bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Dental Scaling and Polishing in Adults: A Rapid Review and Evidence Synthesis
Authors: Matthews D.C. , Al-Waeli H. 
Published: October 2024

Background: This rapid review assessed evidence to inform policy on the clinical effectiveness and optimal frequency of dental scaling and polishing (S&P) for adults, including those with low incomes eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Methods: A rapid review was conducted according to Cochrane Recommendations for Rapid Reviews. Populations included all adults, adults with periodontitis, and those with inequitable access to dental care. Primary outcomes included gingival inflammation, probing depths, and tooth loss. Secondary outcomes included oral health–related quality of life and economic impact. Four databases were searched for randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, cohort studies, and practice guidelines. Risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane Risk of Bias, Newcastle-Ottawa, ROBIS, and AGREE II tools. A qualitative synthesis was planned. Results: In total, 3,181 references were retrieved: 4 applied to “all adults” and 4 to those with periodontitis. All reports had low risk of bias. One systematic review and one multicenter trial of adults with regular dental care found no clinical benefit regardless of S&P interval; however, patients valued and were willing to pay for regular scaling. One claims-based study reported regular S&P reduced tooth loss, and 2 clinical practice guidelines found a reduced risk of future attachment and tooth loss, lower overall health care costs for diabetes, and reduced costs for and incidence of acute myocardial infarction in those with regular S&P. There were no studies of underserved populations. Conclusions: For adults with no or early periodontal disease and regular access to dental care, routine S&P may have little clinical benefit but reduces tooth loss and some health care expenses. In patients with periodontitis, scaling intervals tailored to individual risk profile and periodontal status can maintain health. There is no evidence on the impact of routine S&P on patients with barriers accessing care. Knowledge Transfer Statement: In terms of the benefits of routine scaling and polishing in adults, this rapid review found mixed evidence with a high level of certainty due to minimal risk of bias in the appraised studies for “regular dental attenders” and those with a diagnosis of periodontal diseases. Tailored intervals for dental scaling are beneficial for those diagnosed with periodontitis but may not provide the clinical benefits previously expected for adults at low risk. There is no evidence that dental polishing is effective. No evidence was found to support recommendations about the clinical effectiveness of scaling or the most appropriate recall intervals for scaling for low-income Canadians eligible for dental services under the new Canadian Dental Care Plan.
Effect Modification by Obesity on Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Kaye E. , McDonough R. , Singhal A. , Garcia R.I. , Jurasic M. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Obesity is associated with increased periodontal disease prevalence and incidence. This retrospective cohort study examined whether body mass index (BMI) is an effect modifier of periodontal treatment outcomes in patients attending an urban dental school clinic. Methods: Data were extracted from electronic health records of 344 patients at a large urban dental school clinic who had at least 1 tooth with a probing pocket depth (PD) ≥5 mm at baseline and who subsequently received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. BMI was computed from self-reported weight and height and categorized as obese (≥30 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), or healthy (18–24.9 kg/m2). The primary treatment outcome of interest was defined as having no teeth with PD ≥5 mm in a quadrant on follow-up after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. That outcome was considered to represent treatment success in this study. Secondary outcomes included changes in mean PD and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Analyses included 879 treated quadrants among 344 patients (185 males, 159 females; mean age 49 ± 12 y at baseline; mean posttreatment follow-up of 6 ± 2 mo). Clinical outcomes in patients who were overweight or obese were compared to healthy-weight patients using generalized linear models for binary or continuous outcomes, accounting for clustering within patients. Covariates were age, gender, tobacco use, history of diabetes, insurance type, and number of baseline sites ≥5 mm. Results: Obesity was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of successful nonsurgical treatment (odds ratio = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.88) than healthy weight. Being overweight was not associated with treatment success. Posttreatment reductions in the percentage of sites with pockets ≥5 mm and CAL ≥5 mm were greater in patients with healthy weight as compared to those either overweight or obese. However, posttreatment changes in mean PD and CAL did not differ among the BMI groups. Conclusions: Obesity adversely modifies the effectiveness of nonsurgical periodontal treatment among dental school clinic patients. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The results of this study may be used by dental providers to better understand and manage periodontal therapy in patients with obesity. Furthermore, patients will be better informed about their therapeutic options and outcome success.
Oral Disease and Atherosclerosis May Be Associated with Overlapping Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Bezamat M. , Saeed A. , McKennan C. , Duan J. , Zhou R. , Baxter D.J. , Liu L. , las Fuentes L. de , Foxman B. , Shaffer J.R. , McNeil D.W. , Marazita M. L. , Reis S.E. 
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Dental caries and periodontitis are among the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide and have been associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). This study aimed to determine (1) the independent associations between subclinical ASCVD markers (carotid intima media thickness [CIMT] and coronary artery calcification [CAC]) and quantitative indices of oral disease including the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index, gingivitis parameters, periodontal status, and number of teeth lost and (2) the extent to which metabolites altered in individuals with oral disease overlapped with those altered in individuals with ASCVD. Methods: We used data from 552 participants recruited through the Dental Strategies Concentrating on Risk Evaluation project. Oral examinations were conducted, and CIMT and CAC were measured. Multiple linear regression models were constructed with CIMT and CAC as dependent variables in the epidemiologic analysis. In the metabolomic analysis, logistic or linear regression was used to test 1,228 metabolites for association with each phenotype adjusted for age, sex, race, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6. Results: None of the oral disease markers were significant predictors of ASCVD markers in the fully adjusted models. However, critical lipid and lipid-signaling pathway metabolites were significantly associated with gingivitis, periodontitis, and DMFT: the lysophospholipid pathway (odds ratio [OR] = 2.29, false discovery rate [FDR]–adjusted P = 0.038) and arachidonate with gingivitis (OR = 2.35, FDR-adjusted P = 0.015), the sphingolipid metabolism pathway with periodontitis (OR = 2.09, FDR-adjusted P = 0.029), and borderline associations between plasmalogen and lysophospholipid pathways and DMFT (P = 0.055). Further, the same metabolite from the sphingolipid metabolism pathway, sphingomyelin (d17:1/14:0, d16:1/15:0), was inversely associated with both CIMT (β = −0.14, FDR-adjusted P = 0.014) and gingivitis (OR = 0.04, FDR-adjusted P = 0.033). Conclusions: The discovery of a common sphingomyelin metabolite in both disease processes is a novel finding suggesting that gingivitis and periodontitis may be associated with some overlapping metabolic pathways associated with ASCVD and indicating potential shared mechanisms among these diseases. Knowledge Transfer Statement: The same metabolites may be altered in atherosclerosis and oral disease. Specifically, a common sphingomyelin metabolite was inversely associated with gingivitis and carotid intima media thickness, a subclinical marker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These findings can provide valuable insights for future mechanistic studies to establish potential causal relationships, with the hope of influencing disease prevention and targeted early treatment.
Altered Surrogate Markers of Inflammation in Perinatal HIV-Exposed Children with Caries
Authors: Idemudia N.L. , Osagie E. , Akhigbe P. , Obuekwe O. , Omoigberale A. , Richards V. , Coker M.O. 
Published: October 2024

