Objectives To assess the feasibility of methods and estimate the potential effect of interrupting sedentary behaviour,with intermittent or continuous physical activity breaks,on cognitive performance in young people w...Objectives To assess the feasibility of methods and estimate the potential effect of interrupting sedentary behaviour,with intermittent or continuous physical activity breaks,on cognitive performance in young people with Cerebral Palsy.Methods A randomised three-arm exposure response cross-over design with process evaluation.Participants were recruited throughout the Thames Valley,UK between 01/11/2018 to 31/03/2020.The three 2 h activity exposure visits included:(i)sitting only(controls),(ii)sitting plus 20 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity burst,or(iii)4×5 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity bursts,during a 2.5 h sedentary session.Measures of feasibility were sought.Cognitive performance outcomes(using the Eriksen Flanker task and Forward and Backward Digit Span)were delivered before and after the 2 h testing period.Results 36 participants were randomised(age 13.2±2.7,Gross-Motor Functional Classification System 1–3).Study retention was 83%across all three interventions and overall missing data for measures was 4%.A small intervention effect was found in reaction time in the 4×5 min physical activity exposure session compared to the sedentary control condition(0.42;95%CI 0.40 to 0.79).There were two research-related minor adverse effects,an allergic reaction to the FreeStyle Libre and feeling faint and vomiting after consumption of glucose solution.Both events were resolved and participants continued with the study.Conclusions The study design and intervention implementing short bursts of physical activity was feasible and indicated a potential effect on reaction time as a measure of cognitive performance in young people with cerebral palsy.展开更多
Adiponectin is the most abundant circulating adipokine and is primarily involved in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.Within the bone,osteoblasts and osteoclasts express the adiponectin receptors,however,there...Adiponectin is the most abundant circulating adipokine and is primarily involved in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.Within the bone,osteoblasts and osteoclasts express the adiponectin receptors,however,there are conflicting reports on the effects of adiponectin on bone formation and turnover.Many studies have shown a pro-osteogenic role for adiponectin in in vivo murine models and in vitro:with increased osteoblast differentiation and activity,alongside lower levels of osteoclastogenesis.However,human studies often demonstrate an inverse relationship between adiponectin concentration and bone activity.Moreover,the presence of multiple isoforms of adiponectin and multiple receptor subtypes has the potential to lead to more complex signalling and functional consequences.As such,we still do not fully understand the importance of the adiponectin signalling pathway in regulating bone homeostasis and repair in health,with age and in disease.In this review,we explore our current understanding of adiponectin bioactivity in the bone;the significance of its different isoforms;and how adiponectin biology is altered in disease.Ultimately,furthering our understanding of adiponectin regulation of bone biology is key to developing pharmacological and non-pharmacological(lifestyle)interventions that target adiponectin signalling to boost bone growth and repair in healthy ageing,following injury or in disease.展开更多
PPeritendinous adhesion formation(PAF)can substantially limit the range of motion of digits.However,the origin of myofibroblasts in PAF tissues is still unclear.In this study,we found that the concentration of active ...PPeritendinous adhesion formation(PAF)can substantially limit the range of motion of digits.However,the origin of myofibroblasts in PAF tissues is still unclear.In this study,we found that the concentration of active TGF-β1 and the numbers of macrophages,mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs),and myofibroblasts in human and mouse adhesion tissues were increased.Furthermore,knockout of TGF-β1 in macrophages or TGF-β1R2 in MSCs inhibited PAF by reducing MSC and myofibroblast infiltration and collagenⅠandⅢdeposition,respectively.Moreover,we found that MSCs differentiated into myofibroblasts to form adhesion tissues.Systemic injection of the TGF-β–neutralizing antibody 1D11 during the granulation formation stage of PAF significantly reduced the infiltration of MSCs and myofibroblasts and,subsequently,PAF.These results suggest that macrophage-derived TGF-β1 recruits MSCs to form myofibroblasts in peritendinous adhesions.An improved understanding of PAF mechanisms could help identify a potential therapeutic strategy.展开更多
