Background: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars might cause large bone defects in the distal area of second molars. A new strategy was innovatively employed here combining autologous bone, Bio-Oss, concentrated growth factors (CGF) gel and CGF membrane for bone repair, and the present study aimed at exploring safety as well as short- and long-term efficacy of this new protocol clinically. Materials and methods: A total of 66 participants were enrolled in this randomized single-blind clinical trial, and randomly allocated to control group (only blood clots), test A group (autogenous bone, Bio-Oss with barrier membrane) and test B group (autogenous bone, Bio-Oss, CGF gel with CGF membrane). The postoperative outcomes including PoSSe scale, periodontal probing depth (PD), degree of gingival recession and computed tomography measurements were assessed at 3rd, 6th, 12th month. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In PoSSe scale, no significant difference was observed except a significant alleviation of early-stage pain perception in test B group (p < 0.05). Also, test B group exhibited better effect on periodontal healing and gingival recession reduction after 6 months (p < 0.05). Both two test groups showed more new bone formation than the control group (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy that the bone repair of test B group was significantly better than that of test A at 3rd and 6th month (p < 0.05), yet no difference was observed at 12th month (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both two test groups could achieve stable long-term efficacy on bone defect repair. The use of CGF gel and CGF membrane could accelerate early-stage bone repair, alleviate short-term pain after surgery, reduce long-term probing depth and relieve economic cost for patients. This new bone repair protocol is worthy of promoting by clinicians. Trial registration: This study was registered with the identification number ChiCTR2300068466 on 20/02/2023 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Also, it was ethically approved from the institutional ethics committee at the Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (No:2023-010-01), and has been conducted in accordance to the guidelines of the declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants in the study.

Jaw defects are common in oral and maxillofacial diseases and require surgical repair in extreme cases. Given the limitations in availability and efficacy of autologous bone grafts or allografts, great effort has been made in finding suitable, biocompatible, and effective artificial bone materials. Considering the key role of inflammation in bone resorption, we sought to identify a polypeptide with anti-inflammatory and bone-promoting effects. Rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (BMSCs) were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory environment, and 1,538 differentially abundant polypeptides were identified using mass spectrometry. Based on mass spectrometry signal intensity, multiple of difference, and structural stability, PAP was screened out as the polypeptide with the lowest abundance in the inflammatory condition. PAP showed no cytotoxicity to BMSCs with increasing concentrations. PAP (10 μM) also increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA expression of Ocn, Bmp2, and Runx2 in a concentration-dependent manner, which confirmed that it can promote osteogenic induction of rat BMSCs. Moreover, PAP reduced LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and reactive oxygen species and inhibited polarization of RAW 264.7 macrophages to the inflammatory type. Finally, a skull defect mouse model was established, and mice were injected with LPS and/or PAP. Micro-CT, histological analysis, and immunohistochemical staining showed that PAP significantly reduced the number of LPS-induced bone resorption pits and maintained bone integrity. Overall, the polypeptide PAP screened using LPS stimulation of BMSCs is not cytotoxic and can inhibit the inflammatory reaction process to promote osteogenesis. This study thus provides a basis for development of PAP as a new osteogenic material in the repair of jaw defects.

Anchorage is one of the most important treatments for severe temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Anchoring nails have shown great success in clinical trials; however, they can break under pressure and are difficult to remove. In this study, we aimed to evaluate an improved anchoring nail and its mechanical stability. The experiment consisted of two parts: a tensile test and finite element analysis (FEA). First, traditional and improved anchoring nails were implanted into the condylar cortical bone and their tensile strength was measured using a tension meter. Second, a three-dimensional finite element model of the condyles with implants was established and FEA was performed with forces from three different directions. The FEA results showed that the total force of the traditional and improved anchoring nails is 48.2 N and 200 N, respectively. The mean (±s.d.) maximum tensile strength of the traditional anchoring nail with a 3–0 suture was 27.53 ± 5.47 N. For the improved anchoring nail with a 3–0 suture it was 25.89 ± 2.64 N and with a 2–0 suture it was above 50 N. The tensile strengths of the traditional and improved anchoring nails with a 3–0 suture was significantly different (P = 0.033–< 0.05). Furthermore, the difference between the traditional anchoring nail with a 3–0 suture and the improved anchoring nail with a 2–0 suture was also significantly different (P = 0.000–< 0.01). The improved anchoring nail, especially when combined with a 2–0 suture, showed better resistance ability compared with the traditional anchoring nail.

