The Epidemiology and Clinical Management of Short Bowel Syndrome and Chronic Intestinal Failure in Crohn's Disease in Italy: An IG-IBD Survey.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Limited data exist on the epidemiology and clinical management of short bowel syndrome (SBS) and chronic intestinal failure (CIF) in Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate these aspects in Italy. METHODS: Members of the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD) were invited to complete a cross-sectional web survey. A subgroup analysis examined the influence of different clinical settings on SBS and CIF management in CD. RESULTS: A total of 47/128 (36.7%) IG-IBD centers participated. Among them, 31.9% were teduglutide (TED) prescribers, and 48.9% were academic centers. The median estimated prevalence of CIF among small bowel CD patients was 1%, and it was significantly higher in academic centers (2.0% [IQR 1-5%] vs. 0.13% [IQR 0-1%], p = 0.02). Seventy-eight percent of centers managed fewer than 10 SBS and CD patients. Routine small bowel measurement and nutritional assessment were performed in only 15% and 42.6% of centers, respectively. TED was prescribed by 12 centers to 35 patients, with a treatment success rate exceeding 50% in 81.8% of centers. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated prevalence of CIF in CD patients with small bowel involvement in Italy is 1%. The diagnosis and management practices for SBS and CIF are suboptimal, and TED use is limited.

Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) for Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) in Children: A Multicenter Study on Long-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), secondary to various underlying diseases, is one of the main causes of intestinal failure in children. Surgical management by serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP), is feasible in selected cases, but results on long-term follow-up are scarce. The aim of this study was to report long-term outcomes of the STEP procedure in children with SBS. METHODS: We performed a multicenter national retrospective study reviewing medical charts of children who underwent a STEP technique between 2000 and 2022 in 6 university hospitals. Collected data included demographics, SBS history, surgical procedures, nutritional support (enteral or parenteral), STEP management, complications, and outcomes (nutritional support, digestive symptoms, growth). RESULTS: STEP was performed in 36 SBS, resulting from 14 gastroschisis, 10 intestinal atresia, 8 necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), 2 midgut volvulus, and 2 intestinal Hirschsprung disease. Median age at first STEP was 10.8 months [4.5; 63.8]. Bowel length significantly increased (47 vs 70 cm, p < 0.01), with a median gain of 16 cm [11; 25] or 34%. At surgery, 33 children had parenteral nutrition (PN). A second STEP was performed in 11 patients, at a median age of 4.2 years [2.8; 6.8]. One patient underwent a third STEP. Two children required intestinal transplantation. Median follow-up was 7 years [4.4;11.4]. Out of 33 children requiring PN before surgery, 14 children were weaned off PN. The remaining 19 children still required PN, but their dependency decreased by 19%. Out of 17 children presenting severe intestinal dilations and bacterial overgrowth, 12 became asymptomatic. Out of 20 with chronic obstructive symptoms, 8 patients still required supplementary PN whereas 12 achieved complete enteral autonomy, including 3 requiring supplementary enteral support. CONCLUSION: STEP technique remains a surgical option in the management of these children, enabling a decrease in PN dependency, resulting in weaning off PN in some cases, as well as an improvement of clinical symptoms. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective multicenter observational study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Analysis of Rheological Properties and Regeneration Mechanism of Recycled Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Block Copolymer (SBS) Modified Asphalt Binder Using Different Rejuvenators.

