Oral-hygiene-related self-efficacy in periodontal therapy: A 4-year longitudinal study.

AIM: Oral hygiene-related self-efficacy (OHSE) describes one's confidence to successfully execute oral hygiene behaviour. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term course of OHSE in patients during initial periodontal therapy (IPT) and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and its association with clinical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with periodontitis, undergoing either IPT or SPT, were evaluated at two timepoints. Clinical examination included pocket probing depths (PPDs), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Patients' OHSE was assessed with a questionnaire. Statistical analyses included t-tests and linear regression models. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients from an initial group of 201 patients were evaluated after 4 years. The overall OHSE score increased significantly in the IPT group (mean 11.65 ± 15.6, p = .001). The increase in the OHSE category 'interdental cleaning' was significantly correlated with a decrease in the number of pockets requiring treatment (Spearman correlation rs = -.2349, p = .022) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (rs = -.2099, p = .042). CONCLUSIONS: Patients under IPT showed a significant increase of OHSE compared to those under SPT. Improved OHSE, particularly in interdental cleaning, appears to be associated with sustained success of periodontal therapy.

Novel approach of phosphate-reclamation as struvite from sewage sludge by utilising hydrothermal carbonization.

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) showed promising performance as an alternative sewage sludge treatment already, as the draining ability of sludge is improved while fuel properties of the yielded hydrochar are superior to native sludge. On the other hand, the sole combustion of sewage sludge and its corresponding hydrochars are a waste in terms of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. Therefore, a combination of HTC and a nutrient recycling strategy via the precipitation of phosphate and nitrogen as struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) are introduced in this research. We used an anaerobically digested sewage sludge with high loads of aluminium- and ironsalts. Phosphate release cannot be reached by HTC alone, as phosphate is heavily bound in stable iron- and aluminium-associations. An acid leaching step removes it from the hydrochar (58.5-94.8% P), while the process liquid arising from HTC is used as ammonium source (107-291 mmol l-1NH4). After adjusting pH and addition of a magnesium source, struvite is rapidly precipitated in high purity. Nitric acid is used as a "catalyst" in HTC to improve the degree of carbonization on one hand but also improve the phosphate recovery on the other hand by increasing the amount of ammonium available for struvite formation in the process liquid. The highest total recovery rate of phosphate from sludge was 82.5 wt.% and therefore this approach showed to be a serious alternative to other P-recovery techniques.

[Dignity, freedom, embodiment : Ethical categories concerning the use of freedom-depriving measures in people with dementia in acute care settings]. / Würde, Freiheit, Leiblichkeit : Ethische Kategorien bei der Anwendung freiheitsentziehender Maßnahmen bei Menschen mit Demenz im Akutkrankenhaus.

The use of freedom-depriving measures (physical and medicinal restraints) in people with cognitive impairment or dementia in clinical care settings is of ongoing importance. At the same time, these coercive measures are not only heavily debated but also in most cases ethically questionable from the perspective of the ethics of human dignity. Usually, the ethical evaluation of freedom-depriving measures follows classical paradigms of medical ethics, such as the Principles of Biomedical Ethics by Beauchamp and Childress. To enrich the debate at this point, the ethical category of embodiment ("Leiblichkeit" ) is introduced and discussed after a short summary of the ethical problem at hand. The phenomenon of the living body that has received increasingly more attention in several sciences since the proclaimed "corporeal turn" enables new perspectives towards human dignity, freedom and deprivation of freedom: freedom-depriving measures do not take place in an invisible realm of ideas but are directly applied to the psychophysical unity that is the living body of a person. Thus, freedom-depriving measures are an intervention into the bodily autonomy of the human being and the personal freedom that is manifested in the living body. The concept of the living body ("Leib") that is applied here, signifies more than just a physical object and is especially apt to capture the (inter)subjective dimension that has to be taken into account here. Finally, it will have to be investigated whether the use of medicinal restraints represents an especially serious interference into the sphere of human embodiment. Once introduced into the debate on freedom-depriving measures in clinical care, the category of embodiment can warrant decisive new emphases.