Objective: Dental caries is associated with immunologic response, yet its association with hematologic parameters and inflammatory markers is unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between some surrogate markers of inflammation and dental caries in the context of perinatal exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 2 groups of children aged 4 to 11 y who were (1) HIV exposed but uninfected (HEU) and (2) HIV unexposed/uninfected (HUU) and recruited from HIV pediatric and child outpatient clinics, respectively, at a tertiary health facility in Nigeria. Medical records were reviewed, and trained dentists conducted oral and dental examinations. Five milliliters of EDTA blood was obtained and used for CD4 and CD8 and complete blood analysis, from which other inflammatory markers such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammatory index (SII), CD4/CD8 ratio were calculated using referenced formulas. Results: In total, 245 (125 HEU and 120 HUU) children with a mean (standard deviation) age of 7 (2) y were included in this study. No differences in caries experience were observed in both groups of children (38 children [16%] were caries affected; 19 [16%] and 19 [15%] from the HEU and HUU groups, respectively). Examining the relationship between studied inflammatory markers and caries showed that leucocyte counts were slightly lower in caries-affected children compared with their caries-free counterparts ( P = 0.05). Lower levels of neutrophils ( P = 0.04) and higher levels of lymphocytes ( P = 0.02) were associated with caries prevalence. Although not significant, NLR, PLR, and SII were lower in caries-affected children. Conclusion: Caries is associated with leucocytes and some of its subsets in both groups of children and independent of perinatal HIV exposure, highlighting the potential of evaluating inflammatory markers in caries prevention, treatment, and research. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study provides evidence that a relationship exists between dental caries, HIV exposure, and inflammation using affordable methods and advocates the inclusion of these markers in caries care in resource-limited settings.
Mechanical thrombectomy practices in Europe: Insights from a survey of European neuroradiologists from the ESMINT
Authors: Forestier Géraud , Hanning Uta , Kaesmacher Johannes , Boulouis Grégoire , Zeleňák Kamil , Januel Anne-Christine , Kulcsár Zsolt , Fiehler Jens , Rouchaud Aymeric 
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has revolutionized the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. Indications for MT are constantly expanding across countries, presenting healthcare professionals, and institutions with the challenge of offering MT to the entire population despite geographic constraints, while also training enough interventional neuroradiologists (INR) for this highly technical-level procedure. We aimed to provide an overview of current European MT practices and organizations in 2021. Materials and methods: Members of the European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy (ESMINT) were invited to complete two different online surveys from March to November 2021 to collect data on MT practice. Results: A total of 240 individual responses from INR (from 33 European countries) were received. These included information from 56 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers (TCSC) data (across 26 European countries). The mean number of INR per center was 3.8 ± 1.43, median 4 (IQR, 3–4.5). Half of the centers (28/56, 50.00%) performed less than 150 MT per year. Most INR used a balloon guide catheter in less than 50% of cases (160/240, 66.67%), and limited the number of recanalization attempts to six passes to restore flow (209/240, 87.08%). Additionally, 37.92% of the respondents (91/240, 37.92%) indicated that they already performed MT for distal occlusions (M3, M4) as part of their routine practice. Other details of the MT procedure, anesthetic management, and patient selection are also presented and discussed. Conclusions: This European survey emphasizes the differences between TCSC and INR in modern thrombectomy practices. Even if most centers remain understaffed to meet current and future MT needs, most European TCSCs are actively training young INR.
AUTOMATIC INSTRUMENT FOR HOT TACK TESTING
Authors: SINKO PENTTI , TORMALA SAULI 
Published: October 2024

