Clinical Application Research Articles

Calcium Hydroxylapatite in Regenerative Aesthetics: Mechanistic Insights and Mode of Action.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite-Carboxymethylcellulose (CaHA-CMC) is a widely used soft-tissue filler known for its compatibility with human tissue and for its effective volumizing properties. The biodegradable CaHA microspheres function as a scaffold for the formation of new tissue by stimulating a variety of cellular responses leading to the production of collagen, elastin, vasculature and proteoglycans and thereby enhancing skin quality. Despite the promising regenerative effects of CaHA-CMC, substantial gaps remain in understanding its precise underlying mechanisms, and addressing these gaps is crucial for optimizing its clinical applications. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, google scholar and web of science for key words including "calcium hydroxylapatite", " tissue regeneration", "macrophages", "fibroblasts" and "calcium". This review elucidates the novel mechanisms of CaHA-CMC action within aesthetic medicine, with a focus on the dynamic interactions between macrophages and fibroblasts. The key role of calcium ions as critical biocues in directing skin regeneration pathways is explored alongside an examination of the distinct physicochemical properties of CaHA-CMC. CaHA-CMC helps in tissue regeneration by providing calcium ions that act as key biological cues, promoting fibroblast activity and collagen production.

Autoimmune complications of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer therapy: Clinical insights, mechanisms, and future perspectives

The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as a promising class of novel anticancer drugs, achieving significant success in clinical applications. However, the risk of autoimmune diseases associated with these drugs has raised widespread concerns. In this review, TKI-induced autoimmune diseases are reviewed in order to understand this complex phenomenon through clinical research and molecular mechanism exploration. Despite the relatively low incidence of autoimmune diseases, their potential severity demands heightened attention. The potential mechanisms underlying TKI-induced autoimmune diseases may involve immune system dysregulation, alterations in immune cell function, activation of inflammatory responses, and attacks on self-antigens. Various preventive strategies, including clinical monitoring, personalized treatment, optimization of therapeutic approaches, and patient education and communication, can be employed to effectively address these potential risks. Future research directions should delve into the molecular mechanisms of TKI-induced autoimmune diseases, integrate studies on genetics and immunogenetics, advance the development of novel TKIs, explore the possibilities of combining immunotherapy with TKI treatment, and propel large-scale clinical trials.

The eATP/P2×7R Axis Drives Quantum Dot-Nanoparticle Induced Neutrophil Recruitment in the Pulmonary Microcirculation.

Exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) is frequently associated with adverse cardiovascular effects. In contrast, NPs in nanomedicine hold great promise for precise lung-specific drug delivery, especially considering the extensive pulmonary capillary network that facilitates interactions with bloodstream-suspended particles. Therefore, exact knowledge about effects of engineered NPs within the pulmonary microcirculation are instrumental for future application of this technology in patients. To unravel the real-time dynamics of intravenously delivered NPs and their effects in the pulmonary microvasculature, we employed intravital microscopy of the mouse lung. Only PEG-amine-QDs, but not carboxyl-QDs triggered rapid neutrophil recruitment in microvessels and their subsequent recruitment to the alveolar space and was linked to cellular degranulation, TNF-α, and DAMP release into the circulation, particularly eATP. Stimulation of the ATP-gated receptor P2X7R induced expression of E-selectin on microvascular endothelium thereby mediating the neutrophilic immune response. Leukocyte integrins LFA-1 and MAC-1 facilitated adhesion and decelerated neutrophil crawling on the vascular surface. In summary, this study unravels the complex cascade of neutrophil recruitment during NP-induced sterile inflammation. Thereby we demonstrate novel adverse effects for NPs in the pulmonary microcirculation and provide critical insights for optimizing NP-based drug delivery and therapeutic intervention strategies, to ensure their efficacy and safety in clinical applications.

Current research status and clinical applications of noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing: A review

Noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing (ni-PGT) is conducted by obtaining genetic information from embryos through the analysis of free DNA released by embryos in spent embryo culture medium or blastocoel fluid. Compared to conventional preimplantation genetic testing relying on trophectoderm biopsy, ni-PGT is characterized by its noninvasiveness. It has demonstrated early advancements in the detection of embryonic chromosomal aneuploidies and the diagnosis of monogenic diseases, showcasing considerable potential for clinical application. However, there are substantial controversies in the literature concerning the reliability of ni-PGT, the source of cell-free DNA, and maternal contamination. This paper elaborates on the principles, research advancements, effectiveness, and limitations of ni-PGT to provide a basis for clinical applications.