The regeneration performance of an aged styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) will be significantly influenced by different rejuvenators. The objective of this study was to comparatively investigate the regeneration effect of different SBS-modified asphalt regenerators on aged SBS-modified asphalt. Four types of different regenerant formulations were selected. The optimal rejuvenator content was determined firstly using conventional performance tests. The rheological properties of the aged SBS-modified asphalt binder were evaluated by multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) experiments. Subsequently, the regeneration mechanism of the SBS-modified asphalt binder was investigated using thin-layer chromatography-flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed that the rejuvenator had a certain recovery effect on the penetration, softening point, and ductility of the SBS-modified asphalt binder after aging. The SBS-modified rejuvenating agent was the most favorable among the four types of rejuvenators, where a rejuvenator dosage of 12% showed the optimal rejuvenation effect. The addition of regenerators could appropriately improve the elastic deformation capacity of the aged asphalt binder. The epoxy soybean oil in the regenerant reacted with the aging SBS-modified asphalt binder, supplementing the lost oil in the aged SBS-modified asphalt binder, dispersing the excessive accumulation of asphaltene, and making the residual SBS swell again. The viscoelastic properties of the aging asphalt binder were improved by adjusting the content of components and functional groups to achieve the purpose of regeneration.

Rheological and Aging Properties of Nano-Clay/SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt.

Nano-organic montmorillonite (OMMT) not only inhibits the harmful asphalt fume generation during the production and construction processes of asphalt mixtures but also effectively improves the performance of asphalt pavements. In order to prepare asphalt materials with smoke suppression effects and good road performance, this study selects nano-OMMT and SBS-modified asphalt for composite modification of asphalt mixtures and systematically investigates its road performance. Through the temperature sweep test, the frequency sweep test, the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test, the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, and the atomic force microscope (AFM) test, the high-temperature rheological properties, low-temperature rheological properties, high-temperature properties and aging resistance of the modified asphalt are studied. The research findings indicate that OMMT can effectively reduce the sensitivity of modified asphalt to load stress and improve its high-temperature rheological properties. SBS-modified asphalt shows increased creep stiffness and a decreased creep rate after OMMT modification, resulting in reduced flexibility and decreased low-temperature crack resistance. After short-term and long-term aging, the complex modulus aging index of OMMT/SBS composite-modified asphalt is lower than that of SBS-modified asphalt, and the phase angle aging index is higher than that of SBS-modified asphalt, demonstrating that OMMT enhances the aging resistance of SBS-modified asphalt. OMMT inhibits oxidation reactions in the asphalt matrix, reducing the formation of C=O and S=O bonds, thereby slowing down the aging process of modified asphalt and improving its aging resistance.

Distraction Enterogenesis Induces Desert Hedgehog in the Lengthened Murine Colon.

BACKGROUND: Distraction enterogenesis lengthens the intestine through applied mechanical stress. The Hedgehog pathway (Hh) is responsible for intestinal tract development and directing the multi-layer patterning of the intestinal lumen. This study investigates the alteration in the principal components of this pathway in spring-mediated colonic lengthening. METHODS: Samples from the murine cecal lengthening model were used to study Hh alteration during the cecal lengthening process. Primary components of this pathway were analyzed using RT-qPCR and immunostaining after 7 and 14 days of force application. The spring-mediated lengthened segments were compared to untreated control segments within each animal. RESULTS: The spring-treated segments showed a 50% increase in length. There was a significant increase in the expression of the Desert Hedgehog ligand as opposed to the Sonic Hedgehog and Indian Hedgehog ligands. Additionally, the downstream targets of the pathway, Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3, were significantly overexpressed. The highest alterations in these components occurred at the earlier time point, after 7 days. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the contribution of the conserved Hedgehog developmental pathway during mechanical force-induced cecal lengthening, primarily through the Desert Hedgehog ligand. These data suggest that the Desert Hedgehog pathway may serve as therapeutic targets for intestinal regeneration.

Experimental Investigation on the Performance of SBS-Modified Asphalt Waterproofing Membrane by Thermo-Oxidative Aging and Freeze-Thaw Cycle.

