Current advancements in therapeutic approaches in orthopedic surgery: a review of recent trends.

Recent advancements in orthopedic surgery have greatly improved the management of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. This review discusses the latest therapeutic approaches that have emerged in orthopedics. We examine the use of regenerative medicine, including stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, to accelerate healing and promote tissue regeneration. Additionally, we explore the application of robotic-assisted surgery, which provides greater precision and accuracy during surgical procedures. We also delve into the emergence of personalized medicine, which tailors treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, we discuss telemedicine and remote patient monitoring as methods for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Finally, we examine the growing interest in using artificial intelligence and machine learning in orthopedics, particularly in diagnosis and treatment planning. Overall, these advancements in therapeutic approaches have significantly improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery times, and enhanced the overall quality of care in orthopedic surgery.

Metabolomic analysis identifies dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the immune clearance phase of chronic hepatitis B patients.

There is an accelerated progression of liver necroinflammation and fibrosis in the liver during the immune clearance (IC) phase of Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which are critical indicators of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. This study applied serum metabolomics to identify the potential metabolite biomarkers for differential diagnosis between the CHB immune tolerance (IT) and Immune clearance (IC) phases. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based approach was applied to evaluate and compared the serum metabolic profiles of 28 patients in IT phase and 33 patients in IC phase and appropriate statistical methods with MetaboAnalystR 2.0 R package to analyze those metabolites. The differential metabolites between IT and TC groups were classified and the top altered classification were lipids and lipid-like molecules and fatty acyls, clearly indicating that there were differences in the lipid metabolomic profile of HBV-infected patients with IT vs. IR phase. We identified the top 10 potential metabolite biomarkers for differential diagnosis between IT and IR. There were four lipid metabolites among them and the AUC of two of them, octadecadienoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 3-Cycloheptene-l-acetic acid, were 0.983 and 0.933. octadecadienoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine is Diacylglycerol (18:2n6/18:0) and 3-Cycloheptene-l-acetic acid is hydroxy fatty acids, both of which were associated with lipid metabolism. This study not only provides the potential metabolic biomarkers but also insight into the mechanism of CHB progression during IT clearance phase.

An update on the advances in the field of nanostructured drug delivery systems for a variety of orthopedic applications.

Nanotechnology has made significant progress in various fields, including medicine, in recent times. The application of nanotechnology in drug delivery has sparked a lot of research interest, especially due to its potential to revolutionize the field. Researchers have been working on developing nanomaterials with distinctive characteristics that can be utilized in the improvement of drug delivery systems (DDS) for the local, targeted, and sustained release of drugs. This approach has shown great potential in managing diseases more effectively with reduced toxicity. In the medical field of orthopedics, the use of nanotechnology is also being explored, and there is extensive research being conducted to determine its potential benefits in treatment, diagnostics, and research. Specifically, nanophase drug delivery is a promising technique that has demonstrated the capability of delivering medications on a nanoscale for various orthopedic applications. In this article, we will explore current advancements in the area of nanostructured DDS for orthopedic use.

Prevalence and risk factors of occupational neck pain in Chinese male fighter pilots: a cross-sectional study based on questionnaire and cervical sagittal alignment.

