response. Methods: GelMA/SA double-network hydrogels with different ratios (3:1, 1:1, 1:3) were fabricated by sequential photocrosslinking and ionic crosslinking. Their swelling, degradation, and mechanical properties were characterized, and microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Human papillary thyroid carcinoma cell lines (TPC-1 and BCPAP) were encapsulated to evaluate viability, morphology, and invasive behavior. Results: The hydrogel composition strongly influenced structural and biological performance. SA-rich gels showed excessive swelling, rapid degradation, and poor pore formation, while GelMA-rich gels were stable but less porous. The intermediate 1:1 formulation exhibited balanced swelling and degradation, uniform pores, and enhanced tensile and compressive strength. Encapsulated cells in the 1:1 gels displayed robust viability, extended pseudopodia, and maintained expression of invasion-related markers(N-cadherin, MMP-9). Conclusion: The GelMA: SA = 1:1 double-network hydrogel provides the most favorable microenvironment for thyroid cancer cell invasion modeling, combining porosity, stability, and bioactivity. This 3D platform offers a reliable tool for mechanistic studies and therapeutic evaluation in thyroid cancer.
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This study aimed to evaluate whether the combination of Vitapex paste and minocycline hydrochloride ointment offers superior therapeutic benefits for combined periodontal–endodontic lesions. A total of 109 patients with combined periodontal-endodontic lesions treated in our hospital were prospectively selected and divided into a control group (n = 54, treated with minocycline hydrochloride ointment + iodoform-zinc oxide eugenol paste) and a study group (n = 55, treated with minocycline hydrochloride ointment + Vitapex paste) using a random number table. The treatment lasted for eight weeks in both groups. The periodontal status [gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD)], levels of inflammatory cytokines in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], pain degree and tooth function were also compared. The study group achieved a higher total effective rate compared with the control group (96.36% vs. 83.33%). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in GI, PLI, CAL, PD, and GCF levels of IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α, with greater improvements observed in the study group. Pain scores (VAS, PPI, PRI) also decreased more markedly in the study group. Furthermore, occlusal force and masticatory efficiency improved significantly in both groups, with superior enhancement in the study group. Root canal injection of Vitapex paste combined with minocycline hydrochloride ointment demonstrates superior clinical efficacy in treating combined periodontal-endodontic lesions, effectively reducing inflammation, improving periodontal parameters, relieving pain, and enhancing tooth function.
Dental caries remains a significant health issue in pediatric populations, necessitating effective non-invasive treatments that promote remineralization and inhibit demineralization. This study investigates the efficacy of poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGGA), a natural biodegradable polypeptide, in preventing mineral loss and enhancing enamel repair in deciduous teeth. Study utilizing a pH cycling model mimicking oral environment showed that artificial caries lesions were treated with 1% and 2% PGGA with/without hydroxyapatite and compared to sodium fluoride (NaF) treatments. It was found that 2% PGGA markedly increased calcium uptake and integrated mineral recovery to a greater extent than some NaF concentrations. In-depth remineralization was evidenced by a cross-sectional microhardness study. These results advocate PGGA as an effective biomimetic material in the treatment of early childhood caries and a potential substitute for traditional fluoride therapies.
Purpose: This study investigates the comprehensive performance of high-modulus asphalt mixtures (HMAM) with a focus on their climate-specific suitability, which is insufficiently addressed in existing research. Methodology: Four asphalt mixtures—70-penetration asphalt, styrene butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt, HMAM-Lubao, and HMAM-H7686—were evaluated using wheel-tracking (rutting), low-temperature bending, water stability, and uniaxial compression tests. An improved analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was applied to assign indicator weights across different climate zones. Findings: HMAMs exhibited superior rutting resistance, water stability, and modulus compared with conventional and SBS-modified mixtures. Among them, HMAM-H7686 ranked highest in hot and rainy zones, while HMAM-Lubao demonstrated more balanced performance in colder climates. Value: This study establishes an adaptable and transparent evaluation framework by integrating multi index laboratory testing with an improved AHP method. The framework provides practical guidance for selecting asphalt mixtures according to climate zones, supporting more durable pavement design and construction.
