Immature Group Research Articles

Laminin Beta 2 Is Localized at the Sites of Blood-Brain Barrier and Its Disruption Is Associated With Increased Vascular Permeability, Histochemical, and Transcriptomic Study.

Heterotrimeric extracellular matrix proteins laminins are mostly deposited at basal membranes and are important in repair and neoplasia. Here, we localize laminin beta 2 (LAMB2) at the sites of blood-brain barrier (BBB). Microvasculature (MV) of normal brain is endowed with complete LAMB2 coverage. In contrast, its cognate protein laminin beta 1 (LAMB1) is absent in MV of normal brain but emerges at the sprouting tip of a growing vessels. Similarly, vascular proliferation in high-grade gliomas (HGG) is accompanied by marked overexpression of LAMB1, whereas LAMB2 shows deficient deposition. We find that many brain pathologies with presence of post-gadolinium enhancement (PGE) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show disruption of LAMB2 vascular ensheathment. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in HGG blocks angiogenesis, suppresses PGE in HGG, prevents expression of LAMB1, and restores LAMB2 vascular coverage. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) databases shows that in quiescent brain LAMB2 is predominantly expressed by BBB-associated pericytes (PCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), whereas neither cell types produce LAMB1. In contrast, in HGG, both LAMB1 and 2 are overexpressed by endothelial precursor cells, a phenotypically unique immature group, specific to proliferating hyperplastic MV.

The Effects of Different Developmental Stages on Bone Regeneration of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells and Periodontal Ligament Cell Sheets In Vitro and Vivo.

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have broad applications in tissue engineering and regeneration. However, the function of PDLSCs changes in different microenvironments. This study aimed to explore the effects of different developmental stages on the biological characteristics of PDLSCs. Here, PDLSCs were successfully cultured from the periodontal tissues of various groups, including a group with immature roots, a young group with mature roots, and an aging group with mature roots. By comparing the results of the three experimental groups, we found that the donors with immature roots exhibited the best proliferative ability and osteogenic differentiation, while the aging group demonstrated the worst proliferation. The trend for adipogenic differentiation was the opposite to that for osteogenic differentiation. The cell sheet and in vivo experiments revealed that in the immature root group, the cells produced more extracellular matrix (ECM) and new bone and better absorbed the implant materials. These results indicate that PDLSCs perform various functions at different stages of development. In clinical applications of PDLSCs for periodontal regeneration, donors with incompletely developed roots have stronger biological characteristics.

Comparative evaluation of the clinical and radiographic success of regenerative endodontic procedures in immature versus mature permanent incisors with apical periodontitis: A prospective observational study

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of the study was to know the clinical and radiographic outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures of immature versus mature in young permanent incisors with apical periodontitis. Methods: Twenty non-vital, young permanent incisors with traumatic exposure between the age of 7 and 13 years were taken. Patients were divided into two groups: Group I – immature (number of teeth included = 10) and Group II – mature (number of teeth included = 10). The procedure was performed by the blood clot method as a scaffold. Biodentine (about 2–3 mm) was placed as a capping material at the cementoenamel junction. Evaluation was based on the clinical (pain, sinus, tender on percussion, swelling, mobility, intact restoration) and radiographical (Nolla stage, thickening of walls, lamina dura continuity, calcification of pulp chamber and canal, periapical healing, PAI score) parameters. Results: All 19 teeth were clinically asymptomatic after the 12-month follow-up. Radiographically, the percentage of continuous root development (in the immature group) was 100% at 12 months (P = 0.000**). Radiography revealed a reduction in the PAI scores at 12 months in the immature and mature groups. None of the treated teeth responded to the cold test after a 12-month follow-up. One patient did not come for intervention in the mature group. All the statistical tests (Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Fisher’s exact test) were performed at a 5% significance level. Conclusion: Outcomes did not differ significantly between immature and mature groups.

Correlation analysis of interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer: Meta-analysis.

