The Impact of Supersaturated Electrode on Heterogeneous Lithium Nucleation and Growth Dynamics.

The concept of a lithiophilic electrode proves inadequate in describing carbon-based electrode materials due to their substantial mismatch in surface energy with lithium metal. However, their notable capacity for lithium chemisorption can increase active lithium concentration required for nucleation and growth, thereby enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium metal anodes (LMAs). In this study, we elucidate the effects of the supersaturated electrode which has high active lithium capacity around equilibrium lithium potential on LMAs through an in-depth electrochemical comparison using two distinct carbon electrode platforms with differing carbon structures but similar two-dimensional morphologies. In the supersaturated electrode, both the dynamics and thermodynamic states involved in lithium nucleation and growth mechanisms are significantly improved, particularly under continuous current supply conditions. Furthermore, the chemical structures of the solid-electrolyte-interface layers (SEIs) are greatly influenced by the elevated surface lithium concentration environment, resulting in the formation of more conductive lithium-rich SEI layers. The improved dynamics and thermodynamics of surface lithium, coupled with the formation of enhanced SEI layers, contribute to higher power capabilities, enhanced Coulombic efficiencies, and improved cycling performances of LMAs. These results provide new insight into understanding the enhancements in heterogeneous lithium nucleation and growth kinetics on the supersaturated electrode.

Effect and safety of perioperative ibuprofen administration in pediatric tonsillectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of perioperative ibuprofen administration by conducting a meta-analysis of pertinent literature. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies sourced from PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. The studies covered the period from database inception to June 2024. A perioperative ibuprofen administration group was compared to a control group administered either saline, acetaminophen, paracetamol, or opioids. The primary outcome was post-tonsillectomy bleeding that was categorized into overall bleeding and further classified as type 1 (observed at home or evaluated in the emergency department without additional intervention), type 2 (necessitating readmission for observation), and type 3 (requiring a return to the operating room for hemorrhage control). Morbidity incidence rates for postoperative nausea and vomiting were also assessed. The secondary outcomes assessed were postoperative pain management and the frequency of analgesic drug usage. Postoperative pain management was assessed from the incidence of emergency department visits or nurses' calls for pain independent of the presence or absence of dehydration. RESULTS: Twenty-two studies with 27,149 patients were included and reviewed for this meta-analysis. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding (OR = 0.9954, 95 % CI [0.8800; 1.1260], I2 = 0.0 %) was not significantly higher in the ibuprofen administration group compared to the control group. In subgroup analysis of post-tonsillectomy bleeding severity, ibuprofen caused clinically insignificant type 1 post-tonsillectomy bleeding that did not require intervention (OR = 1.1310 [0.7398; 1.7289]). Clinically significant bleeding requiring hospital admission (type 2) or surgical control (type 3) was not observed. Administration of ibuprofen has demonstrated efficacy in reducing the need for analgesic drugs (OR = 0.4734, 95 % CI [0.2840; 0.7893]; I2 = 19.8 %) and is associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR = 0.4886, 95 % CI [0.3156; 0.7562], I2 = 34.3 %). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that administration of ibuprofen for pediatric tonsillectomy did not increase the incidence of clinically significant postoperative bleeding. Ibuprofen administration decreased the incidence and severity of postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Short-term efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of persistent olfactory dysfunction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the short-term effects of topical platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on persistent refractory olfactory dysfunction. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases was conducted for articles up to November 2023. The search focused on studies that compared the amelioration of olfactory dysfunction between a topical PRP treatment cohort and a control group (receiving either placebo or no treatment), along with pre- and post-treatment comparisons. Subgroup analysis of the evaluation of olfactory function was also performed. RESULTS: The improvement in olfactory scores 1-3 months post-treatment (standardized mean difference = 1.5354 [95% confidence interval: 0.7992; 2.2716], I2 = 83.8%) was greater in the treatment group than in the control group. In the treatment group, PRP increased the threshold, discrimination, and identification (TDI) score for Sniffin' Sticks by > 5.5 (minimum clinically significant difference; mean difference = 6.1789 [3.9788; 8.3789], I2 = 0.0%), indicating clinically significant improvement based on verified examinations. The rate of significant improvement among patients was 0.6683 [0.5833; 0.7436] after treatment. All TDI subdomains were significantly and similarly improved after treatment. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that injection of PRP into the olfactory fissure or surrounding mucosal areas is an effective treatment for persistent refractory olfactory dysfunction in the short term.

