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Enhanced carbon sequestration of biological phenol degradation using wastewater-originated microalgae-bacteria coculture system
No full textThis study explores the phenol removal efficiencies (PREs) of microalgal-bacterial co-culture (MBC) systems under varying light intensities and gas-tight conditions. MBC systems inoculated with microbial seeds cultured from modified anaerobic digestion effluent or Bristol medium showed enhanced PRE, which was attributed to O2 production from photosynthesis. At 800 lx, the MBC systems achieved a PRE of 90.2 %, which decreased to 64.6 % at 3,000 lx owing to the inhibition of bacterial activity. In comparison, pure Pseudomonas putida cultures exhibited only 43.6 % degradation. MBC systems have also demonstrated phenol degradation under O2-free conditions, reducing CODt/COD0 to 16.4 % and showing potential for energy-efficient wastewater treatment. Revised stoichiometric analyses indicated greater carbon sequestration, with an O2 demand of 5.48 mol and CO2 production of 0.08 mol per mol of phenol degraded. The genus Parachlorella exhibited the highest dominance among the microalgae owing to its resistance to phenol toxicity. In contrast, the dominance of Acinetobacter, Methylophilus, and Methylobacterium, and uncultured Moraxellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae families varied significantly depending on the light intensity and characteristics of the inoculated consortia
A Systematic Review of Experimental Research on Public Service Motivation
No full textExperimental research has been increasingly recognized as the gold standard for causal inference. However, despite the call for the adoption of experimental approaches to the study of public service motivation (PSM) - one of the most researched topics in the field of public administration - we find that the number of such studies is small in this first-ever review of systematic assessment of experimental research on PSM. Reviewing the universe of such experimental studies - 41 in total - by their topic and type, first, we find that they are concentrated on the analysis of the efforts of PSM and in survey experiments by type. Second, while many studies confirm that PSM positively influences various outcomes, they also show that other intrinsic and extrinsic motivations often outperformed PSM. Third, while acknowledging that methodologically, the randomization of treatment has been well adopted in recent years, we highlight some key recommendations for further improvements regarding the type of experiment, sample characteristics, measurement, and treatment sequences based on our review
Computed tomography-based vascular burden index as a predictor of vascular resection and pathological vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy
No full textBackground: Determination of vessel resection in patients with pancreatectomy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. The recently introduced computed tomography-based vascular burden index presents a potential solution to this challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the model performance for the prediction of vascular resection and pathological invasion.
Methods: Patients who underwent surgery after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Two independent reviewers measured the vascular tumour burden index around the adjacent artery (AVBI), and vein (VVBI). The area under the curve was compared to assess the predictive capacity of vascular burden index values and their changes for vascular resection and pathological vascular invasion.
Results: Among 252 patients, 179 and 73 had borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer, respectively. Concurrent vessel resection and pathological vascular invasion were observed in 121 (48.0 %) and 42 (16.6 %) patients, respectively. In all patients, the VVBI (area under the curve: 0.872) and AVBI (0.911) after neo-adjuvant therapy significantly predicted vessel resection. In patients with vascular resection, the VVBI after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (0.752) and delta value of the AVBI (0.706) demonstrated better performance for predicting pathological invasion of the resected vein. The regression of the AVBI and VVBI was an independent prognostic factor for survival (hazard ratio: 0.54, 95 % confidence interval: 0.34-0.85; P = 0.009) CONCLUSIONS: Regressed VVBI on serial computed tomography scans is useful for predicting vein resection and pathological venous invasion before surgery. The delta value of the AVBI may therefore be helpful for predicting pathological arterial invasion after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy
Survival pattern in male breast cancer: distinct from female breast cancer
No full textIntroduction: Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare condition, and recent research has underscored notable distinctions between MBC and breast cancer in women. This study aimed to assess and contrast the long-term survival outcomes and disease patterns of MBC patients with those of their female counterparts.
Methods: We analyzed data from 113,845 patients diagnosed with breast cancer who had undergone curative surgery from the Korean Breast Cancer Registry (KBCR) between January 1990 and August 2014 in Seoul, Korea. The five-year overall survival was analyzed according to clinicopathological characteristics.
Results: Among 113,845 patients with breast cancer, 473 MBC cases were included. The median duration of follow-up was 72 months. The median age at diagnosis was 60 and 48 years for MBC and female breast cancer, respectively. Most male patients (92.6%) underwent total mastectomy, while 50.4% of female patients underwent breast-conserving surgery. Among MBC, 63.2% received chemotherapy, and 83.9% of hormone receptor-positive male patients received endocrine therapy. In survival analysis, MBC demonstrated distinct 5-year overall survival patterns compared with female breast cancer, according to age at diagnosis. In women with breast cancer, the younger age group (≤40 years) demonstrated worse 5-year overall survival than did the older age group (>40 years) (91.3% vs 92.7%, p 40 years) (97.4% vs 86.4%, p <0.05).