Background: Neck pain (NP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder among fighter pilots and has become a rising concern due to its detrimental impact on military combat effectiveness. The occurrence of NP is influenced by a variety of factors, but less attention has been paid to the association of NP with demographic, occupational, and cervical sagittal characteristics in this group. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of NP in Chinese male fighter pilots using a questionnaire and cervical sagittal measurements. Methods: Demographic and flight-related data, as well as musculoskeletal pain information, were gathered from Chinese male fighter pilots via a self-report questionnaire. Cervical sagittal parameters were measured and subtypes were classified using standardized lateral cervical radiographs. Differences in various factors between the case and control groups were analyzed using t-tests or chi-square tests. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to explore potential risk factors contributing to NP. Predictors were presented as crude odds ratios (CORs) and adjusted odds ratios (AORs), along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: A total of 185 male fighter pilots were included in this cross-sectional study. Among them, 96 (51.9%) reported experiencing NP within the previous 12 months. The multivariate regression analysis revealed that continuous flight training (AOR: 4.695, 95% CI: 2.226-9.901, p < 0.001), shoulder pain (AOR: 11.891, 95% CI: 4.671-30.268, p < 0.001), and low back pain (AOR: 3.452, 95% CI: 1.600-7.446, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with NP. Conclusion: The high 12-month prevalence of NP among Chinese male fighter pilots confirms the existence of this growing problem. Continuous flight training, shoulder pain, and low back pain have significant negative effects on pilots' neck health. Effective strategies are necessary to establish appropriate training schedules to reduce NP, and a more holistic perspective on musculoskeletal protection is needed. Given that spinal integrated balance and compensatory mechanisms may maintain individuals in a subclinical state, predicting the incidence of NP in fighter pilots based solely on sagittal characteristics in the cervical region may be inadequate.

Translation of nanotechnology-based implants for orthopedic applications: current barriers and future perspective.

The objective of bioimplant engineering is to develop biologically compatible materials for restoring, preserving, or altering damaged tissues and/or organ functions. The variety of substances used for orthopedic implant applications has been substantially influenced by modern material technology. Therefore, nanomaterials can mimic the surface properties of normal tissues, including surface chemistry, topography, energy, and wettability. Moreover, the new characteristics of nanomaterials promote their application in sustaining the progression of many tissues. The current review establishes a basis for nanotechnology-driven biomaterials by demonstrating the fundamental design problems that influence the success or failure of an orthopedic graft, cell adhesion, proliferation, antimicrobial/antibacterial activity, and differentiation. In this context, extensive research has been conducted on the nano-functionalization of biomaterial surfaces to enhance cell adhesion, differentiation, propagation, and implant population with potent antimicrobial activity. The possible nanomaterials applications (in terms of a functional nanocoating or a nanostructured surface) may resolve a variety of issues (such as bacterial adhesion and corrosion) associated with conventional metallic or non-metallic grafts, primarily for optimizing implant procedures. Future developments in orthopedic biomaterials, such as smart biomaterials, porous structures, and 3D implants, show promise for achieving the necessary characteristics and shape of a stimuli-responsive implant. Ultimately, the major barriers to the commercialization of nanotechnology-derived biomaterials are addressed to help overcome the limitations of current orthopedic biomaterials in terms of critical fundamental factors including cost of therapy, quality, pain relief, and implant life. Despite the recent success of nanotechnology, there are significant hurdles that must be overcome before nanomedicine may be applied to orthopedics. The objective of this review was to provide a thorough examination of recent advancements, their commercialization prospects, as well as the challenges and potential perspectives associated with them. This review aims to assist healthcare providers and researchers in extracting relevant data to develop translational research within the field. In addition, it will assist the readers in comprehending the scope and gaps of nanomedicine's applicability in the orthopedics field.

Return to active duty after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in Chinese male military aircrews.

