Role of Interleukin-17 family cytokines in disease severity of patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract Background Interleukin-17 (IL-17) family plays a role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by contributing to the inflammatory and destructive processes in the affected joint. This study aimed to measure levels of IL-17 A and IL-25 (IL-17E) in serum of KOA patients and determine their roles in the disease severity of patients. Methods In this, 34 patients with KOA and 30 age and sex-matched healthy subjects (HS) were enrolled. Patients were categorized based on their Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Body Mass Index (BMI) scores. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was employed to measure serum levels of IL-17 A and IL-25. Results Level of IL-25 was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the KOA subjects than HS. IL-17 A level was significantly higher in KOA cases with WOMAC < 40 (P < 0.0001) in comparison to HS. IL-25 level was significantly higher in the KOA cases with WOMAC < 40 (P < 0.0001) and with WOMAC ≥ 40 (P < 0.0001) compared to HS. IL-17 A concentration was significantly higher in the KOA cases with VAS < 5 (P < 0.0001) compared to HS. IL-25 level was significantly higher in the KOA cases with VAS < 5 (P < 0.0001) and with VAS ≥ 5 (P < 0.0001) in comparison to HS. KOA patients with BMI ≥ 30 had significantly higher IL-17 A and IL-25 concentration in comparison to HS. Conclusions The serum level of IL-25 in KOA patients is increased probably due to negative controlling feedback on inflammatory responses, which can be associated with obesity and disease activity.

Dementia prevalence among hospitalized older patients: a multicenter study in Iran / Prevalência de demência entre pacientes idosos hospitalizados: um estudo multicêntrico no Irã

ABSTRACT Dementia poses a significant societal and health challenge in the 21st century, with many hospitalized patients experiencing dementia without a documented diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of dementia and its associated risk factors among older patients admitted to hospitals. Methods: The study included older patients (≥ 60 years) admitted to medical departments of a general hospital in three major Iranian cities. Researchers utilized the Activities of Daily Living-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL-IADL) scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Mini-Cog test, the 4 A's test (4AT), and the Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS). Among the 420 recruited older inpatients, 228 (54.3%) were female. Results: The mean age of participants was 71.39 years (standard deviation ±7.95), with 30.7% diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder (dementia). The likelihood of dementia exhibited statistically significant correlations with gender, age, number of children, and occupation. Conclusions: Screening older individuals for cognitive impairment upon hospital admission holds the potential to prevent adverse outcomes and enhance the quality of treatment for patients concurrently dealing with dementia.

RESUMO A demência representa um grande desafio social e de saúde no século 21, com muitos pacientes hospitalizados sofrendo de demência sem um diagnóstico documentado. Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de demência e seus fatores de risco associados entre pacientes idosos hospitalizados. Métodos: O estudo incluiu pacientes idosos (≥ 60 anos) internados em um hospital geral em três grandes cidades iranianas. Os pesquisadores utilizaram a escala de Atividades da Vida Diária-Atividades Instrumentais da Vida Diária (Activities of Daily Living-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living - ADL-IADL), a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica, o teste Mini-Cog, o teste dos 4 As (4AT) e o Pontuação do Teste Mental Abreviado (Abbreviated Mental Test Score - AMTS). Dos 420 idosos selecionados, 228 (54,3%) eram do sexo feminino. Resultados: A média de idade dos participantes foi de 71,39 anos (desvio padrão ±7,95), sendo 30,7% diagnosticados com transtorno neurocognitivo maior (demência). A probabilidade de demência apresentou correlações estatisticamente significativas com sexo, idade, número de filhos e ocupação. Conclusões: A triagem de idosos para comprometimento cognitivo na admissão hospitalar tem o potencial de prevenir resultados adversos e melhorar a qualidade do tratamento para pacientes que lidam simultaneamente com demência.