With global warming in recent years, extreme weather conditions have increased in frequency and intensity, exacerbating the challenges for waterproofing materials. The current stages of SBS asphalt waterproofing membrane aging research mainly focus on the raw materials and modifiers in a single factor; multifactor-coupled aging research is less studied. This study focused on the coupled aging characteristics of SBS-modified asphalt waterproofing membranes, aiming to reveal the mechanism of its influence on the material's performance under the environmental effects of high temperature and freeze-thaw. Through the accelerated aging test, we simulated the environmental conditions of high temperature in summer and freeze-thaw in winter to observe the mechanical properties of waterproofing membranes, low-temperature flexibility, and apparent phenomena. Then, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) evaluated the performance and chemical structure of SBS-modified asphalt waterproofing membranes after aging by the coupled aging of the thermo-oxidative freeze-thaw cycle. The results showed that the low-temperature flexibility of the waterproofing membranes was significantly reduced after the coupled aging effect, and, at the same time, their tensile strength was also reduced. However, despite the tensile properties being impaired, the membrane maintained good ductility, and its elongation at break did not fall below 47%.

Effect of Moisture on the Fatigue and Self-Healing Properties of SiO2/SBS Composite Modified Asphalt.

Moisture accelerates the degradation of asphalt properties, significantly impacting the service life of roads. Therefore, this study uses simplified viscoelastic continuous damage theory and employs frequency scanning, linear amplitude scanning, and fatigue-healing-fatigue tests with a dynamic shear rheometer. The objective is to investigate the effects of aging time, moisture conditions, and aging temperature on the fatigue and self-healing performance of SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene block copolymer)-modified asphalt, nano-SiO2-modified asphalt, and nano-SiO2/SBS composite modified asphalt in a moisture-rich environment. The results indicate that nano-SiO2 powder enhances the low-temperature performance of modified asphalt, whereas the SBS modifier reduces temperature sensitivity and increases the recovery percentage after deformation. Compared to SBS-modified asphalt, the deformation resistance of nano-SiO2/SBS composite modified asphalt has increased by about 30%, while nano-SiO2-modified asphalt shows relatively poor deformation resistance. The fatigue performance of SBS-modified asphalt deteriorates under moisture, whereas the addition of nano-SiO2 powder improves its fatigue life. Nano-SiO2/SBS composite modified asphalt exhibits strong self-healing capabilities. Although self-healing can enhance the fatigue life of modified asphalt, moisture inhibits this improvement after self-healing.

An In Vitro Study Comparing the Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties of Zinc Oxide-Based Nanofillers in Orthodontic Adhesives for White Spot Lesion Prevention in Fixed Orthodontic Therapy.

Introduction Preventing enamel demineralization (white spot lesions or WSLs) around the brackets during and after orthodontic therapy has been a challenging problem. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) show antibacterial effects against cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus (S.) mutans. Materials and methods In this study, researchers modified Transbond XT adhesive (Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, Missouri, USA) by adding different concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles, i.e., 0.1% and 0.5wt%, in two experimental groups and a control group. We performed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy for physio-structural characterization and investigated antibacterial ability by disc diffusion and colony-forming tests. We conducted shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index to determine the mechanical characteristics. Results The development and size of the inhibition zone were greatly dependent on the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles in the disc agar diffusion test. All ZnO NP-based experimental adhesives reduced the colony numbers for S. mutans. For S. mutans, the composite comprising 0.5wt% ZnO nanoparticles significantly reduced colony counts. The control group exhibited the maximum mean shear bond strength, whereas 0.5wt% nanoparticles composite had the lowest number. Conclusion Adding ZnO as nanofillers imparts antibacterial properties to the orthodontic adhesives. An increase in the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles in orthodontic adhesive increases its antibacterial properties. We found the shear bond strength of the novel composite with up to 0.5wt% ZnO nanoparticles to be in a clinically acceptable range.

Fluorine-Free Amphiphobic SBS/PAN Micro/Nanofiber Membrane by Integrating Click Reaction with Electrospinning for Efficient and Recyclable Air Filtration.

