Purpose
This retrospective study was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes of transcatheter arterial embolisation for chronic knee pain in patients with mild-to-moderate versus severe knee ...osteoarthritis.
Materials and Methods
This study included patients (
n
= 41) who were refractory to conservative treatments and who underwent transcatheter arterial embolisation using imipenem/cilastatin sodium between June 2017 and July 2018. A total of 71 knees, including 30 bilateral cases, were treated and categorised into two groups according to the Kellgren–Lawrence grade: mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis (
n
= 59, Kellgren–Lawrence grade 1–3) and severe osteoarthritis (
n
= 12, Kellgren–Lawrence grade 4). The clinical outcomes were measured by the visual analogue scale score.
Results
There were no significant differences in age, body mass index or baseline visual analogue scale scores between the two groups. The mean visual analogue scale scores in the mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis group were significantly decreased at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6-months (5.5 at baseline vs. 3.2, 3.1, 2.9, 2.2, and 1.9, after treatment; all
P
= .00). These improvements were maintained at a mean of 10 ± 3 months (range 6–19 months) post-treatment. The visual analogue scale scores were significantly decreased in the severe osteoarthritis group for 1 month post-treatment (6.3 at baseline vs. 4.1, 4.1, and 4.4 at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month; all
P
< .01). However, a decrease in pain was not statistically significant from 3 to 6 months (5.4 and 5.9 at 3 months and 6 months, respectively).
Conclusion
Transcatheter arterial embolisation effectively relieved pain in patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis. In patients with severe osteoarthritis, pain severity decreased for 1 month but gradually increased to the initial severity score within 3 months.
Level of Evidence
4, Case series.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Caulerpa is a marine green macroalga distinguished by a large single cell with multiple nuclei. It also exhibits remarkable morphological intraspecies variations, in response to diverse environmental ...types. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenotypic plasticity remain poorly understood. In this work, we compare the transcriptomes of Caulerpa okamurae Weber Bosse, 1897 displaying altered phenotypes of cultivation and natural phenotypes and investigate significantly regulated genes and their biological functions using differential expression analyses. We observe light‐harvesting complex upregulation and cellular framework stability downregulation in altered phenotypes compared to the natural phenotypes. Intertidal macrophytes reduce light capture to avoid photodamage and regulate their morphology to protect against wave damage. In contrast, the lower light conditions and the cultivation environment augment light capture and increase a morphology prioritizing light trapping. Moreover, the addition of simulated wave‐sweeping stimuli induces a return to the natural morphology under high‐light conditions, showing how mechanical stress affects morphological organization in C. okamurae. We provide detailed gene expression patterns in C. okamurae under varying light intensities and water conditions, suggesting a distinct influence on its morphological traits.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
This study investigated the cognitive effects of the flipped classroom approach in a content‐based instructional context by comparing second language learners’ discourse in flipped vs. traditional ...classrooms in terms of (1) participation rate, (2) content of comments, (3) reasoning skills, and (4) interactional patterns. Learners in two intact classes participated and were taught in either a flipped classroom (n = 26) or a traditional classroom (n = 25). In the flipped class, the learners listened to an online lecture before class and participated in a small‐group discussion in class. In contrast, the learners in the traditional class listened to a teacher‐led lecture in class and then immediately participated in a small‐group discussion in class. The learners’ discussions were audiorecorded. Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated no difference in participation rates; however, the students in the flipped classroom produced more cognitive comments involving deeper information processing and higher‐order reasoning skills and showed more cohesive interactional patterns than did the students in the traditional classroom. These results indicate that flipped classrooms can effectively promote higher‐order thinking processes and in‐depth, cohesive discussion in the content‐based second language.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
LL‐37 upregulates neutrophil respiratory burst and extracellular trap formation in response to influenza A virus, but reduces cytokine generation triggered by the virus.
