Medicina
-
Background and Objectives: Cartilage repair remains a critical challenge in orthopaedic medicine due to the tissue's limited self-healing ability, contributing to degenerative joint conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). In response, regenerative medicine has developed advanced therapeutic strategies, including cell-based therapies, gene editing, and bioengineered scaffolds, to promote cartilage regeneration and restore joint function. This narrative review aims to explore the latest developments in cartilage repair techniques, focusing on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, gene-based interventions, and biomaterial innovations. ⋯ Treatment decisions are influenced by patient age, cartilage defect size, and financial considerations, highlighting the need for personalised and multimodal approaches. Conclusions: Combining regenerative techniques, including cell-based therapies, gene modifications, and advanced scaffolding, offers a promising pathway towards durable cartilage repair and joint preservation. Future research should focus on refining integrated therapeutic protocols, conducting long-term clinical evaluations, and embracing personalised treatment models driven by artificial intelligence and predictive algorithms.
-
This review explores the recent advancements and ongoing challenges in regenerating alveolar bone, which is essential for dental implants and periodontal health. It examines traditional techniques like guided bone regeneration and bone grafting, alongside newer methods such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy, and 3D bioprinting. Each approach is considered for its strengths in supporting bone growth and integration, especially in cases where complex bone defects make regeneration difficult. ⋯ Additionally, signaling molecules, like bone morphogenetic proteins, play a crucial role in guiding the process of bone formation and remodeling. Despite these advances, challenges remain-particularly with severe bone loss and with refining biomaterials for more reliable, long-term outcomes. This review proposes combining advanced materials, regenerative technologies, and personalized approaches to achieve more effective and consistent outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
-
Review
The Impact of the Metabolic Syndrome Severity on the Appearance of Primary and Permanent DNA Damage.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) worldwide is rapid and significant on a global scale. A 2022 meta-analysis of data from 28 million individuals revealed a global prevalence of 45.1%, with notably higher rates in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and the Americas, particularly in high-income countries. MetS is associated with impaired antioxidant defense mechanisms, resulting in the excessive generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and elevated levels of DNA damage. ⋯ The estimation of damage with those two techniques demonstrated the link between the increased risk of cancer and mortality. Incorporating these techniques in a set of biomarkers to assess the MetS severity holds promise; however, comprehensive literature reviews featuring large-scale studies integrating both assays remain scarce. This systematic review aims to integrate and critically evaluate the existing scientific literature regarding this topic.
-
Observational Study
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training vs. Vaginal Vibration Cone Therapy for Postpartum Dyspareunia and Vaginal Laxity.
Background and Objectives: Pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual health issues are common postpartum due to weakened pelvic muscles, significantly impacting women's quality of life (QoL). Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is a widely used approach to address these issues. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two rehabilitation methods-vibrating vaginal cones (VCG) and PFMT exercises (CG)-in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, reducing dyspareunia, and enhancing sexual function in postpartum women. ⋯ FSFI scores improved significantly in both groups, with greater enhancements in arousal, desire, and pain domains observed in the VCG group (p < 0.01). Vaginal cone therapy also resulted in slightly higher gains in overall pelvic floor strength. Conclusions: These findings suggest that vibrating vaginal cones may be a promising option for postpartum pelvic floor rehabilitation, with potential benefits for improving sexual satisfaction and reducing pain.
-
Background and Objectives: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be the first manifestation of an underlying cancer. This study aimed to develop a predictive model to assess the risk of occult cancer between 30 days and 24 months after a venous thrombotic event using machine learning (ML). Materials and Methods: We designed a case-control study nested in a cohort of patients with VTE included in a prospective registry from two Spanish hospitals between 2005 and 2021. ⋯ This study's limitations include potential information bias from electronic health records and a small cancer sample size. In addition, variability in detection protocols and evolving clinical practices may affect model accuracy. Our score needs external validation.