The membrane fouling derived from the accumulated dust pollutants and highly viscous oily particles causes irreversible damage to the filtration performance of air filters and results in a significant reduction in their service life. However, it is still challenging to construct high-efficiency and antifouling air filtration membranes with recyclable regeneration. Herein, the fluorine-free amphiphobic micro/nanofiber composite membrane was controllably constructed by integrating click chemistry reaction and electrospinning technique. Low-surface-energy fibers were constructed by a thiol-ene click chemical reaction between mercaptosilane and vinyl groups of polystyrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), combined with hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) during the electrospinning process. The functional air filter is then prepared by the two-layer composite strategy. Because of the advantages of liquid-like fibrous surface and micro/nanofibrous porous structure, SBS/PAN composite membrane simultaneously shows superior antifouling performances of pollutants and filtration efficiency of over 97% PM0.3 removal. More importantly, the antifouling fibrous membrane still presents a stable and efficient filtration efficiency after multiple washes. Its service life in dust filtration environments is approximately 1.7 times longer than that of the substrate membrane. This work may provide a significant reference for the design of antifouling fiber membranes and high-efficiency air filters with long life spans and reusability.

Somatic mutational landscape across Indian breast cancer cases by whole exome sequencing.

Breast cancer (BC) has emerged as the most common malignancy among females. The genomic profile of BC is diverse in nature and complex due to heterogeneity among various geographically different ethnic groups. The primary objective of this study was to carry out a comprehensive mutational analysis of Indian BC cases by performing whole exome sequencing. The cohort included patients with a median age of 48 years. TTN, TP53, MUC16, SYNE1, and OBSCN were the frequently altered genes found in our cohort. The PIK3CA and KLC3 genes are driver genes implicated in various cellular functions and cargo transportation through microtubules, respectively. Except for CCDC168 and PIK3CA, several gene pairings were found to be significantly linked with co-occurrence. Irrespective of their hormonal receptor status, RTK/RAS was observed with frequently altered signaling pathways. Further analysis of the mutational signature revealed that SBS13, SBS6, and SBS29 were mainly observed in our cohort. This study supplements the discovery of diagnostic biomarkers and provides new therapeutic options for the improved management of BC.

Sequencing by binding rivals SMOR error-corrected sequencing by synthesis technology for accurate detection and quantification of minor (< 0.1%) subpopulation variants.

BACKGROUND: Detecting very minor (< 1%) subpopulations using next-generation sequencing is a critical need for multiple applications, including the detection of drug resistant pathogens and somatic variant detection in oncology. A recently available sequencing approach termed 'sequencing by binding (SBB)' claims to have higher base calling accuracy data "out of the box." This paper evaluates the utility of using SBB for the detection of ultra-rare drug resistant subpopulations in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) using a targeted amplicon assay and compares the performance of SBB to single molecule overlapping reads (SMOR) error corrected sequencing by synthesis (SBS) data. RESULTS: SBS displayed an elevated error rate when compared to SMOR error-corrected SBS and SBB techniques. SMOR error-corrected SBS and SBB technologies performed similarly within the linear range studies and error rate studies. CONCLUSIONS: With lower sequencing error rates within SBB sequencing, this technique looks promising for both targeted and unbiased whole genome sequencing, leading to the identification of minor (< 1%) subpopulations without the need for error correction methods.

Adenomas from individuals with pathogenic biallelic variants in the MUTYH and NTHL1 genes demonstrate base excision repair tumour mutational signature profiles similar to colorectal cancers, expanding potential diagnostic and variant classification applications.

