Evaluation of sodium hyaluronate-based composite hydrogels for prevention of nasal adhesions.

During the healing process after intra-nasal surgery, the growth and repair of damaged tissues can result in the development of postoperative adhesions. Various techniques have been devised to minimize the occurrence of postoperative adhesions which include insertion of stents in the middle meatus, application of removable nasal packing, and utilizing biodegradable materials with antiadhesive properties. This study assesses the efficacy of two sodium hyaluronate (SH)-based freeze-dried hydrogel composites in preventing postoperative nasal adhesions, comparing them with commonly used biodegradable materials in nasal surgery.

Impact of Thermo-Responsive N-Acetylcysteine Hydrogel on Dermal Wound Healing and Oral Ulcer Regeneration.

This study investigates the efficacy of a thermo-responsive N-acetylcysteine (NAC) hydrogel on wound healing and oral ulcer recovery. Formulated by combining NAC with methylcellulose, the hydrogel's properties were assessed for temperature-induced gelation and cell viability using human fibroblast cells. In vivo experiments on Sprague Dawley rats compared the hydrogel's effects against saline, NAC solution, and a commercial NAC product.

Oral ulcer treatment using human tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in trimethyl chitosan hydrogel: an animal model study.

Background: Oral ulcers are a common side effect of chemotherapy and affect patients' quality of life. While stem cell transplantation is a potential treatment for oral ulcers, its efficacy is limited as the stem cells tend to remain in the affected area for a short time. This study aims to develop a treatment for oral ulcers by using trimethyl chitosan (TMC) hydrogel with human tonsil-derived stem cells (hTMSCs) to increase the therapeutic effect of stem cells and investigate their effectiveness.

Antiseptic, Hemostatic, and Wound Activity of Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-Iodine Gel with Trimethyl Chitosan.

Wound management practices have made significant advancements, yet the search for improved antiseptics persists. In our pursuit of solutions that not only prevent infections but also address broader aspects of wound care, we investigated the impact of integrating trimethyl chitosan (TMC) into a widely used poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-iodine gel (PVP-I gel). Our study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of the PVP gel with TMC against , , multidrug-resistant MRSA, and .

Photobiomodulation Recovers the Submandibular Gland in Vismodegib-Treated Rats.

The submandibular gland (SMG) produces the most saliva, and factors such as aging and chemotherapy can affect its structure and function. However, there are only temporary treatments available for salivary hypofunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the function of SMG by using a rat animal model and vismodegib, an antagonist of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway.

Endoscope-Assisted Hairline Approach for Head and Neck Masses: A Review.

Conventional surgery through a transcervical incision is indicated for the treatment of certain tumors in the head and neck. However, this method can cause multiple problems, including scarring and cosmetic concerns. The endoscope-assisted hairline approach, which serves as an alternative to conventional surgical procedures, is gaining popularity due to its excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Regeneration of taste through sonic hedgehog upregulation by photobiomodulation.

This study investigated photobiomodulation (PBM) effects in Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling as a potential approach to taste preservation and regeneration. Primary taste cell (TC) cultures were treated with Shh antagonist vismodegib and irradiated using a continuous wave type 630 nm light-emitting diode (10 mW/cm ) array, with single or multiple doses of 30 J/cm to determine dose inducing significant upregulation effect. Shh, Ptch, Smo, and Gli1 were significantly upregulated at 120 J/cm , used as the minimum dose in vivo.

Role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 in Sonic Hedgehog-Dependent Taste Bud Differentiation.

Taste bud cell differentiation is extremely important for taste sensation. Immature taste bud cells cannot function during taste perception transmission to the nerve. In this study, we investigated whether hedgehog signaling affected taste bud cell differentiation and whether transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) played a key role in dry mouth.

Electrochemical lipolysis of subcutaneous adipose tissue in a porcine animal model.

Objectives: There is a considerable demand for noninvasive low-cost fat reduction methods with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times. This study aims to develop a fat-reduction method through electrochemical lipolysis of subcutaneous adipocytes using needle-based electrodes, body tissue fluids, and electrical current application.

Methods: Electrochemical lipolysis was performed by inserting a 4-pin needle electrode connected to a DC power supply into the pig's abdomen.

Recovery of sweet taste preference in adult rats following bilateral chorda tympani nerve transection.

Background: Numerous studies have noted the effect of chorda tympani (CT) nerve transection on taste sensitivity yet very few have directly observed its effects on taste receptor and taste signaling protein expressions in the tongue tissue.

Methods: In this study, bilateral CT nerve transection was performed in adult Sprague Dawley rats after establishing behavioral taste preference for sweet, bitter, and salty taste short term two-bottle preference testing using a lickometer setup. Taste preference for all animals were subsequently monitored.

Analysis of penetration depth and healing process of a needleless laser lancet using swept-source optical coherence tomography.

Background And Objectives: Needleless laser lancets have been used to reduce needle pain in people who undertake self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG). Although clinical trials have been conducted to understand the degree of pain associated with the developed laser blood sampling device, it is only judged by the patients' subjective judgment. This study aimed to analyze the performance and healing process of a needleless laser lancet.

Trimethyl chitosan postoperative irrigation solution modulates inflammatory cytokines related to adhesion formation.

