Publications by authors named "Bono L"

How to distribute a set of points uniformly on a spherical surface is a longstanding problem that still lacks a definite answer. In this work, we introduce a physical measure of uniformity based on the distribution of distances between points, as an alternative to commonly adopted measures based on interaction potentials. We then use this new measure of uniformity to characterize several algorithms available in the literature.

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The professional identity of scientists has historically been cultivated to value research over teaching, which can undermine initiatives that aim to reform science education. Course-Based Research Experiences (CRE) and the inclusive Research and Education Communities (iREC) are two successful and impactful reform efforts that integrate research and teaching. The aim of this study is to explicate the professional identity of instructors who implement a CRE within an established iREC and to explore how this identity contributes to the success of these programs.

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Environmental phages infecting PAK, an opportunistic pathogen, were isolated from playa lakes in Lubbock, TX. We present the genome sequence of three lytic bacteriophages. Upon analysis of sequence similarity, we identified the viruses as a part of an unclassified species within the genus in the class.

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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionised the treatment of metastatic NSCLC and have become standard first-line therapy both as monotherapy, for patients with PD-L1 expression ≥50%, and in combination with chemotherapy (CT), regardless of PD-L1 expression. This study used an artificial intelligence technique, the IPDfromKM method, to reconstruct individual patient data from Kaplan-Meier curves of phase III randomised clinical trial results to provide a comparative overview of different first-line chemo-immunotherapy options. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using hazard ratios and restricted mean survival time (RMST).

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  • IgA vasculitis (IgAV) is a pediatric disease characterized by skin and systemic symptoms, and researchers conducted comprehensive studies involving genome, transcriptome, and proteome analyses on a large cohort of IgAV patients and controls to better understand the disease mechanisms.* -
  • Significant associations were found with specific genetic risk factors, including two novel non-HLA loci linked to IgA receptor functioning, which may contribute to disease development through altered immune responses.* -
  • Systems biology approaches helped identify key regulatory networks and master regulators in myeloid cells, along with 21 genetic loci that overlap with IgA nephropathy, suggesting shared pathways in these related conditions.*
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Non-human primates (NHPs) host a variety of helminth and protist parasites that are able to cause infection in humans. Gastrointestinal parasites in NHPs living in two zoological gardens of Northern Italy were studied. An total of 96 faecal pools were collected from 26 groups of NHPs.

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  • - Many adults in the U.S. experience varying levels of dental anxiety, which can negatively affect their dental health and visit frequency.
  • - A study aimed to explore patient perspectives on what triggers their anxiety in dental settings, utilizing interviews with individuals who have moderate dental anxiety.
  • - Key findings highlighted themes like avoidance of appointments and the importance of supportive behaviors, showing that improving trust and comfort between patients and providers can help manage dental anxiety.
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  • Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes painful lesions and this pilot study aimed to see if using a 70% ethanol alcohol hand sanitizer affected the duration, size, pain level, and overall discomfort during outbreaks.
  • The study involved a double-blind randomized controlled trial with 20 participants, using hand sanitizer for the experimental group and mineral oil for the control group, and collected data through examinations, daily journals, and photos.
  • Results indicated no significant differences between the groups in terms of lesion duration, size, pain, or discomfort, suggesting that ethanol hand sanitizer does not effectively manage HSV-1 lesions; further research with a larger sample size is recommended.
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Background: Patients with locally advanced/metastatic urothelial cancer have been conventionally treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Recently, numerous new treatments have been proposed to improve overall survival (OS) and reduce adverse effects, but no direct head-to-head comparisons among these agents are available.

Methods: The treatments evaluated in our analyses included (a) monotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI); (b) combinations of an ICI with chemotherapy; and (c) combinations of an ICI with other drugs.

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The increase in scientific knowledge, oral healthcare, new dental hygiene workforce models, and the latest clinical skills, have elevated the need for doctoral prepared dental hygienists and dental therapists. These oral care providers need to be empowered with advanced preparation in education, research, and leadership. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to present two curricular models for a doctorate of philosophy and a doctorate of oral health practice recognizing that students may have different goals and interests in educational pursuits.

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The relative newness of Post-COVID Conditions (PCC) has revealed a void in assessment protocols and treatment guidelines for dental settings. Providing oral health care practitioners with an assessment and treatment protocol could facilitate the delivery of comprehensive oral health care. The purpose of this study was to test a protocol for assessing and treating patients with PCC in dental practice settings.

