Non-intrusive speech quality assessment with attention-based ResNet-BiLSTM.

Speech quality is frequently affected by a variety factors in online conferencing applications, such as background noise, reverberation, packet loss and network jitter. In real scenarios, it is impossible to obtain a clean reference signal for evaluating the quality of the conferencing speech. Therefore, an effective non-intrusive speech quality assessment (NISQA) method is necessary. In this paper, we propose a new network framework for NISQA based on ResNet and BiLSTM. ResNet is utilized to extract local features, while BiLSTM is used to integrate representative features with long-term time dependencies and sequential characteristics. Considering that ResNet may result in the loss of context information when applied to the NISQA task, we propose a variant of ResNet which can preserve the time series information of the conferencing speech. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has a high correlation with the mean opinion score of clean, noisy and processed speech.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema secondary to dental extraction: Two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Dental extraction is a common operation in oral surgery and is usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and local infection. The application of high-speed air turbines increases the comfort of alveolar surgery and makes it more minimally-invasive. However, high-speed gas can enter the subcutaneous tissue of the face and neck or even the chest and mediastinum, which is a serious iatrogenic complication. CASE SUMMARY: We describe two cases of severe subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema caused by high-speed turbine splitting during dental extraction. The first case involved a 34-year-old man who complained of swelling of the face, mild chest tightness, and chest pain after dental extraction. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large amount of gas in the neck, chest wall, and mediastinum. The second case involved a 54-year-old woman who complained of swelling and pain of the neck after dental extraction. CT showed a large amount of gas collected in the neck and mediastinum. Both of them used high-speed turbine splitting during dental extraction. CONCLUSION: High-speed turbine splitting during dental extraction may lead to severe subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema. Dentists should carefully operate to avoid emphysema. If emphysema occurs, CT can be used to improve the diagnosis. The patient should be informed, and the complications dealt with carefully.

Clinical Significance of Inflammatory Factors, Osteocalcin, and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid in Drug Treatment of Severe Periodontitis.

Whether gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) indexes in patients with severe periodontitis affect the efficacy of drug treatment was a new direction of recent research. At present, there were few studies on the effects of inflammatory indicators, BGP, and MMP-8 levels in GCF on the efficacy of drug treatment in such patients. So the purpose of this study was to observe the changes in osteocalcin (BGP), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and inflammatory indexes levels in GCF of patients with severe periodontitis. The correlation between the above indexes and the effect of drug treatment in the patients was analyzed, in order to provide guidance for improving the clinical curative effect of severe periodontitis. A retrospective analysis was conducted to collect the baseline data of patients with severe periodontitis who were treated with Minocycline Hydrochloride Ointment in our hospital. The inflammatory indicators, BGP, and MMP-8 levels in GCF were analyzed before drug treatment, and the treatment effect on the patients was counted. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between BGP, MMP-8, and inflammatory indicators levels in GCF and the drug treatment effect on the patients. After statistical analysis, we found that the response rate was 69% and the inefficiency was 31%. There were no significant differences in C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels between the inefficacy group and efficacy group (P > 0.05). Compared with the efficacy group, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-8 (IL-8), BGP, and MMP-8 were increased in the inefficacy group. High levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-8, BGP, and MMP-8 were associated with ineffective drug treatment in patients with severe periodontitis (all OR >1 and P < 0.05). Levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, IL-8, BGP, and MMP-8 predicted that the AUCs of drug treatment failure in patients with severe periodontitis were all greater than 0.7, which were 1.398, 1.458, 1.244, 1.012, and 1.012, respectively. From this, we can conclude that increased levels of BGP, MMP-8, and inflammatory indicators such as IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-8 in GCF would increase the risk of ineffective drug treatment in patients with severe periodontitis. The clinical treatment plan could be adjusted according to the levels of the above indicators in GCF to improve the effectiveness of drug treatment in patients.

Improved sintering performance of ß-SiAlON-Si3N4 and its osteogenic differentiation ability by adding ß-SiAlON.