To investigate the relationship between interstitial maturity and prognosis of colorectal cancer. To examine the correlation between interstitial maturity and the prognosis of colorectal cancer. The paper database PubMed, EMBASE, Cochranelibrary, Springerlink, CNKI, and Wanfang database were searched until December 2023. "tumor stroma maturity" "desmoplastic stroma reaction" "desmoplastic reaction" "stroma reaction" "degree of stroma reaction "" stroma classification" "stroma density" "colorectal cancer" "colon cancer" "rectal cancer" "prognosis" were searched for the search terms. Two system assessors independently screened the literature quality according to the inclusion exclusion criteria, Quality evaluation and data extraction were performed for the included literatures, and meta-analysis was performed for randomized control trials included at using Review Manager 5.2 software. Finally, data of 9849 patients with colorectal cancer from 19 cosets in 15 literatures were included, including 4339 patients with mature type (control group), 3048 patients with intermediate type (intermediate group) and 2456 patients with immature type (immature group). The results of meta-analysis showed: Relapse-free survival [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.30-3.08; P < 0.00001], disease-free survival (HR = 3.68, 95%CI: 2.33-5.81; P < 0.00001) and overall survival (HR = 1.70, 95%CI: 1.53-1.87; P < 0.00001) were significantly lower than those in mature group (control group); relapse-free survival (HR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.17-1.59; P < 0.0001) and disease-free survival rate (HR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.53-2.24; P < 0.0001) was significantly lower than the mature group (control group). There is the correlation between tumor interstitial maturity and survival prognosis of colorectal cancer, and different degrees of tumor interstitial maturity have a certain impact on the quality of life of colorectal cancer patients.

Vitrification alters growth differentiation factor 9 and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor expression in human cumulus-mural granulosa cells.

Ovarian tissue vitrification is widely utilized for fertility preservation in prepubertal and adolescent female patients with cancer. The current literature includes reports of successful pregnancy and live birth following autografting. However, the effects of the vitrification process on cumulus-mural granulosa cells (C-mGCs)-somatic cells in ovarian tissue crucial for oocyte maturation and early embryonic development-remain unclear. This study was conducted to explore the impact of vitrification on the cellular function of C-mGCs by quantifying the expression of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), connexin 37, survivin, and caspase 3. Mature and immature C-mGCs were obtained from 38 women with polycystic ovary syndrome who participated in an in vitro fertilization program. The C-mGCs were then divided into two groups: fresh and vitrified. The expression levels of target genes were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. After vitrification, GDF-9 expression was significantly decreased among both mature and immature C-mGCs, with 0.2- and 0.1-fold changes, respectively (p<0.01). Similarly, FSHR expression in the mature and immature groups was reduced by 0.1- and 0.02-fold, respectively, following vitrification (p<0.01). The expression levels of the other genes, including BMP-15, LHR, connexin 37, survivin, and caspase 3, remained similar across the examined groups (p>0.05). Vitrification may compromise oocyte maturation through reduced GDF-9 and FSHR expression in C-mGCs after warming.

Patellar osteochondritis dissecans:maturation-dependent patellofemoral joint characteristics.

