Objective To analyze the advances of cancer stem cell (CSC) in recent years, and to propose a prospect for CSC research and cancer therapy. Methods Articles about important advances of CSC theory and cancer therapy were reviewed, and then selected and summarized. Results In 2001, CSC was first put forward as a concept, till now, which has been confirmed in many tissues. In recent years, efforts were dedicated to such topics including: identification of CSC in sol id tumors, the origin of CSC, its niche and growth mechanism, cancer therapy, etc. According to the CSC theory, traditional therapeutic methods have deficiencies, and new treatment targeting CSC may thoroughly el iminate tumors. Conclusion At present, CSC theory is still controversial, while it proposed revolutionary methods and directions for the therapy of cancer.
Object ive To summar ize recent advance in the appl icat ion and research of ar t i f icial chordae tendineae. Methods The cl inical and experimental research l iterature was extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results The follow-up results showed that artificial chordae tendineae replacement was superior to other operation methods in valve repair. But, it was compl icated and difficult-to-learn. In recent years with the development of many surgical skills and new techniques, good cl inical results were achieved. Conclusion With the development of surgical equi pment, chordae material, and implanting skills, artificial chordae tendineae implanting will be easier and the scope of appl ication will be larger.
Healthcare-associated infection management has advanced rapidly in recent years. With the development of more standards and guidelines, infection control measures become more standardized and evidence-based. Evidence-based measures are increasingly applied in infection control, which promote more studies on the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections. Furthermore, more new ideas of infection control have emerged, with old ones being challenged. The hand hygiene reform, multidrug-resistant organisms, and surgical site infections become the hot topics in recent years. In addition, whole-genome sequencing also provides more bases for understanding pathogen transmission in hospitals. Based on the high-quality studies published in recent years, this opinion review discusses these hot topics in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections.
ObjectiveTo summarize the current research progress of three-dimensional (3D) printing technique for spinal implants manufacture. MethodsThe recent original literature concerning technology, materials, process, clinical applications, and development direction of 3D printing technique in spinal implants was reviewed and analyzed. ResultsAt present, 3D printing technologies used to manufacture spinal implants include selective laser sintering, selective laser melting, and electron beam melting. Titanium and its alloys are mainly used. 3D printing spinal implants manufactured by the above materials and technology have been successfully used in clinical. But the problems regarding safety, related complications, cost-benefit analysis, efficacy compared with traditional spinal implants, and the lack of relevant policies and regulations remain to be solved. Conclusion3D printing technique is able to provide individual and customized spinal implants for patients, which is helpful for the clinicians to perform operations much more accurately and safely. With the rapid development of 3D printing technology and new materials, more and more 3D printing spinal implants will be developed and used clinically.
ObjectiveCell sheet technology(CST) demonstrates the innovation and advantage by overcoming some immanent shortcomings of traditional tissue engineering. To review the research progress of CST in oral tissue engineering. MethodsThe related home and abroad literature about CST and its application in stomatology was extensively reviewed and analyzed. ResultsCompared to the traditional tissue engineering technology, CST has the features of high seeding density, abundant matrix, good biological compatibility, and perfect operability, which can improve the survival rate of cell transplantation and promote functional reconstruction. It is reported that CST has been successfully used in the following fields, repair and reconstruction of periodontium, soft tissues of oral mucosa, and bones in maxillofacial region. ConclusionWith the development of CST and combined with the traditional tissue engineering technologies, it will promote the tissue engineering further progress in stomatology.
Objective To summarize the recent advance in the research of tissue engineered nerve grafts. Methods The cl inical and experimental research papers about tissue engineered nerve grafts were extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results The porosity, mechanical property and surface topography of a nerve scaffold, which was either made up of natural biodegradable polymers or synthetic polyesters, were pivotal factors that influenced the capacity of the scaffold in supporting nerve regeneration. Of various candidate supporting cells for nerve tissue engineering, the bone marrowmesenchymal stem cells had been paid more attention because of their advantages. Several model designs of drug del ivery systems for controlled release of growth factors had been attempted. In cl inical settings, short nerve gaps were demonstrated to be treatable with several nerve conduits which were commercially available, with functional recovery approximating tonerve autografting. Conclusion The field of nerve tissue engineering has witnessed a rapid development not only in experimental research but also in cl inical appl ication.
Objective To review the recent research and clinical progress of artificial osteoconductive materials. Methods Recent and related literatures were extensively and comprehensively reviewed. Results Many achievements about the clinical application of the artificial osteoconductive materials were made. Ithad become one of the hotspots of bone tissue engineering research. Some were clinically applied and good clinical results were achieved. Conclusion As it provides new clinic method for treating bone defect, artificial osteoconductive material is of great potential in its application. To improve its microstructure, macroshape, mechanism of osteoinductive ability, and to accelerate new bone for mation will be the hotspots of the research on artificial osteoconductive material.
Objective To carry out a comprehensive and objective evaluation of viscosupplementation, so as to provide the actual judgments of effectiveness, development trends, and direction. Methods The related l iterature was reviewed, and the keys were the assessments from the international relevant advisory bodies and insurance companies and the evidence-based medicine on cl inic. Results Viscosupplementation has been gradually accepted. Although there are many different cl inical views of the viscosupplementation in the molecular weight of hyaluronan, injection dose, and the indications, intra-articular injection of hyaluronan for the treatment of osteoarthritis is well accepted. ConclusionViscosupplementation is one of the methods of treating osteoarthritis. As it has been already verified that hyaluronan iseffective in treating osteoarthritis of the knee and the periarthritis of shoulder, the hip joint injection is gradually recognized,and other small joints are going gradually.
ObjectiveTo review the present situation of experimental study and clinical application of middle and lower cervical anterior transpedicular screw (CATPS) fixation. MethodsThe literature on the CATPS fixation was reviewed and summarized. ResultsThere is a safe area to implement the CATPS fixation and anterior decompression, and fusion can be done at the same time. It can provide a new idea for surgical treatment of complex cervical disease. Although it has so many advantages, its complex operating methods and optimal design of plate should be attended. Long-term effectiveness and specific indications still should be researched. ConclusionMiddle and lower cervical anterior transpedicular screw is an effective and safe fixation for cervical diseases. But the time for clinical use is short, the long-term effectiveness, surgical technique, and internal fixation devices are still need further study.
ObjectiveTo summarize the current researches and progress on experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head. MethodsDomestic and international literature concerning experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head was reviewed and analyzed. ResultsThe methods to prepare the experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head can be mainly concluded as traumatic methods (including surgical, physical, and chemical insult), and non-traumatic methods (including steroid, lipopolysaccharide, steroid combined with lipopolysaccharide, steroid combined with horse serum, etc). Each method has both merits and demerits, yet no ideal methods have been developed. ConclusionThere are many methods to prepare the experimental animal models of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, but proper model should be selected based on the aim of research. The establishment of ideal experimental animal models needs further research in future.