To improve the sintering performance of silicon nitride bioceramics, we explored the effect of ß-SiAlON's Z-value on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of ß-SiAlON-Si3N4 composites. Results showed that the phase product was ß-Si3N4. As the Z-value increased, the X-ray diffraction peaks gradually shifted to a smaller angle, the material grains were more tightly packed, and the bulk density and compressive strength increased, reaching the highest values (2.71 g/cm3 and 1157 MPa, respectively) at Z = 4. Soaking and ion-release experiments show that in an aqueous environment, a small amount of Al and Si ions were released, and no obvious decomposition occurred on the surface of the material. The biological performance showed that the growth of cultured cells in each group was in good condition, there was no obvious difference in morphology and adhesion, and the materials had good biological performance. An increase in the Z-value promotes the formation of mineralized nodules and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, which may be because the release of Si can promote osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the addition of ß-SiAlON could improve the sintering performance of ß-Si3N4 without degrading its biological properties. The prepared ß-SiAlON-Si3N4 composite ceramic is a latent bioceramic material.

Ethanol supernatant extracts of Gynura procumbens could treat nanodiethylnitrosamine-induced mouse liver cancer by interfering with inflammatory factors for the tumor microenvironment.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr, (Family Asteraceae), which serves as both medicine and food in traditional ethnic medicine, has the effects of diminishing inflammation, relieving cough, reducing blood glucose and lipids levels, mitigating hepatotoxicity, and can be used for liver cancer prevention and treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore how the ethanol extract of Gynura procumbens stems (EEGS) can effectively intervene in the tumor microenvironment, it is necessary to study the mechanism of EEGS on the chemical toxicant nanodiethylnitrosamine (nanoDEN) that induces liver cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: EEGS contains large quantities of caffeoylquinic acid (CAC) and non-caffeoylquinic acid (n-CAC), which can be separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The liver cancer model that was induced by the chemical toxin, nanoDEN, was used to clarify the effective mechanism for tumor intervention of the EEGS and its active ingredients. RESULTS: (1) after interventions with the four drugs on liver cancer, the tumor nodules were obviously reduced and inflammation levels improved. (2) The immunohistochemical staining results showed that both the EEGS and its active ingredients could significantly reverse the abnormal changes in inflammation, proliferation, aging and hypoxia-related proteins in mouse liver tissues that were caused by nanoDEN. (3) Real-time PCR results showed that compared with the nanoDEN group, the expression levels of inflammatory, fatty, and fibrosis-related factors in each group after drug intervention were decreased. (4) The transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the EEGS significantly reversed the nanostructure changes in hepatocytes that were induced by nanoDEN. CONCLUSION: The EEGS component of Gynura procumbens is effective in preventing and treating liver cancer by interfering with the inflammatory microenvironment during oncogenesis induced by nanoDEN.

Horizontal bone augmentation and simultaneous implant placement using xenogeneic bone rings technique: a retrospective clinical study.

This study evaluated the use of bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone grafts in treating horizontal alveolar bone defects. In total, 11 patients in need of horizontal bone augmentation treatment before implant placement were included in this retrospective study. All patients received simultaneous bone augmentation surgery and implant placement with xenogeneic bone ring grafts. We evaluated the postoperative efficacy of the bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone grafts using radiographical and clinical parameters. Survival rates of implants were 100%. Cone-beam computed tomography revealed that the xenogeneic bone ring graft had significantly sufficient horizontal bone augmentation below the implant neck platform to 0 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm. It could also provide an excellent peri-implant tissue condition during the 1-year follow-up after loading. The bone ring technique with xenogeneic bone ring graft could increase and maintain horizontal bone mass in the region of the implant neck platforms in serious horizontal bone defects.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induce M2 microglia polarization through PDGF-AA/MANF signaling.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are capable of shifting the microglia/macrophages phenotype from M1 to M2, contributing to BMSCs-induced brain repair. However, the regulatory mechanism of BMSCs on microglia/macrophages after ischemic stroke is unclear. Recent evidence suggests that mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA)/MANF signaling regulate M1/M2 macrophage polarization. AIM: To investigate whether and how MANF or PDGF-AA/MANF signaling influences BMSCs-mediated M2 polarization. METHODS: We identified the secretion of MANF by BMSCs and developed transgenic BMSCs using a targeting small interfering RNA for knockdown of MANF expression. Using a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model transplanted by BMSCs and BMSCs-microglia Transwell coculture system, the effect of BMSCs-induced downregulation of MANF expression on the phenotype of microglia/macrophages was tested by Western blot, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. Additionally, microglia were transfected with mimics of miR-30a*, which influenced expression of X-box binding protein (XBP) 1, a key transcription factor that synergized with activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) to govern MANF expression. We examined the levels of miR-30a*, ATF6, XBP1, and MANF after PDGF-AA treatment in the activated microglia. RESULTS: Inhibition of MANF attenuated BMSCs-induced functional recovery and decreased M2 marker production, but increased M1 marker expression in vivo or in vitro. Furthermore, PDGF-AA treatment decreased miR-30a* expression, had no influence on the levels of ATF6, but enhanced expression of both XBP1 and MANF. CONCLUSION: BMSCs-mediated MANF paracrine signaling, in particular the PDGF-AA/miR-30a*/XBP1/MANF pathway, synergistically mediates BMSCs-induced M2 polarization.