TOPical Imiquimod treatment of residual or recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (TOPIC-2 trial): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cervical dysplasia (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)) is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and is most common in women of reproductive age. Current treatment of moderate to severe CIN is surgical. This procedure has potential complications, such as haemorrhage, infection and preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. Moreover, 15% of women treated for high grade CIN develop residual/recurrent CIN or cervical cancer after surgical excision. Finally, 75-100% of patients with a residual and recurrent CIN 2-3 lesion are still HPV positive. They could possibly benefit from an alternative medical treatment, which aims to eliminate HPV. The primary study objective is to evaluate the effectivity of imiquimod 5% cream compared to treatment with Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) for recurrent/residual CIN. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a multicentre, non-inferiority randomized single blinded study. The study population consists of female patients with histological proven residual/recurrent CIN after previous surgical treatment. Four hundred thirty-three patients will be included in the Netherlands. The first 35 patients will be included in a pilot study to prove non-futility. Included patients will be randomized to receive either 5% imiquimod cream or LLETZ treatment. Imiquimod will be inserted three times a week intravaginally for a period of 16 weeks using a vaginal applicator. Ten weeks after the end of imiquimod treatment a biopsy will be taken for treatment response. In case of progressive or stable disease a LLETZ will be performed. At 12 and 24 months after the start of treatment cytology will be taken for follow up. The LLETZ group will be treated according to the current guidelines. Throughout the study, HPV typing and quality of life will be tested. DISCUSSION: Repeated LLETZ in women with residual/recurrent CIN lesions has complications. We would like to possibly offer alternative treatment in a selected group to avoid these risks. Moreover, we monitor treatment efficacy, side effects and long-term recurrence rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Medical Ethical Committee approval number: NL 53792.078.15. Affiliation: Erasmus Medical Center. Registration number ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02669459 , date of registration: 27th January 2016.

Elimination of micropollutants by activated carbon produced from fibers taken from wastewater screenings using hydrothermal carbonization.

Activated Carbon (AC) can be used to reduce organic micropollutants (OMPs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). While producing ACs conventionally still damages the environment, this can be reduced by using renewable raw material from waste streams und producing AC locally. In this study, fibers (toilet paper) were separated out of wastewater by screening WWTP influents in full scale and then used as a no-cost, carbon-rich and heavy metal-poor raw material to produce ACs. Pretreatment was hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Thereafter, they were activated using KOH to generate activated carbons (HTC-ACs). Their functional groups were characterized using FT-IR, and the alteration of their chemical composition was traced by elementary analysis. Adsorption tests were performed with nitrogen (BET surface) and methylene blue as standard tests. The adsorption capacity was tested with WWTP effluent and the removal of UVA254 as a surrogate for OMP removal was measured. After HTC and activation 13-16% of the fibers dry mass was obtained as HTC-ACs. Higher dehydration and formation of aromatic structures on the HTC-ACs were detected with FT-IR as HTC and activation temperature increased. BET surface and methylene blue adsorption of some HTC-ACs was higher than the Reference AC. Nevertheless, their ability to reduce OMPs is still lower than the Reference AC due to the different nature of their functional groups and their microporous structure that is not fully accessible for OMPs in real wastewater. Further research has to be carried out to adjust the production process so as to obtain mesoporous HTC-ACs tailored to reduce OMP concentrations and to close the carbon loop within WWTPs.

Dietary approaches reducing boar taint-Importance of Lawsonia intracellularis colonisation for interpreting results.

