Biomechanical Analysis of Truncated Cone Implants for Maxillary Sinus Lift: An In Vitro Study on Polyurethane Laminas.

This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical performance of two truncated cone implant designs in maxillary sinus lift (MSL) procedures using polyurethane laminas. A total of 128 implants were used. Polyurethane laminas were divided into two groups based on thickness (1 and 3 mm) and two subgroups based on density (20 and 30 pounds per cubic foot, PCF).

Layered PEGDA hydrogel for islet of Langerhans encapsulation and improvement of vascularization.

Islets of Langerhans need to maintain their round morphology and to be fast revascularized after transplantation to preserve functional insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. For this purpose, a non-cell-adhesive environment is preferable for their embedding. Conversely, nutrient and oxygen supply to islets is guaranteed by capillary ingrowth within the construct and this can only be achieved in a matrix that provides adhesion cues for cells.

A Protocol to Enhance INS1E and MIN6 Functionality-The Use of Theophylline.

In vitro research in the field of type I diabetes is frequently limited by the availability of a functional model for islets of Langerhans. This method shows that by the addition of theophylline to the glucose buffers, mouse insulinoma MIN6 and rat insulinoma INS1E pseudo-islets can serve as a model for islets of Langerhans for in vitro research. The effect of theophylline is dose- and cell line-dependent, resulting in a minimal stimulation index of five followed by a rapid return to baseline insulin secretion by reducing glucose concentrations after a first high glucose stimulation.

Hybrid Polycaprolactone/Alginate Scaffolds Functionalized with VEGF to Promote de Novo Vessel Formation for the Transplantation of Islets of Langerhans.

Although regarded as a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes, clinical islet transplantation in the portal vein is still hindered by a low transplantation outcome. Alternative transplantation sites have been proposed, but the survival of extra-hepatically transplanted islets of Langerhans critically depends on quick revascularization after engraftment. This study aims at developing a new 3D scaffold platform that can actively boost vascularization and may find an application for extra-hepatic islet transplantation.