Background: Surgically treated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries may be a waivable condition and allow return to full flight status, but waivers are based on expert opinion rather than recent published data. The purpose of this study was to evaluate return to flight after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in male military aircrews with ACL injuries and to identify factors that affect flight clearance. Method: A single-center retrospective review was conducted by the authors for all active-duty aircrew who underwent ACLR at an authorized military medical center from January 2010 to December 2019. Demographic characteristics, occupational information, surgical data, and flight readiness evaluation outcomes were collected. Based on the final medical evaluation, subjects were divided into a qualified group (N = 64) and a disqualified group (N = 9), and the difference in data collected between the two groups was then analyzed to identify factors affecting flight clearance. Results: A total of 73 patients underwent successful ACLR with a mean age of 31.6 ± 5.6 years. Non-contact injury was the main type of ACL injury, accounting for 84.9% of the total injuries. 55 cases (75.3%) occurred during daily sports activities and 18 (24.7%) during military training. 64 of the 73 crewmembers (87.7%) were able to return to flight at their last follow-up evaluation. The preoperative interval time (PIT) was significantly less in the qualified group than in the disqualified group (P = 0.002). Patients who underwent ACLR within three months were more likely to return to flying than those who underwent the procedure three months later (97.4% vs. 76.5%, P = 0.010). The incidence of failure to return to flight duty was significantly higher in aircrews with ACL injuries combined with meniscal injuries than in aircrews with isolated ACL injuries (21.4% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.017). Conclusion: ACLR appears to be safe for military aircrew suffering ACL injuries with or without meniscal injury, and return to flight status is the most likely outcome for the majority of postoperative pilots. Prolonged PIT, PIT > 3 months, and ACL injury combined with meniscus injury had a negative impact on postoperative flight readiness.

Recent developments in nanomaterials for upgrading treatment of orthopedics diseases.

Nanotechnology has changed science in the last three decades. Recent applications of nanotechnology in the disciplines of medicine and biology have enhanced medical diagnostics, manufacturing, and drug delivery. The latest studies have demonstrated this modern technology's potential for developing novel methods of disease detection and treatment, particularly in orthopedics. According to recent developments in bone tissue engineering, implantable substances, diagnostics and treatment, and surface adhesives, nanomedicine has revolutionized orthopedics. Numerous nanomaterials with distinctive chemical, physical, and biological properties have been engineered to generate innovative medication delivery methods for the local, sustained, and targeted delivery of drugs with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and minimal or no toxicity, indicating a very promising strategy for effectively controlling illnesses. Extensive study has been carried out on the applications of nanotechnology, particularly in orthopedics. Nanotechnology can revolutionize orthopedics cure, diagnosis, and research. Drug delivery precision employing nanotechnology using gold and liposome nanoparticles has shown especially encouraging results. Moreover, the delivery of drugs and biologics for osteosarcoma is actively investigated. Different kind of biosensors and nanoparticles has been used in the diagnosis of bone disorders, for example, renal osteodystrophy, Paget's disease, and osteoporosis. The major hurdles to the commercialization of nanotechnology-based composite are eventually examined, thus helping in eliminating the limits in connection to some pre-existing biomaterials for orthopedics, important variables like implant life, quality, cure cost, and pain and relief from pain. The potential for nanotechnology in orthopedics is tremendous, and most of it looks to remain unexplored, but not without challenges. This review aims to highlight the up tp date developments in nanotechnology for boosting the treatment modalities for orthopedic ailments. Moreover, we also highlighted unmet requirements and present barriers to the practical adoption of biomimetic nanotechnology-based orthopedic treatments.

Recent advances in 3D printing of biodegradable metals for orthopaedic applications.

The use of biodegradable polymers for treating bone-related diseases has become a focal point in the field of biomedicine. Recent advancements in material technology have expanded the range of materials suitable for orthopaedic implants. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has become prevalent in healthcare, and while organ printing is still in its early stages and faces ethical and technical hurdles, 3D printing is capable of creating 3D structures that are supportive and controllable. The technique has shown promise in fields such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and new innovations in cell and bio-printing and printing materials have expanded its possibilities. In clinical settings, 3D printing of biodegradable metals is mainly used in orthopedics and stomatology. 3D-printed patient-specific osteotomy instruments, orthopedic implants, and dental implants have been approved by the US FDA for clinical use. Metals are often used to provide support for hard tissue and prevent complications. Currently, 70-80% of clinically used implants are made from niobium, tantalum, nitinol, titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and stainless steels. However, there has been increasing interest in biodegradable metals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron, with numerous recent findings. The advantages of 3D printing, such as low manufacturing costs, complex geometry capabilities, and short fabrication periods, have led to widespread adoption in academia and industry. 3D printing of metals with controllable structures represents a cutting-edge technology for developing metallic implants for biomedical applications. This review explores existing biomaterials used in 3D printing-based orthopedics as well as biodegradable metals and their applications in developing metallic medical implants and devices. The challenges and future directions of this technology are also discussed.

[Clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of pediatric both-bone forearm fractures at high altitude area].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in children of high altitude area. METHODS: From August 2020 to December 2021, 19 children were treated with Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation including 11 males and 8 females, aged from 4 to 13 years old with an average of (8.16±2.71) years old. The course of disease was 1 to 10 days, with a mean of (4.11±2.51) d. First, close reduction was performed. If the reduction was unsuccessful, limited open reduction was performed, followed by Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation of the radius and ulna. The fracture healing was evaluated by X-ray after operation, and the curative effect was evaluated by Anderson forearm function score standard. RESULTS: The wound healed well after operation, 2 cases had clinical manifestations of needle tail irritation after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after removing the internal fixation. The average follow-up time was(7.68±3.50) months (3 to 14 months). X-ray showed that all fracture healing in follow-up, Anderson forearm function score showed excellent in 16 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Children with fractures in plateau areas often have delayed medical treatment, lack of medical conditions and insufficient compliance. Based on these characteristics, Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation for the treatment of children's double forearm fractures has the advantages of small injury and rapid recovery. It is a kind of operation method that can be popularized.

Unfolded protein response inhibits KAT2B/MLKL-mediated necroptosis of hepatocytes by promoting BMI1 level to ubiquitinate KAT2B.

Unfolded protein response (UPR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. BMI1 has a liver protection effect, but whether it participates in the regulation of hepatocyte death through UPR is not well defined. Herein, the endoplasmic reticulum stress model was established by inducing hepatocyte line (MIHA) with tunicamycin (TM, 5 µg/ml). Cell counting kit-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the viability and apoptosis of hepatocytes. The expression levels of BMI1, KAT2B, and proteins related to UPR (p-eIF2α, eIF2α, ATF4, and ATF6), NF-κB (p65 and p-p65), apoptosis (cleaved caspase-3, bcl-2, and bax) and necroptosis (p-MLKL and MLKL) were determined by Western blot. The relationship between KAT2B and BMI1 was determined by co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assay. The results showed that TM not only promoted UPR, apoptosis, and necroptosis in hepatocytes but also upregulated the expression levels of BMI1 and KAT2B and activated NF-κB pathway. BAY-117082 reversed the effects of TM on viability, apoptosis, NF-κB pathway, and BMI1 but strengthened the effects of TM on KAT2B/MLKL-mediated necroptosis. BMI1 promoted the ubiquitination of KAT2B, and BMI1 overexpression reversed the effects of TM on viability, apoptosis, and KAT2B/MLKL-mediated necroptosis. In summary, overexpression of BMI1 promotes the ubiquitination of KAT2B to block the MLKL-mediated necroptosis of hepatocytes.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress involves the high glucose-induced nucleus pulposus cell pyroptosis.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes has been identified as a risk factor for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). The aim of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism underlying diabetes-related pyroptosis in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. METHODS: We used a high-glucose environment to mimic diabetes in vitro and examined the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and pyroptotic response. Furthermore, we utilized activators and inducers of ERS to explore the role of ERS in high-glucose-induced pyroptosis in NP cells. We evaluated the ERS and pyroptosis levels using immunofluorescence (IF) or RT-PCR and measured the expression of collagen II, aggrecan, and MMPs. Additionally, we used ELISA to determine the levels of IL-1ß and IL-18 in the culture medium, and CCK8 assay to test cell viability. RESULTS: High-glucose conditions promoted the degeneration of NP cells and triggered ERS and pyroptosis. A high level of ERS aggravated pyroptosis, and partially suppressing ERS resisted high-glucose-induced pyroptosis and alleviated the degeneration of NP cells. Inhibiting caspase-1-based pyroptosis under high-glucose conditions helped relieve the degeneration of NP cells but did not affect ERS levels. CONCLUSIONS: High-glucose induces pyroptosis in NP cells via the mediation of ERS, and suppressing ERS or pyroptosis protects NP cells under high-glucose conditions.

