Environmental tobacco smoke and children's health: a bibliometric and altmetric analysis of 100 most cited articles.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is arguably the most ubiquitous and hazardous, even at very low levels, starting in early life. The objective of this study was to describe the state of research and future trends on ETS exposure and Children's Health (CH) topics with bibliometrics and altmetrics. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in Scopus database on January 31, 2023. Consensus was arrived on 100 most-cited articles by two reviewers. These papers were then cross matched with citations harvested from Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar. Altmetric Attention Score (AAS) and Dimension counts were also collected. Analysis and network visualization of authors, countries, and keywords were generated using VOSviewer software. RESULTS: Among a total of 1107 articles published on ETS and CH, the 100 top-cited articles appeared in 54 journals, with Pediatrics (n = 12) contributing a maximum number of articles. The time period between 2000 and 2009 accounted for 44% of all publications. With respect to the research design employed across these studies, cross-sectional design took precedence over others accounting for approximately 40%. Predominantly, articles focused on childhood asthma; however, current research trends have shifted towards emerging fields such as children's oral health and DNA methylation. Twitter, policy documents, and news outlets were the main platforms where outputs were discussed. The AAS was not associated with journal impact factor or access type. Weak correlations were observed between AAS and citation count in Scopus, WoS, and Google Scholar (r = 0.17 to 0.27) while a positive association existed between dimension count and the number of citations across all three databases (r = 0.84 to 0.98). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the evolution, digital dissemination and research hotspots in the field of ETS and CH, predicting the possible future research directions. High-quality studies with more specific exposure classification are warranted to better understand the relationship between ETS and CH.

Hemangiomatous Proliferation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Its Mimicry in the Regional Lymph Nodes.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity with pathognomonic histopathologic features of invading nests, islands, or chords of malignant epithelial cells. Although the histological features are quite uniform across a majority of the cases, they can drastically change in different variants of OSCC, such as clear cell, spindle cell/sarcomatoid, adenoid/acantholytic/pseudoglandular, basaloid, papillary and adenosquamous, etc.

Dietary Choices Modulate Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells: A Role of FXR Nuclear Receptor.

Intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity (TMH) among colorectal cancer patients is considered as major hurdles to develop precise, potent, and personalized cancer therapeutics. The discernible factors that contribute to the existence of TMH and associated problems are suggested as genetic, molecular, epigenetic, and environmental pressures including shifts in trend from high-fiber diet to high-fat/processed sugar diet. In essence, components of high fat/processed sugar diet potentiate metabolic re-programing of inherent cellular heterogeneity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) by genetic and epigenetic pathways intersected by the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) nuclear receptor. Therefore, choices of dietary components shape up protumor or antitumor microenvironment by the modulation of FXR regulated transcriptional and epigenetic events in CSCs. In this article, we highlight the major understanding emanated from preclinical and clinical studies that indicate the potential contribution of high fiber/saturated sugar diet toward carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer.

CD8+ T cell dysfunction by TOX intoxication: a protumorigenic event in the tumor microenvironment.

Accumulating evidence suggests the role of cellular components in achieving antitumor to protumor microenvironments. Among the various types of cells within the tumor niche, the state of CD8+ T cells apparently changes from cytotoxic T effector cells and memory T cells to exhausted CD8+ T cells. These changes in the phenotype of CD8+ T cells promote the protumor microenvironment. Recently, comprehensive experimental data delineated the role of thymocyte selection-associated high-mobility group-box protein (TOX), which regulates the transcriptional process and epigenetic remodeling, with implications in tumor and chronic viral infections. This perspective summarizes the molecular mechanisms that link CD8+ T cells, TOX, and transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming as well as future directions for determining new avenues of cancer therapeutics.

Lay abstract Cellular components within the tumor are related to the success and failure of anticancer drugs for patients. The reasons behind the changes from antitumor to protumor microenvironments are being explored to understand the immune cells. Among several types of cells, the state of CD8⁺ cells in the immune system apparently changes from cytotoxic immune effector cells and memory effector cells to depleted CD8⁺ immune cells. These changes in the phenotype of CD8⁺ T cells promote a favorable tumor microenvironment. This minireview summarizes the importance of CD8⁺ immune cells and their regulation in the development of anticancer drugs.