The effects of vitamin D on osteoblast mineralization are well documented. Reports of the effects of vitamin D on osteoclasts, however, are conflicting, showing both inhibition and stimulation. Finding that resorbing ...The effects of vitamin D on osteoblast mineralization are well documented. Reports of the effects of vitamin D on osteoclasts, however, are conflicting, showing both inhibition and stimulation. Finding that resorbing osteoclasts in human bone express vitamin D receptor (VDR), we examined their response to different concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] (100 or 500 nmol·L^-1) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] (0.1 or 0.5 nmol·L^-1) metabolites in cell cultures. Specifically, CD14+ monocytes were cultured in charcoal-stripped serum in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) histochemical staining assays and dentine resorption analysis were used to identify the size and number of osteoclast cells, number of nuclei per cell and resorption activity. The expression of VDR was detected in human bone tissue (ex vivo) by immunohistochemistry and in vitro cell cultures by western blotting. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the level of expression of vitamin D-related genes in response to vitamin D metabolites. VDR-related genes during osteoclastogenesis, shown by qRT-PCR, was stimulated in response to 500 nmol·L^-1 of 25(OH)D3 and 0.1-0.5 nmol·L^-1 of 1,25(OH)2D3, upregulating cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member I (CYP27B1) and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member I (CYP24A1). Osteoclast fusion transcripts transmembrane 7 subfamily member 4 (tm7sf4) and nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 (nfatcl) where downregulated in response to vitamin D metabolites. Osteoclast number and resorption activity were also increased. Both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced osteoclast size and number when co-treated with RANKL and M-CSF. The evidence for VDR expression in resorbing osteoclasts in vivo and low-dose effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on osteoclasts in vitro may therefore provide insight into the effects of clinical vitamin D treatments, further providing a counterpoint to the high-dose effects reported from in vitro experiments.展开更多
BACKGROUND The conventional implant approach involves flap elevation,which may result in increased soft tissue and bone loss and postoperative morbidity.The flapless surgical technique,aided by three-dimensional medic...BACKGROUND The conventional implant approach involves flap elevation,which may result in increased soft tissue and bone loss and postoperative morbidity.The flapless surgical technique,aided by three-dimensional medical imaging equipment,is regarded as a possible alternative to the conventional approach to alleviate the above issues.Several studies have been performed regarding the role of flapless implant surgery.However,the results are inconsistent and there is no robust synthesis of long-term evidence to better inform surgeons regarding which type of surgical technique is more beneficial to the long-term prognosis of patients in need of implant insertion.AIM To compare the long-term clinical performance after flapless implant surgery to that after the conventional approach with flap elevation.METHODS PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and grey literature databases were searched from inception to 23 September 2019.Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the long-term clinical performance after flapless implant surgery to that after the conventional approach over a follow-up of three years or more were induded.Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95 To confidence intervals (CIs) between the long-term implant survival rate,marginal bone loss,and complication rate of the flapless and conventional groups.Subgroup analyses were carried out to account for the possible effects of the guided or free-hand method during flapless surgery.RESULTS Ten articles,including four RCTs and six cohort studies,satisfied the eligibility criteria and nine of them were inclded in the meta-analysis.There was no significant difference between the long-term implant survival rate [OR=1.30,95%CI (0.37,4.54),P=0.68],marginal bone loss [MD=0.01,95%CI (-0.42,0.44),P=0.97],and complication rate [OR=1.44,95%CI (0.77,2.68),P=0.25] after flapless implant surgery and the conventional approach.Moreover,subgroup analyses revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the implant survival rate [guided:OR=1.52,95%CI (0.19,12.35),P=0.70];free-hand:n=1,could not be estimated),marginal bone loss [guided:MD=0.22,95%CI (-0.14,0.59),P=0.23;free-hand:MD=-0.27,95%CI (-1.10,0.57),P=0.53],or complication rate [guided:OR=1.16,95%CI (0.52,2.63),P=0.71;free-hand:OR=1.75,95%CI(0.66,4.63),P=0.26] in the flapless and conventional groups either with use of the surgical guide or by the free-hand method.CONCLUSION The flapless surgery and conventional approach had comparable clinical performance over three years or more.The guided or free-hand technique does not significantly affect the long-term outcomes of flapless surgery.展开更多
Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of medicaltherapy in giant cell arteritis(GCA) and should be started immediately to prevent severe consequences of the disease, such as blindness. However, glucocorticoid therapy...Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of medicaltherapy in giant cell arteritis(GCA) and should be started immediately to prevent severe consequences of the disease, such as blindness. However, glucocorticoid therapy leads to significant toxicity in over 80% of the patients. Various steroid-sparing agents have been tried, but robust scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety is still lacking. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal IL-6 receptor blocker, has shown promising results in a number of case series and is now being tested in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial. Other targeted treatments, such as the use of abatacept, are also now under investigation in GCA. The need for surgical treatment is rare and should ideally be performed in a quiescent phase of the disease. Not all patients follow the same course, but there are no valid biomarkers to assess therapy response. Monitoring of disease progress still relies on assessing clinical features and measuring inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Imaging techniques(e.g., ultrasound) are clearly important screening tools for aortic aneurysms and assessing patients with largevessel involvement, but may also have an important role as biomarkers of disease activity over time or in response to therapy. Although GCA is the most common form of primary vasculitis, the optimal strategies for treatment and monitoring remain uncertain.展开更多
“It is the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure that the published record is an unbiased,accurate representation of research”[1].The research record is often manipulated for short term gain but at the risk ...“It is the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure that the published record is an unbiased,accurate representation of research”[1].The research record is often manipulated for short term gain but at the risk of harm to patients.The medical research community needs to implement changes to ensure that readers obtain the truth about all research,especially reports of randomised trials,which hold a special place in answering what works best for patients.展开更多
Accurate identification of the correct,biologically relevant RNA structures is critical to understanding various aspects of RNA biology since proper folding represents the key to the functionality of all types of RNA ...Accurate identification of the correct,biologically relevant RNA structures is critical to understanding various aspects of RNA biology since proper folding represents the key to the functionality of all types of RNA molecules and plays pivotal roles in many essential biological processes.Thus,a plethora of approaches have been developed to predict,identify,or solve RNA structures based on various computational,molecular,genetic,chemical,or physicochemical strategies.Purely computational approaches hold distinct advantages over all other strategies in terms of the ease of implementation,time,speed,cost,and throughput,but they strongly underperform in terms of accuracy that significantly limits their broader application.Nonetheless,the advantages of these methods led to a steady development of multiple in silico RNA secondary structure prediction approaches including recent deep learning-based programs.Here,we compared the accuracy of predictions of biologically relevant secondary structures of dozens of self-cleaving ribozyme sequences using seven in silico RNA folding prediction tools with tasks of varying complexity.We found that while many programs performed well in relatively simple tasks,their performance varied significantly in more complex RNA folding problems.However,in general,a modern deep learning method outperformed the other programs in the complex tasks in predicting the RNA secondary structures,at least based on the specific class of sequences tested,suggesting that it may represent the future of RNA structure prediction algorithms.展开更多
In the dynamic landscape of generative artificial intelligence(GenAI),recent developments,such as the artificial research organisation OpenAI’s introduction of the text-to-video generation tool Sora,have again catapu...In the dynamic landscape of generative artificial intelligence(GenAI),recent developments,such as the artificial research organisation OpenAI’s introduction of the text-to-video generation tool Sora,have again catapulted GenAI into the limelight.Thus reigniting discussions on the swift march towards an era of future controlled usage of artificial general intelligence(AGI).Concurrently,in the realm of scientific research,the use of GenAI tools like DALL·E to generate inaccurate scientific illustrations for publication and the skepticism surrounding findings published in Nature from the AI-driven automated laboratory,A-Lab,have sparked widespread scientific controversy1.展开更多
Tendon disease is a significant and growing burden to healthcare systems.One strategy to address this challenge is tssueengineering.A widely held view in this feld is that mechanical stimulation provided to constructs...Tendon disease is a significant and growing burden to healthcare systems.One strategy to address this challenge is tssueengineering.A widely held view in this feld is that mechanical stimulation provided to constructs should replicate themechanicaienvironment of native tissue as closely as possible.We review recent tendon tissue engineering studies inthisarticle and highlight limitations of conventional uniaxial tensile bioreactors used in current literature.Advanced roboticplatforms such as musculoskeletal humanoid robots and soft robotic actuators are promising technologies which may helpaddress translational gaps in tendon tissue engineering We suggest the proposed benets of these technologies and identifyrecent studies which have worked to implement these technologies in tssue engineering.Lastly,key chalenges to addressinadapting these robotic technologies and proposed future research directions for tendon tssue engineering are discussed.展开更多
