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Biology of Sex Differences Jun 2022In this systematic review, we highlight the differences between the male and female zebrafish brains to understand their differentiation and their use in studying... (Review)
Review
In this systematic review, we highlight the differences between the male and female zebrafish brains to understand their differentiation and their use in studying sex-specific neurological diseases. Male and female brains display subtle differences at the cellular level which may be important in driving sex-specific signaling. Sex differences in the brain have been observed in humans as well as in non-human species. However, the molecular mechanisms of brain sex differentiation remain unclear. The classical model of brain sex differentiation suggests that the steroid hormones derived from the gonads are the primary determinants in establishing male and female neural networks. Recent studies indicate that the developing brain shows sex-specific differences in gene expression prior to gonadal hormone action. Hence, genetic differences may also be responsible for differentiating the brain into male and female types. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in brain sex differentiation could help further elucidate the sex-specific incidences of certain neurological diseases. The zebrafish model could be appropriate for enhancing our understanding of brain sex differentiation and the signaling involved in neurological diseases. Zebrafish brains show sex-specific differences at the hormonal level, and recent advances in RNA sequencing have highlighted critical sex-specific differences at the transcript level. The differences are also evident at the cellular and metabolite levels, which could be important in organizing sex-specific neuronal signaling. Furthermore, in addition to having one ortholog for 70% of the human gene, zebrafish also shares brain structural similarities with other higher eukaryotes, including mammals. Hence, deciphering brain sex differentiation in zebrafish will help further enhance the diagnostic and pharmacological intervention of neurological diseases.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Female; Gonads; Male; Mammals; Sex Characteristics; Sex Differentiation; Zebrafish
PubMed: 35715828
DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00442-2 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2022Focal chondral defects of the knee are common and their management is challenging. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Autologous Matrix-Induced... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Focal chondral defects of the knee are common and their management is challenging. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) for focal chondral defects of the knee. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted (according to the 2020 PRISMA statement) to investigate the efficacy of AMIC in improving symptoms and to compare AMIC versus microfracture (MFx). In January 2022, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase. No time constrain was used for the search. All the clinical trials investigating AMIC and/or those comparing AMIC versus MFx for focal chondral defects of the knee were accessed. Only studies published in peer reviewed journals were considered. Studies which investigated other locations of the defects rather than knee were not eligible, nor those reporting data form mixed locations. Studies which reported data on revision settings, as well as those investigating efficacy on kissing lesions or multiple locations, were not suitable. The mean difference (MD) and odd ratio (OR) effect measure were used for continuous and binary data, respectively. Data from 18 studies (548 patients) were retrieved with a mean follow-up of 39.9 ± 26.5 months. The mean defect size was 3.2 ± 1.0 cm. The visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased of - 3.9/10 (95% confidence interval (CI) - 4.0874 to -3.7126), the Tegner Activity Scale increased of + 0.8/10 (95% CI 0.6595 to 0.9405). The Lysholm Knee Scoring System increased of + 28.9/100 (95% CI 26.8716 to 29.1284), as did the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) + 33.6/100 (95% CI 32.5800 to 34.6200). At last follow-up no patient showed signs of hypertrophy. 4.3% (9 of 210) of patients underwent revision procedures. The rate of failure was 3.8% (9 of 236). Compared to MFx, AMIC demonstrated lower VAS score (MD: - 1.01; 95% CI - 1.97 to 0.05), greater IKDC (MD: 11.80; 95% CI 6.65 to 16.94), and lower rate of revision (OR: 0.16; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.44). AMIC is effective for focal chondral defects of the knee. Furthermore, AMIC evidenced greater IKDC, along with a lower value of VAS and rate of revision compared to MFx.
Topics: Cartilage Diseases; Cartilage, Articular; Chondrogenesis; Humans; Knee Joint; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 35661147
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13591-6 -
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2024Stem cell therapy has been considered to play a paramount role in the treatment modalities available for regenerative dentistry. The established beneficial effects of...