Background: Photothermal hydrogels enable noninvasive, light-controlled drug delivery for neural therapy. However, achieving stable mechanics and biocompatibility under NIR irradiation remains challenging. Methods: A PVA–GelMA@rGO nanocomposite hydrogel was fabricated by photopolymerization to integrate rGO’s photothermal activity and ibuprofen loading capacity. Its structure, mechanical strength, photothermal performance, drug release, and biological responses were systematically evaluated. Results: The incorporation of rGO improved hydrogel compactness, modulus, and photothermal conversion, enabling stepwise ibuprofen release under NIR stimulation. The hydrogel showed excellent cytocompatibility with PC12 cells and significantly reduced IL-6 and TNF-α expression, indicating strong anti-inflammatory activity. Conclusion: The PVA–GelMA@rGO hydrogel provides an efficient and biocompatible platform for NIR-triggered, on-demand drug release and neu roinflammation control, offering promising potential for neural repair and pain modulation applications.
Background: Gastric cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and the development of effective, targeted drug delivery systems is crucial to improve therapeutic outcomes. Graphene oxide (GO)-based nanocarriers have shown promise for controlled drug release, yet their biological evaluation remains limited. Methods: We synthesized a composite nanoparticle system by electrostatic self-assembly of chitosan (CS) onto graphene oxide (GO), followed by doxorubicin (DOX) loading. The resulting GO–CS–DOX nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and pH responsive release profiles. Preliminary biological performance was evaluated in gastric cancer cells (AGS), including dose–response cytotoxicity and fluorescence-based uptake studies. Results: GO–CS DOXnanoparticles showed a clear pH-dependent DOX release behavior, with accelerated release under mildly acidic conditions. DLS and zeta potential measurements confirmed successful drug loading and changes in surface charge. In vitro, GO–CS–DOX demonstrated comparable or slightly enhanced cytotoxicity relative to free DOX at specific concentrations. Cellular uptake of DOX was observed under acidic conditions, consistent with lysosomal trafficking. However, only preliminary in vitro data were collected and no mechanistic apoptosis studies were performed. Conclusion: This study presents the design and initial evaluation of a pH-responsive GO–CS–DOX nanocarrier. While the in vitro results indicate potential for controlled drug release and tumor-targeted delivery, the biological findings are still limited and should be interpreted as preliminary. Further in-depth studies, including apoptosis assays and in vivo validation, are necessary to fully establish therapeutic efficacy.
This in vitro study performed a comparative mechanical evaluation of three classes of direct restorative materials: resin composites, polyacid-modified composite resins (components), and Glass Ionomer Cements (GICs). The objective was to clarify the mechanical position of components relative to composites and glass ionomer cements (GICs). Specimens from two materials per class including the components Dyract AP and Dyract Extra were fabricated using standardized molds. Compressive, diametral tensile, and three-point flexural strength tests were conducted according to ADA and ISO specifications, followed by statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test. Results established a consistent mechanical hierarchy: composite resins exhibited the highest strength values in all tests, followed by components, with GICs demonstrating the lowest. Within the component group, the third generation Dyract Extra showed superior properties compared to Dyract AP. The findings confirm that components occupy an intermediate mechanical position, offering significantly greater strength than GICs but not matching composites. Thus, components suit low-to-moderate stress applications where fluoride release and handling ease are beneficial, while composites remain indicated for high-stress areas. This study provides clear evidence for evidence-based clinical material selection.