In all aspects of communication the meanings of words and definitions are of paramount importance for clear understanding and transmission of ideas.However,these meanings may change with time so that words and phrases...In all aspects of communication the meanings of words and definitions are of paramount importance for clear understanding and transmission of ideas.However,these meanings may change with time so that words and phrases take on different interpretations.Furthermore,the way words are used in writing significantly affects the conveyance of ideas from one mind to another.1 In the long history of the study of the histogenesis of bone we see some of these changes in meaning and understanding of concepts that have perhaps contributed to serious misinterpretation of the ideas of some investigators in the field.It is hoped that this brief historical perspective may explain and clarify at least some of the problems that have resulted.展开更多
Despite being over thirty years since there was proof that the hypothetical osteogenic stem cell existed,1 demonstration of any dramatic value for the use of such cells in orthopaedic clinical practice by tissue engin...Despite being over thirty years since there was proof that the hypothetical osteogenic stem cell existed,1 demonstration of any dramatic value for the use of such cells in orthopaedic clinical practice by tissue engineering approaches has not yet been realised.This is notwithstanding extensive studies concerning the likely nature and potentials of these cells in countless in vitro and in vivo investigations.In part,this is based on the confusion caused by exaggeration of claims by unreliable,or at best naïve,investigators and opportunistic entrepreneurs who have grossly misinterpreted data from many ill-conceived studies.2,3 This pseudo-science has been harmful,especially to the stem cell field,both academically and commercially.展开更多
For successful translational use of stem cells in biomedicine,knowledge of the quality of the cells,the presence of bioactive factors,and the nature of the microenvironmental niches is paramount.They may be regarded a...For successful translational use of stem cells in biomedicine,knowledge of the quality of the cells,the presence of bioactive factors,and the nature of the microenvironmental niches is paramount.They may be regarded as the Three Musketeers as they unite“All for one,one for all”1 to control the trafficking,survival,proliferation,and differentiation of stem cells.In this second themed issue of Biomaterials Translational,entitled“Application of Stem Cells in Translational Medicine:Stem Cells Part II”.展开更多
Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation.During this process,a subpopulation of cells in tumours acq...Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation.During this process,a subpopulation of cells in tumours acquires a stem cell-like state partially resembling to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells that are temporarily present during early embryogenesis.Such characteristics allow these cancer stem cells(CSCs)to give rise to the whole tumour with its entire cellular heterogeneity and thereby support metastases formation while being resistant to current cancer therapeutics.Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation.In this article,we explore the epigenetic mechanisms shaping gene expression during tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell formation,with an emphasis on 3D chromatin architecture.Comparing the pluripotent stem cell state and epigenetic reprogramming to dedifferentiation in cellular transformation provides intriguing insight to chromatin dynamics.We suggest that the 3D chromatin architecture could be used as a target for re-sensitizing cancer stem cells to therapeutics.展开更多
We are pleased to devote the following two issues of Biomaterials Translational to the important subject of the potential translation of stem cells for regenerative medicine and disease treatment.Stem cells with capac...We are pleased to devote the following two issues of Biomaterials Translational to the important subject of the potential translation of stem cells for regenerative medicine and disease treatment.Stem cells with capacities to renew their own tissue are now considered present in all tissues and organs of the body.Such cells have been of great interest to biologists and clinicians over the past century,since Haeckel in his‘Natural history of creation’first coined the term in 1868.1 The nature of the definition of what constitutes a stem cell has changed with time,but since the 1970s there has been an explosion of research publications on stem cells(Figure 1).This has involved increasing consideration of these primitive cells,that exist in the embryo and postnatally,for translation to the clinic for medical use and significant public health benefit.The trend in research output continues to increase exponentially with almost 72,000 publications on stem cells being recorded in the past year alone(searched using Web of Science databases).Hence there is great urgency and adequate justification for dedication of appreciable journal emphasis to this topic.In this issue,Stem Cells-Part I,there are a variety of topics within this theme that are covered either as viewpoint,review or research papers.展开更多