BACKGROUND
Stem cell therapy has been considered to play a paramount role in the treatment modalities available for regenerative dentistry. The established beneficial effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) at the cellular level have led to the combined use of these two factors (PBM and stem cells). The main goal of this study was firstly to critically appraise the effects of PBM on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), and secondly to explore the most effective PBM protocols applied.
METHODS
Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar search engines were used to identify experimental studies in which PBM was applied to cultured PDLSCs. After applying specific keywords, additional filters, and inclusion/exclusion criteria, a preliminary number of 245 articles were narrowed down to 11 in which lasers and LEDs were used within the 630 - 1064 nm wavelength range. Selected articles were further assessed by three independent reviewers for strict compliance with PRISMA guidelines, and a modified Cochrane risk of bias to determine eligibility.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The dataset analysed was extracted from the studies with sufficient and clearly presented PBM protocols. Simple univariate regression analysis was performed to explore the significance of contributions of potential quantitative predictor variables toward study outcomes, and a one-way ANOVA model was employed for testing differences between the laser or LED sources of the treatments. The significance level for testing was set at α = 0.05.
RESULTS
The proliferation rate, osteogenic differentiation, and expression of different indicative genes for osteogenesis and inflammation suppression were found to be positively affected by the application of various types of lasers and LEDs. With regard to the PBM protocol, only the wavelength variable appeared to affect the treatment outcome; indeed, the 940 nm wavelength parameter was found not to exert a favourable effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Photobiomodulation can enhance the stemness and differentiation capacities of periodontal ligament stem cells. Therefore, for PBM protocols, there remains no consensus amongst the scientific community. Statistical analyses performed here indicated that the employment of a near-infrared (NIR) wavelength of 940 nm may not yield a significant favourable outcome, although those within the 630 - 830 nm range did so. Concerning the fluence, it should not exceed 8 J/cm when therapy is applied by LED devices, and 4 J/cm when applied by lasers, respectively.
Topics: Humans; Osteogenesis; Periodontal Ligament; Low-Level Light Therapy; Cell Proliferation; Stem Cells
PubMed: 35638280
DOI: 10.2174/1574888X17666220527090321 -
Behavioral and Brain Functions : BBF May 2022Genetic variants of DCX, COMT and FMR1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders related to intellectual disability and social behavior. In this systematic review... (Review)
Review
Genetic variants of DCX, COMT and FMR1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders related to intellectual disability and social behavior. In this systematic review we examine the roles of the DCX, COMT and FMR1 genes in the context of hippocampal neurogenesis with respect to these disorders with the aim of identifying important hubs and signaling pathways that may bridge these conditions. Taken together our findings indicate that factors connecting DCX, COMT, and FMR1 in intellectual disability and social behavior may converge at Wnt signaling, neuron migration, and axon and dendrite morphogenesis. Data derived from genomic research has identified a multitude of genes that are linked to brain disorders and developmental differences. Information about where and how these genes function and cooperate is lagging behind. The approach used here may help to shed light on the biological underpinnings in which key genes interface and may prove useful for the testing of specific hypotheses.
Topics: Catechol O-Methyltransferase; Cognitive Dysfunction; Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein; Hippocampus; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Neurogenesis; Social Behavior
PubMed: 35590332
DOI: 10.1186/s12993-022-00191-7 -
International Orthodontics Jun 2022The aim of this study was to perform an updated review of the in vivo methods to evaluate human midpalatal suture maturation and ossification, since this evaluation... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to perform an updated review of the in vivo methods to evaluate human midpalatal suture maturation and ossification, since this evaluation process remains an unsolved and critical problem in orthodontic treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched up to November 30, 2021. Literature selection was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA, 2020 Edition) statement and was based on predetermined inclusion criteria. The overall and methodological characteristics of the selected studies were collected. The risk of bias was evaluated mainly through inter- and intra-evaluator agreement outcomes reported in each study. As there was a high heterogeneity among methodological studies, meta-analysis of the included studies was not applicable, and results were analysed descriptively.
