bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging biologic augmentation strategies for meniscal repair: a systematic review
Authors: Mazy David , Wang Jessica , Dodin Philippe , Lu Daisy , Moldovan Florina , Nault Marie-Lyne 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Meniscal repair should be the gold standard. However, the meniscus is poorly vascularized and even an excellent meniscus repair may not heal. Therefore, numerous studies and systematic reviews have been carried out on platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibrin clots for meniscal augmentation, but the results remain controversial. This systematic review aimed to identify other emerging strategies for meniscal repair augmentation and to assess whether there are different avenues to explore in this field.

Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted in August 2022. PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE(R) all, Ovid All EBM Reviews, Ovid Embase and ISI Web of Science databases were searched. In Vivo animal and human studies concerning the biological augmentation of meniscal lesions by factors other than PRP, MSCs or fibrin clots were included. Cartilage-only studies, previous systematic reviews and expert opinions were excluded. All data were analyzed by two independent reviewers.

Results
Of 8965 studies only nineteen studies covering 12 different factors met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies investigated the use of growth factors for meniscal biologic augmentation, such as vascular endothelial growth factor or bone morphogenic protein 7. Five studies reported on cell therapy and six studies focused on other factors such as hyaluronic acid, simvastatin or atelocollagen. Most studies (n = 18) were performed on animal models with gross observation and histological evaluation as outcomes. Polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were also common. Biomechanical testing was the object of only two studies.

Conclusions
Although several augmentation strategies have been attempted, none has yielded conclusive results, testifying to a lack of understanding with regard to meniscal healing. More research is needed to better understand the pathways that regulate meniscus repair and how to act positively on them.

Level of evidence
Systematic review of case–control and animal laboratory studies.
Diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging as a non-invasive assessment of extracellular matrix remodeling in lumbar paravertebral muscles of rats with sarcopenia
Authors: Huang Xin-Chen , Ma Ji-Yao , Gao Chao , Chen Jia-Xin , Li Chun-Li , Huang Yi-Long , He Bo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in skeletal muscle is a significant factor in the development of sarcopenia. This study aims to evaluate changes in ECM remodeling in the lumbar paravertebral muscles of sarcopenic rats using diffusion-tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) and compare them with histology.

Methods
Twenty 6-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the dexamethasone (DEX) group and the control (CON) group. Both groups underwent 3.0T MRI scanning, including Mensa, T2WI, and DT-MRI sequences. The changes in muscle fibers and extracellular matrix (ECM) of the erector spinal muscle were observed using hematoxylineosin and sirius red staining. The expressions of collagen I, III, and fibronectin in the erector spinae were detected by western blot. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation between MRI quantitative parameters and corresponding histopathology markers.

Results
The cross-sectional area and fractional anisotropy values of the erector spinae in the DEX group rats were significantly lower than those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Hematoxylin eosin staining revealed muscle fiber atrophy and disordered arrangement in the DEX group, while sirius red staining showed a significant increase in collagen volume fraction in the DEX group. The western blot results indicate a significant increase in the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin in the DEX group (p < 0.001 for all). Correlation coefficients between fractional anisotropy values and collagen volume fraction, collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin were − 0.71, -0.94, -0.85, and − 0.88, respectively (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions
The fractional anisotropy value is strongly correlated with the pathological collagen volume fraction, collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin. This indicates that DT-MRI can non-invasively evaluate the changes in extracellular matrix remodeling in the erector spinal muscle of sarcopenia. It provides a potential imaging biomarker for the diagnosis of sarcopenia.
Effectiveness of synthetic versus autologous bone grafts in foot and ankle surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hoveidaei Amir Human , Ghaseminejad-Raeini Amirhossein , Esmaeili Sina , Sharafi Amirmohammad , Ghaderi Ali , Pirahesh Kasra , Azarboo Alireza , Nwankwo Basilia Onyinyechukwu , Conway Janet D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
All orthopaedic procedures, comprising foot and ankle surgeries, seemed to show a positive trend, recently. Bone grafts are commonly employed to fix bone abnormalities resulting from trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. This study specifically focuses on reviewing the safety and efficacy of various bone substitutes used exclusively in foot and ankle surgeries, comparing them to autologous bone grafts.

Methods
The systematic search involved scanning electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane online library, and Web of Science, employing terms like 'Bone substitute,' 'synthetic bone graft,' 'Autograft,' and 'Ankle joint.' Inclusion criteria encompassed RCTs, case-control studies, and prospective/retrospective cohorts exploring different bone substitutes in foot and ankle surgeries. Meta-analysis was performed using R software, integrating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Cochrane's Q test assessed heterogeneity.

