Enterococcus faecalis LTA could upregulate the expression of RANKL and OPG at different rates, suggesting a potential role for LTA in the bone resorption process of refractory apical periodontitis through the regulation of RANKL and OPG. In addition, IRAK1/4 and p38MAPK signalling involving RANKL/OPG may contribute to inflammatory responses from PDL cells.

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The importance of radiology in evaluating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well recognized. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures and pulmonary function in smokers and patients with COPD. Methods: The clinical data of 27 non-obstructive eversmokers without airflow obstruction and 204 patients with COPD were analyzed. The 204 patients with COPD were classified into subgroups 1 to 4 as per the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2019. QCT measures included PRM fSAD (defined as percentage of voxels above -950 HU on inspiratory CT scans and below -856 HU on expiratory scans, reflecting the percentage of functional small airway disease using paired-CT based technique parametric respond mapping, PRM), PRM Emph (defined as percentage of voxels below -950 HU on inspiratory CT scans and below -856 HU on expiratory scans, reflecting the percentage of emphysema), Perc 15 (the cut-off threshold in HU of the lowest 15% voxels among all voxels distributed in the lung) and Pi10 (the square root of the wall area of a hypothetical bronchus with an inner perimeter of 10 mm). The multiple comparison of QCT measures among the five groups were tested using one-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni-corrected significance level. Multivariate regression model was built to analyze the correlation of the four QCT measures to FEV1%predicted, adjusted for age, sex, smoking pack-year and body mass index. Results: Among the 231 participants, PRM fSAD , PRM Emph and Perc 15 significantly changed as FEV1%predicted decreased, while Pi10 did not significantly increased (Figure). In multivariate regression model, both PRM fSAD (β = -0.70; 95% CI -0.87 to -0.54; p < 0.001) and PRM Emph (β = -0.95; 95% CI -1.28 to -0.61; p < 0.001) were associated with FEV1%predicted, while Perc 15 (β = 0.01; 95% CI -0.16 to 0.19; p = 0.760) or Pi10 (β = -0.61; 95% CI -4.52 to 3.30; p = 0.760) was not. Conclusion: PRM fSAD and PRM Emph have stronger association with FEV1%predicted than Perc 15 or Pi10 in non-obstructive smokers and patients with COPD, therefore may be better in evaluating the change of lung function in these population.

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most frequent unfavorable side effects. CIPN refers to the loss of peripheral nerve function that certain types of chemotherapy can cause. Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of cryotherapy in preventing CIPN and its effect on the quality of life (QoL) during chemotherapy. Methods: Eligible participants are cancer patients who began therapy with carboplatin, docetaxel, or paclitaxel in the Breast Oncology Unit between May 2022 and October 2022. Patients were distributed into intervention groups that utilized cryotherapy with ice gloves and ice boots and control groups that did not receive cryotherapy. Patient self-report questionnaires were used to quantify patients’ symptoms and QoL after treatment. Results: The intervention group exhibited significantly less cold sensitivity, hand and foot numbness, and hand tingling than the control group. Daily CIPN symptoms were substantially milder in the intervention group. Before and after treatment, nerve pain, balance, and muscle and joint discomfort were similar. Intervention and control groups have varied neurotoxicity adverse reaction scores. 2.4% of controls had grade 4 motor neurotoxicity impairment. Physical function and QoL improved in the intervention group. Conclusions: Cryotherapy relieves CIPN symptoms in breast cancer patients receiving carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy. More thorough trials should be carried out to determine the best time limit and duration of cryotherapy.