Background: Colorectal cancers (CRCs) from people with biallelic germline likely pathogenic/pathogenic variants in MUTYH or NTHL1 exhibit specific single base substitution (SBS) mutational signatures, namely combined SBS18 and SBS36 (SBS18+SBS36), and SBS30, respectively. The aim was to determine if adenomas from biallelic cases demonstrated these mutational signatures at diagnostic levels. Methods: Whole-exome sequencing of FFPE tissue and matched blood-derived DNA was performed on 9 adenomas and 15 CRCs from 13 biallelic MUTYH cases, on 7 adenomas and 2 CRCs from 5 biallelic NTHL1 cases and on 27 adenomas and 26 CRCs from 46 non-hereditary (sporadic) participants. All samples were assessed for COSMIC v3.2 SBS mutational signatures. Results: In biallelic MUTYH cases, SBS18+SBS36 signature proportions in adenomas (mean±standard deviation, 65.6%±29.6%) were not significantly different to those observed in CRCs (76.2%±20.5%, p-value=0.37), but were significantly higher compared with non-hereditary adenomas (7.6%±7.0%, p-value=3.4×10-4). Similarly, in biallelic NTHL1 cases, SBS30 signature proportions in adenomas (74.5%±9.4%) were similar to those in CRCs (78.8%±2.4%) but significantly higher compared with non-hereditary adenomas (2.8%±3.6%, p-value=5.1×10-7). Additionally, a compound heterozygote with the c.1187G>A p.(Gly396Asp) pathogenic variant and the c.533G>C p.(Gly178Ala) variant of unknown significance (VUS) in MUTYH demonstrated high levels of SBS18+SBS36 in four adenomas and one CRC, providing evidence for reclassification of the VUS to pathogenic. Conclusions: SBS18+SBS36 and SBS30 were enriched in adenomas at comparable proportions observed in CRCs from biallelic MUTYH and biallelic NTHL1 cases, respectively. Therefore, testing adenomas may improve the identification of biallelic cases and facilitate variant classification, ultimately enabling opportunities for CRC prevention.

Cell Wall Binding Strategies Based on Cu3SbS3 Nanoparticles for Selective Bacterial Elimination and Promotion of Infected Wound Healing.

Utilizing nanomaterials as an alternative to antibiotics, with a focus on maintaining high biosafety, has emerged as a promising strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in the indiscriminate attack of nanomaterials on both bacterial and mammalian cells, which limits their practicality. Herein, Cu3SbS3 nanoparticles (NPs) capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) are discovered to selectively adsorb and eliminate bacteria without causing obvious harm to mammalian cells, thanks to the interaction between O of N-acetylmuramic acid in bacterial cell walls and Cu of the NPs. Coupled with the short diffusion distance of ROS in the surrounding medium, a selective antibacterial effect is achieved. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanism is then identified: Cu3SbS3 NPs catalyze the generation of O2•-, which has subsequently been conversed by superoxide dismutase to H2O2. The latter is secondary catalyzed by the NPs to form •OH and 1O2, initiating an in situ attack on bacteria. This process depletes bacterial glutathione in conjunction with the disruption of the antioxidant defense system of bacteria. Notably, Cu3SbS3 NPs are demonstrated to efficiently impede biofilm formation; thus, a healing of MRSA-infected wounds was promoted. The bacterial cell wall-binding nanoantibacterial agents can be widely expanded through diversified design.

Spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis may alter the course of adaptation in porcine short bowel syndrome.

Introduction: Severe forms of short bowel syndrome (SBS) resulting in chronic intestinal failure (IF) have limited therapeutic options, all of which are associated with significant morbidities. Spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis (SMDE) uses an intraluminal self-expanding spring to generate mechanical force to induce intestinal stretching and sustained axial growth, providing a promising novel approach for patients with SBS. Previous studies have established this method to be safe and effective in small and large animal models. However, SMDE has previously not been implemented in a large, clinically relevant animal model. Methods: Juvenile mini-Yucatan pigs with 75% of their small intestine resected had intraluminal springs placed after an initial adaptive period. Morphological and histological assessments were performed on SMDE segments compared to the control region of the intestine undergoing normal adaptive responses to resection. Results: While the initial histologic adaptive response observed following resection was attenuated after a month, the SMDE segments instead augmented these adaptive changes. Specifically, intestinal length increased 2-fold in SMDE segments, and the widths of the epithelial, muscularis, and serosal layers were enhanced in SMDE compared with control segments of the same animal. This data suggests that morphologic intestinal adaptation may be enhanced with SMDE in the setting of SBS. Discussion: Here we demonstrate the successful and reproducible implementation of SMDE in a large animal model in the setting of prior intestinal resection, making SMDE a viable and novel approach for SBS to be explored further.