Intrawound vancomycin powder in orthopaedic surgery as surgical site wound infection prophylaxis: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis research was executed to appraise the consequence of intrawound vancomycin powder (IWVP) in orthopaedic surgery (OPS) as surgical site wound infection (SSWI) prophylaxis. Inclusive literature research till March 2023 was carried out and 2756 interconnected researches were revised. Of the 18 picked researches enclosed 13 214 persons with OPS were in the used researches' starting point, 5798 of them were utilising IWVP, and 7416 were control. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to appraise the consequence of the IWVP in OPS as SSWI prophylaxis by the dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. IWVP had significantly lower SSWIs (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50-0.74, P < .001), deep SSWIs (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36-0.91, P = .02), and superficial SSWIs (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46-0.98, P = .04) compared with control in persons with OPS. IWVP had significantly lower SSWIs, deep SSWIs, and superficial SSWIs compared with control in persons with OPS. However, when interacting with its values, caution must be taken and more research is needed to confirm this finding.

A mini-review on the emerging role of nanotechnology in revolutionizing orthopedic surgery: challenges and the road ahead.

An emerging application of nanotechnology in medicine currently being developed involves employing nanoparticles to deliver drugs, heat, light, or other substances to specific types of cells (such as cancer cells). As most biological molecules exist and function at the nanoscale, engineering and manipulating matter at the molecular level has many advantages in the field of medicine (nanomedicine). Although encouraging, it remains unclear how much of this will ultimately result in improved patient care. In surgical specialties, clinically relevant nanotechnology applications include the creation of surgical instruments, suture materials, imaging, targeted drug therapy, visualization methods, and wound healing techniques. Burn lesion and scar management is an essential nanotechnology application. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous orthopedic conditions are crucial technological aspects for patients' functional recovery. Orthopedic surgery is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. In recent years, the field of orthopedics has been revolutionized by the advent of nanotechnology. Using biomaterials comprised of nanoparticles and structures, it is possible to substantially enhance the efficacy of such interactions through nanoscale material modifications. This serves as the foundation for the majority of orthopedic nanotechnology applications. In orthopedic surgery, nanotechnology has been applied to improve surgical outcomes, enhance bone healing, and reduce complications associated with orthopedic procedures. This mini-review summarizes the present state of nanotechnology in orthopedic surgery, including its applications as well as possible future directions.

[Treatment of spinal burst fractures with pedicle screw fixation at high altitude area].

OBJECTIVE: According to the characteristics of spinal burst fractures in high-altitude areas and the local medical conditions, to explore the clinical efficacy of short-segment fixation with pedicle screws combined with screw placement in injured vertebrae in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures. METHODS: From August 2018 to December 2021, 12 patients with single-vertebral thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurological symptoms were treated with injured vertebral screw placement technique, including 7 males and 5 females;aged 29 to 54 years old, with an average of(42.50±7.95) years old;6 cases of traffic accident injury, 4 cases of high fall injury, 2 cases of heavy object injury;2 cases of T11, 4 cases of T12, 3 cases of L1, 2 cases of L2, and 1 case of L3. In the operation, screws were first placed in the upper and lower vertebrae of the fracture, pedicle screws were placed in the injured vertebra, and connecting rods were installed, and the fractured vertebral body was reset by positioning and distraction. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring were used to evaluate the changes in pain and quality of life of patients, and the kyphotic correction rate and correction loss rate of the injured segment were measured by X-ray. RESULTS: All operations were successful without significant intraoperative complications. All 12 patients were followed up, the duration ranged from 9 to 27 months, with an mean of (17.75±5.79) months. VAS at 3 days after operation was significantly higher than that at admission (t=6.701, P=0.000). There was significant difference in JOA score between 9 months after operation and at admission (t=5.085, P=0.000). Three days after operation, Cobb angle was (4.42±1.16)°, and the correction rate was (82±5)% compared with (25.67±5.71)° at admission. Cobb angle was (5.08±1.24) °at 9 months after operation, with a corrected loss rate of (16±13)%. No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was found. CONCLUSION: Under the high-altitude hypobaric and hypoxic environment, the effect of the operation should be ensured while reducing the trauma. The application of the technique of placing screws on the injured vertebra can effectively restore and maintain the height of the injured vertebra, with less bleeding and shorter fixed segments, which is an effective method.

