A retrospective preliminary histomorphometric and clinical investigation on sinus augmentation using enzyme-deantigenic, collagen-preserving equine bone granules and plasma rich in growth factors

Background Enzyme-deantigenic equine bone (EDEB) is a substitute of autogenous bone. Mixing it with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) seems a viable option to achieve enhanced bone formation in alveolar bone augmentation surgeries. This retrospective study aims to first report the histomorphometric and clinical outcomes achieved when using the EDEB/PRGF mixture for performing sinus augmentation procedures followed by delayed implant placement. Materials and methods Records of 11 patients who underwent 14 sinus augmentation surgeries using EDEB/PRGF followed by delayed implant placement were retrospectively collected and analyzed to assess histomorphometric data concerning newly formed bone (NFB) and residual biomaterial (RB) recorded at implant placement, marginal bone loss (MBL) values of implants placed in the augmented sinuses, and implant and prosthetic success and survival rates. Results At 5.6 ± 1.1 months after grafting, NFB and RB were 34.0 ± 9.1% and 11.3 ± 2.2% respectively, and no histologic signs of inflammation or immune reaction were observed in any of the 34 bone biopsies being collected. Further, 86.5 ± 4.3 months after implant placement, MBL was 0.40 ± 0.07 mm. No implant or prosthesis failed, and the implant success and survival rates were 100% Conclusions Within the limitations of the present study, grafting EDEB/PRGF for lateral sinus augmentation and delayed implant placement seems to be safe. Compared to published data concerning EDEB alone, results of the present study do not suggest that the EDEB/PRGF combination may provide a histomorphometric or medium-/long-term clinical advantage.

Human Dental Pulp Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation Seeded on Equine Bone Block with Graphene and Melatonin

Equine bone blocks have osteogenic effects promoting bone regeneration with biocompatibility and osteoconductivity capacity. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts enhancing biomineralization with such scaffolds. Melatonin is able to improve bone health and mediate bone formation. Collagenated equine bone blocks were coated with ammonia-functionalized graphene-oxide (G-N) at two different concentrations (2 μg/mL, G-N2; and 10 μg/mL, G-N10). The homogeneity of G-N coating was checked by Raman spectroscopy, whereas thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) allowed us to quantify the amount of G-N deposited on the blocks. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the effect of G-N-coated collagenated equine bone blocks on the proliferation and differentiation of hDPSCs with the addition of a melatonin. This evaluation was determined after 7, 14, and 21 days of culture by the expression of specific microRNAs, RUNX2 and SMAD5 gene expression, osteocalcin levels, and histological analysis. The results showed that equine blocks G-N2 and G-N10 and melatonin gave an optimal cell adhesion as shown by histological analysis, and an increase in the hDPSCs osteogenic potential as confirmed by microRNA and gene expression with an increase in osteocalcin levels. This study suggests that equine bone blocks coated with G-N2 and G-N10 and melatonin promote the osteogenic process.

Training Young Horses: The Science behind the Benefits

Conflicting research and anecdotal evidence have created disagreement among equestrians as to whether two-year-old horses should be trained and raced. The objective of this literature review is to evaluate epidemiological studies, as well as physiological data on equine bone, articular cartilage, and tendons to better determine the impact of training and racing two-year-old horses. The evaluation of numerous studies on the topic provides evidence that a horse which is trained or raced as a two-year-old has a lower risk of injury and better adapted tissues for the rigors of racing. Unfortunately, the current prolific use of pain-mitigating substances in the racing industry does place horses, including young cohorts, at greater risk of injury, and should be used with caution.