Potential risk assessment: a model for quality evaluation in fluoroscopy-guided interventional procedures.

This study presented a model applied for potential risk assessment in an interventional radiology setting. The model of potential risk assessment (MARP) consisted of the creation of a scale of indicators ranging from 0 to 5. The radiation levels were categorized according to gender, kind of procedure, value of kerma air product (Pka), and accumulated radiation dose (mGy).

Development of a dental digital data set for research in artificial intelligence: the importance of labeling performed by radiologists.

Objective: The aim of this study was to present the development of a database (dataset) of panoramic radiographs.

Study Design: Three radiologists labeled an image set consisting of 936 panoramic radiographs. Labeling includes tooth numbering (including teeth present and missing) and annotation of dental conditions (e.

Activity of Epsilon-poly-L-lysine against Multidrug-Resistant and Isolates of Urinary Tract Infections.

and are notorious for their resistance to antibiotics and propensity for biofilm formation, posing significant threats to human health. Epsilon-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) emerges as a naturally occurring antimicrobial poly(amino acid), which positions it as a prospective agent for addressing challenges linked to multidrug resistance. ε-PL symbolizes a promising avenue in the pursuit of efficacious therapeutic strategies and warrants earnest consideration within the realm of clinical treatment.

Assessment of infection control in oral radiology during the COVID-19 outbreak: An international collaborative study.

Purpose: In the context of COVID-19, studies evaluating the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control are relevant due to their high occupational exposure and risk, as well as their responsibility for disseminating information and good practices. This study evaluated the adherence of dentists and dental students to infection control in the oral radiology field in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic on different continents.

Materials And Methods: This cross-sectional observational study involved individuals who performed intraoral radiographic examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Berberine-fluconazole microparticle-based combination therapy to treat candidiasis infections.

Aim: This study aims to incorporate alginate microparticles containing berberine and fluconazole into two different types of pharmaceutical formulations, to subsequently evaluate the antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Methods And Results: Alginate microparticles containing BBR (berberine) and FLU (fluconazole) were produced by the spray-drying technique, characterized and incorporated in two pharmaceutical formulations, a vaginal cream and artificial saliva. Broth microdilution, checkerboard, time-kill curve, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to determine the antifungal effects of BBR and FLU against C.

Determination of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Impact of Imipenem + Cilastatin Synergy with Tetracycline in Isolates from Sepsis.

is among the most ubiquitous bacteria in the natural world, exhibiting metabolic and physiological versatility, which makes it highly adaptable. Imipenem + cilastatin and tetracycline are antibiotic combinations commonly used to treat infections caused by , including serious infections such as sepsis. In the context of bacterial infections, biofilm, formed by bacterial cells surrounded by extracellular substances forming a matrix, plays a pivotal role in the resistance of to antibiotics.

HCV Core-antigen Assay as an Effective Alternative to HCV RNA Quantification in Patients With Hepatitis C.

Background/aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (Ag) test has been increasingly applied as an effective alternative to conventional molecular tests allowing rapid and affordable diagnosis, which is of paramount relevance to achieve global elimination of HCV infection.

Materials And Methods: ARCHITECT HCV Ag test was evaluated in comparison with HCV RNA quantification test (CAP/CTM) to calculate its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and to determine their correlation level. Its performance, according to low and high viral load values and in different treatment stages [during treatment (T), at the end of the therapeutic protocol (EOT) and when sustained virological response (SVR) was evaluated].

IoT-Based Microclimate and Vibration Monitoring of a Painted Canvas on a Wooden Support in the Monastero of Santa Caterina (Palermo, Italy).

The main objective of this work is the characterization and observation of the performance of an IoT measurement and monitoring system in the field of cultural heritage conservation for assessing the health condition of artworks. This article also describes the application of this system to the monitoring of a canvas painting applied on a wooden support, an artwork from the 19th century by the painter Giuseppe Patricolo depicting , placed inside a niche in the Santa Caterina Monastery in Palermo (Italy). Considering the presence of the wooden structure, it is useful to measure not only microclimatic parameters such as temperature and humidity, but also vibrations that can in fact cause degradation phenomena in these artworks.

Does the angulation between the maxillary central incisors and the nasopalatine canal differ among sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns? A CBCT study.

Objectives: To assess the influence of sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns, and sex in the angulation and relationship between the maxillary central incisors and the nasopalatine canal.

Materials And Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) exams of 172 patients were classified into sagittal (class I, II, and III) and vertical skeletal patterns (mesofacial, brachyfacial and dolichofacial). Hard palate-nasopalatine canal and hard palate-long axis of maxillary central incisors angles were measured in sagittal reconstructions.

Morphological and topographic evaluation of the mandibular canal and its relationship with the facial profile, skeletal class, and sex.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and topography of the mandibular canal in patients with different facial profiles, skeletal classes, and sexes.

Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography volumes of 103 patients were classified according to facial profile and skeletal class. Two examiners classified the mandibular canal into a linear, spoon-shaped, elliptical arc, or turning curvature and measured four related linear distances.

Imaging of the upper airway: which method is best for orthodontic assessment?

The objectives of the present study were to compare measurements of pharyngeal airway subregions on lateral cephalometric (LC) and cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images in relation to skeletal classes and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these imaging formats for this type of assessment. The CBCT images were assessed via both multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The LC and CBCT images from 107 patients were classified according to skeletal class: I, n = 35; II, n = 35; and III, n = 37.