Effect of Procyanidin on Canine Sperm Quality during Chilled Storage.

Procyanidin (PC) is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of PC on canine sperm quality after 72 h of storage at 4 °C. The collected ejaculates were separated into four equal aliquots and treated with various concentrations of PC (0, 10, 30, and 50 µg/mL) in Tris-citric-fructose-egg yolk (TCFE) extender and stored at 4 °C for 72 h. The findings revealed that 30 µg/mL PC was the optimum concentration for significantly improving sperm motility (p < 0.05). Sperm samples treated with 30 µg/mL PC had substantially greater plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential than the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, T-AOC and the expression levels of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) genes were significantly higher in sperm treated with 30 µg/mL PC than those in control (p < 0.05). In summary, this study discovered that adding PC to the TCFE extender enhanced sperm quality and that 30 µg/mL PC was the optimal concentration for canine sperm when stored at 4 °C.

Long intergenic non-coding RNA -00917 regulates the proliferation, inflammation, and pyroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells via targeting miR-149-5p/NOD-like receptor protein 1 axis.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has caused great trouble in people's lives. Dysregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely linked to IDD progression. Our study aims to analyze the role of LINC00917 in the progression of IDD. Forty nucleus pulposus (NP) IDD tissues and 40 NP tissues of intervertebral discs without apparent degeneration were collected. TBHP was used to induce IDD. Cell proliferation was measured using the MTT and EdU assays. Pyroptosis was detected using flow cytometry. RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were performed to determine mRNA, miRNA, and protein expression. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays were performed to verify the relationship between LINC00917 or NLRP1 and miR-149-5p. LINC00917 expression was enhanced in TBHP-treated nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). The knockdown of LINC00917 promoted proliferation and inhibited cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and pyroptosis of NPCs. LINC00917 functions as a sponge for miR-149-5p. Having silenced miR-149-5p, the effects of LINC00917 knockdown on NPC proliferation and inflammation-induced pyroptosis were alleviated. NLRP1 overexpression induced cellular dysfunction and pyroptosis of NPCs. LINC00917 knockdown restored NPC cellular functions and inhibited IDD progression by modulating the miR-149-5p/NLRP1 axis.

State of the art of bone biomaterials and their interactions with stem cells: Current state and future directions.

BACKGROUND: There has been a rapid increase in bone tissue regeneration since the concept of "tissue engineering." Stem cell-based biomaterials have revolutionized the field of tissue regeneration. Biomaterials play an essential part in bone regeneration through their crucial substratum for cell differentiation, cohesion, and proliferation by manipulating cells. Numerous studies have been carried out in order to create a biomaterial with diverse biological and physical characteristics. Furthermore, they developed a cell microenvironment with the desired pore magnitude to stimulate stem cells to transform them from artificial to biological microenvironments. PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The current review aims to give a comprehensive overview of stem cells and biomaterials in bone tissue regeneration. SUMMARY: Initially, bone biology and its interaction with stem cells and biomaterials are briefly explained. Following that, the behavior and mechanism of biomaterials influencing the stem cells during bone tissue regeneration are emphasized. Lastly, the future outlook for tackling the current challenges for designing biomaterials/stem cell materials for bone tissue engineering (TE) is discussed. CONCLUSION: Compatible biomaterial for bone regeneration requires evaluating the structure, matrix, composition, flexibility, and nature of native bone tissue defects. The concept of TE offers a platform for designing biologically, physically, and chemically biocompatible biomaterials for stem cells to proliferate and differentiate. Currently, stem cells are increasingly used for TE with a promising outcome due to their self-renewal and differentiation potential. Furthermore, they can secrete biological-active compounds and modulate the fate and behavior of other cells in native tissues. Bone TE may flourish more rapidly and efficiently using stem cells.