3D-printing hydrogel programmed released exosomes to restore aortic medial degeneration through inhibiting VSMC ferroptosis in aortic dissection

Aortic dissection (AD) is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (exo-MSCs) offer a promising strategy to restore aortic medial degeneration and combat ferroptosis in AD. However, their rapid degradation in the circulatory system and low treatment efficiency limit their clinical application. Methylacrylated gelatin (Gelma) was reported as a matrix material to achieve controlled release of exosomes. Herein, exo-MSCs-embedded in Gelma hydrogels (Gelma-exos) using ultraviolet light and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. These Gelma-exos provide a sustained release of exo-MSCs as Gelma gradually degrades, helping to restore aortic medial degeneration and prevent ferroptosis. The sustained release of exosomes can inhibit the phenotypic switch of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a proliferative state, and curb their proliferation and migration. Additionally, the 3D-printed Gelma-exos demonstrated the ability to inhibit ferroptosis in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments. In conclusion, our Gelma-exos, combined with 3D-printed technology, offer an alternative treatment approach for repairing aortic medial degeneration and ferroptosis in AD, potentially reducing the incidence of aortic dissection rupture.Graphical

Clinical application of myofascial therapy in the treatment of postpartum pain-related functional disorders: A review

During pregnancy, fetal growth could lead to changes in human biomechanics. If postpartum recovery was not properly managed, it could be exacerbated, resulting in myofascial system disorders and various functional impairments. Among them, pain-related functional disorders were an important issue affecting quality of life in postpartum women. The pathogenesis of these disorders remained unclear but it was primarily associated with changes in biomechanics, the endocrine system, and nervous function. However, postpartum pain-related dysfunction had been considered a normal physiological response to childbirth, leading to a lack of attention. Therefore, many postpartum women failed to receive timely, effective, and standardized treatment, hindering their ability to reintegrate into family and society, and causing severe damage to their physical and mental health. In clinical practice, myofascial therapy could effectively alleviate postpartum pain and muscle spasms, improve excessive tension injuries in myofascial, and had a good therapeutic effect on postpartum pain-related functional disorders. The mechanism of myofascial therapy involved improving core muscle strength, restoring normal body alignment, and promoting the remodeling of myofascial mechanical structures. This article explored the positive effects of myofascial therapy on postpartum pain-related functional disorders from a biomechanical perspective, aiming to provide diverse treatment approaches for clinical practitioners.

Effects of scapular motion control training on treatment of patients with scapular fractures: An observational study

To explore the effect of scapula motion control training on the rehabilitation effect of patients with scapular fracture. According to the random number table method, 61 patients were evenly divided into observation group 30 cases and control group 31 cases. The control group received routine postoperative functional exercise, and the observation group received functional exercise by adding scapula motion control training to the routine postoperative functional exercise. The pain, daily activity, range of shoulder movement, strength test, and total score were compared between the 2 groups of patients at 4 and 12 weeks after surgery. After 4 and 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the control group, the daily activities, range of shoulder movements, and total scores of the observation group increased, and there were no significant differences in pain and strength tests. After 12 weeks of treatment, compared with the control group, the daily activity, range of shoulder movements, and total score of the observation group were higher than those of the control group. Scapular motion control training can effectively improve the treatment of patients with scapular fractures and has clinical application value.

The Multifaceted Roles of Hippo-YAP in Cardiovascular Diseases.

The Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and death. It is known to have impact on the progression and development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as well as in the regeneration of cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms by which the Hippo-YAP pathway affects the pathological processes of CVDs in order to evaluate its potential clinical applications. In this review, we have summarized the recent findings on the role of the Hippo-YAP pathway in CVDs such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cardiomyopathy, as well as its in CM development. This review calls attention to the potential roles of the Hippo-YAP pathway as a relevant target for the future treatment of CVDs.

Salidroside improves blood-brain barrier integrity and cognitive function in hypobaric hypoxia mice by inhibiting microglia activation through GSK3β.