Influence of Gelatin on Adhesion, Proliferation, and Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells Cultured on Soy Protein-Agarose Scaffolds.

Scaffolds play a key role in cultured meat production by providing an optimal environment for efficient cell attachment, growth, and development. This study investigated the effects of gelatin coating on the adhesion, proliferation, and adipogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured on soy protein-agarose scaffolds. Gelatin-coated scaffolds were prepared using 0.5% and 1.0% (w/v) gelatin solutions. The microstructure, water absorption rate, mechanical strength, cytotoxicity, cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation capabilities of the scaffolds were analyzed. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous microstructure of the scaffolds, which was suitable for cell growth. Gelatin-coated scaffolds exhibited a significantly higher water absorption rate than that of non-coated scaffolds, indicating increased hydrophilicity. In addition, gelatin coating increased the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. Gelatin coating did not show cytotoxicity but significantly enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation. The gene expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha, and fatty acid-binding protein 4 were upregulated, and lipid accumulation was increased by gelatin coating. These findings suggest that gelatin-coated scaffolds provide a supportive microenvironment for ADSC growth and differentiation, highlighting their potential as a strategy for the improvement of cultured meat production and adipose tissue engineering.

Diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis: Comparative analysis and novel scoring system.

BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis is essentialg because its treatment and prognosis substantially differ from other subtypes. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 640 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis in a single tertiary center from January 2021 to December 2022. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to compare accuracy, sensitivity, specificity of the novel scoring system, and previous diagnostic criteria (Japanese Epidemiological Survey of Refractory Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis, European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases, European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, and Sakuma et al.) for predicting eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) by tissue eosinophil count ≥70 per high power field. RESULTS: Patients were randomly divided into estimation (n = 430) and validation (n = 210) groups. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the novel score was 0.753 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.670-0.835) in the estimation group, 0.729 (0.629-0.830) in the validation group, and 0.661 (0.584-0.738) in the 20-fold cross-validation with the entire dataset. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a novel scoring system that incorporates three key parameters: "novel score = blood eosinophil (%) + total Lund-Mackay score of anterior ethmoid sinuses + 2 if nasal polyp present" greater than 7 can be reliably used for diagnosing ECRS. This system can facilitate decision-making processes regarding the administration of oral steroids and biologics targeting type 2 inflammation prior to surgical intervention.

Surgical and regenerative treatment options for empty nose syndrome: A systematic review.

Objectives: Patients with empty nose syndrome usually suffer from paradoxical nasal congestion, nasal dryness, epistaxis and suffocation. Conservative management is general option for the empty nose syndrome. However, there are several patients who continually complain of symptoms. If symptoms persist, surgical options are considered. Therefore, we reviewed surgical and regenerative treatment options of empty nose syndrome. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched from the earliest date provided in the database until December 2022. In the studies, treatment outcomes were measured by patient symptom scores such as Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20, 22, and 25), and Empty Nose Syndrome 6-Item Questionnaire (ENS6Q) along with various clinical examiniations. Results: Twenty-eight studies were analyzed. Submucosal injectable materials, allografts/xenografts/cadaveric implants, autologous implants, and synthetic implants were used. Among them, polyethylene implant was most commonly used (23.3%), followed by autologous, homologous, or cadaveric costal cartilage (20%). The most common administration site was the anterior-inferior lateral nasal wall. Most of the studies showed that surgical intervention brought significant improvements in clinical findings including endoscopic exam, acoustic rhinometry, and CT, as well as patients reporting nasal symptom-, psychological-, or overall health-related quality of life questionnaires. However, several studies did not confirm improvement effects in some psychological-related questionnaires or saccharin transit time. The average follow-up duration was 12.0 (2.0-27.6) months. Postoperative adverse effects were reported in only two studies. Conclusion: Several surgical options and recent tissue regeneration techniques have shown its positive efficacy in treating empty nose syndrome. However more detailed investigations with a larger number and a randomized control study are needed to establish a standardized protocol in treating empty nose syndrome patients.