There have been some earlier efforts to develop a system for testing the hot tack strength of heat sealable materials. However, these test methods were laborious to use, were not fully quantitative, and the user-effect on the test results was high To overcome these problems, Topwave Instruments developed a completely new model of Hot Tack Tester. Special care focused on versatile and accurate simulation of process conditions, automatic handling of samples and user- friendly operation (software) features, the goal being total user-independence. The result is equipment which provides values of the following parameters which are user-selectable: sealing temperature, sealing time, sealing pressure, cooling (delay) time, and loading (peeling) speed.
Acetylcholine receptor-β inhibition by interleukin-6 in skeletal muscles contributes to modulating neuromuscular junction during aging
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Yan Han , Liu Ke , Ma Jiangping , Sun Wenlan , Lai Hejin , Li Hongli , Gu Jianbang , Huang He 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Aging-related strength decline contributes to physiological deterioration and is a good predictor of poor prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying neuromuscular junction disorders affecting contraction in aging are not well described. We hypothesized that the autocrine effect of interleukin (IL)-6 secreted by skeletal muscle inhibits acetylcholine receptor (AChR) expression, potentially causing aging-related strength decline. Therefore, we investigated IL-6 and AChR β-subunit (AChR-β) expression in the muscles and sera of aging C57BL/6J mice and verified the effect of IL-6 on AChR-β expression.

