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The effects of nanopillar and nanopit arrays on the morphology and osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The effects of nanopillar and nanopit arrays on the morphology and osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells Authors: Kang, Jihun; Yun, Young-Shik; Kang, Eun-Hye; Lee, Jihye; Jeon, Deok-Jin; Ji, Seungmuk; Kim, Yong-Oock; Yun, In-Sik; Yeo, Jong-Souk Abstract: Nanotopographic control of cell behavior offers great potential in designing biomimetic scaffolds for cell therapy. However, the behavior of cells on different nanotopographies is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of nanostructures on human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) by directly comparing nanopillar and nanopit arrays. Morphological changes, cell viability and early osteogenic differentiation of ASCs have been analyzed on the nanostructures. Nanopit arrays were found to increase cell areas and promote early osteogenic differentiation more than nanopillar arrays. Analysis of focal adhesion (FA) formation indicated a larger increase in total area as well as the number of FAs during cell spreading on nanopit arrays. The maturation of FA is related to cellular traction forces, which are known to stimulate osteogenic induction through the RhoA-ROCK pathway. We conclude that ASCs can spread more on the nanopit array than on the nanopillar array due to the presence of continuous adhesive paths on the nanopit array, which is associated with increased expression of RUNX2 as an early osteogenic marker. Our results suggest that a connected path in nanopit arrays plays a critical role in controlling stem cell behavior compared to nanopillar arrays. A comparative understanding of nanostructures can provide a guideline for designing an artificial substrate for osteogenesis and tissue engineering. © The Author(s) 2026.

Oncologic and Functional Outcomes of Active Surveillance and Ablative Therapy for Small Renal Masses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Oncologic and Functional Outcomes of Active Surveillance and Ablative Therapy for Small Renal Masses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Authors: Nguyen, Tuan Thanh; Yang, Yun-Jung; Yang, Eun-Jung; Duong, Nguyen Xuong; Quy, Khoa; Vuong, Huy Gia; Minh, Khang Dang Le; Nhat, Nam Le Ha; Truong, Thanh Nhat; Phan, Huu Hung; Choi, Se Young Abstract: Purpose: To compare the oncologic and renal functional outcomes of active surveillance (AS) and ablative therapy (AT) in patients with small renal masses (SRMs). Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science identified 78 studies: 9 on AS, 68 on AT, and 1 comparative study. Outcomes included overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), development of metastasis, posttreatment chronic kidney disease (CKD), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Subgroup analyses were conducted by tumor size (<3 cm), age (<75 and >= 75 years), and T1a stage. Results: AT demonstrated higher OS compared with AS (84.8% vs 74.0%). CSS was comparable between AS (99.6%) and AT (93.5%). Metastasis rates remained low in both groups (0.6% for AS; 0.9% for AT). CKD was reported in 12.0% of AT-treated patients, while data were limited for AS. Posttreatment eGFR was similar in both strategies. Subgroup analyses confirmed the consistency of these findings across patient and tumor characteristics. Significant heterogeneity was noted across studies. Conclusions: Both AS and AT appear safe and effective for managing SRMs, with favorable CSS and similar posttreatment renal function. AS may be preferable in older or comorbid patients, whereas AT, particularly image-guided approaches, offers a minimally invasive alternative for those requiring active treatment. Prospective comparative studies are warranted to refine patient selection and optimize management strategies.

Analysis of skull base reconstruction methods in huge cranial-nasal communication defect: Bilateral reverse temporalis muscle flap and free flap

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Analysis of skull base reconstruction methods in huge cranial-nasal communication defect: Bilateral reverse temporalis muscle flap and free flap Authors: Nuch, Kong Srey; Hong, Jong Won; Lee, Won Jai; Chang, Jong Hee; Kim, Chang Hoon Abstract: Background: Effective skull base reconstruction for huge cranial-nasal defects is critical to restoring function and esthetics and preventing complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and ascending infection. We introduced and evaluated two advanced surgical methods of reconstruction: bilateral reverse temporalis muscle flaps and free flaps. Methods: A retrospective review of 16 patients (11 males and 5 females) who underwent skull base reconstruction from January 2017 to December 2024 was conducted. Bilateral reverse temporalis muscle flaps or free flaps, predominantly anterolateral thigh flaps and one rectus myocutaneous flap, were used. Data included patient demographics, defect origins, pathological lesions, reconstruction methods, and postoperative outcomes. Results: Huge cranial-nasal defects resulted from benign tumors (n=3), malignant tumors (n=10), or mucocele/infection (n=3). The defect originated from the nasal cavity (n=12), and the cranium (n=4), with an average defect size of 23.8 +/- 9.3 cm2. Reconstruction was performed using bilateral reverse temporalis muscle flaps (n=6) or free flaps (n=10). Both reconstruction methods effectively prevented CSF leakage and ensured primary healing. Complication rates were comparable, with free flap reconstructions associated with fewer postoperative issues. There were no significant differences in operation times or hospital stays between the two techniques. Conclusion: Bilateral reverse temporalis muscle and free flaps were both effective for skull base reconstruction in patients with huge cranial-nasal communication defects. Bilateral reverse temporalis flaps provide reliable vascularization without microsurgery, and free flaps offer customizable volume. The reconstruction approach should be tailored to the defect size, donor site condition, and surgeon's expertise. (c) 2026 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

Timing of Acellular Dermal Matrix Placement in 2-Stage Breast Reconstruction: Effects on Contracture and Complications

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Timing of Acellular Dermal Matrix Placement in 2-Stage Breast Reconstruction: Effects on Contracture and Complications Authors: Liu, Jaehong; Yang, Eun-Jung; Song, Seung Yong Abstract: Background Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is commonly used in implant-based breast reconstruction, but the optimal timing of ADM use in prepectoral 2-stage reconstruction remains uncertain.Objectives The authors evaluated whether delaying ADM application to the second-stage implant exchange (after initial tissue expansion without ADM) decreases meaningful capsular contracture without increasing reconstructive failure.Methods The authors performed a retrospective cohort study of adult women undergoing immediate, prepectoral 2-stage tissue expander reconstruction at a single institution. Patients were stratified by ADM timing: ADM was placed at first-stage expander insertion vs delayed ADM applied at second-stage implant exchange with full implant wrapping. The primary outcome was tissue expander loss. Secondary outcomes included seroma, hematoma, infection, and capsular contracture graded by the Baker scale. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for covariates, including BMI, mastectomy weight, chemotherapy, and cancer stage.Results Tissue expander loss did not differ between groups. Overall early postoperative complication patterns were similar; however, delayed ADM use was associated with more seroma events among patients who received postmastectomy radiotherapy and/or underwent axillary lymph node dissection. After definitive implant placement, delayed ADM application was associated with a lower incidence of clinically significant capsular contracture (Baker grade III/IV: 4.4% vs 25.0%, P = .014) compared with ADM placement at the first stage, and this association persisted after covariate adjustment (adjusted odds ratio 0.13, 95% CI, 0.02-0.89; P = .038).Conclusions In prepectoral 2-stage reconstruction, deferring ADM to the implant-exchange stage may reduce capsular contracture without increasing expander loss. Because seroma risk may be higher in patients receiving radiotherapy and/or axillary surgery, ADM timing should be individualized and paired with seroma-mitigation strategies in higher-risk patients.