Mucoadhesive liquid crystal precursor system for photodynamic therapy of oral cancer mediated by methylene blue.

Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent types of cancer head and neck cancers worldwide. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has demonstrated great potential against cancers, reducing long-term morbidity. In this study, we investigated the incorporation of methylene blue (MB) in a mucoadhesive liquid crystal precursor system (LCPS) for oral cancer treatment.

Heterogeneous macrophages contribute to the pathology of disc herniation induced radiculopathy.

Background Context: Macrophages play important roles in the progression of intervertebral disc herniation and radiculopathy.

Purpose: To better understand the roles of macrophages in this process, we developed a new mouse model that mimics human radiculopathy.

Study Design/setting: A preclinical randomized animal study.

Correction: BMP-Non-Responsive Sca1+CD73+CD44+ Mouse Bone Marrow Derived Osteoprogenitor Cells Respond to Combination of VEGF and BMP-6 to Display Enhanced Osteoblastic Differentiation and Ectopic Bone Formation.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Animal models for disc degeneration-an update.

Intervertebral disc degeneration is considered a major cause of back pain that places a heavy burden on society, both because of its effect on the physiology of individuals and its consequences on the world economy. During the past few decades, research findings in the pre-clinical setting have led to a significant increase in the understanding of intervertebral disc degeneration, although many aspects of the disease remain unclear. The goal of this review is to summarize existing animal models for disc degeneration studies and the difficulties that are associated with the use of such models.