Effect of Incorporating Chitosan to Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement on Shear Bond Strength to Dentin (An In vitro Comparative Study).

Aim: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement tends to shrink due to polymerization of the resin component. Additionally, they are more prone to syneresis and imbibition during the setting process. This in vitro study evaluates the impact of chitosan, a biopolymer that is, both biomaterial and biocompatible, on the strength of dentin bonding and compares it with ACTIVA Bio-ACTIVE Restorative. The present study was aimed to assess the impact of including chitosan into Fuji II on the shear bond strength between. the restoration material and tooth dentin, in contrast to Bioactiva in permanent teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 premolar teeth were recently extracted. The study involved three distinct sample groups. Group 1 (10 teeth) is the negative control (Fuji II), Group 2 (10 teeth) is the positive control (ACTIVA Bio-ACTIVE Restorative), and Group 3 (10 teeth) is treated with a mixture of Chitosan and Fuji II (CH-Fuji II). Each tooth's buccal and palatal cusps were eliminated to achieve a horizontal surface. Using a periodontal probe, 1.5 mm from the mesial pit to the mesial marginal ridge were removed. Restoration was implemented in all groups following manufacturer directions. Thermocycling the teeth by immersing them in a water bath with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 55°C (± 1-2°C) for 30 s (500 cycles). Each sample was attached to the universal testing machine's jig at a cross-head speed of 1 mm/min. Shear force was used until breakage, and the bond's adhesive strength was then calculated. Statistical analysis using ANOVA with Dunnett's T3 post hoc test. Results were significant at P < 0.05. Results: Statistically significant difference was present between Chitosan and Fuji II and between Chitosan and Activa by reducing the shear bond strength. Conclusions: Addition of chitosan to Fuji II had a negative effect on the shear bond with a significant difference while Activa and Fuji II exhibited favorable shear bond strength.

Complete Chloroplast Genome of Megacarpaea megalocarpa and Comparative Analysis with Related Species from Brassicaceae.

Megacarpaea megalocarpa, a perennial herbaceous species belonging to the Brassicaceae family, has potential medicinal value. We isolated and characterized the chloroplast (cp) genome of M. megalocarpa and compared it with closely related species. The chloroplast genome displayed a typical quadripartite structure, spanning 154,877 bp, with an overall guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 36.20%. Additionally, this genome contained 129 genes, 105 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and 48 long repeat sequences. Significantly, the ycf1 gene exhibited a high degree of polymorphism at the small single copy (SSC) region and the inverted repeat a (IRa) boundary. Despite this polymorphism, relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values were found to be similar across species, and no large segment rearrangements or inversions were detected. The large single copy (LSC) and SSC regions showed higher sequence variations and nucleotide polymorphisms compared to the IR region. Thirteen distinct hotspot regions were identified as potential molecular markers. Our selection pressure analysis revealed that the protein-coding gene rpl20 is subjected to different selection pressures in various species. Phylogenetic analysis positioned M. megalocarpa within the expanded lineage II of the Brassicaceae family. The estimated divergence time suggests that M. megalocarpa diverged approximately 4.97 million years ago. In summary, this study provides crucial baseline information for the molecular identification, phylogenetic relationships, conservation efforts, and utilization of wild resources in Megacarpaea.

A Novel Organoid-Based Strategy Using Hybrid Colon Interposition for Short Bowel Syndrome: A Mini Review of In Vivo Models and Possible Human Candidates.