基金supported by the NIHR Exeter Health Biomedical Research Centre.The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS,the NIHR or the Department of Health.Johnny Collett is supported NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical research centre。
文摘Objectives To assess the feasibility of methods and estimate the potential effect of interrupting sedentary behaviour,with intermittent or continuous physical activity breaks,on cognitive performance in young people with Cerebral Palsy.Methods A randomised three-arm exposure response cross-over design with process evaluation.Participants were recruited throughout the Thames Valley,UK between 01/11/2018 to 31/03/2020.The three 2 h activity exposure visits included:(i)sitting only(controls),(ii)sitting plus 20 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity burst,or(iii)4×5 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity bursts,during a 2.5 h sedentary session.Measures of feasibility were sought.Cognitive performance outcomes(using the Eriksen Flanker task and Forward and Backward Digit Span)were delivered before and after the 2 h testing period.Results 36 participants were randomised(age 13.2±2.7,Gross-Motor Functional Classification System 1–3).Study retention was 83%across all three interventions and overall missing data for measures was 4%.A small intervention effect was found in reaction time in the 4×5 min physical activity exposure session compared to the sedentary control condition(0.42;95%CI 0.40 to 0.79).There were two research-related minor adverse effects,an allergic reaction to the FreeStyle Libre and feeling faint and vomiting after consumption of glucose solution.Both events were resolved and participants continued with the study.Conclusions The study design and intervention implementing short bursts of physical activity was feasible and indicated a potential effect on reaction time as a measure of cognitive performance in young people with cerebral palsy.
基金JWL was supported by a MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research PhD studentship(MR/R502364/1)AJN was supported by an Arthritis Research UK Career Development Fellowship(21743).
文摘Adiponectin is the most abundant circulating adipokine and is primarily involved in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.Within the bone,osteoblasts and osteoclasts express the adiponectin receptors,however,there are conflicting reports on the effects of adiponectin on bone formation and turnover.Many studies have shown a pro-osteogenic role for adiponectin in in vivo murine models and in vitro:with increased osteoblast differentiation and activity,alongside lower levels of osteoclastogenesis.However,human studies often demonstrate an inverse relationship between adiponectin concentration and bone activity.Moreover,the presence of multiple isoforms of adiponectin and multiple receptor subtypes has the potential to lead to more complex signalling and functional consequences.As such,we still do not fully understand the importance of the adiponectin signalling pathway in regulating bone homeostasis and repair in health,with age and in disease.In this review,we explore our current understanding of adiponectin bioactivity in the bone;the significance of its different isoforms;and how adiponectin biology is altered in disease.Ultimately,furthering our understanding of adiponectin regulation of bone biology is key to developing pharmacological and non-pharmacological(lifestyle)interventions that target adiponectin signalling to boost bone growth and repair in healthy ageing,following injury or in disease.
基金supported in part by Fox and Necrosis funds from the Department of Orthopedic Surgery。
文摘PPeritendinous adhesion formation(PAF)can substantially limit the range of motion of digits.However,the origin of myofibroblasts in PAF tissues is still unclear.In this study,we found that the concentration of active TGF-β1 and the numbers of macrophages,mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs),and myofibroblasts in human and mouse adhesion tissues were increased.Furthermore,knockout of TGF-β1 in macrophages or TGF-β1R2 in MSCs inhibited PAF by reducing MSC and myofibroblast infiltration and collagenⅠandⅢdeposition,respectively.Moreover,we found that MSCs differentiated into myofibroblasts to form adhesion tissues.Systemic injection of the TGF-β–neutralizing antibody 1D11 during the granulation formation stage of PAF significantly reduced the infiltration of MSCs and myofibroblasts and,subsequently,PAF.These results suggest that macrophage-derived TGF-β1 recruits MSCs to form myofibroblasts in peritendinous adhesions.An improved understanding of PAF mechanisms could help identify a potential therapeutic strategy.