The increasing incidence of invasive fungal infections—particularly disseminated candidiasis caused by Candida albicans —highlights the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study evaluates the antifungal activity of a curcumin nanosuspension (CNS), both alone and in combination with azole drugs, focusing on its potential to counteract drug resistance. CNS substantially improved the aqueous solubility and enabled sustained release of curcumin in vitro , overcoming its inherent pharmacokinetic limitations. Checkerboard assays identified synergistic effects between CNS and fluconazole against planktonic cells (fractional inhibitory concentration index [FICI]: 0.38–0.5) and early biofilms of C. albicans (FICI < 0.5). Morphological analyses revealed that the combination suppressed hyphal growth and disrupted biofilm integrity—critical virulence attributes of C. albicans . Further mechanistic observations suggested that the enhanced antifungal activity may involve facilitated drug uptake and suppression of efflux function, alongside reduced expression of adhesion-related genes ( ALS1 , ALS3 , HWP1 , and EFG1 ). These results underscore a promising nanotechnology-based approach to enhance the efficacy of conventional azoles through combination therapy. IMPORTANCE: This study provides a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to overcome azole resistance in C. albicans , a major clinical pathogen responsible for life-threatening systemic infections. By formulating curcumin into a stable nanosuspension (CNS), we significantly enhanced its solubility and bioavailability, overcoming a fundamental limitation that has hindered its clinical application. More importantly, we demonstrate that CNS acts synergistically with fluconazole, effectively restoring its efficacy against resistant planktonic cells and biofilms through dual mechanisms: increasing intracellular drug accumulation by inhibiting efflux pumps and suppressing key virulence traits including hyphal formation and adhesion. This combinatory approach not only reduces the required drug dosage and potential toxicity but also provides a promising therapeutic avenue against biofilm-associated refractory candidiasis. Our findings highlight the potential of harnessing natural product-nanocarrier systems to extend the lifespan of existing antifungals and combat drug-resistant fungal infections.

Drug‐influenced gingival enlargement is a common side effect associated with certain medications, particularly calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, which has been extensively documented. However, the occurrence of nifedipine‐influenced masticatory mucosa overgrowth in edentulous patients is rare. Here, we present a case of nifedipine‐influenced mucosal enlargement persisting in a 67‐year‐old edentulous patient 3 months after the extraction of all his teeth. The patient underwent flap surgery and alveoloplasty to excise the overgrown tissue, followed by complete denture restoration. The antihypertensive medication was replaced with valsartan. A 2‐year follow‐up revealed no recurrence of overgrowth, indicating the effectiveness of this management strategy for such clinical situation.

SUMMARY: The increasing prevalence of invasive fungal infections, particularly life-threatening disseminated candidiasis caused by C. albicans , highlights the critical demand for novel therapeutic strategies. This study explores the antifungal potential of curcumin nanosuspension (CNS) alone and in combination with azoles, emphasizing synergistic mechanisms to counter drug resistance. CNS substantially improved curcumin’s aqueous solubility and enabled sustained in vitro release, overcoming its inherent bioavailability limitations. Checkerboard assays demonstrated synergistic interactions between CNS and fluconazole (FLC) against planktonic cells (FICI: 0.38–0.5) and early-stage C. albicans biofilms (FICI <0.5). Morphological analyses revealed that the combination suppressed hyphal formation and disrupted biofilm architecture—key virulence traits of C. albicans . Mechanistically, qPCR data indicated downregulation of adhesion-related genes (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1, EFG1), impairing fungal colonization. The synergy likely stems from dual mechanisms: facilitated FLC cellular uptake and inhibition of efflux pumps.These findings point out a nanotechnology-driven strategy to revitalize existing azoles through rational combination therapies. The improved bioavailability of CNS and their biofilm-penetrating capacity position this approach as a promising solution for managing refractory candidiasis, offering a pathway to circumvent antifungal resistance.