No abstract

Background: The oral cavity is a complex environment in which periodontal tissue is constantly stimulated by external microorganisms and mechanical forces. Proper mechanical force helps maintain periodontal tissue homeostasis, and improper inflammatory response can break the balance. Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells play crucial roles in responding to these challenges and maintaining the homeostasis of periodontal tissue. However, the mechanisms underlying PDL cell property changes induced by inflammatory and mechanical force microenvironments are still unclear. Recent studies have shown that exosomes function as a means of cell-cell and cell-matrix communication in biological processes. Methods: Human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSCs) were tested by the CCK8 assay, EdU, alizarin red, and ALP staining to evaluate the functions of exosomes induced by a mechanical strain. MicroRNA sequencing was used to find the discrepancy miRNA in exosomes. In addition, real-time PCR, FISH, luciferase reporter assay, and western blotting assay were used to investigate the mechanism of miR-181b-5p regulating proliferation and osteogenic differentiation through the PTEN/AKT pathway.

Objective In the last decade, there is a growing interest in the use of virtual reality for rehabilitation in clinical and home settings. The aim of this systematic review is to do a summary of the current evidence on the effect of home-based virtual reality training and telerehabilitation on postural balance in individuals with central neurological disorders. Methods Literature was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of home-based virtual reality (VR) training and telerehabilitation (TR) on postural balance in patients with Parkinson's disease, Multiple sclerosis or stroke. Studies were imported to EndNote and Excel to perform two screening phases by four reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using PEDro scale and Cochrane assessment tool for risk of bias. Synthesis of the data on comparative outcomes was performed using RevMan software. Results Seven RCTs were included, with all three pathologies represented. VR and TR consisted of a training device (e.g., Nintendo Wii or Xbox 360) and a monitoring device (e.g., Skype or Microsoft Kinect). Five studies used the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for measuring postural balance. Across studies, there was an improvement in BBS scores over time in both experimental and control groups, and the effect remained at follow-up for both groups. However, there was no significant difference between groups post-intervention (MD = 0.74, p = 0.45). Conclusion Home-based VR and TR can be used as prolongation to conventional therapy.

BackgroundPrevention of bacterial colonization remains a major challenge in the field of oral implant devices. Chimeric peptides with binding, antimicrobial, and osteogenesis motifs may provide a promising alternative for the inhibition of biofilm formation on titanium (Ti) surfaces.MethodsIn this study, chimeric peptides were designed by connecting an antimicrobial sequence from human β-defensin-3 with a Ti-binding sequence and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid using a glycine-glycine-glycine linker. Binding to the Ti substrate and antimicrobial properties against streptococci were evaluated. Significant improvement in reduction of bacterial colonization onto the Ti surface was observed, with or without the presence of saliva or serum. The MC3T3-E1 cells grew well on the modified Ti surfaces compared with the control group.ResultsThe data showed that the three peptide functional motifs maintained their respective functions, and that the antibiofilm mechanism of the chimeric peptide was via suppression of sspA and sspB gene expression.ConclusionThese results indicated that the endogenous peptide fragments engineered on the Ti surface could provide an environmentally friendly approach for improving the biocompatibility of oral implants.