Why do Only Certain Cases of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Undergo Malignant Transformation?

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) causes desmoplasia and rigidity of submucosa of the oral cavity, resulting in reduced mouth opening, and in advanced stage causes difficulty in swallowing. OSMF has poor morbidity in terms of oral function as well as general health due to loss of oral function, such as eating. In severe conditions, it can cause dysphagia and hearing loss. Various clinicians have tried the different treatment modalities to reverse the disease process, but with limited success and that too in alleviating the associated symptoms.

Are electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDs) helping cigarette smokers quit?-Current evidence.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and other electronic vaping devices are commonly used as a method to help tobacco smoking cessation. However, the data on their safety and efficacy are currently scarce. The aim of this review was to explore the role of e-cigarettes in tobacco cessation among tobacco users. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and grey literature from January 1990 were searched up to and including September 2018. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection according to eligibility criteria. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. The majority of studies were done in the USA, and all studies were longitudinal cohort studies. The odds of increased smoking cessation in association with e-cigarette use ranged from onefold to sixfolds. No significant increase in smoking cessation was found among e-cigarette users compared with non-e-cigarette users. Pattern of e-cigarette had positive influence on smoking cessation among users. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: E-cigarette use was not significantly associated with increased smoking cessation among cigarette smokers. We also found that pattern of e-cigarette may have significant effect on smoking cessation capability of e-cigarettes. Well-designed randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the clinical efficacy of e-cigarettes in comparison with approved smoking cessation therapies.

A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles on early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: Bibliometric analysis aids to quantify the research prolificacy. The citation count acquired by a scientific article is one of the measures of its influence within a field. AIM: To employ bibliometrics to offer a quantitative-qualitative analysis of publications on early childhood caries (ECC) published between 1950 and 2019. DESIGN: Two researchers independently read all the titles and abstracts of articles retrieved from Scopus database on 16 October 2019. The articles were categorized according to citation and study characteristics. Collaboration network amongst authors, countries, and keywords were generated using VOSviewer software. RESULTS: Amongst a total of 10 578 articles published on ECC, 100 most cited articles were sorted. The top-cited articles appeared in 34 journals, with Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology journal (n = 18) contributing maximum number of articles. The papers originated from 25 countries, with the United States (n = 54) accounting for largest number. Amid the papers with high levels of evidence, 11 were systematic reviews and 8 were randomized clinical trials. The topic most commonly addressed was aetiology/associated factors (63%). Amongst a total of 990 keywords, 'dental caries' appeared 89 times. CONCLUSION: The findings of this paper will help researchers, academicians, and students for appropriate article referrals for evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Angiotensin-converting Enzyme 2 Specific Cell Subset Identification in Oral Tissues: A Need of the Hour in COVID-19 Research.

It is well known that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is an important host factor responsible for the attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus clad 2 (SARS-CoV-2). ACE2 has been predominantly reported to be present in lungs and nasal mucosa, which is the most common site for the initiation of COVID-19.1 Apart from lungs, ACE2 is also expressed in heart, blood vessels, kidneys, brain, intestines, etc.2 Recently various locations of the oral cavity have been found to be associated with differential expression of ACE2 protein, with the tongue being the most common site.3 Moreover, the salivary glands have also been regarded as a potential source of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the presence of the ACE2 receptor.4 However, till date there is no strong scientific evidence that has proved the existence and interaction of ACE2 protein and spike receptor of SARS-CoV-2 on oral mucosal and salivary gland epithelial cells.

Pink Esthetics: A Study on Significant Gingival Parameters.