The TGF-ß1/COX-2-dependant pathway serves a key role in the generation of OKC-induced M2-polarized macrophage-like cells and angiogenesis.

An odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a common oral cyst arising from the odontogenic epithelium, which has the characteristics of a tumor. Previous studies have demonstrated that M2-polarized macrophages and angiogenesis have important roles in the progression of OKCs. As transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 is important in growth and developmental processes, and early studies have indicated that TGF-ß1 is upregulated in OKCs, the present study aimed to investigate the expression levels of TGF-ß1 as a first step. Flow cytometric analysis suggested that TGF-ß1 induced M2-polarization of macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Expression levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 were measured after treatment of M2 macrophages with TGF-ß1 and OKC homogenate supernatant. COX-2 expression was influenced by TGF-ß1 in a concentration-dependent manner and in OKC induction. In addition, inhibition of COX-2 resulted in the induction of M2-polarization of macrophages via TGF-ß1 and OKC disruption. Because the extracellular matrix (ECM) is altered in individuals with chronic diseases, the present study analyzed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is able to degrade the ECM. The present study observed a decrease in MMP-9 activity following treatment with TGF-ß1 and OKC homogenate supernatant. Additionally, the present study analyzed tube formation caused by OKC with or without a COX-2 inhibitor. The results of the present study suggested that angiogenesis increased following treatment with OKC homogenate supernatant but decreased after treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor. These findings indicated that the TGF-ß1/COX-2 pathway may have an important role in the progression of OKC.

Over-Expression of TRPC6 via CRISPR Based Synergistic Activation Mediator in BMSCs Ameliorates Brain Injury in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion.

Stroke is a major life-threatening and disabling disease with a restricted therapeutic approach. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) possess proliferative ability and a multi-directional differentiation potential, and secrete a range of trophic/growth factors that can protect neurons after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) is a family of non-selective channels permeable to Ca2+, with several functions including neuronal survival. Over-expression of TRPC6, a subtype of the TRPC family, was shown to protect neurons against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, it remains unclear whether over-expression of TRPC6 in BMSCs can further reduce brain injury after ischemia/reperfusion. In the present study, we report that over-expression of TRPC6 via a CRISPR-based synergistic activation mediator in BMSCs provided a greater reduction of brain injury in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion. Further, the improved neurofunctional outcomes were associated with increased TRPC6 and brain derived neurotrophic factor expression levels. Overall, these data suggest that TRPC6 over-expressing BMSCs may be a promising therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke.

Raman Spectroscopic Study of the Structure of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-Based Flux.

Due to the [Al] reaction with the CaO-SiO2-based mold flux used in the high-Al steels continuous casting processes, decreasing the SiO2 content is decreased and the Al2O3 content in mold flux is increased, thus converting the original CaO-SiO2-based mold flux into a CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-based mold flux. This conversion of the mold fluxes can cause the problem of high-Al steels continuous casting. Hence, study on the structural characteristics of the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3- based mold flux can provide fundamental data to design optimum fluxes for high Al-containing steels. In this paper, the structural characteristics of the CaO-SiO2-based and CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-based flux were studied by Raman spectroscopy. The results have shown that, the CaO-SiO2-based flux was the silicate structure whose main micro-structure units were Q0, Q1, Q2 and Q3. The network breakers prefer to depolymerize the silicate network in CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-based flux. While the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-based flux with low SiO2 content, the [AlO4] tetrahedron was entered the silicate network and the melt converted into the aluminosilicates structure, the formation of Al-O-Al linkages and Si-O-Al linkages increased the degree of disorder of network. The results of Li2O replace Na2O and CaO replace MgO have shown that the ions will influence the formation of [AlO4] tetrahedron linkages. CaF2 replace CaO shown that the polymerization degree of mold slag decreased first, and then increased with the content of CaF2 more than 13 mol%. So, the influences of the ions type and the ions content on the structure were both need considered while designing the CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-based flux.