基金financial support from Orthopaedic Research UK (P 470)Arthritis Research UK (grant 20299 and Oxford EOTC)
文摘The effects of vitamin D on osteoblast mineralization are well documented. Reports of the effects of vitamin D on osteoclasts, however, are conflicting, showing both inhibition and stimulation. Finding that resorbing osteoclasts in human bone express vitamin D receptor (VDR), we examined their response to different concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] (100 or 500 nmol·L^-1) and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] (0.1 or 0.5 nmol·L^-1) metabolites in cell cultures. Specifically, CD14+ monocytes were cultured in charcoal-stripped serum in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) histochemical staining assays and dentine resorption analysis were used to identify the size and number of osteoclast cells, number of nuclei per cell and resorption activity. The expression of VDR was detected in human bone tissue (ex vivo) by immunohistochemistry and in vitro cell cultures by western blotting. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the level of expression of vitamin D-related genes in response to vitamin D metabolites. VDR-related genes during osteoclastogenesis, shown by qRT-PCR, was stimulated in response to 500 nmol·L^-1 of 25(OH)D3 and 0.1-0.5 nmol·L^-1 of 1,25(OH)2D3, upregulating cytochrome P450 family 27 subfamily B member I (CYP27B1) and cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member I (CYP24A1). Osteoclast fusion transcripts transmembrane 7 subfamily member 4 (tm7sf4) and nuclear factor of activated T-cell cytoplasmic 1 (nfatcl) where downregulated in response to vitamin D metabolites. Osteoclast number and resorption activity were also increased. Both 25(OH)D3 and 1,25(OH)2D3 reduced osteoclast size and number when co-treated with RANKL and M-CSF. The evidence for VDR expression in resorbing osteoclasts in vivo and low-dose effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on osteoclasts in vitro may therefore provide insight into the effects of clinical vitamin D treatments, further providing a counterpoint to the high-dose effects reported from in vitro experiments.
基金the Graduate Student's Research and Innovation Fund of Sichuan University,No.2018YJSY108the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project,No.2018M640931+1 种基金the Science and Technology Key Research and Development Program of Sichuan Province,No.2019YFS0142the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81901060.
文摘BACKGROUND The conventional implant approach involves flap elevation,which may result in increased soft tissue and bone loss and postoperative morbidity.The flapless surgical technique,aided by three-dimensional medical imaging equipment,is regarded as a possible alternative to the conventional approach to alleviate the above issues.Several studies have been performed regarding the role of flapless implant surgery.However,the results are inconsistent and there is no robust synthesis of long-term evidence to better inform surgeons regarding which type of surgical technique is more beneficial to the long-term prognosis of patients in need of implant insertion.AIM To compare the long-term clinical performance after flapless implant surgery to that after the conventional approach with flap elevation.METHODS PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and grey literature databases were searched from inception to 23 September 2019.Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies comparing the long-term clinical performance after flapless implant surgery to that after the conventional approach over a follow-up of three years or more were induded.Meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) and their 95 To confidence intervals (CIs) between the long-term implant survival rate,marginal bone loss,and complication rate of the flapless and conventional groups.Subgroup analyses were carried out to account for the possible effects of the guided or free-hand method during flapless surgery.RESULTS Ten articles,including four RCTs and six cohort studies,satisfied the eligibility criteria and nine of them were inclded in the meta-analysis.There was no significant difference between the long-term implant survival rate [OR=1.30,95%CI (0.37,4.54),P=0.68],marginal bone loss [MD=0.01,95%CI (-0.42,0.44),P=0.97],and complication rate [OR=1.44,95%CI (0.77,2.68),P=0.25] after flapless implant surgery and the conventional approach.Moreover,subgroup analyses revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the implant survival rate [guided:OR=1.52,95%CI (0.19,12.35),P=0.70];free-hand:n=1,could not be estimated),marginal bone loss [guided:MD=0.22,95%CI (-0.14,0.59),P=0.23;free-hand:MD=-0.27,95%CI (-1.10,0.57),P=0.53],or complication rate [guided:OR=1.16,95%CI (0.52,2.63),P=0.71;free-hand:OR=1.75,95%CI(0.66,4.63),P=0.26] in the flapless and conventional groups either with use of the surgical guide or by the free-hand method.CONCLUSION The flapless surgery and conventional approach had comparable clinical performance over three years or more.The guided or free-hand technique does not significantly affect the long-term outcomes of flapless surgery.