Antiepileptic and Neuroprotective Effects of Rheum tanguticum Root Extract on Trimethyltin-Induced Epilepsy and Neurodegeneration: In Vivo and in Silico Analyses.

BACKGROUND: Rheum tanguticum root, cataloged as "Daehwang" in the Korean Pharmacopeia, is rich in various anthraquinones known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Formulations containing Daehwang are traditionally employed for treating neurological conditions. This study aimed to substantiate the antiepileptic and neuroprotective efficacy of R. tanguticum root extract (RTE) against trimethyltin (TMT)-induced epileptic seizures and hippocampal neurodegeneration. METHODS: The constituents of RTE were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Experimental animals were grouped into the following five categories: control, TMT, and three TMT+RTE groups with dosages of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg. Seizure severity was assessed daily for comparison between the groups. Brain tissue samples were examined to determine the extent of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation using histological and molecular biology techniques. Network pharmacology analysis involved extracting herbal targets for Daehwang and disease targets for epilepsy from multiple databases. A protein-protein interaction network was built using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database, and pivotal targets were determined by topological analysis. Enrichment analysis was performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) tool to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: The RTE formulation was found to contain sennoside A, sennoside B, chrysophanol, emodin, physcion, (+)-catechin, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronoid. RTE effectively inhibited TMT-induced seizures at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg dosages and attenuated hippocampal neuronal decay and neuroinflammation at 30 and 100 mg/kg dosages. Furthermore, RTE significantly reduced mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and c-fos in hippocampal tissues. Network analysis revealed TNF, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Protein c-fos (FOS), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1), and Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) as the core targets. Enrichment analysis demonstrated significant involvement of R. tanguticum components in neurodegeneration (p = 4.35 × 10-5) and TNF signaling pathway (p = 9.94 × 10-5). CONCLUSIONS: The in vivo and in silico analyses performed in this study suggests that RTE can potentially modulate TMT-induced epileptic seizures and neurodegeneration. Therefore, R. tanguticum root is a promising herbal treatment option for antiepileptic and neuroprotective applications.

Impact of Aeroallergen Sensitization on Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the impact of aeroallergens on the development and progression of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), with a focus on the specific associations between aeroallergens and CRS according to allergen type, number, and extent of sensitization. METHODS: The medical records of 256 CRS patients were retrospectively analyzed. All were divided into nonallergic, house dust mite (HDM)-allergic, pollen-allergic, and double allergic groups via specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) testing. Clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) scores, olfactory functions, and demographic data were compared. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationships between the extent of allergen sensitization and CRS severity. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for hyposmia and anosmia. RESULTS: The allergic group exhibited higher total CT scores than the nonallergic group (P = 0.001). Sensitivity to HDM or pollen allergens alone was not significantly associated with increased CRS severity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of HDM and pollen allergens on CRS severity. However, the double allergic group exhibited significantly higher CT scores (P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.003) than the other groups. Although the prevalence rates of anosmia and hyposmia were notably higher in the double allergic group, the difference was not statistically significant. The maximum specific IgE levels to HDM and pollen allergens positively correlated with the CT scores (P = 0.001 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Allergen sensitization, particularly to multiple common allergens, contributed to CRS severity. CRS patients sensitized to both HDM and pollen allergens tended to experience the diminished olfactory function. These findings underscore the importance of considering the allergen sensitization pattern when assessing CRS severity and its potential progression.

Tissue specific stem cell therapy for airway regeneration.