RESULTS
Nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Maxillary occlusal radiograph and computed tomography (CT), especially cone beam CT (CBCT), were reported. The occlusal radiograph is not adequate for evaluating the status of midpalatal suture maturation, and has been replaced by CBCT. Qualitative and quantitative CBCT evaluation methods provide limited evidence; however, opinions differ regarding the efficacy of these methods.
CONCLUSIONS
For midpalatal suture maturation and ossification status evaluation, evidence for the current methods is still limited. Further methodological studies should use image information comprehensively and provide verification evidence on larger samples.
Topics: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Cranial Sutures; Humans; Osteogenesis; Palatal Expansion Technique; Sutures
PubMed: 35589538
DOI: 10.1016/j.ortho.2022.100634 -
The British Journal of Oral &... Sep 2022This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and histological outcomes of autogenous demineralised dentin matrix (ADDM) as bone graft material compared with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and histological outcomes of autogenous demineralised dentin matrix (ADDM) as bone graft material compared with Bio-Oss® in bone augmentation for the treatment of patients with oral bone deficits. Eight databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI, and WFPD) were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCT) performed from the date of inception of each database to July 2021. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool was used to conduct the methodological quality assessment. Stata 15.0 software was used to perform data analysis. Seven RCTs including 220 patients were considered eligible for this study. No significant difference was found in the percentage of new bone formation (NBF) and implant stability quotient (ISQ). Patients who received ADDM grafting showed a significantly lower sinus height (SH) and percentage of residual graft material (RGM) compared with Bio-Oss® grafting. ADDM is as effective as Bio-Oss® in bone augmentation for oral bone defects.
Topics: Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Dental Implantation, Endosseous; Dentin; Humans; Minerals; Osteogenesis
PubMed: 35568576
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.03.009 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology May 2022Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumors. The etiology and the factors determining its onset are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the origins of...
BACKGROUND
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive tumors. The etiology and the factors determining its onset are not yet entirely known. This study investigates the origins of GBM, and for this purpose, it focuses primarily on developmental gliogenic processes. It also focuses on the impact of the related neurogenic developmental processes in glioblastoma oncogenesis. It also addresses why glial cells are at more risk of tumor development compared to neurons.
METHODS
Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for published articles without any date restrictions, involving glioblastoma, gliogenesis, neurogenesis, stemness, neural stem cells, gliogenic signaling and pathways, neurogenic signaling and pathways, and astrocytogenic genes.
RESULTS
The origin of GBM is dependent on dysregulation in multiple genes and pathways that accumulatively converge the cells towards oncogenesis. There are multiple layers of steps in glioblastoma oncogenesis including the failure of cell fate-specific genes to keep the cells differentiated in their specific cell types such as p300, BMP, HOPX, and NRSF/REST. There are genes and signaling pathways that are involved in differentiation and also contribute to GBM such as FGFR3, JAK-STAT, and hey1. The genes that contribute to differentiation processes but also contribute to stemness in GBM include notch, Sox9, Sox4, c-myc gene overrides p300, and then GFAP, leading to upregulation of nestin, SHH, NF-κB, and others. GBM mutations pathologically impact the cell circuitry such as the interaction between Sox2 and JAK-STAT pathway, resulting in GBM development and progression.
CONCLUSION
Glioblastoma originates when the gene expression of key gliogenic genes and signaling pathways become dysregulated. This study identifies key gliogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis in glioblastoma cells, including p300, BMP, PAX6, HOPX, NRSF/REST, LIF, and TGF beta. It also identifies key neurogenic genes having the ability to control oncogenesis including PAX6, neurogenins including Ngn1, NeuroD1, NeuroD4, Numb, NKX6-1 Ebf, Myt1, and ASCL1. This study also postulates how aging contributes to the onset of glioblastoma by dysregulating the gene expression of NF-κB, REST/NRSF, ERK, AKT, EGFR, and others.