Methods
Animal experiments, in vitro studies, bioinformatics, gene manipulation, dual luciferase reporter gene assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments were used to explore the role of the transcription cofactor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC1α) and its interacting transcription factors in the IL-6-mediated regulation of AChR-β expression.

Results
IL-6 expression gradually increased during aging, inhibiting AChR-β expression, which was reversed by tocilizumab. Both tocilizumab and the PGC1α agonist reversed the inhibiting effect of IL-6 expression on AChR-β. Compared to inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibition suppressed the effects of IL-6 on AChR-β and PGC1α. In aging mouse muscles and myotubes, myocyte enhancer factor 2 C (MEF2C) was recruited by PGC1α, which directly binds to the AChR-β promoter to regulate its expression.

Conclusions
This study verifies AChR-β regulation by the IL-6/IL-6R-ERK1/2-PGC1α/MEF2C pathway. Hence, evaluating muscle secretion, myokines, and AChRs at an earlier stage to determine pathological progression is important. Moreover, developing intervention strategies for monitoring, maintaining, and improving muscle structure and function is necessary.
Visnagin alleviates rheumatoid arthritis via its potential inhibitory impact on malate dehydrogenase enzyme: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies
Authors: Khamis Abeer A. , Sharshar Amira H. , Mohamed Tarek M. , Abdelrasoul Elsayed A. , Salem Maha M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. The present study aimed to evaluate the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo inhibitory effect of visnagin on malate dehydrogenase activity and elucidate its inflammatory efficacy when combined with methotrexate in the RA rat model. The molecular docking, ADMET simulations, MDH activity, expression, and X-ray imaging were detected. Moreover, CRP, RF, (anti-CCP) antibody, (TNF-α), (IL-6), (IL-17), and (IL-10) were evaluated. The expression levels of MMP3 and FOXP3 genes and CD4, CD25, and CD127 protein levels were assessed. Histological assessment of ankle joints was evaluated. The results revealed that visnagin showed reversible competitive inhibition on MDH with inhibitory constant (Ki) equal to 141 mM with theoretical IC50 equal to 1202.7 mM, LD50 equal to 155.39 mg/kg, and LD25 equal to 77.69 mg/kg. In vivo studies indicated that visnagin exhibited anti-inflammatory effects through decreasing MDH1 activity and expression and induced proliferation of anti-inflammatory CD4+CD25+FOXP3 regulatory T cells with increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Moreover, visnagin reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the immuno-markers. Our findings elucidate that visnagin exhibits an anti-inflammatory impact against RA through its ability to inhibit the MDH1 enzyme, improve methotrexate efficacy, and reduce oxidative stress.

Graphical Abstract
Identification of key gene networks controlling organic acid and sugar metabolism during star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) development
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Xu Lianhuan , Yang Zirui , Chen Lei , Wang Yiqing , Ren Hui , Zhang Zehuang , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Wu Shasha 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe sugar and organic acid content significantly impacts the flavor quality of star fruit, and it undergoes dynamic changes during development. However, the metabolic network and molecular mechanisms governing the formation of sugar and organic acid in star fruit remain unclear. In this study, 23 of 743 components were detected by metabonomic analysis. The highest metabolites contents were organic acids and derivatives. The highest sugar content in the fruit was fructose and glucose, followed by sucrose, which proved that A. carambola is a hexose accumulation type fruit. Genome identification preliminarily screened 141 genes related to glucose metabolism and 67 genes related to acid metabolism. A total of 7,881 unigenes were found in transcriptome data, 6,124 differentially expressed genes were screened, with more up-regulated than down-regulated genes. Transcriptome and metabolome association analysis screened seven core candidate genes related to glucose metabolism and 17 core genes highly related to organic acid pathway, and eight differentially expressed sugar and acid genes were selected for qRT-PCR verification. In addition, 29 bHLHs and eight bZIPs transcription factors were predicted in the glucose metabolism pathway, and 23 MYBs, nine C2H2s transcription factors and one GRAS transcription factor was predicted in the acid metabolism pathway, and transcription factors have both positive and negative regulatory effects on sugar and acid structure genes. This study increased our understanding of A. carambola fruit flavor and provided basic information for further exploring the ornamental and edible values of star fruit.
Comparative efficacy of intrathecal morphine and adductor canal block in the knee arthroplasty population: a retrospective multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Brown Brigid , Cheok Tim Soon , Worsley David , Kroon Hidde M. , Davis Nathan , Jaarsma Ruurd L. , Doornberg Job , Lin D-Yin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Finding the balance of good postoperative analgesia while facilitiating mobility is important for a safe and satisfactory patient experience during Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intrathecal morphine, adductor canal block, and their combination in optimizing pain management and postoperative recovery in TKA patients. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data evaluated postoperative pain scores, time to mobilisation, and length of hospital stay.