The likelihood of healing of osteochondritis dissecans decreases with skeletal maturity and there are theories that abnormal biomechanical forces contribute to the development and progression of these lesions. To characterize, according to regional skeletal maturity, the morphology and alignment indices of the patellofemoral joint on MRI in patients with patellar osteochondritis dissecans. MRI examinations of patients with patellar osteochondritis dissecans obtained between January 2008 and May 2023 were retrospectively reviewed to determine regional skeletal maturity, osteochondritis dissecans lesion size and location, patellar and trochlear morphology (Wiberg/Dejour classifications), and to calculate trochlear sulcus angles, trochlear depth index, lateral trochlear inclination, Insall-Salvati index, Caton-Deschamps index, patellar tendon-lateral trochlear ridge, and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distances. Values were compared between skeletally immature and mature groups. Sixty-eight children (22 girls, 46 boys, age: 14.0 ± 1.7 years) yielded 74 knees with patellar osteochondritis dissecans lesions, 14 (19%) of which were skeletally mature. The most common anatomic location was over the central patella [median ridge (34/74 - 46%) on the axial images and over the middle third (45/74 - 61%) on the sagittal images]. Overall, mean trochlear sulcus angle (high, 151 ± 11°), trochlear depth index (low, 2.8 ± 1.4mm), and Insall-Salvati index (borderline, 1.3 ± 0.1) were abnormal for the entire sample. Skeletally mature knees were significantly more likely to have higher (more dysplastic) Dejour types whencompared to skeletally immature knees (p < 0.01). Knees in the mature group, compared to immature, had significantly more abnormal mean lateral trochlear inclination (15 ± 8° vs. 19 ± 6°, p = 0.03) and patellar tendon-lateral trochlear ridge distance (5.55 ± 4.31mm vs. 2.89 ± 4.69mm, p = 0.04). Half of the knees had ≥ 4 abnormal features that predispose to patellofemoral maltracking; mature knees weresignificantly (p = 0.02) more likely to have a higher number of abnormal features (> 6 features, 7/14, 50.0%) versus immature knees (0-3 features, 33/60, 55.0%). In children with patellar osteochondritis dissecans, abnormal patellofemoral morphology and alignment indices were common in all patients and more severe in mature knees.

Effects of age and diet consistency on the expression of myosin heavy-chain isoforms on jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles in a rat model.

Skeletal craniofacial morphology can be influenced by changes in masticatory muscle function, which may also change the functional profile of the muscles. To investigate the effects of age and functional demands on the expression of Myosin Heavy-Chain (MyHC) isoforms in representative jaw-closing and jaw-opening muscles, namely the masseter and digastric muscles respectively. Eighty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four age groups, namely an immature (n = 12; 4-week-old), early adult (n = 24; 16-week-old), adult (n = 24; 26-week-old) and mature adult (n = 24; 38-week-old) group. The three adult groups were divided into two subgroups each based on diet consistency; a control group fed a standard (hard) diet, and an experimental group fed a soft diet. Rats were sacrificed, and masseter and digastric muscles dissected. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the mRNA transcripts of the MyHC isoforms-Myh7 (MyHC-I), Myh2 (MyHC-IIa), Myh4 (MyHC-IIb) and Myh1 (MyHC-IIx)-of deep masseter and digastric muscles. In the masseter muscle, hypofunction increases Myh1 (26, 38 weeks; p < .0001) but decreases Myh4 (26 weeks; p = .046) and Myh2 (26 weeks; p < .0001) expression in adult rats. In the digastric muscle, hypofunction increases Myh1 expression in the mature adult rats (38 weeks; p < .0001), while Myh2 expression decreases in adult rats (26 weeks; p = .021) as does Myh4 (26 weeks; p = .001). Myh7 expression is increased in the digastric muscle of mature adult rats subjected to hypofunction (38 weeks; p = <.0001), while it is very weakly expressed in the masseter. In jaw-opening and jaw-closing muscles, differences in myosin expression between hard- and soft-diet-fed rats become evident in adulthood, suggesting that long-term alteration of jaw function is associated with changes in the expression of MyHC isoforms and potential fibre remodelling. This may give insight into the role of function on masticatory muscles and the resultant craniofacial morphology.

Morphologic and mechanical adaptive variations in Saiga tatarica calcaneus: A model for interpreting the bone functional adaptation of wild artiodactyl in captivity.

