Metformin is an old and widely accepted first-line drug for treating type 2 diabetes. Our previous studies demonstrate that metformin can stimulate the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells and human dental pulp cells (DPCs). Due to the rapid dilution of metformin from the defect area, the aim of this study was to develop a drug delivery system with controlled release of metformin to promote cell viability and odontogenic differentiation of DPCs favoring dentin regeneration. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) containing chitosan and metformin as a scaffold was synthesized. DPCs were seeded onto the scaffold, and the viability and proliferation were evaluated at several time points. For osteogenic differentiation analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was tested, cells were stained with Alizarin Red, and the expression of odontogenic markers was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. DPCs remained viable and attached well to the CPC-chitosan composite scaffold. Moreover, the addition of metformin to the CPC-chitosan composite did not adversely affect cell proliferation, compared to that of CPC control. Our data further revealed that the novel CPC-chitosan-metformin composite enhanced the odontogenic differentiation of DPCs, as evidenced by higher ALP activity, elevated expression of odontoblastic markers, and strong mineral deposition. These results suggest that the new CPC-chitosan-metformin composite is a highly promising scaffold with the potential for tissue engineering applications including dentin regeneration.

Background The exact incidence of infantile haemangiomas (IH) in the Chinese population is still unknown. A positive family history of IH was considered as a risk factor for the development of IH.Objectives This study aims to investigate the incidence of IH in the Chinese population and the mechanism of family history increases the risk for IH development.Methods A total of 2489 women and their newborns were enrolled in the prospective study. All newborns were followed up for 12 months to determine whether they developed IH. In addition, 213 IH probands and their 174 siblings were enrolled in the study. The incidence of IH in siblings of the IH probands was investigated. Information regarding risk factors for IH and demographic data were collected on all children.Results Of the 2572 newborns, 58 IH were identified in 56 (2.2%) newborns. The majority of IH were located on the trunk (46.6%). Siblings of the IH probands were at increased risk for the development of IH (P = 0.024, relative risk 2.451), and the occurrence of prenatal risk factors for IH(P = 0.003) compared with the general population.Conclusions Our study showed that the incidence of IH is 2.2% in the Chinese population. Siblings of the individuals with IH were at increased risk for the development of IH may be related to the family clustering of prenatal risk factors for IH. Further exploration of the mechanisms and common features of these prenatal risk factors may help to disclose the origin and pathogenesis of IH.

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are at risk of incomplete regression with remnant permanent sequelae, ranging from passive waiting for spontaneous regression to active systemic administration. The application of traditional therapy involving injection of a sclerosing agent is limited due to the difficulty in achieving cosmetic improvement. This study aimed to explore a new injection method that could not only promote tumor regression but also achieve cosmetic improvement. A total of 122 IH (from 109 children) injected intralesionally with lauromacrogol in the Plastic Surgery Department of Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between 1 January 2012 and 1 June 2019 were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up time was 2.9 years. Of 122 lesions studied, 111 (91.0%) achieved complete regression, 10 (8.2%) achieved significant regression and one (0.8%) achieved moderate regression. In terms of aesthetic appearance, 70 (57.4%) IH had no sequelae and the A score was 5/5. Twentyone (17.2%) IH had minimal hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation or telangiectasia and the A score was 4/5. Thirty-one (25.4%) IH had left mild or relatively obvious sequelae and the A score was 1-3/5. None of the 122 IH involved had rebound growth after terminating the treatment. Hyper-or hypopigmentation gradually faded over time and part of the IH had already returned to normal appearance by the time of long-term follow up. The results indicated that this new type of injection therapy significantly promoted the regression of uncomplicated IH and helped achieve the expected cosmetic appearance.

Hydrogen‐rich compounds under high pressure have been attractive in high temperature superconductors. By using the genetic algorithm (GA) method combined with first‐principles calculations, H6Se structures are predicted at high pressure, and the formation enthalpies per atom and phonon spectrum of H6Se are analyzed. Furthermore, the superconductivity properties of H6Se are investigated. Pmma is found to be the most stable phase of H6Se at 50–270 GPa, and the predicted Tc values are 19–39 K. By contrast, C2/m becomes the most stable phase of H6Se above 270 GPa and its Tc values are predicted to be 50–87 K.