Salidroside, an active component found in Rhodiola rosea L., has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hypoxic brain injury, while the precise target and mechanism of salidroside were remain unclear. The study utilized techniques such as network pharmacology, transcriptome sequencing to investigate the mechanism and target of salidroside in regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) function to protect hypoxic brain injury in vivo. Utilized macromolecular docking and molecular biology techniques to explore the molecular mechanism of salidroside in alleviating brain injury induced by hypoxia in BV2 cell model. The results show that salidroside alleviated the learning and memory dysfunction and pathological injury in mice exposed to hypobaric hypoxia, reduced brain water content and attenuate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, effectively reversed S100β in serum and promoted the repair of BBB. GSK3β is an important therapeutic target of salidroside in the treatment of hypoxic cognitive impairment, and salidroside can specifically bind GSK3β in the ATP binding pocket, inducing the phosphorylation of GSK3β, targeting downstream Nrf-2 to regulate microglia activity, promoting the accumulation of β-catenin, thereby inhibiting microglial activation, improving the BBB integrity injury and achieving a neuroprotective effect. This study demonstrates that salidroside can inhibit the activation of microglia by inducing GSK3β phosphorylation, achieve neuroprotective effects and alleviate learning and memory dysfunction in hypobaric hypoxia mice. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of salidroside and the clinical application of Rhodiola rosea L.

IL-4 Downregulates PD-L1 Level Via SOCS1 Upregulation-Induced JNK Deactivation to Enhance Antitumor Immunity in In Vitro Colorectal Cancer.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) controls cell growth and immune system regulation in tumorigenesis and can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cell lines, but the possible mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanism of IL-4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) through in vitro experiments. CRC cells received treatment with IL-4 (50 ng/mL), investigating the suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1)-related mechanism underlying the role of IL-4 in the progression and immunosuppression of CRC. The malignant processes of CRC cells and CD8+T cell-mediated immune response in CRC cells were determined by CCK-8, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), SOCS1 expressions, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation in CRC cells were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or Western blot. IL-4 repressed the malignant processes, yet promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells. Besides, IL-4 downregulated PD-L1 level, upregulated SOCS1 level, and restrained JNK activation in CRC cells, while enhancing CRC cell-killing effect of CD8+T cells. IL-4-induced effects on the aforementioned malignant processes of CRC cells and the killing effect of CD8+T cells toward CRC cells were all reversed when SOCS1 was knocked down in the CRC cells. IL-4 downregulates PD-L1 level via SOCS1 upregulation-induced JNK deactivation to enhance antitumor immunity in in vitro CRC. The study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of IL-4 in antitumor immunity in CRC.

TFTL: A Task-Free Transfer Learning Strategy for EEG-based Cross-Subject & Cross-Dataset Motor Imagery BCI.

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (MI-BCIs) have been playing an increasingly vital role in neural rehabilitation. However, the long-term task-based calibration required for enhanced model performance leads to an unfriendly user experience, while the inadequacy of EEG data hinders the performance of deep learning models. To address these challenges, a task-free transfer learning strategy (TFTL) for EEG-based cross-subject & cross-dataset MI-BCI is proposed for calibration time reduction and multi-center data co-modeling. TFTL strategy consists of data alignment, shared feature extractor, and specific classifiers, in which the label predictor for MI tasks classification, as well as domain and dataset discriminator for inter-subject variability reduction are concurrently optimized for knowledge transfer from subjects across different datasets to the target subject. Moreover, only resting data of the target subject is used for subject-specific model construction to achieve task-free. We employed three deep learning methods (ShallowConvNet, EEGNet, and TCNet-Fusion) as baseline approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy on five datasets (BCIC IV Dataset 2a, Dataset 1, Physionet MI, Dreyer 2023, and OpenBMI). The results demonstrate a significant improvement with the inclusion of the TFTL strategy compared to the baseline methods, reaching a maximum enhancement of 15.67% with a statistical significance (p=2.4e-5<0.05). Moreover, task-free resulted in MI trials needed for calibration being 0 for all datasets, which significantly alleviated the calibration burden for patients before usage. The proposed TFTL strategy effectively addresses challenges posed by prolonged calibration periods and insufficient EEG data, thus promoting MI-BCI from laboratory to clinical application.