Captivity alters the locomotor behavior of wild artiodactyls and affects the mechanical loading of the calcaneus; however, the resulting adaptive changes in calcaneus morphology have not been sufficiently studied to date. This study aimed to investigate the morphological and mechanical adaptive variations in the calcaneus of Saiga tatarica to understand further the functional adaptation of the calcaneus in wild artiodactyl to captivity. Paired calcanei from autopsy samples of six captive wild artiodactyls (S. tatarica) and six domesticated artiodactyls (Ovis aries) were divided into skeletally immature and mature groups using X-ray evaluation of growth plate closure. High-resolution microcomputed tomography revealed a calcaneal diaphyseal cross-section. The mechanical and nanomorphological characteristics of the trabecular bone were determined by atomic force microscopy. The percent cortical bone area (%CA), cortical thickness ratio (CTR), and Young's modulus (E) differed between species in the immature groups but not in the mature groups. S. tatarica had significantly higher growth rates for %CA, CTR, and E in the mid-shaft than O. aries (p < 0.05). The calcaneus morphology of S. tatarica converges with that of domesticated O. aries during ontogeny. These results indicate that the calcaneus of wild artiodactyls can undergo potentially transitional changes during the short-term adaptation to captivity. The above parameters can be preliminarily identified as morphological signs of functional bone adaptation in artiodactyls.

Differences in the microstructural and mechanical qualities of semitendinosus tendon grafts between skeletally immature and mature patients in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the microstructural and mechanical properties of semitendinosus tendon graft tissues during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and the clinical outcomes in skeletally immature and mature patients. MethodsTwenty-two patients who underwent primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using a hamstring tendon graft were analyzed and divided into skeletally immature (n = 7) and mature groups (n = 15) based on magnetic resonance imaging findings of the epiphyseal plate of the distal femur. Tissue samples were collected from the mid-portion of the semitendinosus tendon. The collagen fibril diameter, maximum stress, and strain at maximum stress point in the semitendinosus tendon tissues were calculated for comparison of the microstructural and mechanical properties between the two groups. Postoperative outcomes were also assessed between the two groups. ResultsThe mean and 60th and 80th percentiles of fibril diameters in the skeletally immature group were significantly smaller than those in the mature group (65.9 ± 13.0, 73.5 ± 19.3, and 91.3 ± 27.4 nm in the skeletally immature group; and 90.3 ± 14.7, 94.0 ± 18.4, and 125.3 ± 19.9 nm in the skeletally immature group; p = 0.001, 0.024, and 0.004, respectively). Additionally, the strain at maximum stress was higher in the skeletally immature group (237.2 ± 102.4% vs. 121.5 ± 51.9%, p = 0.024). However, there was no difference in maximum stress between the skeletally immature and mature groups (19.9 ± 14.3 MPa vs. 24.5 ± 23.4 MPa, p = 0.578). Strain was negatively correlated with the mean fibril diameter and the 60th and 80th percentiles of fibril diameters, whereas stress was positively correlated with the mean fibril diameter. The skeletally immature group had a higher pivot shift test-positive rate than the mature group at the last follow-up (p = 0.023). ConclusionSemitendinosus tendon graft tissues differed microstructurally and mechanically between skeletally immature and mature patients. Level of evidenceLevel Ⅳ

An evaluation of 910 premolars transplanted in the anterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success, and complications.

The aim this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars to the anterior region subdivided in development stage and patient's age. The material comprised patients that underwent a tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 910 premolars were transplanted in 707 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene, and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Standardized radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The data were subdivided in three groups based on the stage of root development and patient's age. The average age at surgery was 16 years. The main indication for transplantation was trauma, followed by agenesis and other indications. Two premolars were lost during the whole observation period. The overall survival and success in the immature premolars group after an observation period of 10 years was 99.8%. The 10-year survival and success rate when fully developed premolars were transplanted in the anterior region in adolescents were 100% and 96.3%, respectively. In adults, the 10-year survival and success rate were 87.5%. Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots to the anterior region in children, adolescents, and adults is a predictable treatment modality.

Transplantation of Chemical Compound-Induced Cells from Human Fibroblasts Improves Locomotor Recovery in a Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model.