In the fattening of male pigs, boar odour is a major problem with regard to the acceptance of the meat by consumers. Skatole can be one cause. Tryptophan from non-digested feed ingredients and intestinal cell debris can be the precursor in skatole formation. Lawsonia intracellularis, one of the most widespread pathogens in swine, promotes the epithelial cell turnover and might favour the tryptophan influx into the hindgut. Therefore, the question arises how far the severity of a Lawsonia intracellularis infection has an effect on results of dietary experiments with specific issues. Fifty finishing boars from a specific pathogen-free farm were randomly allotted to ten boxes in five feeding groups. Natural developing Lawsonia intracellularis colonisation was monitored serologically (twice individually) and molecular biologically (weekly individually). Over 4 weeks, animals were fed either a finely ground pelleted diet (FP), a coarsely ground meal diet (CM), a meal diet either with 22% cracked corn (CORN), 16.9% dried whey (WHEY) or 30% raw potato starch (RPS). Fifty % of animals showing lower differences in serological Lawsonia intracellularis values between the start and the end of the trial were characterised by a higher dry matter content in faeces (256 ± 29.4 vs. 239 ± 23.6 g/kg). Lawsonia intracellularis-negative caecal samples showed the highest butyrate concentrations (27.2 ± 7.53 mmol/kg). Lawsonia intracellularis-negative faecal samples of group FP showed the highest DM levels in faeces (neg: 290 ± 46.1/pos: 250 ± 52.2 g/kg); negative samples from group RPS had the lowest values (217 ± 24.4 g/kg). Lawsonia intracellularis-negative faecal samples from the group CM were lower in skatole than positive samples (82.8 ± 32.8 vs. 119 ± 29.3 µg/g DM). RPS group samples without pathogen detection had the lowest skatole concentrations (30.5 ± 36.3 µg/g DM). This study provides first evidence that clinically unremarkable colonisation with intestinal pathogens might influence the results of dietary approaches.

Preliminary stop of the TOPical Imiquimod treatment of high-grade Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (TOPIC) trial.

The "TOPical Imiquimod treatment of high-grade Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia" (TOPIC) trial was stopped preliminary, due to lagging inclusions. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment efficacy and clinical applicability of imiquimod 5% cream in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The lagging inclusions were mainly due to a strong patient preference for either of the two treatment modalities. This prompted us to initiate a new study on the same subject, with a non-randomized, open-label design: the 'TOPical Imiquimod treatment of high-grade Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (TOPIC)-3' study. Original TOPIC-trial: Medical Ethics Committee approval number METC13231; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02329171, 22 December 2014. TOPIC-3 study: Medical Ethics Committee approval number METC162025; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02917746, 16 September 2016.

[Technique-based game for daycare visitors with and without dementia : Effects, heuristics and correlates]. / Technikbasiertes Spiel von Tagespflegebesuchern mit und ohne Demenz : Effekte, Heuristiken und Korrelate.

BACKGROUND: Playing of old people with or without dementia have not yet been substantially investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study deals with the acceptance and impact of a tablet-based memory game, which was played on a weekly or semiweekly basis by visitors in two daycare units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Within the framework of focus groups the technical system was adapted for elderly users. The video-assisted data at the level of the game and the dynamics were investigated with respect to interaction and communication. RESULTS: The analysis of psychological observation forms and game protocols, which were conducted over a period of 3 months, indicated different effects of the game on psychosocial and cognitive activation. The individual memory cards in particular served as an intensification of communication and a stimulation of episodic memory. Finally, with video analysis during the whole game setting three theoretical relationship patterns of the spheres playing and speech could be depicted. CONCLUSION: Coherence, separation and incoherence of playing and speech are different forms of interaction in which individual and collaborative competences of people with and without dementia can be visualized. Furthermore, the study provides evidence for the cultural theory of playing by Huizinga.