AIM: The aim of the study was to quantify the specific spatial displacement of gingival zenith (GZ) and determine a representative value for the interdental papilla height as a percentage ratio of clinical crown length (CL), as measured from GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 subjects and 1,200 interdental papillae were included. Eighty percent of the population presented with the gingival margin of lateral incisor (LI) teeth positioned coronally to the GZ of the ipsilateral canine (C) and central incisor (CI). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between mesial and distal papilla proportion (DPP) of maxillary incisor groups. In the C group, numerical values showed higher DPP. CONCLUSION: The data achieved provide the ideal numerical values for prosthetic, restorative, periodontal, implant, postorthodontic, and esthetic treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study describes the importance of quantifying the ideal numerical values for prosthetic, restorative, periodontal, implant, postorthodontic, and esthetic treatment outcomes. The readers should understand to quantify the specific spatial displacement of GZ and determine a representative value for the interdental papilla height as a percentage ratio of clinical CL, as measured from GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition.

Transverse Ridge of Premolars and Oblique Ridge of Maxillary Molars are in Divine Golden Ratio.

AIMS: In premolars and molars, transverse ridge (TR) and oblique ridge (OR) play major roles in providing strength and stability to the cusps in particular and tooth as a whole. Hence, they could be divided at the central groove or the transverse groove in a divine golden ratio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty pairs of maxillary and mandibular casts were retrieved from the Department of Orthodontics. The lengths of buccal triangular ridge (BTR), lingual triangular ridge (LTR) and TR of maxillary and mandibular first and second premolars were measured. Similarly, lengths of distal cuspal ridge of mesiopalatal cusp, triangular ridge of distobuccal cusp (DBTR) and OR of the maxillary first and second molars were measured using a brass wire and a Vernier caliper. The TR:BTR, BTR:LTR, OR:distal ridge of mesiopalatal cusp (MPDR), and MPDR:DBTR ratios were calculated to find out the possibility of golden ratio. RESULTS: Transverse ridges of the premolars and OR of the maxillary first and second molars were divided at the central groove in a divine golden ratio. The mean TR/BTR ratio for maxillary first premolar was 1.61 ± 0.007, whereas the mean BTR/LTR ratio was 1.63 ± 0.02. The mean TR/BTR ratio for maxillary second premolar was 1.61 ± 0.01, whereas the mean BTR/LTR ratio was 1.62 ± 0.04. The TR/BTR and BTR/LTR ratios for mandibular first premolar were 1.6 ± 0.008 and 1.64 ± 0.02, respectively. Similarly, the mean TR/BTR ratio for mandibular second premolar was 1.61 ± 0.01, whereas the mean BTR/LTR ratio was 1.63 ± 0.02. CONCLUSION: The ORs of maxillary first molar ridge and TR of maxillary and mandibular premolars are divided into two parts at transverse and central grooves, respectively, in a divine ratio. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ORs of maxillary first molar ridge and TR of maxillary and mandibular premolars are divided into two parts at transverse and central grooves, respectively, in a divine ratio. This signifies the strength and stability of the occlusal table in the posterior teeth, as the golden ratio is the mark of functional excellence. Golden ratio should be taken into consideration while restoration or fabrication of the posterior teeth.

Yes-associated protein (YAP) molecule expression in odontogenic epithelium of ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: YAP (Yes-associated protein molecule) augments multiple processes known to be important for tumor progression and metastasis. Hence, the application of YAP as a targeted therapy for several malignancies has been documented in the literature. Ameloblastoma being a locally invasive odontogenic lesion causes tissue destruction and presents with a great chance of recurrence. Based on these qualities, we hypothesized that YAP could exhibit increased expression in the odontogenic epithelium of ameloblastoma. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of YAP in ameloblastoma and compare the immunoreactivity of YAP in ameloblastoma and dental follicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of ameloblastoma and dental follicle each were retrieved from the departmental archives. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed employing YAP antibody on 5-µm thick sections. The expression of YAP was reviewed on the peripheral lining of ameloblast-like cells and centrally placed stellate reticulum-like cells and was further graded as negative, weak, or strong. For data analysis, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were applied. RESULTS: In ameloblastoma, peripheral/basal cells exhibited strong expression for YAP in 12/24 cases and weak expression in the other 12 cases. Whereas, 20 cases of dental follicle presented negative expression and only four cases exhibited weak expression (p < 0.001). On statistical analysis, the differences in expression of YAP in stellate cells of ameloblastoma and dental follicle were found to be significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: YAP expression was strongly seen in ameloblastoma as compared to the epithelial islands of dental follicle. The neoplastic nature of ameloblastoma could be attributed to YAP molecule and it may play a possible role in tumor invasiveness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Positive YAP expression in ameloblastoma and negative expression in the odontogenic epithelial islands of dental follicle insinuate that YAP could be responsible for the aggressiveness and local tissue invasion commonly encountered with ameloblastoma.