This comprehensive review focuses on advances in surgical techniques and in vivo animal models for treating short bowel syndrome (SBS) with intestinal organoids. Notably, this review discusses a novel method involving the replacement of the epithelium of large intestinal tissue with small intestinal organoids, which improves function and prognosis when grafted back into the small intestine. This study not only underscores the importance of integrating organoid technology and surgical techniques to improve the outcomes of patients with SBS but also acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, including achieving functional organoids with peristaltic movement and vascularization.

Sick building syndrome: do outdoor pollutants and pollen affect it?

Introduction: Sick building syndrome (SBS) refers to non-specific complaints, including upper-respiratory irritative symptoms, headaches, fatigue, and rash, which are usually associated with a particular building by their temporal pattern of occurrence and clustering among inhabitants or colleagues. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the clinical manifestations of sick building syndrome with outdoor pollutants and airborne pollen. Methods: It was a descriptive and prospective observational study conducted from November 2021 to April 2022. It included subjects over 18 years old who completed an online survey on sick building syndrome (general symptoms, nasal, ocular, oropharyngeal, and skin symptoms) presented at home, housing information and personal history. The APS-330 from Pollen Sense ® was used to obtain data on pollen in the air and the local pollution monitoring system (SIMA) to obtain information regarding pollutants. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 16 was used. Results: A total of 402 surveys were included; 91% of the subjects reported having at least 1 symptom. Females presented more general symptoms (fatigue and headache) than males. Subjects with a personal history of atopy showed a higher prevalence of practically all symptoms. Airborne pollen exposure was positively associated with mucosal symptoms in eyes and nose. Outdoor fungi spore exposure was positively associated with oculo-nasal and cutaneous symptoms in the scalp. Conclusion: This study found significant associations with female gender and a history of atopy, which suggests a higher risk for these subjects. Despite the limitations of the study, we can conclude that there is an association between the clinical manifestations of sick building syndrome with indoor and outdoor pollution.

The parameter of the Sick Building Syndrome: A systematic literature review.

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) is a collection of symptoms assumed to be related to spending time in a certain building, most typically a workplace, but no specific cause has been identified. The need to measure and assess various types of parameters of SBS is crucial and it is important to explore what parameter has been used in the previous studies of SBS. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review the parameter that has been used to monitor the SBS. This study was conducted using the PRISMA Statement and the search was conducted using two scientific databases which were Scopus and Web of Science. After a thorough and tight process, a total of 55 articles have been finalized and selected for thematic analysis. Two themes have been identified which were a) Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and b) Occupant. This study also found that the spatial distribution pattern revealed that the Sick Building Syndrome research was spread over 26 nations, with the majority of articles originating from the United States and China. In terms of context, the majority of the selected publications employed the survey approach to investigate SBS parameters. Aside from that, the most researched form of building is the business building. This study has found that it would be more impactful for the SBS study if researchers could incorporate both indoor environmental quality and occupant factors into a study, resulting in more holistic conclusions.

Effects of different plasma treatments on bonding properties of zirconia.

This in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) on shear bond strength (SBS) between yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) and self-adhesive resin cement. In this study, The Y-TZP specimens were divided into 4 groups according to the surface treatment methods as follows: Control (no surface treatment), Sb (Sandblasting), AP(argon NTP), and CP(20 % oxygen and 80 % argon combination NTP). Y-TZP specimens were randomly selected from each group to observe and test the following indexes: scanning electron microscope to observe the surface morphology; atomic force microscope to detect the surface roughness; contact angle detector to detect the surface contact angle; energy spectrometer to analyze the surface elements. Then, resin cement (Rely X-U200) was bonded to human isolated teeth with Y-TZP specimens to measure SBS. The results showed that for the SE test, the NTP group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the SBS test showed that the SBS values of the NTP group were significantly higher than those of the other groups, regardless of the plasma treatment (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups AP and CP in a test of SBS (p > 0.05). This study shows that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma can improve the shear bond strength of Y-TZP by increasing the surface energy. The addition of oxygen ratio to argon is more favorable to increase the shear bond strength and is worth further investigation.