TOPical Imiquimod treatment of high-grade Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (TOPIC trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the premalignant condition of cervical cancer. Whereas not all high grade CIN lesions progress to cervical cancer, the natural history and risk of progression of individual lesions remain unpredictable. Therefore, high-grade CIN is currently treated by surgical excision: large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ). This procedure has potential complications, such as acute haemorrhage, prolonged bleeding, infection and preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies. These complications could be prevented by development of a non-invasive treatment modality, such as topical imiquimod treatment. The primary study objective is to investigate the efficacy of topical imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of high-grade CIN and to develop a biomarker profile to predict clinical response to imiquimod treatment. Secondary study objectives are to assess treatment side-effects, disease recurrence and quality of life during and after different treatment modalities. METHODS/DESIGN: The study design is a randomized controlled trial. One hundred forty women with a histological diagnosis of high-grade CIN (CIN 2-3) will be randomized into two arms: imiquimod treatment during 16 weeks (experimental arm) or immediate LLETZ (standard care arm). Treatment efficacy will be evaluated by colposcopy with diagnostic biopsies at 20 weeks for the experimental arm. Successful imiquimod treatment is defined as regression to CIN 1 or less, successful LLETZ treatment is defined as PAP 1 after 6 months. Disease recurrence will be evaluated by cytology at 6, 12 and 24 months after treatment. Side-effects will be evaluated using a standardized report form. Quality of life will be evaluated using validated questionnaires at baseline, 20 weeks and 1 year after treatment. Biomarkers, reflecting both host and viral factors in the pathophysiology of CIN, will be tested at baseline with the aim of developing a predictive biomarker profile for the clinical response to imiquimod treatment. DISCUSSION: Treatment of high-grade CIN lesions with imiquimod in a selected patient population may diminish complications as a result of surgical intervention. More knowledge on treatment efficacy, side effects and long-term recurrence rates after treatment is necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION: EU Clinical Trials Register EU-CTR2013-001260-34 . Registered 18 March 2013. Medical Ethical Committee approval number: NL44336.068.13 (Medical Ethical Committee Maastricht University Hospital, University of Maastricht). Affiliation: Maastricht University Hospital. Registration number ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02329171.

Imiquimod in cervical, vaginal and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: a review.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is in the vast majority of patients accountable for the development of vulvar, cervical and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN, CIN, VAIN); precursors of vulvar, cervical and vaginal cancers. The currently preferred treatment modality for high grade VIN, CIN and VAIN is surgical excision. Nevertheless surgical treatment is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and recurrence is not uncommon. The aim of this review is to present evidence on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of imiquimod (an immune response modifier) in HPV-related VIN, CIN and VAIN. A search for papers on the use of imiquimod in VIN, CIN and VAIN was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases. Data was extracted and reviewed. Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed; 16 on VIN, 3 on CIN and 2 on VAIN. Complete response rates in VIN ranged from 5 to 88%. Although minor adverse effects were frequently reported, treatment with imiquimod was well tolerated in most patients. Studies on imiquimod treatment of CIN and VAIN are limited and lack uniformly defined endpoints. The available evidence however, shows encouraging effect. Complete response rates for CIN 2-3 and VAIN 1-3 ranged from 67 to 75% and 57 to 86% respectively. More randomized controlled trials on the use of imiquimod in CIN, VAIN and VIN with extended follow-up are necessary to determine the attributive therapeutic value in these patients.

Bone augmentation using a synthetic hydroxyapatite/silica oxide-based and a xenogenic hydroxyapatite-based bone substitute materials with and without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2.