A Critical Appraisal on the "Level-of-evidence" Classification Systems.

Evidence-based medicine is about analyzing the evidence and then utilizing the same analysis in making clinical decisions. The key element of evidence-based medicine is the hierarchical system of categorizing evidence. This hierarchy is known as the "levels of evidence".1 Clinicians use this classification to identify the highest level of evidence to answer clinical questions. Various types of research studies answer the different kinds of clinical questions.1.

Expression of Yes-associated Protein in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

AIM: Though the exact mechanism of yes-associated protein (YAP) in tumorigenesis is not well understood, studies have shown that YAP plays an imperative role in cancer advancement via the Hippo signaling pathway. The purpose of the present study was to appraise the clinicopathological correlation of YAP expression in various grades and stages along with different parameters like tumor size and nodal metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven surgically excised specimens from patients with OSCC were selected for the study. Grading of the OSCC specimens was done according to Broder's grading system and staging had been done using tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system by American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). Comparative analysis of YAP expression and various aforementioned parameters of OSCC was performed and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Differences in the expression of YAP was observed among well differentiated and moderately differentiated OSCC, with increased YAP expression with successive grades but was statistically insignificant. On evaluating YAP expression among various stages of OSCC, we observed that stages I, II, and IV demonstrated a weak expression of YAP, while stage III showed a strong expression but the differences were insignificant. Insignificant differences were also noted in YAP expression between different tumor sizes, while significant differences were observed between different nodal statuses. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that YAP could be responsible for extensive proliferation and invasiveness of OSCC.

Similarity Index Analysis of the Manuscript: A Viewpoint.

Fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism have been considered the major academic/scientific misconduct in writing the research.1 In recent decades, plagiarism detection has become relatively easy with the evolution of newer software.2,3 Undoubtedly, many scientific journals evaluate the received manuscripts for plagiarism/similarity index and strictly refuse to consider manuscripts with higher similarity index for further publication process. In addition, if plagiarism is reported in the published articles, authors may pose various academic, professional, and legal consequences. This is definitely fruitful in producing originality of the articles with newer ideas/concepts in research design.

Dietary Modification as a Part of Prescription in Inflammatory Lesions of Oral Cavity: A Need of the Hour.

Food is an integral aspect of human life and constitutes major portion of the intake on a daily basis. The dietary patterns are highly distinctive not only for any religion but also for geographic locations. Even a particular geographic location might show vast distinctiveness in terms of consumption of food on a day-to-day basis.

Use of X-ray Diffraction Technique of Hair for Oral Cancer Detection: A Proposal.

Techniques that contribute to early diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) till now followed are vital staining, light-based detection systems along with various histological, cytological, molecular and imaging techniques.1 In spite of histopathological technique being the gold standard, diagnosis by taking random biopsies of both clinically normal and the suspected oral area is impractical, since various serious downsides are associated with it and are also not appropriate for repetitive sampling at multiple sites.2 A screening test which is non-invasive, safe without exposing an individual to X-radiation and more consistent than any other current method is direly required.

Use of Tilapia Hepcidin in Oral Cancer Therapeutics: A Proposal.

Tilapia hepcidin (TH), an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) derived from tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) forms an important component of the fish innate immune defense.1 However, the functionality of TH is not just limited to its antimicrobial actions, significant applications in cancer research remain an area to be explored. Antimicrobial peptides derived from fish and shrimp demonstrated anticancer activities in addition to their previously discovered antimicrobial action. Three hepcidin-like AMPs can be isolated from tilapia, namely TH1-5, TH2-2, and TH2-3. Of these, TH1-5 and TH2-3 have shown potent antitumor activity.2.