Discussion: In conclusion within this extensive cohort, we have revealed unique survival patterns in MBC that diverge from those observed in women with breast cancer. This study enhances our comprehension of MBC prognosis and can potentially shed light on unresolved questions, paving the way for future research in the realm of MBC
Retrospective comparison of first-line treatments for odontogenic sinusitis based on duration of symptoms
No full textObjectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of dental treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), each primary/combined treatment modality, in patients with odontogenic sinusitis (ODS), according to its phase, acute or chronic.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data on 172 patients diagnosed with ODS. They were divided into two groups: acute (≤ 3 months; 90 patients) and chronic (> 3 months; 82 patients) ODS. The success rate and time to resolution of each primary/combined treatment modality were compared between the two groups.
Results: In both ODS groups, the success rate was highest with combined ESS and dental therapy, followed by ESS alone and dental therapy alone. ESS outperformed dental therapy (96.6% vs 65.5% for acute ODS, p = 0.011; 80.6% vs 56.5% for chronic ODS, p = 0.046) and led to quicker resolution of symptoms for acute ODS than dental therapy (0.9 vs 1.7 months, p = 0.012). In the comparison between ESS alone and combined therapy, no significant difference was observed for acute ODS, whereas combined therapy demonstrated a superior success rate for chronic ODS (100% vs 80.6%, p = 0.046).
Conclusions: In our study, the clinical utility of dental treatment and/or ESS depended on the morbidity period of ODS. For chronic ODS, combined ESS and dental treatment seems to be an effective first-line treatment
α-Synuclein seed amplification assay detects Lewy body co-pathology in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease late in the disease course and dependent on Lewy pathology burden
No full textIntroduction: Amyloid beta and tau pathology are the hallmarks of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) and autosomal dominant AD (ADAD). However, Lewy body pathology (LBP) is found in ≈ 50% of AD and ADAD brains.
Methods: Using an α-synuclein seed amplification assay (SAA) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from asymptomatic (n = 26) and symptomatic (n = 27) ADAD mutation carriers, including 12 with known neuropathology, we investigated the timing of occurrence and prevalence of SAA positive reactivity in ADAD in vivo.
Results: No asymptomatic participant and only 11% (3/27) of the symptomatic patients tested SAA positive. Neuropathology revealed LBP in 10/12 cases, primarily affecting the amygdala or the olfactory areas. In the latter group, only the individual with diffuse LBP reaching the neocortex showed α-synuclein seeding activity in CSF in vivo.
Discussion: Results suggest that in ADAD LBP occurs later than AD pathology and often as amygdala- or olfactory-predominant LBP, for which CSF α-synuclein SAA has low sensitivity.
Highlights: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) detects misfolded α-synuclein in ≈ 10% of symptomatic autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease (ADAD) patients. CSF RT-QuIC does not detect α-synuclein seeding activity in asymptomatic mutation carriers. Lewy body pathology (LBP) in ADAD mainly occurs as olfactory only or amygdala-predominant variants. LBP develops late in the disease course in ADAD. CSF α-synuclein RT-QuIC has low sensitivity for focal, low-burden LBP
Photocatalytic self-cleaning eco-friendly paint: A unique approach for efficient indoor air pollutant removal and surface disinfection
No full textImproving of air quality, particularly the removal of indoor-air pollutants with direct environmental and health implications, remains a significant challenge in modern society. We, herein, present a novel approach using photocatalytic eco-friendly paint to effectively eliminate indoor air pollutants and disinfect surfaces. Ultra Small Porous Nitrogen-doped Titanium dioxide (USPNT), which has been successfully incorporated into the paint by different coating techniques. The UPSNT photocatalyst was synthesized via probe sonication coupled sol-gel technique, resulting in anatase phase with a high surface area of 83 m²/g. The efficiency of the UPSNT-coated paint in removing air pollutant like p-xylene under simulated indoor illumination is considered. In additional, it showed the capability to disinfect pathogens like E. coli, remove surface dirt, such as organic dyes, confirming its self-cleaning properties. This will lead to develop a direct eco-friendly paint by formulating USPNT directly with suitable binders promotes the durability of indoor and outdoor air quality as well as reducing “sick building syndrome’’
Does body mass index affect outcomes following arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction using fascia lata autograft for massive irreparable rotator cuff tear?