Secondary atrophic rhinitis (AR), a consequence of mucosal damage during nasal surgeries, significantly impairs patient quality of life. The lack of effective, lasting treatments underscores the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. A major impediment in advancing research is the scarcity of studies focused on secondary AR. Our study addresses this gap by developing an animal model that closely mirrors the histopathological changes observed in patients with secondary AR. These changes include squamous metaplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, submucosal fibrosis, and glandular atrophy. Upon administering human nasal turbinate stem cells embedded in collagen type I hydrogel in these models, we observed ciliary regeneration. This finding suggests the potential therapeutic benefit of this approach. Our animal models not only emulate the clinical manifestations of secondary AR but also serve as valuable tools for evaluating the efficacy of cell-based biotechnological interventions.

RAG suppresses group 2 innate lymphoid cells.

Antigen specificity is the central trait distinguishing adaptive from innate immune function. Assembly of antigen-specific T cell and B cell receptors occurs through V(D)J recombination mediated by the Recombinase Activating Gene endonucleases RAG1 and RAG2 (collectively called RAG). In the absence of RAG, mature T and B cells do not develop and thus RAG is critically associated with adaptive immune function. In addition to adaptive T helper 2 (Th2) cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) contribute to type 2 immune responses by producing cytokines like Interleukin-5 (IL-5) and IL-13. Although it has been reported that RAG expression modulates the function of innate natural killer (NK) cells, whether other innate immune cells such as ILC2s are affected by RAG remains unclear. We find that in RAG-deficient mice, ILC2 populations expand and produce increased IL-5 and IL-13 at steady state and contribute to increased inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD)-like disease. Further, we show that RAG modulates ILC2 function in a cell-intrinsic manner independent of the absence or presence of adaptive T and B lymphocytes. Lastly, employing multiomic single cell analyses of RAG1 lineage-traced cells, we identify key transcriptional and epigenomic ILC2 functional programs that are suppressed by a history of RAG expression. Collectively, our data reveal a novel role for RAG in modulating innate type 2 immunity through suppression of ILC2s.

Administration of chromium picolinate and meloxicam alleviates regrouping stress in dairy heifers.

OBJECTIVE: This research investigated the effect of administering chromium (Cr) and meloxicam (MEL) on growth performance, cortisol and blood metabolite, and behaviors in young, regrouped heifers. METHODS: Fifty Holstein dairy heifers (body weight [BW] 198±32.7 kg and 6.5±0.82 months of age) were randomly assigned to non-regrouped group or four regrouped groups. Non-regrouped animals were held in the same pen throughout the entire experimental period (NL: non-regrouping and administration of lactose monohydrate [LM; placebo]). For regrouping groups, two or three heifers maintained in four different pens for 2 weeks were regrouped into a new pen and assigned to one of four groups: regrouping and LM administration (RL); regrouping and Cr administration (RC); regrouping and MEL administration (RM), and regrouping and Cr and MEL administration (RCM). LM (1 mg/kg BW), Cr (0.5 mg Cr picolinate/kg dry matter intake), and MEL (1 mg/kg BW) were orally administered immediately before regrouping. Blood was collected before regrouping (0 h) and at 3, 9, and 24 h and 7 and 14 d thereafter. Behaviors were recorded for 7 consecutive days after regrouping. RESULTS: Average daily gain was lower (p<0.05) in RL than NL heifers, but was higher (p<0.05) in RM, RC, and RCM than RL heifers. RL heifers had higher (p<0.05) cortisol than NL heifers on d 1 after regrouping. The cortisol concentrations in RC, RM, and RCM groups were lower (p<0.05) than in RL treatment 1 d after regrouping. Displacement behavior was greater (p<0.05) in RL group than all other groups at 2, 3, and 6 d after regrouping. CONCLUSION: Regrouping caused temporal stress, reduced growth performance, and increased displacement behavior in heifers. Administering Cr and MEL recovered the retarded growth rate and reduced displacement behavior, thereby alleviating regrouping stress.