The development of regenerative medicine using cell therapy is eagerly awaited for diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI), for which there has been no radical cure. We previously reported the direct conversion of human fibroblasts into neuronal-like cells using only chemical compounds; however, it is unclear whether chemical compound-induced neuronal-like (CiN) cells are clinically functional. In this study, we partially modified the method of inducing CiN cells (termed immature CiN cells) and examined their therapeutic efficacy, in a rat model of SCI, to investigate whether immature CiN cells are promising for clinical applications. Motor function recovery, after SCI, was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) test, as well as the CatWalk analysis. We found that locomotor recovery, after SCI in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group, was partially improved compared to that in the control group. Consistent with these results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological analyses revealed that nerve recovery or preservation improved in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that immature CiN cells highly express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has recently been shown to be a promising therapeutic agent against SCI. Our findings suggest that immature CiN cells may provide an alternative strategy for the regenerative therapy of SCI.

The recent progress of myeloid-derived suppressor cell and its targeted therapies in cancers.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an immature group of myeloid-derived cells generated from myeloid cell precursors in the bone marrow. MDSCs appear almost exclusively in pathological conditions, such as tumor progression and various inflammatory diseases. The leading function of MDSCs is their immunosuppressive ability, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis through their immunosuppressive effects. Since MDSCs have specific molecular features, and only a tiny amount exists in physiological conditions, MDSC-targeted therapy has become a promising research direction for tumor treatment with minimal side effects. In this review, we briefly introduce the classification, generation and maturation process, and features of MDSCs, and detail their functions under various circumstances. The present review specifically demonstrates the environmental specificity of MDSCs, highlighting the differences between MDSCs from cancer and healthy individuals, as well as tumor-infiltrating MDSCs and circulating MDSCs. Then, we further describe recent advances in MDSC-targeted therapies. The existing and potential targeted drugs are divided into three categories, monoclonal antibodies, small-molecular inhibitors, and peptides. Their targeting mechanisms and characteristics have been summarized respectively. We believe that a comprehensive in-depth understanding of MDSC-targeted therapy could provide more possibilities for the treatment of cancer.

P-133 A study of the relationship between in vitro embryo development and maternal hypothyroidism

Abstract Study question Are there an association between the maternal thyroid condition and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes? Summary answer Maternal hypothyroidism was found to be related to oocyte maturation and blastocyst development. What is known already Previous studies have shown that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels affect ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology (ART). In addition, changes in serum TSH levels have been linked to a sub-optimal environment for the implantation and development of the embryo. Thyroid-related receptors are present in granulosa cells, ovaries, and the endometrium. In addition, those receptors play a role in ovulation and folliculogenesis. This study aims to determine the association between maternal hypothyroidism and adverse implications for IVF outcomes in IVF/ICSI treated women. Study design, size, duration This retrospective study performed 333 cycles of 208 patients with TSH levels ranging from 0.043-16.627 µIU/mL, treated at the RMC National IVF Center between 2019 and 2022. The study population consisted of 1171 oocytes, which were divided into two groups based on their maternal basal TSH levels: normal TSH ≤ 2.5 µIU/mL (control group, n = 865, euthyroid) and higher TSH &amp;gt; 2.5 µIU/mL (case group, n = 306, hypothyroid). Participants/materials, setting, methods Maternal basal serum TSH levels were measured using Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay on the third day of the menstrual cycle. IVF outcome expressed oocyte maturation, fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rate. Oocytes were divided into mature (metaphase II) and immature (metaphase I and prophase I) groups. Blastocysts are graded by the Kato Ladies Clinic classification system and divided into high potential (A and B grades) and low potential (C, D, and E grades) groups. Main results and the role of chance In our study, there was no statistically significant difference in age and partner’s semen criteria between the two groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). As regards oocyte maturation, MII oocytes retrieved significantly higher in the control group (82.2% vs. 75.8%). Logistic regression analysis found that TSH levels &amp;gt; 2.5 µIU/mL were related to statistically significantly increased risks of oocyte maturation stages like MI or GV (Age affect adjusted model: B = 0.456, p = 0.005; OR = 1.578, 95% CI = 1.146-2.175). The fertilization, cleavage, and blast formation rates have no differences between the groups. However, 91% (n = 324/356) of higher potential blastocysts in the control group were significantly higher than the case group (79.7%, n = 106/133). While, by the logistic regression analysis found that higher TSH levels ( &amp;gt; 2.5 µIU/mL) were related to statistically significantly increased risks of lower potential for implantation grades (B = 0.947, p = 0.001; OR = 2.579, 95%CI = 1.477-4.502). Limitations, reasons for caution The study relied on TSH as the primary indicator of thyroid function and excluded participants with abnormal prolactin levels. Other markers, such as FT4 and TSHR, should also be considered for a thorough evaluation of thyroid function. Wider implications of the findings Thyroid dysfunction can negatively impact IVF success, and screening and managing thyroid function in women undergoing IVF are essential. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms and develop strategies to improve oocyte and blastocyst quality. Trial registration number not applicable