文摘Glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of medicaltherapy in giant cell arteritis(GCA) and should be started immediately to prevent severe consequences of the disease, such as blindness. However, glucocorticoid therapy leads to significant toxicity in over 80% of the patients. Various steroid-sparing agents have been tried, but robust scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety is still lacking. Tocilizumab, a monoclonal IL-6 receptor blocker, has shown promising results in a number of case series and is now being tested in a multi-centre randomized controlled trial. Other targeted treatments, such as the use of abatacept, are also now under investigation in GCA. The need for surgical treatment is rare and should ideally be performed in a quiescent phase of the disease. Not all patients follow the same course, but there are no valid biomarkers to assess therapy response. Monitoring of disease progress still relies on assessing clinical features and measuring inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Imaging techniques(e.g., ultrasound) are clearly important screening tools for aortic aneurysms and assessing patients with largevessel involvement, but may also have an important role as biomarkers of disease activity over time or in response to therapy. Although GCA is the most common form of primary vasculitis, the optimal strategies for treatment and monitoring remain uncertain.
文摘“It is the responsibility of everyone involved to ensure that the published record is an unbiased,accurate representation of research”[1].The research record is often manipulated for short term gain but at the risk of harm to patients.The medical research community needs to implement changes to ensure that readers obtain the truth about all research,especially reports of randomised trials,which hold a special place in answering what works best for patients.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32000462 to Fei Qi,Grant No.32170619 to Philipp Kapranovand Grant No.32201055 to Yue Chen)+2 种基金the Research Fund for International Senior Scientists from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.32150710525 to Philipp Kapranov)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province,China(Grant No.2020J02006 to Philipp Kapranov)the Scientific Research Funds of Huaqiao University,China(Grant No.22BS114 to Fei Qi,Grant No.21BS127 to Yue Chen,and Grant No.15BS101 to Philipp Kapranov).
文摘Accurate identification of the correct,biologically relevant RNA structures is critical to understanding various aspects of RNA biology since proper folding represents the key to the functionality of all types of RNA molecules and plays pivotal roles in many essential biological processes.Thus,a plethora of approaches have been developed to predict,identify,or solve RNA structures based on various computational,molecular,genetic,chemical,or physicochemical strategies.Purely computational approaches hold distinct advantages over all other strategies in terms of the ease of implementation,time,speed,cost,and throughput,but they strongly underperform in terms of accuracy that significantly limits their broader application.Nonetheless,the advantages of these methods led to a steady development of multiple in silico RNA secondary structure prediction approaches including recent deep learning-based programs.Here,we compared the accuracy of predictions of biologically relevant secondary structures of dozens of self-cleaving ribozyme sequences using seven in silico RNA folding prediction tools with tasks of varying complexity.We found that while many programs performed well in relatively simple tasks,their performance varied significantly in more complex RNA folding problems.However,in general,a modern deep learning method outperformed the other programs in the complex tasks in predicting the RNA secondary structures,at least based on the specific class of sequences tested,suggesting that it may represent the future of RNA structure prediction algorithms.
基金financially supported by Integrated Project of Major Research Plan of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.92249303)Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by China Association for Science and Technology(No.YESS20230049).
文摘In the dynamic landscape of generative artificial intelligence(GenAI),recent developments,such as the artificial research organisation OpenAI’s introduction of the text-to-video generation tool Sora,have again catapulted GenAI into the limelight.Thus reigniting discussions on the swift march towards an era of future controlled usage of artificial general intelligence(AGI).Concurrently,in the realm of scientific research,the use of GenAI tools like DALL·E to generate inaccurate scientific illustrations for publication and the skepticism surrounding findings published in Nature from the AI-driven automated laboratory,A-Lab,have sparked widespread scientific controversy1.
基金support of the United Kingdom's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council(project number:P/S003509/1)and the Rhodes Trust.