Predictive Value of Nasal Nitric Oxide for Diagnosing Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to assess disparities in nasal nitric oxide (NO) levels between individuals diagnosed with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) and those without ECRS. The second aim was to ascertain the comparative predictive efficacy of these nasal NO levels for the presence of ECRS. METHODS: A systematic analysis was conducted on relevant studies that compared nasal NO levels in individuals with ECRS and those without. Furthermore, the discriminatory capacity of nasal NO in distinguishing ECRS from non-ECRS cohorts was quantified. The risk of bias across studies was evaluated utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS: The comprehensive review encompassed a total of 5 studies involving 470 participants. Findings revealed that patients diagnosed with ECRS exhibited significantly higher levels of nasal NO, as measured in parts per billion (ppb), compared to their non-ECRS patients. The mean difference was 130.03 ppb (95% confidence interval: [66.30, 193.75], I2 = 58.7%). The diagnostic odds ratio for nasal NO in identifying ECRS was 9.29 ([5.85, 14.75], I2 = 26.4%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.82. The correlation between sensitivity and false positive rate was 0.53, suggesting a lack of heterogeneity. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value were 69% ([0.55, 0.79], I2 = 77.0%), 83% ([0.73, 0.90], I2 = 68.5%), 77% ([0.69, 0.83], I2 = 50.1%), and 75% ([0.67, 0.82], I2 = 41.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Nasal NO has the potential as a noninvasive diagnostic measure and endotype tool for ECRS.

Human Nasal Inferior Turbinate-Derived Neural Stem Cells Improve the Niche of Substantia Nigra Par Compacta in a Parkinson's Disease Model by Modulating Hippo Signaling.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, following Alzheimer's disease. The onset of PD is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Stem cell therapy has great potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, and human nasal turbinate-derived stem cells (hNTSCs) have been found to share some characteristics with mesenchymal stem cells. Although the Hippo signaling pathway was originally thought to regulate cell size in organs, recent studies have shown that it can also control inflammation in neural cells. METHODS: Dopaminergic neuron-like cells were differentiated from SH-SY5Y cells (DA-Like cells) and treated with 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium iodide to stimulate Reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. A transwell assay was conducted to validate the effect of hNTSCs on the Hippo pathway. We generated an MPTP-induced PD mouse model and transplanted hNTSCs into the substantia nigra of PD mice via stereotaxic surgery. After five weeks of behavioral testing, the brain samples were validated by immunoblotting and immunostaining to confirm the niche control of hNTSCs. RESULTS: In-vitro experiments showed that hNTSCs significantly increased cell survival and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by controlling ROS-mediated ER stress and hippocampal signaling pathway factors. Similarly, the in-vivo experiments demonstrated an increase in anti-inflammatory effects and cell survival rate. After transplantation of hNTSCs, the PD mouse model showed improved mobility and relief from PD symptoms. CONCLUSION: hNTSCs improved the survival rate of dopaminergic neurons by manipulating the hippocampal pathway through Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) by reducing inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we found that controlling the niche of hNTSCs had a therapeutic effect on PD lesions.

Perinatal Risk Factors for Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the associations between birth-related exposures, postnatal factors, and the risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma in children and adolescents. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive search of five literature databases up to May 2023. To quantify the associations of birth-related exposures (birth weight, delivery mode, prematurity, sex, maternal age, and parental allergy history) and postnatal factors (birth order, number of siblings, breastfeeding exclusivity, and breastfeeding duration) with allergic disease, we calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. We conducted subgroup analyses for allergic disease type, birth order, number of siblings, and parental allergy history. The methodological quality of the identified studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 31 studies, encompassing 218,899 patients in total. The birth-related exposures of low birth weight, maternal age, and prematurity (less than 37 weeks gestation) were not significantly associated with the risk of asthma or allergic rhinitis during childhood or adolescence. Male sex, family history of allergy, and cesarean delivery were linked to an elevated risk of asthma or allergic rhinitis. Among postnatal factors, exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding for longer than 6 months, second or later birth order, and having siblings exhibited protective effects against allergic diseases in offspring. CONCLUSION: The risks of allergic rhinitis and asthma were elevated in male patients, those delivered by cesarean section, and those with a family history of allergy. Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding, breastfeeding for longer than 6 months, and having siblings corresponded to a reduced risk of respiratory allergic diseases.