The role of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs in bone regeneration: Modulating miRNAs function.

Although bone is a self-healing organ and is able to repair and restore most fractures, large bone fractures, about 10%, are not repairable. Bone grafting, as a gold standard, and bone tissue engineering using biomaterials, growth factors, and stem cells have been developed to restore large bone defects. Since bone regeneration is a complex and multiple-step process and the majority of the human genome, about 98%, is composed of the non-protein-coding regions, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in bone regeneration. Recent studies demonstrated that long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), as members of ncRNAs, are widely involved in bone regeneration by interaction with microRNAs (miRNAs) and constructing a lncRNA or circRNA/miRNA/mRNA regulatory network. The constructed network regulates the differentiation of stem cells into osteoblasts and their commitment to osteogenesis. This review will present the structure and biogenesis of lncRNAs and circRNAs, the mechanism of bone repair, and the bone tissue engineering in bone defects. Finally, we will discuss the role of lncRNAs and circRNAs in osteogenesis and bone fracture healing through constructing various lncRNA or circRNA/miRNA/mRNA networks and the involved pathways.

Application of nanoparticles in drug delivery for the treatment of osteosarcoma: focussing on the liposomes.

Osteosarcoma (OS) is one of the most common primary bone malignancies in children and adolescents. The toxicity to healthy tissues from conventional therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and drug resistance, severely affects OS patients' quality of life and cancer-specific outcomes. Many efforts have been made to develop various nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems with specific properties to overcome these limitations. Among the developed nanocarriers, liposomes are the most successful and promising candidates for providing targeted tumour therapy and enhancing the safety and therapeutic effect of encapsulated agents. Liposomes have low immunogenicity, high biocompatibility, prolonged half-life, active group protection, cell-like membrane structure, safety and effectiveness. This review will discuss various nanomaterial-based carriers in cancer therapy and then the characteristics and design of liposomes with a particular focus on the targeting feature. We will also summarise the recent advances in the liposomal drug delivery system for OS treatment in preclinical and clinical studies.

miR-647 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell progression by targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a kind of malignant tumor derived from hepatocytes and hepatobiliary cells, and its occurrence is prevalent worldwide. Although medical technology is developing rapidly, the therapeutic efficacy of HCC is still poor. Emerging evidence manifests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in various cancers and have been regarded as cancer suppressor gene. However, the regulatory mechanisms mediated by miR-647 involved in HCC remain unclear. Hence, to clarify the regulatory mechanisms mediated by miR-647 in HCC, we studied the independent effects of miR-647 and explored protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F (PTPRF) in the constructed HCC cell line (HCV-huh7.5). Thereafter, we used dual-luciferase gene reporting and Western blot to investigate the relationship between PTPRF and miR-647. Furthermore, we studied the mechanism of miR-647 on PTPRF in HCV-huh7.5. We found that miR-647 could not only promote the proliferation and invasion of HCV-huh7.5 cells but also facilitate cell migration, while PTPRF has the opposite effect. Besides, the results of cell function experiment implied that the overexpression of miR-647 or inhibition of PTPFRF remarkably influenced the Erk signaling pathway, which could regulate cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, the dual luciferase reporting identified PTPRF as a direct target of miR-647. We further demonstrated that miR-647 inhibitor or PTPRF knockdown administration boosted HCV-huh7.5 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by targeting PTPRF.These findings provided clues for the mechanism of miR-647 in promoting the biology of HCV-huh7.5 cells by inhibiting the expression level of PTPRF.