文摘Tendon disease is a significant and growing burden to healthcare systems.One strategy to address this challenge is tssueengineering.A widely held view in this feld is that mechanical stimulation provided to constructs should replicate themechanicaienvironment of native tissue as closely as possible.We review recent tendon tissue engineering studies inthisarticle and highlight limitations of conventional uniaxial tensile bioreactors used in current literature.Advanced roboticplatforms such as musculoskeletal humanoid robots and soft robotic actuators are promising technologies which may helpaddress translational gaps in tendon tissue engineering We suggest the proposed benets of these technologies and identifyrecent studies which have worked to implement these technologies in tssue engineering.Lastly,key chalenges to addressinadapting these robotic technologies and proposed future research directions for tendon tssue engineering are discussed.
文摘In all aspects of communication the meanings of words and definitions are of paramount importance for clear understanding and transmission of ideas.However,these meanings may change with time so that words and phrases take on different interpretations.Furthermore,the way words are used in writing significantly affects the conveyance of ideas from one mind to another.1 In the long history of the study of the histogenesis of bone we see some of these changes in meaning and understanding of concepts that have perhaps contributed to serious misinterpretation of the ideas of some investigators in the field.It is hoped that this brief historical perspective may explain and clarify at least some of the problems that have resulted.
文摘Despite being over thirty years since there was proof that the hypothetical osteogenic stem cell existed,1 demonstration of any dramatic value for the use of such cells in orthopaedic clinical practice by tissue engineering approaches has not yet been realised.This is notwithstanding extensive studies concerning the likely nature and potentials of these cells in countless in vitro and in vivo investigations.In part,this is based on the confusion caused by exaggeration of claims by unreliable,or at best naïve,investigators and opportunistic entrepreneurs who have grossly misinterpreted data from many ill-conceived studies.2,3 This pseudo-science has been harmful,especially to the stem cell field,both academically and commercially.
文摘For successful translational use of stem cells in biomedicine,knowledge of the quality of the cells,the presence of bioactive factors,and the nature of the microenvironmental niches is paramount.They may be regarded as the Three Musketeers as they unite“All for one,one for all”1 to control the trafficking,survival,proliferation,and differentiation of stem cells.In this second themed issue of Biomaterials Translational,entitled“Application of Stem Cells in Translational Medicine:Stem Cells Part II”.
基金Work in S.P.'s laboratory is supported by a Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship,Grant ID C59392/A25064Royal Society,UKand The Clarendon Fund and St Edmund Hall Scholarship,UK,SFF1920_CB_MSD_759707.
文摘Dedifferentiation of cell identity to a progenitor-like or stem cell-like state with increased cellular plasticity is frequently observed in cancer formation.During this process,a subpopulation of cells in tumours acquires a stem cell-like state partially resembling to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells that are temporarily present during early embryogenesis.Such characteristics allow these cancer stem cells(CSCs)to give rise to the whole tumour with its entire cellular heterogeneity and thereby support metastases formation while being resistant to current cancer therapeutics.Cancer development and progression are demarcated by transcriptional dysregulation.In this article,we explore the epigenetic mechanisms shaping gene expression during tumorigenesis and cancer stem cell formation,with an emphasis on 3D chromatin architecture.Comparing the pluripotent stem cell state and epigenetic reprogramming to dedifferentiation in cellular transformation provides intriguing insight to chromatin dynamics.We suggest that the 3D chromatin architecture could be used as a target for re-sensitizing cancer stem cells to therapeutics.
文摘We are pleased to devote the following two issues of Biomaterials Translational to the important subject of the potential translation of stem cells for regenerative medicine and disease treatment.Stem cells with capacities to renew their own tissue are now considered present in all tissues and organs of the body.Such cells have been of great interest to biologists and clinicians over the past century,since Haeckel in his‘Natural history of creation’first coined the term in 1868.1 The nature of the definition of what constitutes a stem cell has changed with time,but since the 1970s there has been an explosion of research publications on stem cells(Figure 1).This has involved increasing consideration of these primitive cells,that exist in the embryo and postnatally,for translation to the clinic for medical use and significant public health benefit.The trend in research output continues to increase exponentially with almost 72,000 publications on stem cells being recorded in the past year alone(searched using Web of Science databases).Hence there is great urgency and adequate justification for dedication of appreciable journal emphasis to this topic.In this issue,Stem Cells-Part I,there are a variety of topics within this theme that are covered either as viewpoint,review or research papers.