bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tilapia fish waste: An asset for tissue engineering – A review
Authors: Mundra Shalini , Shetty Preetha J. , Shetty Neetha J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Fisheries and aquaculture output have exploded due to an alarming increase in consumption due to the global understanding of the nutritional advantages of fish. Inadvertently, the methods produce a massive amount of fish waste, posing a serious environmental threat. Recycling this waste has now become a major point of controversy that must be resolved. It is critical to emphasize the utility of discarded marine by-products for the creation of high-value commodities such as marine collagen (MC), which can be considered a sustainable solution. Because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, safety, minimal immunogenicity, and low production costs, MC has various benefits over terrestrial collagen. Many academics have recently become interested in the use of MC as a scaffold. This review focuses on the intriguing contribution of MC in the production of MC-based scaffolds.
Clinical efficacy of 1% metformin gel around conventionally placed dental implants: A 9-month follow-up study
Authors: Krishnakumar Govardhani , Koppu Sitamahalakshmi , Dev Jampani Narendra , Songa Vajra Madhuri , Buggapati Lahari , Mandrachalam Radhika 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of bone volume, density, and crestal bone levels in conventionally placed dental implants with and without local application of 1% metformin (MF) gel using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) at 9 months.

Materials and Methods:
Twenty implants were placed in 18 individuals, randomly divided into 2 groups where Group A received a local application of 1% MF gel along with implant placement. In contrast, Group B received implant placement alone. After thorough clinical examination and preoperative CBCTs, implants were placed under aseptic conditions. Patients were recalled at 3 and 9 months after surgery. Implants were functionally loaded by the end of 3rd month. Soft-tissue parameters such as modified plaque index and modified sulcular bleeding index were recorded along with CBCT evaluation to assess the crestal bone loss, bone density measurement, and bone volume, postoperatively. Fisher’s extract test, independent and paired t-test, and Bonferroni analysis were used to determine statistical significance with P ≤ 0.05.

Results:
There was no discernible difference between the groups regarding soft-tissue parameters, bone density, and crestal bone levels. However, comparing bone volume between the test and control groups at 9 months was statistically significant. The test group with 1% MF gel showed increased bone volume around the implant.

Conclusion:
The data obtained were strong enough to suggest that 1% MF gel administered locally can increase peri-implant bone volume, possibly due to its additional property favoring osteoblastic stimulation and proliferation.
Alterations in macrophage polarization play a key role in control and development of periodontal diseases
Authors: Sloniak Mariane Cristina , Lepique Ana Paula , Nakao Laís Yumi Souza , Villar Cristina Cunha 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by complex interplays between a dysbiotic oral microbiome and a dysregulated host inflammatory response that results in the destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus. Among the inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, macrophages are recruited early on to sites of periodontal infection. These cells can polarize in different phenotypes that mediate the initiation and resolution of inflammatory responses, as well as in tissue healing. Macrophage phenotypic plasticity is thought to play a critical role in the induction and resolution of inflammation and may be compromised in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we reviewed the role of macrophage polarization in periodontal disease and therapy.
Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after surgical treatment and effect of ursodeoxycholic acid intervention
Authors: Yuan Wei-Hong , Zhang Zheng , Pan Qi , Mao Bo-Neng , Yuan Tao 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an accurate diagnostic method for choledocholithiasis and treatment option for stone removal. Additionally, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can dissolve cholesterol stones and prevent their development and reappearance by lowering the cholesterol concentration in bile. Despite these treatment options, there are still patients who experience stone recurrence.
AIM
To analyze the risk factors for choledocholithiasis recurrence after ERCP retrograde cholangiopancreatography and the effect of UDCA intervention.
METHODS
The clinical data of 100 patients with choledochal stones who were hospitalized at the Yixing People’s Hospital and underwent ERCP for successful stone extraction between June 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. According to the post-ERCP treatment plan, 100 patients were classified into UDCA (n = 47) and control (n = 53) groups. We aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and rate of relapse in the two patient populations. We then collected information (basic demographic data, clinical characteristics, and serum biochemical indicators) and determined the factors contributing to relapse using logistic regression analysis. Our secondary goal was to determine the effects of UDCA on liver function after ERCP.