Eight years experience of transanal endoscopic microsurgery

Introduction: Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive method for management of different proctologic conditions. Despite widespread use of this method, it is not used widely in Iran. This report is about to describe the application of TEM in managing different proctologic conditions in a tertiary colorectal referral center in Iran regarding methods and complications. Methods: All of the patients' documents such as procedure, method, early postop complications and further operations were actively reviewed and the data were entered in to the database. Results: Since 2012 till the end of 2020 chart review was done and 150 cases of TEM operation were found. The most frequent procedure that was done was resection procedure. Using different energy devices during surgery or suturing versus not suturing the defect were not associated with complication. There was a case of in hospital mortality and one case delayed perianal fistula following TEM. Measurement of lesion distance from anal verge was not significantly different using TEM or colonoscopy. Villous adenomas detected in colonoscopy were mostly associated with malignancy. In evaluated resected lesions most of cases had free base and distance from anal verge or using different energy devices were not associated with obtaining free base. Conclusion: TEM is a safe minimal invasive procedure with acceptable complications that could be helped in managing different proctologic conditions and the results of reviewing our patients revealed the same results that is reported from other colorectal centers. (AU)

A associação entre câncer colorretal e índice de qualidade nutricional (INQ); um estudo de caso-controle / The association between colorectal cancer and index of nutritional quality (inq); a case-control study

ABSTRACT Background: The nutritional quality of diet may influence the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study compared the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ) of various dietary components between colorectal cancer patients and healthy controls. Methods: A total of 480 participants were enrolled in the study (160 patients with colorectal cancer as a case group and 320 healthy control). An analysis was conducted on the general characteristics of the participants, their medical histories, anthropometric indicators, physical activity, alcohol consumption, reproductive history, smoking and food intake. A valid food frequency questionnaire was used to assess nutrient intake and INQ was calculated from daily nutrient intake. Results: A Significant inverse association was found between CRC and INQ for vitamins A (OR=0.01, CI: 0.01-0.01), K (OR=0.04, CI: 0.01-0.15), and B12 (OR=0.71, CI: 0.51-0.98), B5 (OR=0.43, CI: 0.00-0.01), zinc (OR=0.35, CI: 0.13-0.95), and phosphorus (OR=0.17, 0.19-0.94). The association between the INQ of vitamin B12 and zinc with colorectal cancer was disappeared after age adjustment. There was a significant negative association between CRC with the INQ of vitamins A, K, B5, phosphorus, and calcium after further adjustments for gender, BMI, menopausal status, and total energy intake. Conclusion: CRC is significantly associated with INQ for some micronutrients. INQ can be considered as an indicator to assess clinical nutritional problems.

RESUMO Contexto: A qualidade nutricional da dieta pode influenciar o risco de câncer colorretal (CCR). Este estudo comparou o Índice de Valor Nutricional (INQ) de vários componentes dietéticos entre pacientes com CCR e controles saudáveis. Métodos: Um total de 480 participantes foram inscritos no estudo (160 pacientes com CCR como um grupo de casos e 320 controles saudáveis). Uma análise foi conduzida sobre as características gerais dos participantes, seus históricos médicos, indicadores antropométricos, atividade física, consumo de álcool, histórico reprodutivo, tabagismo e ingestão de alimentos. Um questionário de frequência alimentar válido foi usado para avaliar a ingestão de nutrientes e o INQ foi calculado a partir da ingestão diária de nutrientes. Resultados: Associação significativa entre CCR e INQ para as vitaminas A (OR=0,00, IC: 0,00-0,01), K (OR=0,04, IC: 0,01-0,15), B12 (OR=0,71, IC: 0,51-0,98) houve uma associação negativa), B5 (OR=0,43, IC: 0,00-0,01), zinco (OR=0,35, IC: 0,13-0,95), fósforo (OR=0,17, IC: 0,19-0,94). A associação entre o INQ da vitamina B12, zinco e CCR desapareceu após o ajuste pela idade. Houve uma associação negativa significativa entre CCR e INQ de cálcio, e outros resultados não mudaram após ajustes adicionais para idade, gênero, Índice de Massa Corporal, estado de menopausa e ingestão total de energia. Conclusão: CCR está significativamente associado ao INQ para alguns micronutrientes. O INQ pode ser usado como um indicador para avaliar problemas nutricionais clínicos.

Evaluation of effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet-A on survival of rat limbal epithelial stem cells in ex-vivo

Purpose: To investigate the effects of riboflavin and/or ultraviolet?A (UV?A) irradiation on the cell viability of ex?vivo?cultured rat limbal stem cells (LSCs). Methods: LSCs of male Wistar rats (N = 12 eyes) were cultured, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate them. After characterization, these cells were assigned to four groups of control (C), a group that was exposed to UV?A radiation (UV), a group that was treated with riboflavin (R), and a group that cotreated with both UV?A and riboflavin (UV+R). To determine the cell viability of LSCs, these cells were subjected to MTT assay on days 1, 3, and 7 after exposure to UV?A and/or riboflavin. The duration of exposure to UV?A and riboflavin was similar to levels used during the conventional corneal collagen cross?linking procedure. Results: Compared with the viable cells in the control group, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the number of LSCs in the UV group during all study days. In the R group, the level of viable LSCs was as same as the level of viable LSCs in the C group. Combined treatment with UV?A plus riboflavin significantly decreased the survival of LSCs on days 1 and 3 (P < 0.0001, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with the control group. Interestingly, in the UV+R group, the photosensitizing effect of riboflavin significantly decreased the cytotoxic effect of UV irradiation 7 days after exposure. Conclusion: These results suggest that the administered UV energy in the presence or absence of riboflavin can damage LSCs. Likewise, riboflavin could decrease the toxic effect of UVA on LSCs

Expression profile in Leishmania major exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

Background & objectives: The interaction of Leishmania spp. with microbiota inside the midgut vector has significant output in pathogenesis. This study aimed to identify the profile of Leishmania major gene expression of LACK, gp63, and hsp70 after exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci (GABHS). Methods: Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were exposed with S. aureus, with GABHS, and with both GABHS and S. aureus at 25°C for 72 h. The gene expression analysis of Lmgp63, Lmhsp70, and LmLACK was assessed using SYBR Green real-time PCR by ??Ct. All experiments were repeated in triplicate. Statistical analysis was done using two-way ANOVA. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Lmgp63 was expressed in the group exposed to GABHS with 1.75-fold lower than the control group (p=0.000). The LmLACK had expression in both groups exposed with GABHS and GABHS with S. aureus with 2.8 and 1.33-fold more than the control group, respectively (p=0.000). The Lmhsp70 gene expression was reported in the group exposed with GABHS with relative quantification of 5.7-fold more than the control group. Interpretation & conclusion: This study showed that the important genes encoding LACK, gp63, and hsp70 changed their expression after exposure to the S. aureus and GABHS.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Children Aged 11-14 Years Old with and without Parental Care in South-East of Iran

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and compare children with and without parental care. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 160 schoolchildren with parental care and 100 orphans in Kerman, Iran. After fulfilling the questionnaire voluntarily, a clinical examination was performed, and indices such as decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), molar-incisor hypoplasia (MIH), modified gingival index (MGI), traumatic dental injury (TDI), and malocclusion were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 25 via the ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient test, Chi-Square test, and descriptive statistics. Results: Children without parents scored poorly for OHQRoL items compared to those with parents (p<0.001). DMFT was not significantly related to OHRQoL; however, missing teeth were correlated with the CPQ11-14 overall. Also, the TDI index had a significant relationship with CPQ mean score (p=0.02). Moreover, the difference in the mean CPQ11-14 score in children with TDI in the two groups was significant regarding the quality of life (0.031). Conclusion: OHRQoL differed significantly between children in the two groups, which can be influenced by gender and habits. Due to the vulnerability of welfare-supported children without parental care, these findings emphasize the value of preventive and health-promoting measures for this group of children.

Creencias, Actitudes Y Prácticas Del Médico En Rol De Paciente: Perspectivas En República Dominicana / Beliefs, Attitudes and Practices of the Medical in the Patient Role: Perspectives in the Dominican Republic

El mito existente sobre la ausencia de vulnerabilidad en los médicos hace que estos sean más difíciles de manejar en su rol de paciente. Así mismo, en ocasiones sus conocimientos previos los hacen tener creencias, actitudes y prácticas no favorables. En este artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, cuyo objetivo fue determinar las creencias, actitudes y prácticas del médico dominicano en el rol de paciente. En el mismo se aplicó una encuesta virtual que generó un total de 238 respuestas. Como resultado, se observó que, en su mayoría, los médicos consideran que es más difícil tratar como paciente a un colega. Sobre sus creencias y actitudes, las mismas suelen ser favorables en sus labores como médico, sin embargo, actitudes como la automedicación y los cambios de receta fueron notorios. En conclusión, se entiende que es necesario realizar estudios similares a este y concientizar a quienes se desempeñan como médicos en cuanto a esta temática.

The existing myth about the absence of vulnerability in doctors makes them more challenging to manage in their role as patients. Likewise, sometimes their previous knowledge makes them have opposing beliefs, attitudes, and practices. Therefore, a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the Dominican doctor's beliefs, attitudes, and practices in the role of the patient. A survey was created and disseminated online, and 238 responses were obtained. As a result, most doctors find it more challenging to treat a patient if they are colleagues. Concerning their beliefs and attitudes, they are usually favorable in their work as a doctor; however, in practice, acts such as self-medication and change of prescription are present in large proportion.

Associations between body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) with the dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) and other BDD risk factors in orthodontic patients: A preliminary study / 대한치과교정학회지

Objective@#Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be negatively associated with the self-image. It might be associated with orthodontic treatment demand and outcome, and therefore is important. Thus, this study was conducted. @*Methods@#The Yale-Brown ObsessiveCompulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS) questionnaire was used in 699 orthodontic patients above 12 years of age (222 males, 477 females), at seven clinics in two cities (2020–2021). BDD diagnosis and severity were calculated based on the first 3 items and all 12 items of the questionnaire. The dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) was assessed by orthodontists. Multivariable and bivariable statistical analyses were performed on ordinal and dichotomized BDD diagnoses to assess potentially associated factors (IOTN-DHC, age, sex, marital status, education level, and previous orthodontic consultation) (α = 0.05). @*Results@#IOTN-DHC scores 1–5 were seen in 13.0%, 39.9%, 29.8%, 12.4%, and 4.9% of patients. Age/sex/ marital status/education were not associated with IOTN-DHC (p > 0.05). Based on 3-item questionnaire, 17.02% of patients had BDD (14.02% mild). Based on 12-item questionnaire, 2.86% had BDD. BDD was more prevalent or severer in females, married patients, patients with a previous history of orthodontic consultation, and patients with milder IOTN-DHCs (p< 0.05). @*Conclusions@#IOTNDHC was negatively/slightly associated with BDD in orthodontic patients. Being female and married may increase BDD risk.

Structure-activity relationship of pyrazol-4-yl-pyridine derivatives and identification of a radiofluorinated probe for imaging the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M4

There is an accumulating body of evidence implicating the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 4 (M4) in schizophrenia and dementia with Lewy bodies, however, a clinically validated M4 positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is currently lacking. As such, the aim of this study was to develop a suitable M4 PET ligand that allows the non-invasive visualization of M4 in the brain. Structure-activity relationship studies of pyrazol-4-yl-pyridine derivates led to the discovery of target compound 12 - a subtype-selective positive allosteric modulator (PAM). The radiofluorinated analogue, [18F] 12, was synthesized in 28 ± 10% radiochemical yield, >37 GBq/μmol and an excellent radiochemical purity >99%. Initial in vitro autoradiograms on rodent brain sections were performed in the absence of carbachol and showed moderate specificity as well as a low selectivity of [18F] 12 for the M4-rich striatum. However, in the presence of carbachol, a significant increase in tracer binding was observed in the rat striatum, which was reduced by >60% under blocking conditions, thus indicating that orthosteric ligand interaction is required for efficient binding of [18F] 12 to the allosteric site. Remarkably, however, the presence of carbachol was not required for high specific binding in the non-human primate (NHP) and human striatum, and did not further improve the specificity and selectivity of [18F] 12 in higher species. These results pointed towards significant species-differences and paved the way for a preliminary PET study in NHP, where peak brain uptake of [18F] 12 was found in the putamen and temporal cortex. In conclusion, we report on the identification and preclinical development of the first radiofluorinated M4 PET radioligand with promising attributes. The availability of a clinically validated M4 PET radioligand harbors potential to facilitate drug development and provide a useful diagnostic tool for non-invasive imaging.

Effect of continuous intra-incisional bupivacaine on postoperative pain in non-traumatic spinal fixation surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Continuous injection of local anesthetics by using surgical wound catheters for postoperative pain relief has gained acceptance in recent years. However, whether this method can be alternatively used instead of systemic opioids in different surgical procedures has not yet been elucidated. Objectives The aim was to investigate the effect of continuous injection of bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound on reducing the postoperative pain of lumbar spine fusion surgeries. Methods In this clinical trial, 31 patients undergoing non-traumatic lumbar spine stabilization surgery were randomly assigned to receive (n = 15) or do not receive (n = 16) bupivacaine through a catheter inside the surgical wound, postoperatively. Pain intensity (NRS), dose of required morphine, and drug-related complications within 24 hours of intervention were assessed and compared by the Mann-Whitney and independent t-test. Results Mean pain intensity was significantly lower in the case group over the first postoperative hour in the recovery room (p < 0.001), which continued for the first 2 hours after entering the ward. The mean morphine intake was lower in the bupivacaine group during the first postoperative 24 hours (16 ± 0.88 vs. 7.33 ± 0.93 mg, p < 0.001). The two groups were not significantly different regarding drug-related complications. Conclusion Continuous intra-incisional infusion of bupivacaine helped better pain reduction during the early postoperative hours while sparing morphine consumption in the first postoperative day.

The inverse correlation between serum levels of anti-pneumococcal and ferritin after pneumococcal vaccination in splenectomised beta thalassemia major

Splenectomy is necessary in beta thalassemia major patients when the spleen becomes hyperactive, leading to extreme destruction of erythrocytes. This study assessed the ferritin effect on serum pneumococcal antibody response following pneumococcal vaccination, in patients with beta thalassemia major after splenectomy. In this case series study, convenience sampling was used to recruit 347 splenectomised beta thalassemia patients under the auspices of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. Demographic data such as age, sex, and time after splenectomy were recorded by a questionnaire. All participants had been splenectomised and received a dose of Pneumovax1 23 vaccine 14 days before surgery. The IgG antibody responses to pneumococcal vaccine and levels of serum specific ferritin were determine by commercial enzyme immunoassay kits. For the analysis, SPSS software version 16 was used. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most of the participants (63.4 percent) were hypo-responders to pneumococcal vaccine. Also, serum anti-pneumococcal IgG antibody was related to post splenectomy duration and serum ferritin (p 0.05). An important result was a relation of serum anti-pneumococcal IgG antibody to serum ferritin according to post splenectomy duration groups. Therefore, in three groups of post splenectomy duration, the serum ferritin was higher in hypo-responder than in good responder subjects. Our results indicate that serum anti-pneumococcal IgG antibody decreased with increment of serum ferritin and post splenectomy duration. Thus, there is a need to re-address the approach towards revaccination in this immune-compromised group of patients by administering a booster pneumococcal vaccination in an attempt to recover immunity and reduce morbidity(AU)

La esplenectomía es necesaria en pacientes con beta talasemia mayor cuando el bazo se vuelve hiperactivo, lo que lleva a una destrucción extrema de los eritrocitos. Este estudio evaluó el efecto de la ferritina sobre la respuesta de anticuerpos antineumocócicos en suero después de la vacunación antineumocócica, en pacientes con talasemia beta mayor a los que se les realizó esplenectomía. En este estudio de serie de casos, se utilizó un muestreo de conveniencia para reclutar a 347 pacientes con beta talasemia esplenectomizados bajo los auspicios de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Jahrom. Los datos demográficos como la edad, el sexo y el tiempo después de la esplenectomía se registraron mediante un cuestionario. Todos los participantes fueron esplenectomizados y recibieron una dosis de la vacuna Pneumovax® 23, 14 días antes de la cirugía. Las respuestas de anticuerpos IgG a la vacuna neumocócica y los niveles de ferritina sérica específica se determinaron mediante estuches comerciales de inmunoensayo enzimático. Para el análisis se utilizó el programa SPSS versión 16. Un valor de p inferior a 0,05 se consideró estadísticamente significativo. La mayoría de los participantes (63,4 por ciento) resultaron hiporrespondedores a la vacuna antineumocócica. Además, el anticuerpo sérico antineumocócico IgG se relacionó con la duración de la esplenectomía y la ferritina sérica (p0,05). Un resultado importante fue la relación del anticuerpo sérico IgG antineumocócico con la ferritina sérica según los grupos de duración postesplenectomía. Por lo tanto, en tres grupos de duración posterior a la esplenectomía, la ferritina sérica fue mayor en los sujetos con hiporrespuesta que en los sujetos con buena respuesta. Nuestros resultados indican que el anticuerpo sérico IgG antineumocócico disminuyó con el incremento de la ferritina sérica y la duración posterior a la esplenectomía. Por lo tanto, existe la necesidad de volver a abordar el enfoque hacia la revacunación en este grupo de pacientes inmunocomprometidos mediante la administración de una vacunación antineumocócica de refuerzo en un intento por recuperar la inmunidad y reducir la morbilidad(AU)

The Potential Effects of Fungicides on Association of Rhizophagus irregularis with Maize and Wheat

Abstract The effect of different fungicides on mycorrhizal fungi should be investigated in different plants and environmental conditions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to appraise the effect of simultaneous fungicides application (including benomyl, rovral TS, mancozeb, and tilt) on the efficiency of Rhizophagus irregularis in cultivations of maize and wheat. This study was conducted in two separate experiments in the laboratory and greenhouse. The results of the laboratory stage showed that the use of all four fungicides significantly reduced the spore number compared to the conditions of non-use of the fungicide, although only rovral TS and mancozeb led to a significant reduction in root colonization percentage of R. irregularis. In the greenhouse, the benomyl significantly increased root dry weight in maize although tilt significantly reduced root colonization of maize with R. irregularis. The tilt and rovral TS had a positive effect and benomyl had a negative effect on wheat growth traits, but the root colonization of wheat with R. irregularis was not affected by fungicides. Generally, benomyl (2 g L-1) in maize and tilt (2 mL L-1) in wheat and rovral TS in both plants could be recommended with the combined application of R. irregularis inoculants. Therefore, depending on the type of fungicide and the host plant, the effect of the fungicide on colonization and association of mycorrhiza varies.

Chrysin-Enhanced Cytotoxicity of 5-Fluorouracil-Based Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer in Mice: Investigating its Effects on Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression

Abstract 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been recognized as an effective medication used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its administration is facing limitations due to some complications reported. It is also generally accepted that combination therapy is among strategies to improve chemotherapy efficiency. Therefore, chrysin, with its anticancer effects, in combination with 5-FU was investigated in the present study. Azoxymethane (AOM) as a carcinogenic substance along with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) was additionally utilized to induce CRC in mice. The anticancer effects of chrysin were then evaluated using aberrant crypt foci (ACF) counting and percentage of pathologic lesions in epithelial tissues from distal colon. In this study, cyclooxygenase (COX-2) protein expression was correspondingly explored through immunohistochemistry (IHC). The results revealed that chrysin alone or in combination with 5-FU could decrease ACF counting and percentage of pathologic lesions in comparison with AOM (p<0.05). Moreover, the combination of chrysin (at a dose of 50 mg/kg) with 5-FU reduced COX-2 expression compared with 5-FU alone (p<0.001) or 5-FU in combination with chrysin at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p<0.05). Furthermore, the combined chrysin boosted 5-FU efficiency, so it was suggested as an auxiliary therapy for CRC.