Medial patellar luxation grade IV according to the Singleton system can be classified into skeletally immature and skeletally matured types.

To determine the signalment and musculoskeletal morphology of small-breed dogs affected by medial patellar luxation (MPL) grade IV based on the age of the CT scan. 40 small-breed dogs (54 limbs) with MPL grade IV. Dogs that had undergone corrective surgery for MPL grade IV and had performed CT of the hind limb before surgery were included. Signalment (age, body weight, sex, laterality, and breed) and concomitant cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) were recorded. Femoral inclination angle, anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), femoral torsion angle, quadriceps muscle length to femoral length ratio (QML/FL), and patellar ligament length to patellar length were obtained by CT images. The dogs were categorized into 2 groups based on their age at the time of the CT scan, the skeletally immature group and the skeletally matured group. Signalment and group were included in the multiple regression analysis to determine the factors associated with each measurement parameter. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk of CrCL concomitant with age. The multiple regression model demonstrated that the group was associated with the value of aLDFA and QML/FL. aLDFA was higher, and QML/FL was lower in group SI than in group SM. CrCLR was present in 5/54 limbs (9.2%), with a mean age of 70.8 months and it was associated with increasing age. In Singleton's classification, dogs classified as grade IV can be categorized into 2 groups based on musculoskeletal morphology and pathophysiology: the skeletally immature and skeletally matured types.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of surgically treated osteochondral lesions of the talus in children and adolescents.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus are uncommon in children and adolescents. Surgical procedures differ from those used for adults to avoid iatrogenic physeal injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment in pediatric patients with osteochondral lesions, specifically investigating the patient age and the status of distal tibial physis as factors associated with surgical success. We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients who had symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus that were treated surgically between 2003 and 2016. If the lesion was stable and articular cartilage was intact, retrograde drilling was performed under fluoroscopic guidance. Lesions with detached overlying cartilages were treated by debridement of the cartilage combined with microfracture and drilling. Radiographic outcomes, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, and skeletal maturity were evaluated. Radiological improvement was observed in 24 (24/28, 86%) patients and complete and incomplete healing in 8 and 16 patients, respectively. Changes in pain grades, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores, and radiological healing after surgery were significant (pain grade, p < 0.001; American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, p = 0.018; radiological healing, p < 0.001). In addition, patients in the younger age group (≤13 years) showed greater improvements in pain grades than older patients (p = 0.02). Improvement in pain grade after surgery was better in the skeletally immature group than in the skeletally mature group (p = 0.048). Clinical and radiological improvements were observed after surgical treatment. The younger age group and open physis group showed more pain improvement. Therapeutic level IV.