Prospects for gene therapy in polycystic kidney disease

Purpose of review We aim to provide an updated perspective on the recent advancements in gene therapy for polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder with significant morbidity. Given the rapid evolution of gene therapy technologies and their potential for treating inherited diseases, this review explores the therapeutic prospects and challenges in applying these technologies to PKD. Recent findings Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetic underpinnings of PKD, making it a prime candidate for gene therapy. Re-expression of the PKD genes, treatment with the C-terminal tail of polycystin 1 protein and antagomir therapy against miR-17 have shown promise in reducing cyst formation and preserving kidney function. The rapid development of gene-editing tools, antisense oligonucleotide-based strategies, programmable RNA, and advanced gene delivery systems has opened new possibilities for PKD treatment. However, challenges such as off-target effects, delivery efficiency, and long-term safety remain significant barriers to clinical application. Summary Current research highlights the transformative potential of gene therapy for PKD. Ongoing studies are crucial to overcoming existing challenges and translating these findings into clinical practice. We highlight the need for multidisciplinary efforts to optimize gene-editing technologies and ensure their safety and efficacy in treating PKD.

Characterization and Hemocompatibility of α, β, and γ Cyclodextrin-Modified Magnetic Nano-Adsorbents

Kidney dysfunction leads to the retention of metabolites within the blood that are not effectively cleared with conventional hemodialysis. Magnetic nanoparticle (MNP)-based absorbents have inherent properties that make them amenable to capturing toxins in the blood, notably a large surface area that can be chemically modified to enhance toxin capture and the ability to be easily collected from the blood using an external magnetic field. Cyclodextrins (CDs) present a chemical structure that facilitates the binding of small molecules. However, the hemocompatibility of MNPs modified with films composed of different native types of CDs (α, β, or γ) has not yet been investigated, which is information crucial to the potential clinical application of MNPs to supplement hemodialysis. To this end, films of α-, β-, or γ-CDs were formed on MNPs and characterized. The impact of these films on the adsorbed protein structure, composition of key adsorbed proteins, and clotting kinetics were evaluated. It was found that modified MNPs did not significantly affect the secondary structure of some proteins (albumin, lysozyme, α-lactalbumin). The adsorbed proteome from platelet-poor human plasma was evaluated as a function of film properties. Compared to non-modified nanoparticles, CD-modified MNPs exhibited a significant decrease in the adsorbed protein per surface area of MNPs. The immunoblot results showed variations in the adsorption levels of C3, fibrinogen, antithrombin, Factor XI, and plasminogen across CD-modified MNPs. The hemocompatibility experiments showed that CD-modified MNPs are compatible with human whole blood, with no significant impact on platelet activation, hemolysis, or hemostasis.

Obesity-related indices as predictors of lower extremity arterial disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between obesity and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This retrospective study included 1821 patients with type 2 diabetes: 364 patients with LEAD and 1457 patients without LEAD. The patients were divided into training and internal test cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. LASSO regression analysis was used in the training cohort to filter relevant variables. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to assess independent risk factors. A diagnostic nomogram was constructed and its discrimination was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The consistency was assessed using a calibration plot. The clinical application of the nomogram was evaluated by performing a decision curve analysis (DCA) and validated by an internal test cohort of the training cohorts. The LEAD group exhibited significantly higher values in obesity-related indices compared to the non-LEAD group, including waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), and abdominal volume index (AVI). Multivariate analysis identified BMI, CI, BAI, and other parameters as independent risk factors for LEAD. A nomogram was constructed, and the AUC value of the nomogram was 0.746 in the training cohort and 0.663 in the internal test cohort. Obesity-related indices are associated with LEAD in patients with T2DM. Therefore, it is important to manage waist circumference and weight to reduce the risk of LEAD in patients with T2DM.

Establishment and Characterization of a Stable Producer Cell Line Generation Platform for the Manufacturing of Clinical-Grade Lentiviral Vectors

Background/Objectives: To date, nearly 300 lentiviral-based gene therapy clinical trials have been conducted, with eight therapies receiving regulatory approval for commercialization. These advances, along with the increased number of advanced-phase clinical trials, have prompted contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) to develop innovative strategies to address the growing demand for large-scale batches of lentiviral vectors (LVVs). Consequently, manufacturers have focused on optimizing processes under good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to improve cost-efficiency, increase process robustness, and ensure regulatory compliance. Nowadays, the LVV production process mainly relies on the transient transfection of four plasmids encoding for the lentiviral helper genes and the transgene. While this method is efficient at small scales and has also proven to be scalable, the industry is exploring alternative processes due to the high cost of GMP reagents, and the batch-to-batch variability predominantly attributed to the transfection step. Methods: Here, we report the development and implementation of a reliable and clinical-grade envisioned platform based on the generation of stable producer cell lines (SCLs) from an initial well-characterized lentiviral packaging cell line (PCL). Results: This platform enables the production of VSV-G-pseudotyped LVVs through a fully transfection-free manufacturing process. Our data demonstrate that the developed platform will facilitate successful technological transfer to large-scale LVV production for clinical application. Conclusions: With this simple and robust stable cell line generation strategy, we address key concerns associated with the costs and reproducibility of current manufacturing processes.