RESULTS
Compared to the control group, the UDCA group demonstrated a higher clinical effectiveness rate of 92.45% vs 78.72% (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in liver function indices, including total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase, between the two groups before treatment. After treatment, all liver function indices were significantly reduced. Comparing the control vs UDCA groups, the UDCA group exhibited significantly lower levels of all indices (55.39 ± 6.53 vs 77.31 ± 8.52, 32.10 ± 4.62 vs 45.39 ± 5.69, 142.32 ± 14.21 vs 189.63 ± 16.87, 112.52 ± 14.25 vs 149.36 ± 15.36, 122.61 ± 16.00 vs 171.33 ± 22.09, 96.98 ± 10.44 vs 121.35 ± 11.57, respectively, all P < 0.05). The stone recurrence rate was lower in the UDCA group (13.21%) in contrast with the control group (44.68%). Periampullary diverticula (OR: 6.00, 95%CI: 1.69-21.30), maximum stone diameter (OR: 1.69, 95%CI: 1.01-2.85), stone quantity >3 (OR: 4.23, 95%CI: 1.17-15.26), and positive bile culture (OR: 7.61, 95%CI: 2.07-27.91) were independent factors that influenced the relapse of common bile duct stones after ERCP (P < 0.05). Furthermore, postoperative UDCA was identified as a preventive factor (OR: 0.07; 95%CI: 0.08-0.09).
CONCLUSION
The intervention effect of UDCA after ERCP for common bile duct stones is adequate, providing new research directions and references for the prevention and treatment of stone recurrence.
Clinical effect of laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer based on propensity score matching
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Xian-Xue , Li Yu-Lin , He Wen-Tao , Li Hong , Chen Hua 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing annually. Laparoscopic radical resection of CRC is a minimally invasive procedure preferred in clinical practice.
AIM
To investigate the clinical effect of laparoscopic radical resection of CRC on the basis of propensity score matching (PSM).
METHODS
The clinical data of 100 patients who received inpatient treatment for CRC at Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (The First People’s Hospital of Changde City) were analyzed retrospectively. The control group included patients who underwent open surgery (n = 43), and those who underwent laparoscopic surgery formed the observation group (n = 57). The baseline information of both groups was equipoised using 1 × 1 PSM. Differences in the perioperative parameters, inflammatory response, immune function, degree of pain, and physical status between the groups were analyzed.
RESULTS
Thirty patients from both groups were successfully matched. After PSM, baseline data showed no statistically significant differences between the groups: (1) Perioperative parameters: The observation group had a longer surgery time, less intraoperative blood loss, earlier first ambulation and first anal exhaust times, and shorter gastric tube indwelling time than the control group; (2) Inflammatory response: 24 h after surgery, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) between groups were higher than preoperatively. IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α levels in the observation group were lower than in the control group; (3) Immune function: At 24 h after surgery, counts of CD4-positive T-lymphocytes (CD4+) and CD4+/CD8-positive T-lymphocytes (CD8+) in both groups were lower than those before surgery, whereas CD8+ was higher than that before surgery. At 24 h after surgery, both CD4+ counts and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, whereas CD8+ counts were lower; (4) Degree of pain: The visual analog scale scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 24 and 72 h after surgery; and (5) Physical status: One month after surgery, the Karnofsky performance score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Laparoscopic radical resection of CRC has significant benefits, such as reducing postoperative pain and postoperative inflammatory response, avoiding excessive immune inhibition, and contributing to postoperative recovery.
Paravertebral block's effect on analgesia and inflammation in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation
Authors: Xiong Ying-Fen , Wei Ben-Zhong , Wang Yu-Feng , Li Xiao-Feng , Liu Cong 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis. However, it may cause severe postoperative pain and inflammatory responses. The paravertebral block (PVB) is a regional anesthetic technique that provides analgesia to the thoracic and abdominal regions.
AIM
To evaluate the effect of PVB on postoperative analgesia and inflammatory response in patients undergoing TACE combined with MWA for advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.
METHODS
Sixty patients were randomly divided into PVB and control groups. The PVB group received ultrasound-guided PVB with 0.375% ropivacaine preoperatively, whereas the control group received intravenous analgesia with sufentanil. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the dose of sufentanil used, incidence of adverse events, and levels of inflammatory markers (white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) before and after the procedure.
RESULTS
The PVB group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the procedure compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The PVB group also had a significantly lower consumption of sufentanil and a lower incidence of nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression than did the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the PVB group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers 24 h and 48 h after the procedure (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
PVB can effectively reduce postoperative pain and inflammatory responses and improve postoperative comfort and recovery in patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis treated with TACE combined with MWA.
Added value of ratio of cross diameters of the appendix in ultrasound diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Gu Feng-Wa , Wu Si-Ze 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
The maximum outer diameter (MOD) of the appendix is an essential parameter for diagnosing acute appendicitis, but there is space for improvement in ultrasound (US) diagnostic performance.
AIM
To investigate whether combining the ratio of the cross diameters (RATIO) of the appendix with MOD of the appendix can enhance the diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted, and medical records of 233 patients with acute appendicitis and 112 patients with a normal appendix were reviewed. The MOD and RATIO of the appendix were calculated and tested for their diagnostic performance of acute appendicitis, both individually and in combination.
RESULTS
The RATIO for a normal appendix was 1.32 ± 0.16, while for acute appendicitis it was 1.09 ± 0.07. The cut-off value for RATIO was determined to be ≤ 1.18. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for diagnosing acute appendicitis using RATIO ≤ 1.18 and MOD > 6 mm was 0.870 and 0.652, respectively. There was a significant difference in AUC between RATIO ≤ 1.18 and MOD > 6 mm (P < 0.0001). When comparing the combination of RATIO ≤ 1.18 and MOD > 6 mm with MOD > 6 mm alone, the combination showed increased specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and AUC. However, the sensitivity and negative predictive value decreased.
CONCLUSION
Combining RATIO of the appendix ≤ 1.18 and MOD > 6 mm can significantly improve the specificity, PPV, and AUC in the US diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Role of Oncostatin M in the prognosis of inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Yue , Fu Kan-Zuo , Pan Gu 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Oncostatin M (OSM) is a pleiotropic cytokine which is implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
AIM
To evaluate the prognostic role of OSM in IBD patients.
METHODS
Literature search was conducted in electronic databases (Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Wiley). Studies were selected if they reported prognostic information about OSM in IBD patients. Outcome data were synthesized, and meta-analyses were performed to estimate standardized mean differences (SMDs) in OSM levels between treatment responders and non-responders and to seek overall correlations of OSM with other inflammatory biomarkers.
RESULTS
Sixteen studies (818 Crohn’s disease and 686 ulcerative colitis patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor-based therapies) were included. OSM levels were associated with IBD severity. A meta-analysis found significantly higher OSM levels in non-responders than in responders to therapy [SMD 0.80 (0.33, 1.27); P = 0.001], in non-remitters than in remitters [SMD 0.75 (95%CI: 0.35 to 1.16); P < 0.0001] and in patients with no mucosal healing than in those with mucosal healing [SMD 0.63 (0.30, 0.95); P < 0.0001]. Area under receiver operator curve values showed considerable variability between studies but in general higher OSM levels were associated with poor prognosis. OSM had significant correlations with Simple Endoscopic Score of Crohn’s disease [r = 0.47 (95%CI: 0.25 to 0.64); P < 0.0001], Mayo Endoscopic Score [r = 0.35 (95%CI: 0.28 to 0.41); P < 0.0001], fecal calprotectin [r = 0.19 (95%CI: 0.08 to 0.3); P = 0.001], C-reactive protein [r = 0.25 (95%CI: 0.11 to 0.39); P < 0.0001], and platelet count [r = 0.28 (95%CI: 0.17 to 0.39); P < 0.0001].
CONCLUSION
OSM is a potential candidate for determining the severity of disease and predicting the outcomes of anti-tumor necrosis factor-based therapies in IBD patients.
Endoscopic treatment of extreme esophageal stenosis complicated with esophagotracheal fistula: A case report
Authors: Fang Jia-Heng , Li Wei-Min , He Cheng-Hai , Wu Jian-Liang , Guo Yun , Lai Zhi-Chao , Li Guo-Dong 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
At present, there is no unified and effective treatment for extreme corrosive esophageal stenosis (CES) with esophagotracheal fistula (ETF). This case had extreme and severe esophageal stenosis (ES) and ETF after ingesting an enzyme-based chemical detergent, resulting in a serious pulmonary infection and severe malnutrition. Upper gastrointestinal imaging showed that he had an ETF, and endoscopy showed that he had extreme and severe esophageal stricture. This case was complex and difficult to treat. According to the domestic and foreign literature, there is no universal treatment that is low-risk.
CASE SUMMARY
A patient came to our hospital with extreme ES, an ETF, and severe malnutrition complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis 1 mo after the consumption of an enzyme-based detergent. The ES was serious, and the endoscope was unable to pass through the esophagus. We treated him by endoscopic incision method (EIM), esophageal stent placement (ESP), and endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) by using the bronchoscope and gastroscope. This treatment not only closed the ETF, but also expanded the esophagus, with minimal trauma, greatly reducing the pain of the patient. According to the literature, there are no similar reported cases.
CONCLUSION
We report, for the first time, a patient with extreme CES complicated with ETF, where the endoscope could not be passed through his esophagus but he could be examined by bronchoscopy and treated by EIM, ESP, and EBD.
Computerized tomography-guided therapeutic percutaneous puncture catheter drainage-combined with somatostatin for severe acute pancreatitis: An analysis of efficacy and safety
Authors: Zheng Xue-Lan , Li Wan-Ling , Lin Yan-Ping , Huang Ting-Long 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), a condition with rapid onset, critical condition and unsatisfactory prognosis, poses a certain threat to human health, warranting optimization of relevant treatment plans to improve treatment efficacy.
AIM
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of computerized tomography-guided therapeutic percutaneous puncture catheter drainage (CT-TPPCD) combined with somatostatin (SS) in the treatment of SAP.
METHODS
Forty-two SAP patients admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected. On the basis of routine treatment, 20 patients received SS therapy (control group) and 22 patients were given CT-TPPCD plus SS intervention (research group). The efficacy, safety (pancreatic fistula, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, sepsis, and organ dysfunction syndrome), abdominal bloating and pain relief time, bowel recovery time, hospital stay, inflammatory indicators (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and procalcitonin), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score of both groups were evaluated for comparison.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the research group had a markedly higher total effective rate, faster abdominal bloating and pain relief and bowel recovery, shorter hospital length of stay, fewer complications, and lower posttreatment inflammatory indices and APACHE-II scores.
CONCLUSION
CT-TPPCD in combination with SS is effective for SAP patients, which can reduce complications, accelerate symptom resolution, inhibit inflammation, and improve patient condition, with promising prospects for clinical promotion.
Post-operative morbidity after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and resection for gallbladder cancer: A national surgical quality improvement program analysis
Authors: Kim Minha , Stroever Stephanie , Aploks Krist , Ostapenko Alexander , Dong Xiang Da , Seshadri Ramanathan 
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND
Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the biliary tract. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has improved overall survival by enabling R0 resection. Currently, there is no consensus of guidelines for neoadjuvant therapy in gallbladder cancer. As investigations continue to analyze the regimen and benefit of NACT for ongoing care of gallbladder cancer patients, we examined American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to determine if there was higher morbidity among the neoadjuvant group within the 30-day post-operative period. We hypothesized patients who underwent NACT were more likely to have higher post-operative morbidity.
AIM
To investigate the 30-day post-operative morbidity outcomes between patients who received NACT and underwent surgery and patients who only had surgery.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the targeted hepatectomy NSQIP data between 2015 and 2019 was performed to determine if NACT in gallbladder cancer increased the risk for post-operative morbidity (bile leak, infection rate, rate of converting to open surgery, etc. ) compared to the group who only had surgery. To calculate the odds ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes, a crude logistic regression was performed.
RESULTS
Of the 452 patients, 52 patients received NACT prior to surgery. There were no statistically significant differences in the odds of morbidity between the two groups, including bile leak [odds ratio (OR), 0.69; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.16-2.10; P = 0.55], superficial wound infection (OR, 0.58; 95%CI: 0.03-3.02; P = 0.61), and organ space wound infection (OR, 0.63; 95%CI: 0.18-1.63; P = 0.61).
CONCLUSION
There was no significant difference in the risk of 30-day post-operative morbidity between the NACT and surgery group and the surgery only group.
Directions in constructing a body of knowledge in eco-social work education and practice in Uganda: Actions, channels, and implications
Authors: Bhangyi Venesio Bwambale 
Published: January 2024

In recent times, Uganda has witnessed human suffering resulting from the occurrence of environmental disasters thereby placing social work professionals, particularly those in civic organizations at the forefront of responses. As such, this article argues that the country’s largely agrarian welfare system and its pursuit of sustainable social development urgently necessitate reframing social work scholarship with an emphasis on eco-social theory for professionals to gain relevance and preparedness for actions and interventions that address environment linked problems. Through case analysis, the paper presents four recent cases of environmental natural disasters as a persuasion towards building an eco-social work body of knowledge. It then highlights the education and practice actions towards an eco-social work knowledge. The channels through which this action should take place are discussed and the implications of eco-social work thinking on professional social work education and practice are explored. It concludes by proposing a model for eco-social work education and practice that integrates formal public environmental safeguards and indigenous knowledge systems that champion protective and co-dependence approaches in people-environment interfaces.
How to reference using ASWNet style:
Bhangyi, V. B. (2023). Directions in constructing a body of knowledge in eco-social work education and practice in Uganda: Actions, channels, and implications. African Journal of Social Work, 13(2), 70-77. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i2.3
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net