Growth-related changes in the ultrastructure of the quadriceps tendon

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of growth on the ultrastructural characteristics of the quadriceps tendon (QT). MethodsEighteen included patients were classified into three groups based on age and epiphyseal plate condition: the ‘immature group’ consisted of patients with open epiphyseal plates (11.5 ± 1.6 years old; mean ± standard deviation), the ‘young group’ consisted of patients aged <20 years with closed epiphyseal plates (15.8 ± 1.0 years), and the ‘adult group’ consisted of all patients aged >20 years (29.8 ± 11.3 years) irrespective of epiphyseal plate condition. Tendon tissue samples were used for ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy. Minimum collagen fibril diameters were measured from the cross sections of collagen fibril images using Image J software. The average number of collagen fibers per sample was 797 ± 109, and the average collagen fibril diameter of each sample was compared using one-way analysis of variance. ResultsThe mean collagen fibril diameter was 89.7 ± 14.4 nm in the immature group, 94.8 ± 16.4 nm in the young group, and 107.2 ± 12.1 nm in the adult group, with significant differences between the immature and adult groups, and between the young and adult groups (P = 0.001 and P = 0.021, respectively); however, no significant differences were observed between the immature and young adult groups (P = 0.49). ConclusionsThe collagen fibril diameter of the QT was found to have increased with growth. The study provided insights into graft selection.

An evaluation of 1654 premolars transplanted in the posterior region-A retrospective analysis of survival, success and complications.

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the survival, success and possible complications of transplanted premolars in the posterior region subdivided by developmental stage and patient age. This study included patients who underwent tooth transplantation between April 2004 and December 2021. A total of 1654 premolars were transplanted into 1243 patients. Tooth mobility, oral hygiene and periodontal parameters were clinically evaluated. Intraoral radiographs were used to evaluate pulpal and periodontal healing, and root formation. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Data were subdivided into three groups based on the stage of root development and patient age. The mean age at surgery was 14.5 years. The main indication for transplantation was agenesis, followed by trauma and other indications, such as impacted or malformed teeth. A total of 11 premolars were lost during the study period. The overall survival and success rates in the immature premolar group after an observation period of 10 years were 99.7% and 99.4%, respectively. High survival and success rates (95.7% and 95.5%, respectively) were also observed when fully developed premolars were transplanted into the posterior region of adolescents. In adults, the success rate after 10-year follow-up is 83.3%. Transplantation of premolars with developing and fully developed roots is a predictable treatment modality.

Characterizing Cleft Rhinoplasty Across Skeletal Maturity: A Systematic Review of Terminology and Surgical Techniques.

The purpose of this study is to assess cleft rhinoplasty terminology across phases of growth. A systematic review was performed on cleft rhinoplasty publications over 20 years. Studies were categorized by age at surgical intervention: infant (<1 year); immature (1 to 14 years); mature (>15 years). Collected data included terminology used and surgical techniques. The 288 studies included demonstrated a wide range of terminology. In the infant group, 51/54 studies used the term "primary." In the immature group, 7/18 studies used the term "primary," 3/18 used "secondary." In the mature group, 2/33 studies used the term "primary," 16/33 used "secondary," 2/33 used "definitive," 5/33 used terms such as "mature," "adult," and "late," and 8/33 did not use terminology. cleft rhinoplasty at infancy used nostril rim or no nasal incision, immature rhinoplasty used closed and open rhinoplasty incisions; and mature rhinoplasty used a majority of open rhinoplasty. Infant and immature cleft rhinoplasty incorporated septal harvest or spur removal in <10% of cases, whereas these procedures were common in mature rhinoplasty. No studies in infants or immature patients used osteotomies or septal grafts, common techniques in mature rhinoplasty. Current terminology for cleft rhinoplasty is varied and inconsistently applied across stages of facial development. However, cleft rhinoplasty performed at infancy, childhood, and facial maturity are surgically distinct procedures. The authors recommend the terminology "infant," "immature," and "mature" cleft rhinoplasty to accurately describe this procedure within the context of skeletal growth.