Evaluating the Root Extract of Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke: An Analysis of Active Constituents, Antioxidant Potential, and Investigation of Hepatoprotective Effects in Rats

Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke (R. ciliinervis) root, a traditional Chinese medicine, was found to exhibit remarkable pharmacological properties through a series of comprehensive investigations. Our study commenced with a qualitative phytochemical analysis that identified 12 bioactive compounds within the plant. Subsequently, utilizing ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, the methanol extract emerged as the optimal solvent extract, which was abundant in diverse classes of compounds such as carbohydrates, phenolics, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and tannins. In vitro antioxidant assays underscored the exceptional free radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, singlet oxygen quenching, and β-carotene bleaching capabilities of the methanol extract, significantly outperforming other solvent extracts. Further ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 45 compounds, predominantly anthraquinones and phenolics, in the methanol extract. The extract demonstrated robust stability under various conditions, including high temperatures, varying pH levels, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion as well as efficacy in inhibiting the oxidation in edible oils. Acute toxicity tests in mice confirmed the safety of the methanol extract and provided a valuable dosage reference for future studies. Importantly, high-dose methanol extract exhibited a significant pre-protective effect against D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats, as evidenced by reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, malondialdehyde levels, and elevated catalase and albumin levels. These findings suggest a potential role for the methanol extract of R. ciliinervis root in treating oxidative stress-related disorders, highlighting the plant’s immense medicinal potential. Our research offers a thorough evaluation of the bioactive components, antioxidant properties, stability, and liver-protecting effects of the methanol extract, setting the stage for deeper investigation and potential clinical applications.

Magnetoelectrics for Implantable Bioelectronics: Progress to Date.

ConspectusThe coupling of magnetic and electric properties manifested in magnetoelectric (ME) materials has unlocked numerous possibilities for advancing technologies like energy harvesting, memory devices, and medical technologies. Due to this unique coupling, the magnetic properties of these materials can be tuned by an electric field; conversely, their electric polarization can be manipulated through a magnetic field.Over the past seven years, our lab work has focused on leveraging these materials to engineer implantable bioelectronics for various neuromodulation applications. One of the main challenges for bioelectronics is to design miniaturized solutions that can be delivered with minimally invasive procedures and yet can receive sufficient power to directly stimulate tissue or power electronics to perform functions like communication and sensing.Magnetoelectric coupling in ME materials is strongest when the driving field matches a mechanical resonant mode. However, miniaturized ME transducers typically have resonance frequencies >100 kHz, which is too high for direct neuromodulation as neurons only respond to low frequencies (typically <1 kHz). We discuss two approaches that have been proposed to overcome this frequency mismatch: operating off-resonance and rectification. The off-resonance approach is most common for magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) that typically have resonance frequencies in the gigahertz range. In vivo experiments on rat models have shown that MENPs could induce changes in neural activity upon excitation with <200 Hz magnetic fields. However, the neural response has latencies of several seconds due to the weak coupling in the off-resonance regime.To stimulate neural responses with millisecond precision, we developed methods to rectify the ME response so that we could drive the materials at their resonant frequency but still produce the slowly varying voltages needed for direct neural stimulation. The first version of the stimulator combined a ME transducer and analog electronics for rectification. To create even smaller solutions, we introduced the first magnetoelectric metamaterial (MNM) that exhibits self-rectification. Both designs have effectively induced neural modulation in rat models with less than 5 ms latency.Based on our experience with in vivo testing of the rectified ME stimulators, we found it challenging to deliver the precisely controlled therapy required for clinical applications, given the ME transducer's sensitivity to the external transmitter alignment. To overcome this challenge, we developed the ME-BIT (MagnetoElectric BioImplanT), a digitally programmable stimulator that receives wireless power and data through the ME link.We further expanded the utility of this technology to neuromodulation applications that require high stimulation thresholds by introducing the DOT (Digitally programmable Overbrain Therapeutic). The DOT has voltage compliance up to 14.5 V. We have demonstrated the efficacy of these designs through various in vivo studies for applications like peripheral nerve stimulation and epidural cortical stimulation.To further improve these systems to be adaptive and enable a network of coordinated devices, we developed a bidirectional communication system to transmit data to and from the implant. To enable even greater miniaturization, we developed a way to use the same ME transducer for wireless power and data communication by developing the first ME backscatter communication protocol.