Do the location and dimensions of the mental foramen differ among individuals of different facial types and skeletal classes? A CBCT study.

Statement Of Problem: Knowledge about the location and dimensions of the mental foramen is important for surgical planning and implant placement in the posterior mandibular region.

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the location and dimensions of the mental foramen in individuals of different facial type, skeletal class, and sex by means of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Material And Methods: CBCT images of 142 individuals (72 women and 70 men) were classified according to the facial type (dolichocephalic, mesocephalic, or brachycephalic) and skeletal class (I, II, or III).

Comparison of distance of upper central incisor root and incisive canal in different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns and sex: A retrospective CBCT study.

Introduction: To evaluate the influence of sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns (skeletal classes and facial profiles), and sex on the distance between upper central incisors roots and incisive canal.

Material And Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography exams of 172 patients were classified into skeletal classes I, II, and III and according to the facial profile into mesofacial, brachyfacial, and dolichofacial. In sagittal reconstructions, linear measurements were done between central incisors roots and incisive canal at three levels: incisive foramen opening, intermediate region, and the region close to the apex of upper central incisors.

Influence of different viewing conditions on the detection of fractured endodontic instruments using periapical radiographs at 3 projection angles.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the influence of ambient lighting levels and horizontal viewing angle (HVA) on the radiographic detection of fractured endodontic instruments in root canals in extracted human mandibular molars.

Study Design: Thirty-two root canals were selected. Endodontic instrument fracture was induced in 24 canals, and all canals were endodontially treated.

Reuse of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: systematic review, meta-analysis and quality assessment of the body of evidence.

Background: Pacemakers (PMs) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have reduced mortality and improved the quality of life of cardiac patients. However, the high cost of these devices prevents their large-scale incorporation, particularly in low-income countries, where reusing explanted PMs/ICDs has become an alternative.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted of studies that compare infection rates, device-related deaths, malfunction and premature battery depletion in patients with reused PM and ICD implants and those with new devices.

Evidence for current circulation of an ancient West Nile virus strain (NY99) in Brazil.

Introduction: In Brazil, West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected, in 2018, in horses with neurological disease.

Aim: We report the first case of WNV infection in a horse from Ceará state and the complete genome sequence of an isolate from Espírito Santo state. Both infections occurred in 2019.

Volumetric evaluation of temporomandibular joints in patients with a chewing-side preference: a CBCT study.

This study evaluated the influence of chewing-side preference on the volume of the mandibular condyle and coronoid process and the dynamic parameters of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Cone beam computed tomographic scans of both TMJs of 90 individuals with a chewing-side preference were obtained while the patients were in the closed-mouth and maximum mouth-opening positions (test power ≥ 0.80).

Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenemase Producing Strains at a Northern Portuguese Hospital Enables the Detection of a Misidentified KPC-3 Producing Strain.

The evolutionary epidemiology, resistome, virulome and mobilome of thirty-one multidrug resistant clinical isolates from the northern Vila Real region of Portugal were characterized using whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. The genomic population structure was dominated by two main sequence types (STs): ST147 ( = 17; 54.8%) and ST15 ( = 6; 19.

Confronting Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Susceptibility in Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales Isolates and Whole-Genome Sequencing Results (STEP Study).

Ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) is frequently used for infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR)-Enterobacterales isolates. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS, Illumina-Hiseq 4000/NovaSeq 6000, OGC, UK) was used to study the population structure, the resistome and the virulome of C/T-susceptible and -resistant MDR Escherichia spp. (n=30) and Klebsiella spp.

Do image enhancement filters in complementary metal oxide semiconductor and photostimulable phosphor imaging systems improve the detection of fractured endodontic instruments in periapical radiography?

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of image enhancement filters on detection of fractured endodontic instruments and on image noise and pixel intensity.

Study Design: In total, 26 mandibular molars (68 root canals), divided into 4 groups (presence/absence of root canal filling, and presence/absence of a fractured endodontic instrument) were radiographed by using a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and a photostimulable phosphor (PSP) system. Images with 4 enhancement filters (Sharpen UM, Edges All, BC Low, and BC High) were compared with nonfiltered images.

Expectation of parental control and the maintenance of bottle-feeding in childhood.

Objective: To investigate association between parental locus of control (belief of individuals about what or who has control of the events of their lives) and bottle feeding habits among children from 3 to 5 years of age.

Methodology: Parental locus of control validated in Brazil, and semi-structured questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, health, and oral habit behaviors was applied to mothers of 992 preschool children. Outcome variable "use of feeding bottle" was studied according to the time of its use (≤36 months and >36 months).

Epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in northern Portugal: Predominance of KPC-2 and OXA-48.

Objectives: To provide, for the first time, data on the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates from the northern region of Portugal (Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro).

Methods: A total of 106 carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from clinical samples and rectal swabs between January 2018 and March 2019 were included in this study.

Assessment of dentists' behaviour on the use of patients' images.

Background: Photographs and radiographs are indispensable resources for dental education, research and dissemination of clinical cases in scientific journals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of dentists on the use of patients' images.

Material And Methods: Fifty-two dentists were interviewed using a semi-structured script containing open-ended questions on the use of patients' images.