Background: Parkinson’s disease involves progressive dopaminergic neuron degeneration and elevated oxidative stress. Targeted delivery of neurotrophic factors like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) remains a therapeutic challenge due to the need for site-specific, stimulus responsive release. Methods: We developed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive hydrogel designed to release GDNF upon exposure to oxidative signals. The hydrogel’s degradation behavior and release kinetics were assessed under physiological and oxidative conditions. Bioactivity of the released GDNF was evaluated in vitro using ROS-damaged neuronal cells. Results: The hydrogel showed high stability under normal conditions but degraded rapidly in the presence of H₂O₂, enabling dose-dependent GDNF release. Released GDNF retained biological activity, promoting neuronal survival and neurite extension. Conclusion: This ROS-responsive hydrogel represents a promising platform for oxidative stress-triggered neurorepair and site-specific neuromodulation in Parkinson’s disease therapy.
Pulpectomy in primary teeth is a widely accepted endodontic procedure aimed at preserving arch integrity and function until natural exfoliation, and its success largely depends on the biological and physicochemical properties of the root canal filling material, which must combine antimicrobial efficacy, biocompatibility, and a resorption pattern compatible with physiological root resorption. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of different obturation materials used in pulpectomy of primary teeth. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Clinical studies evaluating pulpectomy outcomes in primary teeth were included, while in vitro studies, animal studies, case reports, and narrative or systematic reviews were excluded. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using established risk-of-bias tools, and eligible studies were synthesized through a qualitative analysis. Five clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. All investigated materials demonstrated acceptable clinical success rates. Calcium hydroxide iodoform pastes showed favorable short- to medium-term outcomes but exhibited a tendency toward faster intracanal resorption, whereas zinc oxide–eugenol–based materials were associated with delayed resorption and lower biological compatibility. Emerging clinical evidence suggests that bioceramic calcium silicate–based materials may offer high clinical and radiographic success rates, although long-term data remain limited. Within the limitations of the available evidence, both calcium hydroxide– iodoform pastes and bioceramic materials appear to be effective for pulpectomy in primary teeth; however, the limited number of eligible clinical studies and the heterogeneity of study designs and followup periods restrict the strength of definitive conclusions, highlighting the need for further well-designed, long-term randomized clinical trials to clarify resorption dynamics and potential effects on permanent tooth eruption. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD1283772); no external funding was received.
The purpose of this research was to determine and compare the impact of light curing on the water sorption and solubility properties of alkasite and bulk-fill glass hybrid materials. An alkasite self-adhesive bulk-fill material (Cention ® N, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein; CEN) and a bulk-fill glass material hybrid (EQUIA Forte™ HT, GC Corp., Tokyo, Japan; EFT) were utilized. Each material was prepared in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Specimens were placed in disk-shaped molds and divided into two subgroups: light-cured (LC) and non-light-cured (NLC) (n = 5). Sorption and solubility tests were performed in accordance with ISO 4049 standards. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA, Tamhane’s T2 post hoc, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and independent samples t-tests (p < 0.05). The highest water sorption was observed in Group EFT (63.022 ± 6.772 μg/mm³), while the lowest was observed in Group CEN (4.447 ± 0.412 μg/mm³). No significant differences were detected among Groups CEN and CEN LC and Groups EFT and EFT LC (p > 0.05). Regarding water solubility, Group EFT LC (−99.534 ± 2.008 μg/mm³) exhibited the lowest values, while Group CEN (−2.728 ± 0.499 μg/mm³) demonstrated the highest values. No significant difference was found between Group CEN and CEN LC (p > 0.05), while a statistically significant difference was found between Group EFT and Group EFT LC (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was identified between Group CEN and Group EFT and between Group CEN LC and Group EFT LC in terms of both water sorption and solubility values (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis found no significant relationship between the sorption and solubility values for the materials examined (p > 0.05). Regarding water sorption, the self-adhesive bulk-fill material was superior to the bulk-fill glass hybrid material, whether light-cured or not. For water solubility, the bulk-fill glass hybrid material was superior to the self-adhesive bulk-fill material, whether light cured or not. The bulk-fill glass hybrid material exhibited reduced resistance to water sorption but a positive characteristic for water solubility. This short-term in vitro study provides a foundation for the evaluation of early-stage water-material interaction, which is essential for comprehending the behaviour of the material.