Non-clinical safety evaluation of Yongdamsagan-tang water extract: A 13-week subchronic oral toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats.

Despite the continued clinical application of traditional herbal medicines, scientific evidence such as toxicological safety profile of Yongdamsagan-tang water extract (YSTW) has not yet been established. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential toxicity profile of YSTW following a 13-week repeated oral administration at various concentrations to Sprague Dawley rats. YSTW was administered orally to rats once daily at doses of 0, 1000, 2000, and 5000 mg/kg bw/day for 13 weeks. During the experimental period, there were no significant toxicological changes related to YSTW treatment. These results indicate that the administration of YSTW for 13 weeks in the rat resulted in no signs of toxicity at up to 5000 mg/kg bw/day, which was considered the no-observed-adverse-effect level.

Enhancing EEG data quality and precision for cloud-based clinical applications: an evaluation of the SLOG framework

Automation is revamping our preprocessing pipelines, and accelerating the delivery of personalized digital medicine. It improves efficiency, reduces costs, and allows clinicians to treat patients without significant delays. However, the influx of multimodal data highlights the need to protect sensitive information, such as clinical data, and safeguard data fidelity. One of the neuroimaging modalities that produces large amounts of time-series data is Electroencephalography (EEG). It captures the neural dynamics in a task or resting brain state with high temporal resolution. EEG electrodes placed on the scalp acquire electrical activity from the brain. These electrical potentials attenuate as they cross multiple layers of brain tissue and fluid yielding relatively weaker signals than noise-low signal-to-noise ratio. EEG signals are further distorted by internal physiological artifacts, such as eye movements (EOG) or heartbeat (ECG), and external noise, such as line noise (50 Hz). EOG artifacts, due to their proximity to the frontal brain regions, are particularly challenging to eliminate. Therefore, a widely used EOG rejection method, independent component analysis (ICA), demands manual inspection of the marked EOG components before they are rejected from the EEG data. We underscore the inaccuracy of automatized ICA rejection and provide an auxiliary algorithm-Second Layer Inspection for EOG (SLOG) in the clinical environment. SLOG based on spatial and temporal patterns of eye movements, re-examines the already marked EOG artifacts and confirms no EEG-related activity is mistakenly eliminated in this artifact rejection step. SLOG achieved a 99% precision rate on the simulated dataset while 85% precision on the real EEG dataset. One of the primary considerations for cloud-based applications is operational costs, including computing power. Algorithms like SLOG allow us to maintain data fidelity and precision without overloading the cloud platforms and maxing out our budgets.

Application of nanoparticles as surface modifiers of dental implants for revascularization/regeneration of bone

BackgroundOsseointegrated dental implants are widely established as a first-choice treatment for the replacement of missing teeth. Clinical outcomes are however often compromised by short or longer-term biological complications and pathologies. Nanoparticle-coated materials represent a very active research area with the potential to enhance clinical outcomes and reduce complications of implant therapy. This scoping review aimed to summarize current research on various types of nanoparticles (NPs) used as surface modifiers of dental implants and their potential to promote biological and clinical outcomes.MethodsA systematic electronic search was conducted in SCOPUS, PubMed and Google Scholar aiming to identify in vivo, in situ, or in vitro studies published between 2014 and 2024. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined and were described in the methods section.ResultsA total of 169 articles (44 original papers from Scopus and PubMed, and 125 articles from Google Scholar) were identified by the electronic search. Finally, 30 studies fit the inclusion criteria and were further used in this review. The findings from the selected papers suggest that nanoparticle-coated dental implants show promising results in enhancing bone regeneration and promoting angiogenesis around the implant site. These effects are due to the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticle-coated implants and the controlled release of bioactive molecules from nanoparticle-modified surfaces.ConclusionNanoscale modifications displayed unique properties which could significantly enhance the properties of dental implants and further accelerate revascularization, and osseointegration while facilitating early implant loading. Yet, since many of these findings were based on in-vitro/in-situ systems, further research is required before such technology reaches clinical application.