Recent studies have shown ...that the human cathelicidin, LL‐37, has antiviral activity against IAV in vitro and in vivo. Neutrophils are important cellular components of the initial innate response to IAV infection. In addition to its direct antimicrobial activities, LL‐37 has important immunomodulatory effects. In this study, we explore how LL‐37 affects interactions of IAV with human neutrophils. LL‐37 did not alter neutrophil uptake of IAV but significantly increased neutrophil H2O2 responses to the virus. IAV stimulated production of NETs in vitro, and this response was increased by preincubating the virus with LL‐37. NADPH‐oxidase blockade did not reduce IAV‐induced NET formation or the increased NET response stimulated by LL‐37 + IAV. The increased respiratory burst and NET responses were, however, inhibited by preincubating cells with a formyl peptide receptor blocker, indicating that LL‐37 engages these receptors when complexed with IAV. Responses to IAV alone were not inhibited by formyl peptide receptor blockade. It has been reported that LL‐37 reduces proinflammatory cytokine responses during IAV infection in vivo. We now show that IAV alone potentiated release of IL‐8 from neutrophils, and preincubation with LL‐37 reduced IAV‐stimulated IL‐8 release. These results confirm that LL‐37 modulates human neutrophil responses to IAV in a distinctive manner and could have important bearing on the protective effects of LL‐37 during IAV infection in vivo.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
General health and oral health are very closely related. This study aimed to analyze the nutritional factors associated with the number of present teeth in Korean elderly adults. A total of 6,356 ...individuals were surveyed from the sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from 2013-2015. The number of existing teeth was divided into three categories: 0-10, 11-20, and over 21, and the nutrition survey covers eating habits, food frequency and food intake using face-to-face interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between nutrient intake and the number of existing teeth after adjusting for socio-demographic factors and general and oral health behaviors and status. As age increases, the number of teeth decreases. Individuals with more teeth had a significantly higher mean daily intake of protein, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and riboflavin (p < 0.05). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors in model 1 and the lower number of teeth in model 2, the strength of the association between the number of teeth and daily calcium intake remained significant. Statistically significant associations were present for dietary potassium intake in models 1 and 2 and in the 11-20 teeth group in model 3 (p < 0.05). We demonstrated a significant association between calcium and potassium intake and the number of teeth.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Perceiving oneself as obese has been associated with weight loss attempts. However, such a perception may not sufficiently drive significant weight reduction in many individuals. Hence, relying ...solely on the traditionally emphasized perceived risk of behavioral changes in obesity is challenging. This study used an extended parallel process model and a risk perception attitude framework to explore the influence of perceived risk and perceived efficacy on individual obesity knowledge and obesity prevention behaviors.
Data were obtained from 1,100 Korean adults aged 40-69 years through an online survey conducted in October 2022. Multinomial logistic regression and analysis of variance were employed to assess the relationships among perceived risk, perceived efficacy, obesity knowledge, and obesity prevention behaviors.
Sex was associated with being underweight, overweight, and obese. Moreover, perceived severity was associated with obesity, whereas perceived susceptibility was associated with overweight and obese. Response efficacy was related to being overweight alone, whereas self-efficacy was associated with being underweight, overweight, and obese. The main effects of sex and perceived risk, and their interaction effect were statistically significant for obesity knowledge. Additionally, the main effects of sex, perceived risk, and perceived efficacy on obesity prevention behaviors were statistically significant.
The extended parallel process model and risk perception attitude framework proved effective in classifying obesity based on body mass index, obesity knowledge, and obesity prevention behaviors.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Elucidating the responses of aquatic communities to environmental (e.g., chemical, habitat, and flow regime) and biological disturbances is essential to the maintenance and restoration of healthy ...ecosystems. This study investigated the interactions between environmental and biological disturbance factors and functional indicators of ecological health in 99 sampling sites along a temperate river. Variance tests and multivariate statistical tools, such as non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and generalized linear models (GLMs), were employed to evaluate the responses of functional indicator guilds and ecological river health to various in-stream chemical, physical, habitat, and land-use pattern factors along with the biological impact of invasive alien species (IAS). Variance testing revealed significant variation (χ2 > 6.2 and p < 0.05) in common species abundance and ecological functional guilds among spatial groups according to chemical pollution levels, land-use intensity, and land-use patterns. NMDS analysis and GLMs based on trophic, habitat, and tolerance guilds, and the results of the multi-metric index of biological integrity for fish, indicated statistically significant patterns in response to environmental disturbance, particularly chemical degradation associated with nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) enrichment and organic pollution, loss of gravel and cobble substrates, and intensified agricultural land use. The spatial pattern of IAS abundance was also significantly correlated with the alteration in fish community structures. This study underscores the often-unnoticed impact of high IAS abundance on river health, and its interactions with chemical and physical degradation resulting from agricultural and urban land uses. In summary, this study highlights the importance of addressing multiple environmental and biological disturbances to maintain and conserve the health of river systems.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Objective
To assess the association between the usage of interdental cleaning and periodontal status among older people in Korea.
Background
In order to maintain oral health in older people, it is ...very important to use interdental cleaning devices. However, there is a lack of research on periodontal status and interdental cleaning device use in older people.
Methods
This study used data collected from the 7th National Health Nutrition Survey (KNHANES VII: 2016–2018). A total of 3426 older people adults aged 65 years or older were selected from 16 489 participants. Data on sociodemographic status (sex, age, level of education, income, residential area), personal health practice (subjective health status, smoking, physical activity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus), oral health practice (subjective oral health status, tooth brushing frequency, dental visits, and chewing problem), the number of teeth and periodontitis were collected. Periodontitis was defined as having a World Health Organisation community periodontal index (CPI) code greater than or equal to three, and severe periodontitis was defined as a CPI code 4. Participants having a CPI code of 3 or 4 were considered to have periodontal disease in this study. Logistic regression analysis investigated the association between interdental cleaning devices usage and periodontitis controlling the confounding factors.
Results
Those who do not use dental floss had a higher rate of periodontal disease (AOR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.05 to 2.1). However, there were no significant differences by interdental brush use. In those with 20 or more teeth, non‐users of dental floss had a higher risk of periodontitis in all models. Conversely, in those with fewer than 20 teeth, no significant differences were observed.
Conclusions
Older people with mostly intact dentitions have better periodontal health if they clean between their teeth.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Effective communication and information delivery enhance doctor-patient relationships, improves adherence to treatment, reduces work burden, and supports decision-making. The study developed a head ...and neck cancer (HNC) communication platform to support effective delivery of information about HNC treatment and improve the doctor-patient relationship.
This study was structured in three main phases: 1) The requirement elicitation phase sought an understanding of the HNC treatment journey and service failure points (FPs) obtained through patient/medical staff interviews and observations, along with a review of the electronic health record system; 2) The development phase involved core needs analysis, solutions development through a co-creation workshop, and validation of the solutions through focus groups; and 3) the proposed HNC communication platform was integrated with the current treatment system, and the flow and mechanism of the interacting services were structured using a service blueprint (SB).
Twenty-two service FPs identified through interviews and observations were consolidated into four core needs, and solutions were proposed to address each need: an HNC treatment journey map, cancer survivor stories, operation consent redesign with surgical illustrations, and a non-verbal communication toolkit. The communication platform was designed through the SB in terms of the stage at which the solution was applied and the actions and interactions of the service providers.
The developed platform has practical significance, reflecting a tangible service improvement for both patients and medical staff, making it applicable in hospital settings.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in diverse biological processes in eukaryotes, generally through degradation and/or inhibition of the translation of target mRNAs. MicroRNAs are loaded ...into Argonaute (AGO) proteins to form the RNA‐induced silencing complex (RISC) and used as guides to identify complementary transcripts. The distinct functions and features, such as associated small RNA classes and modes of silencing, of individual AGO paralogs have been well documented in multicellular eukaryotes. However, this aspect of miRNA function remains poorly understood in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, which contains three AGO paralogs. In this study, we isolated AGO2 and AGO3 insertional mutants and confirmed that AGO3 is more abundantly expressed than AGO2. MicroRNA‐directed target transcript cleavage and translational repression were impaired in the AGO3 mutant background, indicating that AGO3 can mediate both modes of silencing. In contrast, although the AGO2 mutant is not a null, the involvement of AGO2 in miRNA‐directed silencing appears to be more limited. Our results strongly suggest that miRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional gene silencing relies primarily on AGO3 in Chlamydomonas.
Significance Statement
Argonaute proteins associate with different classes of small RNAs and in multicellular eukaryotes play distinct roles in gene regulation or in defense responses against transposons and viruses, but roles of Argonautes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii are poorly studied. Here we show that miRNA‐mediated post‐transcriptional gene silencing in Chlamydomonas relies primarily on Argonaute3.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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