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We isolated three environmental phages that infect PAO1, an opportunistic pathogen, from Playa Lakes in Lubbock, TX. We report the genome sequences of isolated lytic bacteriophages BL1, BL2, and BL3. Sequence similarity analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to an unclassified species in the genus within .

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Background: The proven efficacy of mTOR inhibitors (mTORIs), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) suggests that these agents should be investigated as adjuvant therapy with the aim of eliminating undetectable microscopic residual disease after curative resection. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy of these treatments using an innovative method of reconstructing individual patient data.

Methods: Nine phase III trials describing adjuvant RCC treatments were selected.

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  • Viral interactions occur when multiple viruses infect the same cells, leading to cooperation and conflict that impact their life cycles and the progression of infections.
  • These interactions influence population dynamics and evolutionary paths, raising new questions for evolutionary theory and social evolution frameworks.
  • The text outlines the need for more research on viral social interactions, summarizing ways viruses interact, identifying open questions for social evolution theory, and providing examples for further study.
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  • The study focused on utilizing the CliftonStrengths® assessment to enhance professional development for entry-level dental hygiene students during their second year of a two-year program.! -
  • Methods included integrating CliftonStrengths® into the curriculum and conducting focus group interviews to analyze student perceptions using qualitative analysis software.! -
  • Results revealed two main themes: the relevance of CliftonStrengths® and professional development, with key insights into adaptability, teamwork, and the construction of a conceptual model to guide future dental hygiene education.!
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Professional development is instrumental in the ongoing success of healthcare professionals and students. The purpose of the second year of this two-year study was to continue to apply the results from the CliftonStrengths assessment to support entry-level dental hygiene students' professional development and to create a conceptual model for professional development in dental hygiene education. CliftonStrengths were incorporated in didactic and community learning experiences throughout year two of the dental hygiene curriculum.

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The use of manikin testing was recently introduced for dental hygiene licensure examinations. There is currently a lack of research about the efficacy and accuracy of manikin testing for clinical licensure. The purpose of this study is to identify perceptions of dental hygiene educators regarding the use of manikins for the dental hygiene clinical licensure exam.

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  • IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a serious kidney disease linked to IgA buildup, and a large study identified 30 genetic risk factors associated with it.
  • Fourteen new loci were discovered that suggest a connection between genetic influences and abnormal IgA levels.
  • The research highlights inflammation-related pathways and potential drug targets, revealing that higher genetic risk scores are tied to earlier kidney failure.
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The purpose of this article is to present a case report of a periapical lesion found in a 24-year-old female who presented to a university dental hygiene clinic with a chief complaint of vestibular pain around tooth #22. Radiographically, the lesion appeared radiolucent and unilocular with well-defined borders and significant bone resorption. The area of radiolucency increased in size over a period of five weeks indicating an aggressive pathosis.

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Undergraduate dental hygiene education programs may not provide sufficient training in professional development to prepare graduates to be primary health care providers. The purpose of the year one of a two-year study was to apply the results from a strengths assessment instrument to entry-level dental hygiene students' learning experiences and faculty instruction of students. An exploratory research design including quantitative and qualitative methods was used among a convenience sample of entry-level dental hygiene students.

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Breast cancer cell colonization of the lungs is associated with a dismal prognosis as the distributed nature of the disease and poor permeability of the metastatic foci challenge the therapeutic efficacy of small molecules, antibodies, and nanomedicines. Taking advantage of the unique physiology of the pulmonary circulation, here, micro-combinatorial hydrogel particles (µCGP) are realized via soft lithographic techniques to enhance the specific delivery of a cocktail of cytotoxic nanoparticles to metastatic foci. By cross-linking short poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains with erodible linkers within a shape-defining template, a deformable and biodegradable polymeric skeleton is realized and loaded with a variety of therapeutic and imaging agents, including docetaxel-nanoparticles.

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Aim: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most frequent pathologies treated in urgency. An immediate surgical intervention for frail patients who are ineligible for surgery as a result of severe co-morbidities is questionable. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and the management of percutaneous cholecistostomy (PC) in high-risk surgical patients.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether patients at one dental education institution received appropriate care based on their periodontal diagnosis in a timely manner.

Materials And Methods: This study used a retrospective design to evaluate data from July 2018 to February 2020. The patient records were screened to determine whether patients received a periodontal diagnosis, whether the diagnosis followed the 2018 AAP Classification Guidelines, and if appropriate preventive and therapeutic procedures were completed in a timely manner.

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