A comparison of doxycycline and conventional treatments of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of doxycycline (DOX) and conventional management in patients with refractory chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps (CRSwNP). METHODS: Six databases were searched to September 2023. We retrieved studies that compared improvements in refractory chronic sinusitis-related symptoms between DOX-treated and control groups. RESULTS: DOX significantly reduced the Lund-Kennedy (LK) score [- 0.3670 (range - 0.6173; - 0.1166); I2 = 92.8%], the nasal polyposis score [- 0.9484 (- 1.2287; - 0.6680); I2 = 92.5%], the patient-reported Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT) score [- 0.3141 (- 0.4622; - 0.1660); I2 = 91.2%], and the nasal obstruction score [- 0.1813 (- 0.3382; - 0.0243); I2 = 86.2%]. On subgroup analyses by the measurement timepoints, the extent of nasal polyposis was significantly lower in the DOX group during treatment, at the end of treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks later. The LK scores also indicated improvements during treatment and at the end of treatment. The SNOT score tended to decrease with time in the treatment group. Nasal obstruction symptoms improved during treatment and 4 weeks later. CONCLUSION: DOX enhances the postoperative endoscopic outcomes of refractory CRSwNP patients by reducing recurrent polyposis and inflammation.

Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Aims: The study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic debridement and partial excision in patients with traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), and to identify prognostic factors associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients arthroscopically diagnosed with Palmer 1 A lesions who underwent arthroscopic debridement and partial excision from March 2009 to February 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Patients were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. The poor outcome group was defined as patients whose preoperative and last follow-up clinical score difference was less than the minimal clinically important difference of the DASH score (10.83). Baseline characteristics, arthroscopic findings, and radiological factors (ulnar variance, MRI, or arthrography) were evaluated to predict poor clinical outcomes. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in this study, with a mean follow-up period of 29.8 months (SD 14.4). The mean DASH score improved from 36.5 (SD 21.5) to 16.7 (SD 14.3), the mean MWS from 59.7 (SD 17.9) to 79.3 (SD 14.3), and the mean VAS pain score improved from 5.9 (SD 1.8) to 2.2 (SD 2.0) at the last follow-up (all p < 0.001). Among the 114 patients, 16 (14%) experienced poor clinical outcomes and ten (8.8%) required secondary ulnar shortening osteotomy. Positive ulnar variance was the only factor significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes (p < 0.001). Positive ulnar variance was present in 38 patients (33%); among them, eight patients (21%) required additional operations. Conclusion: Arthroscopic debridement alone appears to be an effective and safe initial treatment for patients with traumatic central TFCC tears. The presence of positive ulnar variance was associated with poor clinical outcomes, but close observation after arthroscopic debridement is more likely to be recommended than ulnar shortening osteotomy as a primary treatment.

Postoperative pain of minimally invasive root canal treatment:a randomized clinical trial.

This randomized clinical trial compared postoperative pain between a minimally invasive (MP) and conventional root canal treatment protocol (CP). A total of 170 mature permanent teeth (either with vital or necrotic pulp), were randomly assigned into two groups. In the CP group, ProTaper Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and a continuous wave of condensation technique were used, whereas, in the MP group, TruNatomy (Dentsply Sirona), ultrasonic-assisted irrigation (UI), calcium hydroxide, and a sealer-based obturation technique were used. Patients recorded preoperative and postoperative pain using a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) at 4 h, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days after instrumentation and 1 day after canal obturation, respectively. There were no significant differences in pain intensity at any time points assessed between the two groups (p > 0.05). The occurrence of moderate/intense pain after instrumentation was significantly associated with preoperative periapical index (PAI) (p = 0.017) and NRS scores (p < 0.001). Preoperative pulp status (p = 0.009) and NRS score (p = 0.006) were identified as significant factors in the occurrence of moderate/intense pain after obturation. Instrumentation unequivocally reduced pain severity for both groups. The post-endodontic pain associated with the use of MP, combined with UI, Ca(OH)2, and calcium-silicate cement, did not differ from that of CP. Preoperative pain score, PAI, and preoperative pulp status were determined to be prognostic factors for postoperative pain.