Results
This systematic review analyzed 8 articles involving a total of 894 patients. Out of these, 497 patients received synthetic bone grafts, while 397 patients received autologous bone grafts. Arthrodesis surgery was performed in five studies, and three studies used open reduction techniques. Among the synthetic bone grafts, three studies utilized a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB homodimer (rhPDGF-BB) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) collagen, while four studies used hydroxyapatite compounds. One study did not provide details in this regard. The meta-analysis revealed similar findings in the occurrence of complications, as well as in both radiological and clinical evaluations, when contrasting autografts with synthetic bone grafts.

Conclusion
Synthetic bone grafts show promise in achieving comparable outcomes in radiological, clinical, and quality-of-life aspects with fewer complications. However, additional research is necessary to identify the best scenarios for their use and to thoroughly confirm their effectiveness.

Levels of evidence
Level II.
LncRNA PITPNA-AS1 mediates the diagnostic potential of miR-129-5p in prostate cancer
Authors: Song Zhaolu , Xu Silei , Gu Xiaohui , Feng Qiang , Wang Chang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
LncRNA has an effective value in many diseases, which has long been applied in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of prostate cancer. This study focused on lncRNA PITPNA-AS1, and its diagnostic potential in prostate cancer has been explored.

Methods
The expression of PITPNA-AS1 and miR-129-5p in prostate cancer serum and sample cells was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The relationship between the expression of PITPNA-AS1 and clinicopathological parameters was considered. ROC curve prompted the diagnostic value of PITPNA-AS1. The effect of PITPNA-AS1 on prostate cancer cells was verified using vitro cells assay. Luciferase activity assay and RIP assay demonstrated the sponge relationship of PITPNA-AS1 to miR-129-5p.

Results
PITPNA-AS1 level was increased, while miR-129-5p was obviously decreased in prostate cancer. PITPNA-AS1 expression was associated with Gleason grade, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage in patients. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.910, with high sensitivity and specificity. PITPNA-AS1 was elucidated to directly target miR-129-5p, whereas silencing PITPNA-AS1 negatively affected prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Intervention of miR-129-5p inhibitor reversed the effect of silencing PITPNA-AS1 on cells.

Conclusions
PITPNA-AS1 was relatively highly expressed in prostate cancer and mediated the pathophysiological process of patients, which may serve as a diagnostic indicator. Silencing of the PITPNA-AS1 sponge miR-129-5p inhibited the biological function of the cells, indicating that PITPNA-AS1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Pediatric dentistry systematic reviews using the GRADE approach: methodological study
Authors: Alvarenga-Brant Rachel , Notaro Sarah Queiroz , Stefani Cristine Miron , De Luca Canto Graziela , Pereira Alexandre Godinho , Póvoa-Santos Luciana , Souza-Oliveira Ana Clara , Campos Julya Ribeiro , Martins-Pfeifer Carolina Castro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
To assess the reporting of the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach in systematic reviews of interventions in pediatric dentistry.

Methods
The inclusion criteria were systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) in pediatric dentistry that reported the certainty of the evidence through the GRADE approach. Paired independent reviewers screened the studies, extracted data, and appraised the methodological quality using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) tool. The certainty of the evidence was extracted for each outcome. A descriptive analysis was conducted.

Results
Around 28% of pediatric dentistry reviews of interventions used the GRADE approach (n = 24). Twenty reviews reported 112 evidence outcomes from RCTs and 13 from NRSIs using GRADE evidence profile tables. The methodological quality was high (16.7%), moderate (12.5%), low (37.5%), and critically low (33.3%), fulfilling the majority of the AMSTAR 2 criteria. The certainty of the evidence for outcomes generated from RCTs and NRSIs was very low (40.2% and 84.6%), low (33.1% and 7.7%), moderate (17.8% and 7.7%), and high (9.8% and 0.0%). The main reasons to downgrade the certainty were due to (for RCTs and NRSIs, respectively): risk of bias (68.8% and 84.6%), imprecision (67.8% and 100.0%), inconsistency (18.8% and 23.1%), indirectness (17.8% and 0.0%), and publication bias (7.1% and 0.0%).

Conclusion
The proportion of systematic reviews assessing the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach was considered small, considering the total initial number of published pediatric dentistry reviews of intervention. The certainty of the evidence was mainly very low and low, and the main problems for downgrading the certainty of evidence were due to risk of bias and imprecision.