Methods
1006 consecutive patients undergoing elective TKA across two large tertiary centres were included over six years. They were divided into one of four groups according to the type of analgesia received: Group N patients received no neuraxial morphine or regional block. Group B patients received adductor canal block (ACB) only. Group M patients received intrathecal morphine (ITM) but no regional block. Group BM patients received both ACB and ITM.

Results
Patients who received an ACB had faster postoperative mobilization compared to those without (p < 0.001). Patients in Group BM had the lowest pain scores at rest (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 2.9) and with movement (VAS 5.3), while Group B patients experienced the highest pain scores at rest (VAS 3.7) and on movement (VAS 6.5) (p = 0.005). Patients who received ITM had the lowest opioid requirements (p < 0.001). There was no significant differences between groups in requirement for rescue pain management strategies (p = 0.06).

Conclusions
The combination of ITM and ACB in patients undergoing TKA provides improved postoperative analgesia with lower postoperative opioid requirement and earlier mobilization compared with ACB or ITM alone.
Emergence of the B.1.214.2 SARS-CoV-2 lineage with an Omicron-like spike insertion and a unique upper airway immune signature
Authors: Holtz Andrew , Van Weyenbergh Johan , Hong Samuel L. , Cuypers Lize , O’Toole Áine , Dudas Gytis , Gerdol Marco , Potter Barney I. , Ntoumi Francine , Mapanguy Claujens Chastel Mfoutou , Vanmechelen Bert , Wawina-Bokalanga Tony , Van Holm Bram , Menezes Soraya Maria , Soubotko Katja , Van Pottelbergh Gijs , Wollants Elke , Vermeersch Pieter , Jacob Ann-Sophie , Maes Brigitte , Obbels Dagmar , Matheeussen Veerle , Martens Geert , Gras Jérémie , Verhasselt Bruno , Laffut Wim , Vael Carl , Goegebuer Truus , van der Kant Rob , Rousseau Frederic , Schymkowitz Joost , Serrano Luis , Delgado Javier , Wenseleers Tom , Bours Vincent , André Emmanuel , Suchard Marc A. , Rambaut Andrew , Dellicour Simon , Maes Piet , Durkin Keith , Baele Guy 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe investigate the emergence, mutation profile, and dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.214.2, first identified in Belgium in January 2021. This variant, featuring a 3-amino acid insertion in the spike protein similar to the Omicron variant, was speculated to enhance transmissibility or immune evasion. Initially detected in international travelers, it substantially transmitted in Central Africa, Belgium, Switzerland, and France, peaking in April 2021. Our travel-aware phylogeographic analysis, incorporating travel history, estimated the origin to the Republic of the Congo, with primary European entry through France and Belgium, and multiple smaller introductions during the epidemic. We correlate its spread with human travel patterns and air passenger data. Further, upon reviewing national reports of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in Belgian nursing homes, we found this strain caused moderately severe outcomes (8.7% case fatality ratio). A distinct nasopharyngeal immune response was observed in elderly patients, characterized by 80% unique signatures, higher B- and T-cell activation, increased type I IFN signaling, and reduced NK, Th17, and complement system activation, compared to similar outbreaks. This unique immune response may explain the variant's epidemiological behavior and underscores the need for nasal vaccine strategies against emerging variants.