1-Kestose Blocks UVB-Induced Skin Inflammation and Promotes Type I Procollagen Synthesis via Regulating MAPK/AP-1, NF-κB and TGF-ß/Smad Pathway.

Solar UVB irradiation cause skin photoaging by inducing the high expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) to inhibit the expression of Type1 procollagen synthesis. 1-Kestose, a natural trisaccharide, has been indicated to show a cytoprotective role in UVB radiation-induced-HaCaT cells. However, few studies have confirmed the anti-aging effects. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-photoaging and pathological mechanism of 1-kestose using Human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells. The results found that 1-kestose pretreatment remarkably reduced UVB-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in HaCaT cells. 1-Kestose suppressed UVB radiation-induced MMPs expressions by blocking MAPK/AP-1 and NF-κB p65 translocation. 1-Kestose pretreatment increased Type 1 procollagen gene expression levels by activating TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that 1-kestose may serve as a potent natural trisaccharide for inflammation and photoaging prevention.

Sinonasal Outcomes of the Combined Transseptal/Transnasal Approach with Unilateral Nasoseptal Rescue Flap in Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Objectives The authors applied surgical techniques acquired during the use of endoscopic combined transseptal/transnasal approach to reduce approach-related morbidity and improve sinonasal outcomes. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected database. Setting The study setting involves a tertiary referral center. Participants A total of 86 patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for newly diagnosed pituitary adenomas from April 2018 to March 2021 were included. Patients treated via the combined transseptal/transnasal approach served as the study group ( n = 18); those treated via the bilateral transnasal approach comprised the control group ( n = 68). From the control group, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was further performed to account for potential confounders and selection bias. Main Outcome Measures Paired analysis was performed for pre- and 6-month-postoperative time points in study group, control group, and PSM control group. Olfactory function was evaluated by Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) test, Cross-Cultural Smell Identification Test (CCSIT), and sinonasal outcomes were assessed by Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22). Results In the study group, CCCRC ( p = 0.517) and CCSIT ( p = 0.497) did not show any significant difference before and after surgery. There was some improvement in the symptom score of SNOT-22, but it was not statistically significant ( p = 0.115). In the control group adjusted with PSM, a significant decrease in olfaction ( p = 0.047) was observed using CCCRC. The CCSIT score was also decreased but not significant ( p = 0.163). Also, there was no difference in the improvement of SNOT-22 ( p = 0.781). Conclusion Our new surgical method preserves olfactory function without compromising surgical outcomes.

The Role of Progesterone in Elf5 Activation and Milk Component Synthesis for Cell-Cultured Milk Production in MAC-T Cells.

Prolactin is essential for mammary gland development and lactation. Progesterone also induces ductal branching and alveolar formation via initial secretory differentiation within the mammary gland. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the role of progesterone as a prolactin substitute for the production of cell-cultured milk components in MAC-T cells. Cells were treated with various hormones such as prolactin (PRL), progesterone (P4), 17ß-estradiol (E2), cortisol (COR), and insulin (INS) for 5 d. MAC-T cells cultured in a P4 differentiation media (2500 ng/mL of P4, 25 ng/mL of E2, 25 ng/mL of COR, and 25 ng/mL of INS) showed similar levels of E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) and milk component synthesis (α-casein, ß-casein, α-lactalbumin, ß-lactoglobulin, and triglycerides) compared to those cultured in a PRL differentiation media (5000 ng/mL of PRL, 500 ng/mL of CORT, and 50 ng/mL of INS). The levels of α-casein and triglycerides in the optimal P4 differentiation media were present at comparable levels to those in the PRL differentiation media. Our results demonstrated that P4 induces the activation of Elf5 and the synthesis of milk components in MAC-T cells, similar to PRL. Therefore, P4 may be used as an effective substitute of PRL for cell-cultured milk production in in vitro frameworks.