Registration
PROSPERO database #CRD42022365443.
Effect of autophagy on aging-related changes in orthodontic tooth movement in rats
Authors: Xu Bowen , Peng Chuhan , Du Yugui , Li Qiuying , Yang Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The number of adult orthodontic patients is increasing, and studies have shown that autophagy is involved in regulating orthodontic tooth movement and plays an important role in aging-related changes. Therefore, we aimed to explore the role of autophagy in aging-related changes during orthodontic tooth movement by establishing a rat orthodontic tooth movement model.

Methods
Forty-five 6-week-old and sixty-five 8-month-old male Sprague–Dawley rats were selected to represent adolescents and adults and establish orthodontic tooth movement model. They were sacrificed on days 0,1,3,7 and 14. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining were applied to measure the expression level of osteogenesis, autophagy, aging factors and osteoclast number in periodontal membrane of left upper first molar during orthodontic tooth movement. Then, we regulated the autophagy level by injecting autophagy activator rapamycin during orthodontic tooth movement and measured these factors and tooth movement distance by micro-computed tomography.

Results
Aging factor levels in the periodontal membrane were higher in adult rats than in adolescent rats and the autophagy factor levels were lower. The levels of osteogenic factors were lower on the tension side in adult rats than in adolescent rats. The peak osteoclast number on the pressure side occurred later in adult rats than in adolescent rats. The injection of rapamycin increased autophagy, accelerated orthodontic tooth movement in adult rats, and reduced the levels of aging factors. The levels of osteogenic factors were higher and reached those in adolescent rats at some time points. The number of osteoclasts increased significantly in the early stage.

Conclusions
Autophagy may play a substantial role in regulating aging-related changes in orthodontic tooth movement.
Using patients’ oral photographs for oral hygiene motivation promotes periodontal health: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Özkal Eminoğlu Didem , Şahin Beyza Nur , Biçer Dilek , Dal Gülsüm , Huseynlı Ismayıl , Dadashov Anvar , Betül Doğan Didar , Kaşali Kamber 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this prospective, randomized, controlled, single-centered, examiner-blinded clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized and visual oral health education program in addition to conventional oral hygiene education.

Materials and methods
Fifty-six non-smoker, right-handed participants (aged 30.34 ± 11.46 years) without clinical signs of periodontitis were randomly grouped: the intervention group (n = 28) received a personalized visualized oral health education combined with conventional oral hygiene education, and the control group (n = 28) received conventional oral hygiene education only. All participants were assessed for improved periodontal parameters (PI, GI, BOP, and PPD) at baseline, first month, and third month.

Results
A significant reduction (p < 0.001) was observed in PI, GI, and BOP during two follow-up sessions compared to the baseline for the two groups. No differences were found for inter-group (p > 0.05) or intra-group (p = 1) comparison of PPD. PI (p = 0.012), GI (p = 0.032), and BOP (p = 0.024) scores were significantly reduced at the third-month follow-up assessment in the intervention group compared to the control group.

Conclusions
Clinical outcomes of periodontal health were significantly enhanced by the personalized and visual oral health education program applied in this study compared to the conventional oral hygiene education program.

Clinical relevance
Numerous studies reported additional interventions to the oral hygiene education program. However, we did not find any published studies investigating the role of patients’ intra-oral photographs in oral care. This study’s results demonstrated that a visually aided education program for oral hygiene motivation may help improve oral health.

Clinical trial registration
Registration number is “NCT06316505” and date of registration is 18/03/2024.
Causal effects of denture wearing on epigenetic age acceleration and the mediating pathways: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Xin , Cheng Zheng , Xu Junyu , Wang Qianyi , Zhao Zhibai , Jiang Qianglin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The epigenetic-age acceleration (EAA) represents the difference between chronological age and epigenetic age, reflecting accelerated biological aging. Observational studies suggested that oral disorders may impact DNA methylation patterns and aging, but their causal relationship remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate potential causal associations between dental traits and EAA, as well as to identify possible mediators.

Methods
Using summary statistics of genome-wide association studies of predominantly European ancestry, we conducted univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to estimate the overall and independent effects of ten dental traits (dentures, bleeding gums, painful gums, loose teeth, toothache, ulcers, periodontitis, number of teeth, and two measures of caries) on four EAA subtypes (GrimAge acceleration [GrimAA], PhenoAge acceleration [PhenoAA], HannumAge acceleration [HannumAA] and intrinsic EAA [IEAA]), and used two-step Mendelian randomization to evaluate twelve potential mediators of the associations. Comprehensive sensitivity analyses were used to verity the robustness, heterogeneity, and pleiotropy.