Topics: Brain Neoplasms; Carcinogenesis; Cell Line, Tumor; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Glioblastoma; Humans; Janus Kinases; NF-kappa B; Neoplastic Stem Cells; Neurogenesis; SOXC Transcription Factors; STAT Transcription Factors; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 35538578
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02602-5 -
Lymphatic Research and Biology Dec 2022Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C156S is an engineering variant of VEGF-C that has the potential to promote lymphangiogenesis, activating on VEGF receptor... (Review)
Review
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C156S is an engineering variant of VEGF-C that has the potential to promote lymphangiogenesis, activating on VEGF receptor (VEGFR) 3, without promoting angiogenesis (i.e., not acting on VEGFR-2). We conducted a systematic review of publications assessing the use of this growth factor in lymphedema treatment. We hypothesized that VEGF-C156S specificity for VEGFR-3 was an important differential for the lymphangiogenesis promoted by it. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the published literature on PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Clinical Answers. Eligibility criteria included articles reporting data on the use of VEGF-C156S in lymphedema treatment. We excluded articles that investigated physiology action of VEGF-C156S and articles that focused on other therapies. From 304 potential articles found in the literature, four studies fulfilled the study eligibility criteria. To date, all studies about this growth factor have been experimental. The effect of VEGF-C156 on lymph node transfer was investigated in half of the experiments. Interestingly, delivery of VEGF-C156S was mostly performed through viral gene transfer, but injection (subcutaneously or intravenously) of it as a protein (liposomal or nonliposomal) was also investigated by one author to assess drug bioavailability. Although authors reported promotion of lymphangiogenesis, VEGF-C156S was correlated with lymphatic hyperplasia or nonstatistically significant lymphangiogenesis compared with controls. Scientific evidence about the use of VEGF-C156S in lymphedema treatment is still limited. However, authors have shown that its lymphangiogenic effect is inferior to VEGF-C.
Topics: Humans; Lymphangiogenesis; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3; Lymphedema
PubMed: 35501971
DOI: 10.1089/lrb.2020.0012 -
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology May 2023Normal axon development depends on the action of mechanical forces both generated within the cytoskeleton and outside the cell, but forces of large magnitude or rate... (Review)
Review
Normal axon development depends on the action of mechanical forces both generated within the cytoskeleton and outside the cell, but forces of large magnitude or rate cause damage instead. Computational models aid scientists in studying the role of mechanical forces in axon growth and damage. These studies use simulations to evaluate how different sources of force generation within the cytoskeleton interact with each other to regulate axon elongation and retraction. Furthermore, mathematical models can help optimize externally applied tension to promote axon growth without causing damage. Finally, scientists also use simulations of axon damage to investigate how forces are distributed among different components of the axon and how the tissue surrounding an axon influences its susceptibility to injury. In this review, we discuss how computational studies complement experimental studies in the areas of axon growth, regeneration, and damage.
Topics: Axons; Cytoskeleton; Microtubules; Neurogenesis; Computer Simulation
PubMed: 35474150
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.04.019 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Aug 2022The intestinal flora is involved in the bone development of children through a variety of mechanisms, but it remains unclear whether intervention of the intestinal flora... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The intestinal flora is involved in the bone development of children through a variety of mechanisms, but it remains unclear whether intervention of the intestinal flora can enhance children's bone development.
METHODS
Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) were searched for all English and Chinese studies published up to August 2021. Stata version 16.0 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) was used. Bone mass density and biochemical markers related to bone metabolism were reported as the primary outcome, and the secondary outcomes were anthropometric parameters such as height, height Z score for age, and height velocity. Intergroup differences were determined by standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
A total of 3245 participants from 20 RCTs and 370 participants from 8 crossover trials were included in the study. Significant differences were found in bone mineral density (SMD 0.47; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.66; p < 0.001; I = 0.00%) and total serum calcium (SMD 1.07; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.74; p < 0.001; I = 61.9%), as well as in height Z score for age (SMD = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.22; P = 0.044; I = 0%). The overall quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that intestinal flora intervention was an effective method of improving bone mineral density, serum calcium, and height in infants, children, and adolescents. Future studies with a larger sample size and longer intervention period are needed. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO and the registered number was CRD42021282606.
Topics: Adolescent; Bone Development; Calcium; Child; China; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Infant
PubMed: 35436695
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101591