Efficacy of hyaluronic acid, absorbable collagen sponge, and their combination in minimizing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) after dental extraction: a preliminary animal histomorphometric study / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Methods@#For simulating BRONJ, zoledronic acid was administered to 40 rats for 5 weeks. Two weeks later, a right first molar was extracted from each rat. The rats were randomized into four groups of socket treatments: control (empty extraction socket) or with sockets filled with ACS, HA, or HA+ACS (n=4×10). After 2 weeks, 5 rats in each group were sacrificed and subjected to histopathologic and histomorphometric evaluation. Eight weeks post-surgically, the rest of rats were euthanized and histologically examined. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the four treatments at each time point (α=0.05). @*Results@#Six rats were lost overall. In the second week, vascularization was higher in ACS group (P0.05); empty lacunae were the most and fewest in control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P0.05). In the eighth week, vascularization was not different in groups (P>0.05); the highest and lowest osteoclast activities were seen in the control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); empty lacunae were the most and fewest in control and HA+ACS, respectively (P<0.05); maximum and minimum numbers of eosinophils were in control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); HA and control groups exhibited the highest and lowest lymphocyte counts, respectively (P<0.05); the lowest and highest neutrophil counts were observed in HA+ACs and control groups, respectively (P<0.05); and the highest and lowest extents of the live bone were observed in HA+ACS and control groups, respectively (P<0.05). @*Conclusions@#Within the limitations of this preliminary animal study, HA and especially HA+ACS seem a proper method for preventing or treating BRONJ.

Associations between the severity of nasal septal deviation and nasopharynx volume in different ages and sexes: a cone-beam computed tomography study / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

Background@#Nasal septum deviation (NSD) can cause serious anatomical and clinical complications. It can change the breathing pattern and thus alter the anatomy of the airway structures. Despite its importance, the association between NSD with the nasopharynx volume (NPV) has not been assessed before. Therefore, we aimed to investigate it for the first time. @*Methods@#Archival CBCTs of 202 patients older than 17 years and without any history of trauma or pathology of the nasopharynx and without any orthodontic/orthognathic treatments were evaluated (129 women, 73 men, mean age: 36.24 ± 14.61 years). All included CBCTs must have been taken with a 12 × 8 field of view and fully covered the nasopharynx areas. The extent of NSD (°) and NPV (mm3) were measured. NSDs were categorized as mild (NSD ˂ 9°), moderate (9 ≤ NSD ≤ 15°), and severe (NSD ˃ 15°). Associations between sex, age, NSD, and nasopharynx volume were assessed using independent-samples t test, chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Tamhane post hoc test, Pearson and point-biserial correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regressions (α = 0.05). @*Results@#Mean NSDs were 11.27 ± 4.69° (range 1–19.5), 11.58 ± 4.63°, and 10.70 ± 4.76° in the sample, females, and males, respectively (P > 0.05). Of females, 27.9%, 40.3%, and 31.8% had mild, moderate, and severe NSDs. These were 35.6%, 39.7%, and 24.7% in males (P > 0.05). Mean NPVs were 4.88 ± 1.49, 4.80 ± 1.43, and 5.04 ± 1.60 mm3 in the sample, females, and males, respectively (P > 0.05). Mean NPVs were 6.41 ± 1.21, 4.87 ± 0.73, and 3.30 ± 0.65 mm3 in mild, moderate, and severe NSD groups (all P values = 0.000). Mean ages were 27.06 ± 6.49, 29.80 ± 9.64, and 54.73 ± 8.45 years in mild, moderate, and severe NSD groups (severe group being older than the other two groups, P = 0.000). NSD was strongly, negatively correlated with NPV (R = − 0.793, P = 0.000). Sex was not correlated with NPV or NSD (P ≥ 0.189). Age was negatively and positively correlated with NPV and NSD, respectively (P = 0.000). Modeling NSD (β = −0.776, P = 0.000) as a predictor for NPV rendered age effect insignificant (P > 0.05). @*Conclusions@#It was found, for the first time, that the more deviated the nasal septum, the smaller the nasopharynx volume. Aging might increase NSD and through it, reduce the nasopharynx volume. Sex might not affect NSD or NPV.

Vaginal Laser Therapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence:A Systematic Review of Prospective Randomized Clinical Trials

The most common type of urinary incontinence in women is stress urinary incontinence (SUI) which negatively impacts several aspects of life.The newly introduced vaginal laser therapy is being considered for treating SUI. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of vaginal laser therapy for stress urinary incontinence in menopausal women. We searched the following databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library databases, Web of Science, clinical trial registry platforms, and Google Scholar, using the MeSH terms and keywords [Urinary Incontinence, Stress] and [(lasers) OR laser]. In our systematic review, prospective randomized clinical studies on women diagnosed with SUI as per the International Continence Society’s diagnostic criteria were included. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias assessment tool for randomized clinical trials was used to evaluate the quality of studies. A total of 256 relevant records in literature databases and registers and 25 in additional searches were found. Following a review of the titles, abstracts, and full texts, four studies involving 431 patients were included. Three studies used CO2-lasers, and one used Erbium: YAG-laser. The results of all four studies revealed the short-term improvement of SUI following both the Erbium: YAG-laser and CO2-laser therapy. SUI treatment with CO2-laser and Erbium: YAG-laser therapy is a quick, intuitive, well-tolerated procedure that successfully improves incontinence-related symptoms. The long-term impact of such interventions has not been well established as most trials focused on the short-term effects.

Microorganism-derived biological macromolecules for tissue engineering / 医学前沿

According to literature, certain microorganism productions mediate biological effects. However, their beneficial characteristics remain unclear. Nowadays, scientists concentrate on obtaining natural materials from live creatures as new sources to produce innovative smart biomaterials for increasing tissue reconstruction in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The present review aims to introduce microorganism-derived biological macromolecules, such as pullulan, alginate, dextran, curdlan, and hyaluronic acid, and their available sources for tissue engineering. Growing evidence indicates that these materials can be used as biological material in scaffolds to enhance regeneration in damaged tissues and contribute to cosmetic and dermatological applications. These natural-based materials are attractive in pharmaceutical, regenerative medicine, and biomedical applications. This study provides a detailed overview of natural-based biomaterials, their chemical and physical properties, and new directions for future research and therapeutic applications.

Development and Validation of a Comprehensive Tool for Assessing Postgraduate Students’ Oral Presentations: Importance of the Role of Ergonomics

@#Introduction: The aim of this exploratory sequential mixed methods study was to develop an oral presentations assessment tool for postgraduate students’ oral presentations. Methods: First, a literature review and the ideas of 319 experienced professors were used to identify domains and potential items to develop the desired tool. Then the psychometric properties of the preliminary tool were measured using face and content validity, inter-rater agreement and test-retest reliability. Results: The qualitative phase indicated there should be four domains in the developed Oral Presentations Assessment Tool: subject knowledge, delivery, content and organization, and ergonomics, and that items in the developed tool should be weighted according to importance for the efficacy of a presentation. The final version included 19 items across four domains. Mean content validity index and content validity ratio scores were 0.93 and 0.76, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient for the two evaluation periods was 0.92. The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.78. Conclusion: The Oral Presentations Assessment Tool has appropriate psychometric properties and can be used as a valid and applicable instrument to assess postgraduate students’ oral presentations. Important cognitive factors in oral presentations in the form of an ergonomic domain was included for the first time, as part of this new comprehensive tool.

Electromagnetic field exposure as a plausible approach to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in clinically relevant scenarios / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)‍-based therapy has been regarded as one of the most revolutionary breakthroughs in the history of modern medicine owing to its myriad of immunoregulatory and regenerative properties. With the rapid progress in the fields of osteo- and musculoskeletal therapies, the demand for MSC-based treatment modalities is becoming increasingly prominent. In this endeavor, researchers around the world have devised new and innovative techniques to support the proliferation of MSCs while minimizing the loss of hallmark features of stem cells. One such example is electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, which is an alternative approach with promising potential. In this review, we present a critical discourse on the efficiency, practicability, and limitations of some of the relevant methods, with insurmountable evidence backing the implementation of EMF as a feasible strategy for the clinically relevant expansion of MSCs.