No full textPurpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increased body mass index (BMI) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and clinically significant outcomes (CSOs) obtained > two years postoperatively following arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR).
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent ASCR with a minimum two year follow-up. All patients were divided into normal (BMI < 25.0), overweight (BMI 25-30.0), and obese (BMI ≥ 30) according to preoperative BMI. Patients were assessed using the PROs preoperatively and at six months, one year, and two years postoperatively, including the visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Constant-Murley scores. The time required to achieve each CSO was analyzed and compared. Multivariate analyses evaluated the predictor variables and time required to achieve CSOs.
Results: This study included 63 patients with a mean age of 64.8 ± 8.6 years, including 31 normal BMI, 25 overweight, and seven obese patients. Significant improvements in VAS and ASES scores after ASCR were observed in all three groups. Normal and overweight patients had significant improvements in the Constant score; however, no difference was observed in obese patients. No significant difference was observed in the probability distributions of CSOs between the BMI groups. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the probability distributions of the CSOs, ASES, and Constant scores at each time point, among the BMI groups.
Conclusion: Patients in the normal and overweight groups had significant improvements in the VAS, ASES, and Constant scores after ASCR. Patients in the obese group had a significant improvement in VAS score; however, there is no difference for the ASES and Constant scores in the obese group. However, no differences were observed in all PROMs and the likelihood of achieving CSOs among the different BMI groups
Evaluation of the accuracy of an augmented reality-based tumor-targeting guide for breast-conserving surgery
No full textBackground and Objectives
Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used for breast tumor detection, significant challenges remain in determining and presenting the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of tumors to guide breast-conserving surgery. To address this challenge, we have developed the augmented reality-breast surgery guide (AR-BSG) and compared its performance with that of a traditional 3D-printed breast surgical guide (3DP-BSG).
Methods
Based on the MRI results of a breast cancer patient, a breast phantom made of skin, body, and tumor was fabricated through 3D printing and silicone-casting. AR-BSG and 3DP-BSG were executed using surgical plans based on the breast phantom's computed tomography scan images. Three operators independently inserted a catheter into the phantom using each guide. Their targeting accuracy was then evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis with limits of agreement (LoA). Differences between the users of each guide were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Results
The entry and end point errors associated with AR-BSG were -0.34±0.68 mm (LoA: -1.71-1.01 mm) and 0.81±1.88 mm (LoA: -4.60-3.00 mm), respectively, whereas 3DP-BSG was associated with entry and end point errors of -0.28±0.70 mm (LoA: -1.69-1.11 mm) and -0.62±1.24 mm (LoA: -3.00-1.80 mm), respectively. The AR-BSG's entry and end point ICC values were 0.99 and 0.97, respectively, whereas 3DP-BSG was associated with entry and end point ICC values of 0.99 and 0.99, respectively.
Conclusions
AR-BSG can consistently and accurately localize tumor margins for surgeons without inferior guiding accuracy AR-BSG can consistently and accurately localize tumor margins for surgeons without inferior guiding accuracy compared to 3DP-BSG. Additionally, when compared with 3DP-BSG, AR-BSG can offer better spatial perception and visualization, lower costs, and a shorter setup time
Fine particulate matter aggravates smoking induced lung injury via NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway in COPD
No full textBackground: Exposure to noxious particles, including cigarette smoke and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), is a risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and promotes inflammation and cell death in the lungs. We investigated the combined effects of cigarette smoking and PM2.5 exposure in patients with COPD, mice, and human bronchial epithelial cells.
Methods: The relationship between PM2.5 exposure and clinical parameters was investigated in patients with COPD based on smoking status. Alveolar destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were monitored in the smoking-exposed emphysema mouse model. To investigate the mechanisms, cell viability and death and pyroptosis-related changes in BEAS-2B cells were assessed following the exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and PM2.5.
Results: High levels of ambient PM2.5 were more strongly associated with high Saint George's respiratory questionnaire specific for COPD (SGRQ-C) scores in currently smoking patients with COPD. Combined exposure to cigarette smoke and PM2.5 increased mean linear intercept and TUNEL-positive cells in lung tissue, which was associated with increased inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine release in mice. Exposure to a combination of CSE and PM2.5 reduced cell viability and upregulated NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 transcription in BEAS-2B cells. NLRP3 silencing with siRNA reduced pyroptosis and restored cell viability.
Conclusions: PM2.5 aggravates smoking-induced airway inflammation and cell death via pyroptosis. Clinically, PM2.5 deteriorates quality of life and may worsen prognosis in currently smoking patients with COPD