Lavage or irrigation has been instilled in surgical practice for wound clearance and surgical site infection prevention during and after surgery. Herein, we developed a new irrigation solution using trimethyl chitosan (TMC), a quaternized chitosan derivative. The TMC-saline irrigation solution developed in the study possesses highly effective bactericidal properties with hemostatic and anti-adhesion properties.

Improved healing and macrophage polarization in oral ulcers treated with photobiomodulation (PBM).

Objectives: The effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment on wound healing and macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo. Animal models of oral ulcers were simulated through chemically induced oral ulcers in rats.

Materials And Methods: PBM treatment using an infrared pulsed laser was used to treat oral ulcers in the animal models.

Endoscopically-Assisted Scar-Free Midline Neck Mass Excision.

Traditional open surgery is indicated for the treatment of selected tumor subsites in the head and neck. However, it can cause major cosmetic problems and functional pathologies. The endoscopically-assisted transoral approach is increasingly preferred in some surgical fields due to its superior cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on Bone Mineral Density in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Because subclinical hyperthyroidism increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, concerns are growing about the long-term skeletal safety of TSH suppression therapy after total thyroidectomy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Objective: We aimed to determine the effect of TSH suppression therapy on bone mineral density (BMD) in DTC patients.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and other sources.

Micro-computed tomography with contrast enhancement: An excellent technique for soft tissue examination in humans.

Manual dissection and histologic examination are commonly used to investigate human structures, but there are limitations in the damage caused to delicate structures or the provision of limited information. Micro-computed tomography (microCT) enables a three-dimensional volume-rendered observation of the sample without destruction and deformation, but it can only visualize hard tissues in general. Therefore, contrast-enhancing agents are needed to help in visualizing soft tissue.

Quaternary ammonium N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan derivative and povidone‑iodine complex as a potent antiseptic with enhanced wound healing property.

The importance of developing more potent antimicrobials and robust infection prevention practices has been highlighted recently with the increase in reports of emerging bacterial resistance mechanisms and the development of antibiotic-resistant microbes. In this study, a quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative, N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) with inherent bactericidal property was synthesized and complexed with povidone‑iodine (PVP-I) to create a potentially more potent antiseptic solution that could also significantly enhance the wound healing process. TMC, a positively charged, water-soluble derivative of chitosan, formed stable solutions with PVP-I at 5% w/v TMC concentration (TMC5/PVP-I).

Effect of Photobiomodulation on Restoration of Ionization Radiation-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction Through p53 and Retinoblastoma Signaling.

This study aimed to investigate whether photobiomodulation (PBM) restores normal thyroid follicular cells affected by ionizing radiation, and to determine the mechanism of PBM on thyroid function. Despite diverse applications of PBM to medical therapy, there has been no evidence of its involvement with thyroid function. A light emission diode (850 nm) array was used at 2, 5, and 10 J/cm for analysis in human thyroid N-Thy-3.

Survival Benefits From Surgery for Stage IVa Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Analysis of 1,033 Cases.

Objectives: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCs) are frequently diagnosed at the locoregional advanced stage (stage IVa), but controversy remains regarding whether stage IVa HSNCs should be treated with upfront surgery or definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IVa HNSC treated primarily by surgery with curative intent with/without (neo)adjuvant treatment (surgery group) versus those treated primarily with CRT (CRT group).

Methods: We reviewed data of 1,033 patients with stage IVa HNSC treated with curative intent at 17 cancer centers between 2010 and 2016.

Biochemical and Pain Comparisons Between the Laser Lancing Device and Needle Lancets for Capillary Blood Sampling: A Randomized Control Trial.

Background And Objectives: Patients around the world use a lancing device to perform self-monitoring of blood sugar (SMBG). However, there are always fears of needles and pain. Therefore, less painful devices are being developed.

Protective Effect of Alpha-Lipoic Acid on Salivary Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Radioiodine Therapy-Induced Sialoadenitis.

Radioiodine (RI) therapy is known to cause salivary gland (SG) dysfunction. The effects of antioxidants on RI-induced SG damage have not been well described. This study was performed to investigate the radioprotective effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) administered prior to RI therapy in a mouse model of RI-induced sialadenitis.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Injury by Preserving Parasympathetic Innervation in Rats.

Radiation therapy is a standard treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. However, radiation exposure to the head and neck induces salivary gland (SG) dysfunction. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) has been reported to reduce radiation-induced toxicity in normal tissues.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Lacrimal Gland Injury through NFAT5-Dependent Signaling.

Dry eye syndrome related to radiation therapy is relatively common and can severely impair a patient's daily life. The nuclear factor of activated T cells 5(NFAT5) is well known for its osmoprotective effect under hyperosmolar conditions, and it also has immune-modulating functions. We investigated the role of NFAT5 and the protective effect of α-lipoic acid(ALA) on radiation-induced lacrimal gland (LG) injuries.

Anatomical study of gasless transoral thyroidectomy and clinical application.

Background: Transoral thyroidectomy is becoming a preferred technique because it has the advantage of not leaving a scar after surgery. However, it is not yet standard because of the anatomic nerve complexity of this oral cavity and difficulty of approach. The aim of this study was to determine the safety zone of a gasless transoral thyroidectomy approach using an anatomical study and to evaluate the efficacy of this approach on clinical application.