AIM: To test whether or not bone regeneration using deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) is comparable to hydroxyapatite/silica oxide (HA/SiO) and to test the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) as an adjunct to DBBM for localized bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each of the 10 rabbits, 4 titanium cylinders were placed on the external cortical plates of their calvaria. Four treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (i) empty, (ii) HA/SiO, (iii) DBBM, and (iv) DBBM plus rhBMP-2 (DBBM/BMP). The animals were sacrificed at week 8. Descriptive histology and histomorphometric assessment using a superimposed test grid of points and cycloids were performed. RESULTS: The mean number of points of the test grid coinciding with bone within the cylinder reached 124 ± 35 bone points for empty controls, 92 ± 40 bone points for DBBM, 98 ± 44 bone points for synthetic HA/SiO, and 146 ± 34 bone points DBBM/BMP. The P-value for DBBM with and without BMP reached a borderline statistical significance of 0.051. However, the area of bone regeneration within the cylinders peaked for DBBM/BMP and was statistically significantly higher compared with empty cylinders (P < 0.05). The bone-to-bone substitute contact ranged between 32.9% ± 21.7 for DBBM, 39.6 ± 18.4% for HA/SiO, and 57.8% ± 10.2 for DBBM/BMP. The differences between DBBM/BMP and controls (DBBM, HA/SiO) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DBBM and HA/SiO rendered comparable amounts of bone regeneration. The addition of rhBMP-2 to DBBM resulted in more favorable outcomes with respect to the area of bone regeneration and to bone-to-implant contact, thereby indicating the potential of this growth factor to enhance bone regeneration within this animal model.

Assessment of autonomic function after acute spinal cord injury using heart rate variability analyses.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in severe dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. C1-C8 SCI affects the supraspinal control to the heart, T1-T5 SCI affects the spinal sympathetic outflow to the heart, and T6-T12 SCI leaves sympathetic control to the heart intact. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis can serve as a surrogate measure of autonomic regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in HRV patterns and alterations in patients with acute traumatic SCI. METHODS: As soon as possible after SCI patients who met the inclusion criteria had 24 h Holter monitoring of their cardiac rhythm, additional Holter monitoring were performed 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after SCI. RESULTS: Fifty SCI patients were included. A significant increase in standard deviation of the average normal-to-normal (SDANN) sinus intervals was seen in the first month after injury (P=0.008). The increase was only significant in C1-T5 incomplete patients and in patients who did not experience one or more episodes of cardiac arrest. Significant lower values of Low Frequency Power, Total Power and the Low Frequency over High Frequency ratio were seen in the C1-T5 SCI patients compared with T6-T12 SCI patients. CONCLUSIONS: The rise in SDANN in the incomplete C1-T5 patients could be due to spontaneous functional recovery caused by synaptic plasticity or remodelling of damaged axons. That the autonomic nervous system function differs between C1-C8, T1-T5 and T6-T12 patients suggest that the sympathovagal balance in both the C1-C8 and T1-T5 SCI patients has yet to be reached.

[Willingness to accept an Internet-based mobility platform in different age cohorts. Empiric results of the project S-Mobil 100]. / Bereitschaft zur Akzeptanz einer internetbasierten Mobilitätsplattform bei verschiedenen Alterskohorten. Empirische Befunde des Projekts S-Mobil 100.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the project S-Mobil 100 is to develop and implement a prototype of an internet-based, generation-appropriate mobility platform in the model region Siegen-Wittgenstein. In the context of an empirical preliminary study, use of technology, experience with technology, general attitudes towards technology, general technology commitment, and the willingness to accept the mobility platform were investigated in different age cohorts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The investigation was carried out using a written survey based on a standardized questionnaire. The sample of 358 persons aged 40-90 years was divided in four age cohorts (40-54, 55-64, 65-74, and 75 + years). RESULTS: Our results show a high willingness to accept the mobility platform in the overall sample. Age, residence, income, and general technology commitment were significant predictors for the judgment of the platform. CONCLUSION: Although there were group differences in accepting the mobility platform, the older cohorts are also open-minded towards this new technology.

