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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.

Phase IB/II Trial with Correlative Analyses of Doxorubicin plus Durvalumab Combination in Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Phase IB/II Trial with Correlative Analyses of Doxorubicin plus Durvalumab Combination in Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma Authors: Yun, Kum-Hee; Sim, Nam Suk; Shin, Su-Jin; Lee, Young Han; Baek, Wooyeol; Han, Yoon Dae; Park, Ji Woo; Kim, Sang Kyum; Cho, Iksung; Jung, Inkyung; Mesirov, Jill P.; Rha, Sun Young; Choi, Seo Hee; Yoon, Hong In; Kim, Seung Hyun; Kim, Hyo Song Abstract: Purpose: This open-label, phase IB/II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of standard-of-care doxorubicin combined with durvalumab [a programmed death 1 ligand (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitor] in patients with advanced anthracycline-na & iuml;ve soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and identified patients who would most likely benefit from this combination treatment.Patients and Methods: This trial (NCT03802071) included patients with metastatic and/or recurrent STS not previously treated with anthracycline or a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. Phase IB assessed the safety and tolerability of doxorubicin [level 1 (75 mg/m2); level -1 (60 mg/m2)] in combination with durvalumab 1,500 mg once every 3 weeks until documented disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Phase II evaluated treatment efficacy, with the primary endpoint being the objective response rate (ORR).Results: As no dose-limiting toxicities were observed during the phase IB trial (n = 3), the recommended phase II dose was 75 mg/m2 of doxorubicin. Of 41 evaluable patients, 1 (2.4%) achieved a complete response and 12 (29.3%) achieved a confirmed partial response, yielding an ORR of 31.7%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.6 months, and median overall survival was 23.8 months. The most common treatment-related grade 3 to 4 adverse events were neutropenia (n = 23, 53.4%), thrombocytopenia (n = 6, 13.9%), and anemia (n = 5, 11.6%). In prespecified exploratory correlative analyses, absence of RTK-RAS pathway genetic alterations [hazard ratio (HR), 6.446; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.934-21.486; P = 0.002] and high PD-1 expression (HR, 0.214; 95% CI, 0.071-0.649; P = 0.006) were identified as independent predictors of longer PFS.Conclusions: Doxorubicin plus durvalumab combination therapy exhibited promising efficacy in advanced STS, with acceptable toxicity profile.