An ideal material has yet to be discovered that can completely treat dentin hypersensitivity; however, calcium phosphate precipitation has exhibited potential value for the treatment of dentin ...hypersensitivity by the occlusion of dentinal tubules. We hypothesized that a novel mesoporous silica biomaterial (nano CaO@mesoporous silica, NCMS) containing nano-sized calcium oxide particles mixed with 30% phosphoric acid can efficiently occlude dentinal tubules and significantly reduce dentin permeability, even with the presence of pulpal pressure. This highly supersaturated Ca2+-and HPO4
2−ion-containing NCMS paste was brushed onto dentin surfaces, and the ions diffused deeply into the dentinal tubules and formed a CaHPO4·2H2O precipitation with a depth of 100 μm. The results of the dentin permeability tests showed that the novel mesoporous material exhibited a significant reduction in dentin permeability (p < 0.05), even under simulated pulpal pressure, as compared with our previously developed material, DP-bioglass, and a commercial desensitizing material, Seal & Protect®.
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CMK, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This study aims at investigating the effects of MSW incinerator fly ash (FA) and bottom ash (BA) on the anaerobic co-digestion of OFMSW with FA or BA. It also simulates the biogas production from ...various dosed and control bioreactors. Results showed that suitable ashes addition (FA/MSW 10 and 20
g
L
−1 and BA/MSW 100
g
L
−1) could improve the MSW anaerobic digestion and enhance the biogas production rates. FA/MSW 20
g
L
−1 bioreactor had the higher biogas production and rate implying the potential option for MSW anaerobic co-digestion. Modeling studies showed that exponential plot simulated better for FA/MSW 10
g
L
−1 and control bioreactors while Gaussian plot was applicable for FA/MSW 20
g
L
−1 one. Linear and exponential plot of descending limb both simulated better for BA/MSW 100
g
L
−1 bioreactor. Modified Gompertz plot showed higher correlation of biogas accumulation than exponential rise to maximum plot for all bioreactors.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Hypoxia plays a critical role during the evolution of malignant cells and tumour microenvironment (TME).Tumour-derived exosomes contain informative microRNAs involved in the interaction of cancer and ...stromal cells, thus contributing to tissue remodelling of tumour microenvironment. This study aims to clarify how hypoxia affects tumour angiogenesis through exosomes shed from lung cancer cells. Lung cancer cells produce more exosomes under hypoxic conditions than do parental cells under normoxic conditions. miR-23a was significantly upregulated in exosomes from lung cancer under hypoxic conditions. Exosomal miR-23a directly suppressed its target prolyl hydroxylase 1 and 2 (PHD1 and 2), leading to the accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) in endothelial cells. Consequently, hypoxic lung cancer cells enhanced angiogenesis by exosomes derived from hypoxic cancer under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. In addition, exosomal miR-23a also inhibits tight junction protein ZO-1, thereby increasing vascular permeability and cancer transendothelial migration. Inhibition of miR-23a by inhibitor administration decreased angiogenesis and tumour growth in a mouse model. Furthermore, elevated levels of circulating miR-23a are found in the sera of lung cancer patients, and miR-23a levels are positively correlated with proangiogenic activities. Taken together, our study reveals the clinical relevance and prognostic value of cancer-derived exosomal miR-23a under hypoxic conditions, and investigates a unique intercellular communication, mediated by cancer-derived exosomes, which modulates tumour vasculature.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Metabolic syndrome (MS) was conceptualized to identify people at risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes; however, the epidemiology of MS and its combinations of components in older ...adults remains unclear. Data from the Senior Health Examination Program of the New Taipei City Government in Taiwan in 2014 were obtained for this study. All participants aged 65 years or older and those with a prior history of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, or diabetes mellitus were excluded. 29,164 senior citizens were retrieved for this study, and 12,331 (41.28%) of the participants were male. Female participants were more likely to have MS (42.7% vs.31.3%, p <0.001). Female participants with MS were older than those without MS (73.15±6.5 vs. 72.10±6.14 years, p <0.001). Conversely, male participants with MS were younger than those without MS (72.93±6.70 vs. 73.52±6.98 years, p <0.001). The most common combination of MS components was the triad of high blood glucose, high blood pressure and central obesity (25.2% of all participants with MS). Age-related changes in MS component combinations were noted only when central obesity was present. The strongest MS component combination for new-onset diabetes mellitus was high blood glucose, hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-C and central obesity (HR: 5.42, P<0.001). In conclusion, not all component combinations of MS were of the same prognostic impact or the risk for new-onset diabetes mellitus. Further study is needed to develop individualized intervention programs for MS based on risk profiles of older adults is needed.