Lymph-node metastasis in stage I and II sex cord stromal and malignant germ cell tumours of the ovary: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review is to determine the incidence of lymph-node metastasis in clinical stage I and II sex cord stromal tumours and germ cell tumours of the ovary. METHODS: Relevant articles were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE and supplemented with citations from the reference lists of the primary studies. Eligibility was determined by two authors. Included studies were prospective or retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies analysing at least ten patients with clinical early-stage non-epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent lymphadenectomy or lymph-node sampling as part of a staging laparotomy. RESULTS: For sex cord stromal tumours, five articles including 578 patients were analysed and lymph-node metastasis was not detected in the 86 patients who underwent lymph-node removal. The median number of removed lymph nodes was 13 (range 9-29). For malignant germ cell tumours, three articles were eligible including 2436 patients of whom 946 patients underwent lymph-node resection. The mean number of removed nodes was 10 (range 2-14) with a mean incidence of lymph-node metastasis of 10.9% (range 10.5-11.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lymph-node metastasis in patients with clinical stage I and II sex cord stromal tumours is low, whereas the incidence in patients with clinical stage I-II germ cell tumours is considerable, although limited data are available.

Mucinous borderline tumours of the ovary and the appendix: a retrospective study and overview of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Appendectomy is often recommended in patients with mucinous borderline ovarian tumours (mBOTs) based on studies suggesting that metastatic disease from a primary appendiceal tumour can mimic mBOT. The present study assessed the incidence of mucinous neoplasms in the appendix associated with the presence of mBOT. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed in two university hospitals in the Netherlands between 1990 and 2011. All patients with mBOT and/or a mucinous appendiceal tumour were included. RESULTS: Of 127 patients included, 98 had a primary mBOT and 29 had a primary mucinous appendiceal tumour. In patients with a mBOT, the appendix was either removed at prior surgery (4%), resected as part of the staging procedure showing no pathological abnormalities (13%), described as normal and not resected (58%), or not described and not resected (25%). During a median follow-up period of 5 years (range 2-23), two patients developed a recurrence in which the appendix was not involved. In all patients with a primary mucinous tumour of the appendix, the appendix appeared abnormal at the time of surgery. Eight of these patients (28%) were diagnosed with invasive ovarian metastases. A review of the literature including the cases from this study identified 510 mucinous ovarian tumours with borderline features and 214 associated appendectomies, of which 4 (1.9%) contained a primary appendiceal malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough inspection of the appendix should be performed in patients with a mucinous ovarian tumour with borderline features. An appendectomy should only be performed when the appendix is macroscopically abnormal.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in a representative sample of Belgian firefighters.

BACKGROUND: An important aspect of occupational health surveillance of firefighters is cardiorespiratory fitness. In Belgium, representative data on firefighters' cardiorespiratory fitness assessed in a standardized way are lacking. AIMS: To report data on cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage in a large cohort of Belgian firefighters; to relate the data on cardiorespiratory fitness to the new Belgian criteria and to explore the relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with age, BMI and total body fat. METHODS: VO2-max was assessed in male firefighters by maximal exercise test on a treadmill. Total body fat percentage was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Stratified analyses of mean VO2-max and proportions of subjects that did not meet the criteria were performed for different age, total body fat percentage and BMI categories. Relationships between VO2-max and the continuous variables were explored in univariate (correlation coefficients) and multivariate analyses (multiple linear regression analysis). RESULTS: In 1225 participating firefighters (96% participation rate), mean VO2-max was 46.5 ml/kg/min. Percentages of subjects that did not meet the criteria ranged from 1 to 83% depending on age, BMI and total body fat percentage. Both in univariate and multivariate analyses, strongly significant relationships were found between VO2-max and age, BMI and total body fat percentage, the latter being the strongest predictor. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided representative data on cardiorespiratory fitness, BMI and total body fat percentage for Belgian firefighters. The findings suggest the need for a structural approach on healthy eating and regular physical exercise in firefighters.

The efficacy of topical imiquimod in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A major side effect of cervical excision for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is premature birth. A non-invasive treatment for reproductive age women is warranted. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of topical imiquimod in the treatment of high-grade CIN, defined as a regression to ≤CIN 1, and to determine the clearance rate of high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV), compared with surgical treatment and placebo. METHODS: Databases were searched for articles from their inception to February 2023.The study protocol number was INPLASY2022110046. Original studies reporting the efficacy of topical imiquimod in CIN 2, CIN 3 or persistent hr-HPV infections were included. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses checklist. RESULTS: Five studies were included (n = 463). Histological regression to ≤CIN 1 was 55% in imiquimod versus 29% in placebo, and 93% in surgical treatment. Imiquimod-treated women had a greater odds of histological regression to ≤CIN 1 than placebo (odds ratio [OR] 4.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03-8.54). In comparison to imiquimod, surgical treatment had an OR of 14.81(95% CI 6.59-33.27) for histological regression to ≤CIN 1. The hr-HPV clearance rate was 53.4% after imiquimod and 66% after surgical treatment (95% CI 0.62-23.77). CONCLUSIONS: The histological regression rate is highest for surgical treatment followed by imiquimod treatment and placebo.

Evaluation of moldable, in situ hardening calcium phosphate bone graft substitutes.

OBJECTIVE: Moldable in situ self-stabilizing and hardening bone graft materials facilitate handling and may be suitable for membrane-free bone regeneration methods. This study aimed to compare two moldable synthetic calcium phosphate materials in a rabbit calvarial defect model. METHOD: In 12 New Zealand white rabbits, four evenly distributed 6 mm diameter defects were drilled in the calvarial bone. Three filler materials were randomly applied to 48 defects: an in situ hardening polylactide-coated ß-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), an in situ hardening polylactide-coated biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), and a granular deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM, positive control). One defect remained untreated and served as a negative control. Six animals were sacrificed after 4 weeks, and the remaining animals were sacrificed after 16 weeks. Biocompatibility, bone graft substitute integration and resorption, bone formation, defect bridging, and height of reconstructed hard tissue were assessed histologically and histomorphometrically. RESULTS: All tested materials showed good biocompatibility. Semi-quantitative analysis and pair-wise comparison suggested that BCP was more efficient in centripetal bone formation when compared with TCP. After 4 weeks, significantly more bone had formed in the defects treated with either TCP or BCP materials compared with the untreated sites. BCP and DBBM did not show macroscopic signs of degradation, whereas the TCP material was partially resorbed after 16 weeks. Otherwise, no major differences were detected between the three materials. CONCLUSION: The moldable, synthetic calcium phosphates are safe and suitable bone graft substitutes with outcomes that are comparable to the control material.

Influence of sequential HTC pre-treatment and pyrolysis on wet food-industry wastes: Optimisation toward nitrogen-rich hierarchical carbonaceous materials intended for use in energy storage solutions.

Due to elevated protein content, the food-industry bio-wastes are promising feedstock to produce hierarchical (micro-mesoporous) carbonaceous materials with the intended use as electrodes in the energy storage solutions. However, the high initial water content, makes their direct activation through high-temperature processes costineffective due to significant heat requirements. In this study, the influence of pretreatment with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) on wet food-industry bio-wastes, further pyrolysed, was investigated. Selected wastes (brewer's spent grains, spent coffee grains and spent sugar beets) were pre-treated by HTC at 180 °C or 240 °C, and then pyrolysed at 500 °C or 700 °C. Obtained materials were examined using elemental analysis, gas adsorption (N2 and CO2) and FT-IR. Besides minor differences caused by the bio-composition of wastes, the general trends were similar for feedstock. The pre-treatment had a beneficial influence on the properties of all wastes. The HTC at 180 °C and pyrolysis at 700 °C for all wastes show the most promising total specific surface area 560 ± 10 m2/g and accessible specific surface area 96 m2/g. Those conditions simultaneously did not reduce the total solid yield in comparison to the one-step process. The pre-treatment at 240 °C led to elevated nitrogen incorporation in the carbonaceous structure compared to HTC at 180 °C. However, it formed a hierarchical structure that was not stable for the thermal treatment. Study proves the HTC pre-treatment at 180 °C is beneficial for the conversion of food-industry bio-wastes into hierarchical carbonaceous material for their use in the energy storage systems application.