Results
Univariable inverse variance weighted MR analyses revealed a causal effect of dentures on greater GrimAA (β: 2.47, 95% CI: 0.93–4.01, p = 0.002), PhenoAA (β: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.15–4.85, p = 0.001), and HannumAA (β: 1.96, 95% CI: 0.58–3.33, p = 0.005). In multivariable MR, the associations remained significant after adjusting for periodontitis, caries, number of teeth and bleeding gums. Three out of 12 aging risk factors were identified as mediators of the association between dentures and EAA, including body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. No evidence for reverse causality and pleiotropy were detected (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Our findings supported the causal effects of genetic liability for denture wearing on epigenetic aging, with partial mediation by obesity. More attention should be paid to the obesity-monitoring and management for slowing EAA among denture wearers.
Consensus-building to improve implementation of NICE guidance on planning for end-of-life treatment and care: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Wu Frances M. , Pralat Robert , Leong Clare , Carter Victoria , Fritz Zoë , Martin Graham 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite the availability of guidance for the provision of good end-of-life care, there are significant variations across the UK in its delivery. This study sought to identify the influences on end-of-life treatment and care planning across several areas where deficiencies in evidence-based practice have been identified, and to develop consensus among healthcare providers and users for recommendations on how to address these deficits.

Methods
An online survey (106 responses), qualitative interviews (55 participants) and a consensus-building exercise (475 participants in the initial round) were undertaken. Participants included people approaching the end of life, people important to them, and health and care practitioners who help people plan for the end of life or provide end-of-life care. Recruitment was via online methods, including social media and online newsletters of relevant charities and professional organisations. Thematic analysis using the framework method was used to analyse qualitative data. Synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data led to the development of statements regarding recommendations for advancing implementation of good practice. A two-stage consensus-building exercise asked respondents first to rate these statements and then to rate and rank further sub-recommendations in three areas.

Results
Results from the consensus building exercise confirmed that end-of-life care planning conversations are to be welcomed and encouraged, and that the priority should be to have the conversation (which could be initiated by a range of professionals, or people planning end-of-life care themselves), rather than to wait for an ideal time to have it. Further rounds identified specific components of a standardised record of end-of-life treatment and care preferences that should be prioritised, specific health and care staff that should be empowered through training in advanced communication, and aspects of communication most important to include in training for healthcare professionals.

Conclusions
Our study has identified opportunities for action to improve end-of-life treatment and care by combining multiple stakeholder perspectives and building consensus among them: the resulting recommendations have sufficient granularity to be implemented and evaluated. They are of relevance to policy makers, those who train healthcare professionals, and those looking after patients approaching the end of life.
Specialized expertise among healthcare professionals in palliative care - A scoping review
Authors: Godrie Fleur , van Zuilekom Ingrid , Onwuteaka-Philipsen Bregje , van Os-Medendorp Harmieke , Schoonmade Linda , Metselaar Suzanne 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The generalist-plus-specialist palliative care model is endorsed worldwide. In the Netherlands, the competencies and profile of the generalist provider of palliative care has been described on all professional levels in nursing and medicine. However, there is no clear description of what specialized expertise in palliative care entails, whereas this is important in order for generalists to know who they can consult in complex palliative care situations and for timely referral of patients to palliative care specialists.

Objective
To gain insight in the roles and competencies attributed to palliative care specialists as opposed to generalists.

Methods
A scoping review was completed based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines to explore the international literature on the role and competence description of specialist and expert care professionals in palliative care. Databases Embase.com, Medline (Ovid), CINAHL (Ebsco) and Web of Science Core Collection were consulted. The thirty-nine included articles were independently screened, reviewed and charted. Thematic codes were attached based on two main outcomes roles and competencies.

Results
Five roles were identified for the palliative care specialist: care provider, care consultant, educator, researcher and advocate. Leadership qualities are found to be pivotal for every role. The roles were further specified with competencies that emerged from the analysis. The title, roles and competencies attributed to the palliative care specialist can mostly be applied to both medical and nursing professionals.

Discussion
The roles and competencies derived from this scoping review correspond well with the seven fields of competence for medical/nursing professionals in health care of the CanMEDS guide. A specialist is not only distinguished from a generalist on patient-related care activities but also on an encompassing level. Clarity on what it entails to be a specialist is important for improving education and training for specialists.

Conclusion
This scoping review adds to our understanding of what roles and competencies define the palliative care specialist. This is important to strengthen the position of the specialist and their added value to generalists in a generalist-plus-specialist model.