Sex hormone concentrations in the blood of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) off Iceland

Blood samples were collected postmortem at sea, from 195 sei whales (127 females and 68 males) caught southwest of Iceland between 1983 and 1988. The reproductive status of the whales was determined by anatomical/histological methods. The blood samples were measured by radioimmunoassays for progesterone (P), testosterone (T) and oestradiol concentrations, which were then related to the reproductive status, the length of the whales and the days of the hunting season. Serum P concentrations in females were found to be clustered mainly into two groups, one with values at or below the detection limit (0.1nmol/L) of the assay (Group I) and the other with values about two orders of magnitude higher (Group III) with intermediate values (Group II) in between. Anatomical results showed that Group I (n = 73) was largely a mixture of immature and anoestrous mature females. Group III (n = 39), with a significantly (p &lt; 0.01) greater mean body length than Group I, had a distinct frequency distribution of serum P values with a mean (SD) concentration of 10.3nmol/L (4.1) and consisted predominantly of pregnant females. Many foetuses were lost at sea due to a slit in the abdomen for cooling purposes, but all 13 foetuses (1.5-3.7m in length) recovered belonged to females of Group III. Group II (n = 15) consisted mainly of anoestrous mature animals. When pregnancy was estimated by serum P values and sexual maturity by the anatomical findings, the apparent pregnancy rate of mature females was 0.37, agreeing reasonably with earlier reports. Male sei whales were classified into immature, pubertal and mature groups by anatomical/histological methods and had mean T concentrations (nmol/L, ranges) of 0.85, 0.1-4.5; 3.3, 0.1-14.7 and 4.8, 0.1-14.8, respectively. Serum T concentrations did not correlate significantly with body length in the groups but pubertal and mature males had significantly higher geometric mean T values than immature males. Mean serum T concentrations in males, classified as sexually mature by anatomical/histological methods, rose approximately 3.2-fold every 30 days during July-September indicating a seasonal breeding cycle. It is concluded that measurements of sex hormone concentrations in sei whales make a powerful addition to the earlier anatomical/histological methods for determination of reproductive status, not only corroborating them but apparently surpassing them in sensitivity of detecting pregnancy and cyclical changes in serum T values during the male reproductive cycle.

Preventive effect of tertiary lymphoid structures on lymph node metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Ectopic lymphoid formations are called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). TLSs in cancer have been reported to be associated with good prognosis and immunotherapy response. However, the relationship between TLSs and lymph node (LN) metastasis is unclear. We analyzed 218 patients with radically resected lung adenocarcinoma. TLSs were defined as the overlap of T cell zone and B cell zone. Granzyme B + cells were defined as cytotoxic lymphocytes. We evaluated phenotypes of lymphocytes in TLSs, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and LNs by immunohistochemistry. We divided the patients into mature TLS (DC-Lamp high) and immature TLS (DC-Lamp low) groups. The relationship between TLS maturation and clinicopathological factors was analyzed. The mature TLS group was associated with significantly lower frequency of LN metastasis (P < 0.0001) and early cancer stage (P = 0.0049). The mature TLS group had significantly more CD8 + (P = 0.0203) and Foxp3 + (P = 0.0141) cells in TILs than the immature TLS group had. Mature TLSs were independently associated with a favorable overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.17, P = 0.0220) and disease-free survival (HR = 0.54, P = 0.0436). Multivariate analysis showed that mature TLS was an independent low-risk factor for LN metastasis (odds ratio = 0.06, P = 0.0003). The number of cytotoxic lymphocytes in LNs was higher in the mature TLS group than in the immature group (20.0 vs. 15.1, P = 0.017). Mature TLSs were associated with an increased number of cytotoxic lymphocytes in draining LNs, a lower frequency of LN metastasis, and favorable outcomes. Mature TLSs may support antitumor immunity by lymphocyte activation.