This study aimed at evaluating the predictive ability of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR) for the recovery of frailty, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life ...in older adults suffering from acute health stressors. The longitudinal study was adopted and patients aged 65 and older with Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores between 4 and 6 were included. The PRIFOR was used to assess physical resilience at baseline. Katz ADL, CFS and EuroQoL 5-dimension Questionnaire (EQ 5D) scores were all assessed at baseline and one month after discharge. The mean age of the 192 participants was 76.29 ± 6.53 years, and 50.5% were female. After adjusting for the baseline condition, the PRIFOR was only significantly associated with the CFS (β=−0.183, p<0.001) at one month after discharge. Our study results provide evidence of the predictive capacity of the PRIFOR for recovery from frailty.
Summary
Background
The optimal dosage of intravenous proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the prevention of peptic ulcer rebleeding remains unclear.
Aim
To compare the rebleeding rate of high‐dose and ...standard‐dose PPI use after endoscopic haemostasis.
Methods
A total of 201 patients with bleeding ulcers undergoing endoscopic treatment with epinephrine injection and heater probe thermocoagulation were randomised to receive a high‐dose regimen (80 mg bolus, followed by pantoprazole 8 mg/h infusion, n = 100) or a standard‐dose regimen (pantoprazole 40 mg bolus daily, n = 101). After 72 h, all patients were given 40 mg pantoprazole daily orally for 27 days.
Results
There were no statistical differences in mean units of blood transfused, length of hospitalisation ≦5 days, surgical or radiological interventions and mortality within 30 days between two groups. Bleeding recurred within 30 days in six patients 6.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–11.1% in the high‐dose group, as compared to five patients (5.2%, 95% CI 0.6–9.7%) in the standard‐dose group (P = 0.77). The stepwise Cox regression analysis showed end‐stage renal disease, haematemesis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio: 37.15, 10.07, 9.12, 95% CI: 6.76–204.14, 2.07–49.01, 1.66–50.00 respectively) were independent risk factors for rebleeding and Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with lower risk of rebleeding (hazard ratio: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.04–0.94).
Conclusions
Following combined endoscopic haemostasis of bleeding ulcers, co‐morbidities, haematemesis and H. pylori Status, but not PPI dosage, are associated with rebleeding (http://www.Clinical Trials.gov.ID: NCT00709046).
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and purpose:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), a new class of anti‐cancer agents, have recently been reported to exhibit ...potent anti‐inflammatory activities. A proof of concept study was carried out with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) and MS‐275, two HDACi currently undergoing clinical investigations for various oncological indications.
Experimental approach:
The anti‐rheumatic effects of SAHA and MS‐275 were assessed in both mouse and rat collagen induced arthritis (CIA) models.
Key results:
SAHA exhibited moderate prophylactic efficacy. It attenuated paw swelling due to inflammation, decreased bone erosion in both mice and rats and reduced slightly the RA‐induced bone resorption in rats. However, SAHA could not inhibit the onset of arthritis. In contrast, MS‐275 displayed dramatic anti‐rheumatic activities. In prophylactic intervention, high doses of MS‐275 prevented bone erosion and markedly delayed the onset of arthritis; at low doses, MS‐275 strongly attenuated paw swelling, bone erosion, and bone resorption associated with RA. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of MS‐275 was also documented. After the onset of arthritis, it could stop the disease progression and joint destruction. An anti inflammatory effect of MS‐275 was also confirmed through its capacity to decrease serum IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels in the CIA induced mouse model. The anti‐rheumatic activity of MS‐275 was also confirmed through histological observation. No synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, cartilage or bone destruction were observed in the high dose prophylactic intervention in mice.
Conclusion and implication:
This study strongly supported HDACi as an innovative therapeutic strategy for RA.
British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 862–872. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707165
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BFBNIB, DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Summary
Background
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by mutations in TSC1 and TSC2, leading to mammalian target of rapamycin hyperactivation. Patients with TSC develop hamartomas in brain, ...lungs, liver and skin. Two epidemiological studies, performed in Minnesota, U.S.A., have estimated the incidence of TSC to be 0·28–0·56 per 100 000 person‐years (PY), based on < 12 patients. Furthermore, whether common comorbidities are associated with this rare disease is not known.
Objectives
To estimate the incidence of TSC and investigate the associations of TSC with other comorbidities, including diabetes, peptic ulcers, stroke and myocardial infarction.
Methods
We estimated the incidence and prevalence of TSC and its comorbidities from 1997 to 2010, based on the Catastrophic Illness Certificate disease database and a beneficiary cohort of 1 million people.
Results
The incidence of TSC in Taiwan is 0·153 per 100 000 PY. The number of patients identified with TSC in Taiwan doubled from 206 in 2006 to 471 in 2010. In 2010, the prevalence of TSC in Taiwan was estimated to be 1·58 in 100 000. We confirmed that female patients with TSC are more likely to develop renal tumours than male patients. Surprisingly, patients with TSC have a significantly decreased risk of developing peptic ulcers compared with controls.
Conclusions
This is the first large‐scale and longitudinal incidence study of TSC. This study provides compelling evidence that TSC mutations in humans are associated with a decreased risk of peptic ulcers.
What's already known about this topic?
Patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) develop systemic hamartomas with significant psychosocial burdens.
Two small epidemiological studies have estimated the incidence of TSC to be 0·28–0·56 per 100 000 person‐years (PY) in the U.S.A.
What does this study add?
This 14‐year‐long longitudinal study estimated the incidence of TSC in Taiwan to be 0·153 per 100 000 PY.
The prevalence of TSC in 2010 in Taiwan was 1·58 in 100 000.
A significantly lower risk of peptic ulcer is found in patients with TSC compared with healthy controls.
Linked Comment: Morrison and Donnelly. Br J Dermatol 2016; 174: 1184–1185.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Fracture liaison services (FLS) have been demonstrated to improve outcomes following osteoporotic fracture. The aim of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to determine the characteristics of ...an FLS that lead to improved patient outcomes. We conducted a SLR, including articles published between 2000 and February 2017, using global (Medline, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library) and local databases. Studies including patients aged ≥ 50 years with osteoporotic fractures enrolled in an FLS were assessed. Information extracted from each article included key person coordinating the FLS (physician, nurse or other healthcare professional), setting (hospital vs community), intensity (single vs multiple), duration (long vs short term), fracture type and gender. A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was conducted based on the key person coordinating the FLS. Out of 7236 articles, 57 were considered to be high quality and identified for further analysis. The SLR identified several components which contributed to FLS success, including multidisciplinary involvement, driven by a dedicated case manager, regular assessment and follow-up, multifaceted interventions and patient education. Meta-analytic data confirm the effectiveness of an FLS following an osteoporotic fracture: approximate 27% increase in the likelihood of BMD testing and up to 21% increase in the likelihood of treatment initiation compared with usual care. The balance of evidence indicates that the multifaceted FLS and dedicated coordination are important success factors that contribute to effective FLS interventions which reduce fracture-related morbidity and mortality.
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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
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant post-arthroplasty complication for diabetic patients, with uncontrolled diabetes identified as a PJI risk factor. Taiwan's Diabetes Shared Care ...Program (DSCP) was established for holistic diabetes care.
To evaluate the DSCP's impact on PJI incidence and patients' medical costs.
Data were analysed from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database from 2010 to 2020, focusing on type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients who had undergone arthroplasty. The study group involved DSCP participants, while a comparison group comprised non-participants with matched propensity scores for age, sex, and comorbidities. The primary outcome was the PJI incidence difference between the groups; the secondary outcome was the medical expense difference.
The study group consisted of 11,908 type 2 DM patients who had arthroplasty and joined the DSCP; PJI occurred in 128 patients. Among non-participants, 184 patients had PJI. The PJI incidence difference between the groups was statistically significant (1.07% vs 1.55%). The study group's medical costs were notably lower, regardless of PJI incidence. Multivariate regression showed higher PJI risk in patients in comparison group, aged >70 years, male, or who had obesity, anaemia.
The study indicates that DSCP involvement reduces PJI risks and decreases annual medical costs for diabetic patients after arthroplasty. Consequently, the DSCP is a recommendable option for such patients who are preparing for total joint arthroplasty.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP