Blockchains for COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Vaccine Support: A Systematic Review.

Several blockchain projects to help against COVID-19 are emerging at a fast pace, showing the potential of this disruptive technology to mitigate the multi-systemic threats the pandemic is posing on all phases of the emergency management and generate value for the economy and society as a whole. This survey investigates how blockchain technology can be useful in the scope of supporting health actions that can reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections and allow a return to normality. Since the prominent use of blockchains to mitigate COVID-19 consequences are in the area of contact tracing and vaccine/immunity passport support, the survey mainly focuses on these two classes of applications.

Melanoma Prevention: Comparison of Different Screening Methods for the Selection of a High Risk Population.

Background: Guidelines recommend limiting melanoma screening in a population with known risk factors, but none indicates methods for efficient recruitment. The purpose of this study is to compare three different methods of recruiting subjects to be screened for melanoma to detect which, if any, is the most efficient.

Methods: From 2010 to 2019, subjects were recruited as follows: (1) regular skin examinations (RS), mainly conducted through the Associazione Contro il Melanoma network; (2) occasional melanoma screening (OS), during annual public campaigns; (3) and selective screening (SS), where people were invited to undergo a skin check after filling in a risk evaluation questionnaire, in cases where the assigned outcome was intermediate/high risk.

Ictal and interictal source imaging on intracranial EEG predicts epilepsy surgery outcome in children with focal cortical dysplasia.

Objective: To localize the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and irritative zone (IZ) using electric source imaging (ESI) on intracranial EEG (iEEG) and assess their clinical value in predicting epilepsy surgery outcome in children with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD).

Methods: We analyzed iEEG data from 25 children with FCD-associated medically refractory epilepsy (MRE) who underwent surgery. We performed ESI on ictal onset to localize SOZ (ESI-SOZ) and on interictal discharges to localize IZ (ESI-IZ).

Luminal breast cancer-specific circular RNAs uncovered by a novel tool for data analysis.

Circular RNAs are highly stable molecules present in all eukaryotes generated by distinct transcript processing. We have exploited poly(A-) RNA-Seq data generated in our lab in MCF-7 breast cancer cells to define a compilation of exonic circRNAs more comprehensive than previously existing lists. Development of a novel computational tool, named , allowed us to more accurately characterize circRNAs and to quantitatively evaluate their expression in publicly available RNA-Seq data from breast cancer cell lines and tumor tissues.

A Novel Functional Domain of Tab2 Involved in the Interaction with Estrogen Receptor Alpha in Breast Cancer Cells.

Tab2, originally described as a component of the inflammatory pathway, has been implicated in phenomena of gene de-repression in several contexts, due to its ability to interact with the NCoR corepressor. Tab2 interacts also with steroid receptors and dismisses NCoR from antagonist-bound Estrogen and Androgen Receptors on gene regulatory regions, thus modifying their transcriptional activity and leading to pharmacological resistance in breast and prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated previously that either Tab2 knock-down, or a peptide mimicking the Estrogen Receptor alpha domain interacting with Tab2, restore the antiproliferative response to Tamoxifen in Tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells.

E2 Regulates Epigenetic Signature on Neuroglobin Enhancer-Promoter in Neuronal Cells.

Estrogens are neuroprotective factors in several neurological diseases. Neuroglobin (NGB) is one of the estrogen target genes involved in neuroprotection, but little is known about its transcriptional regulation. Estrogen genomic pathway in gene expression regulation is mediated by estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) that bind to specific regulatory genomic regions.

NF-YA splice variants have different roles on muscle differentiation.

The heterotrimeric CCAAT-binding factor NF-Y controls the expression of a multitude of genes involved in cell cycle progression. NF-YA is present in two alternatively spliced isoforms, NF-YAs and NF-YAl, differing in 28 aminoacids in the N-terminal Q-rich activation domain. NF-YAs has been identified as a regulator of stemness and proliferation in mouse embryonic cells (mESCs) and human hematopoietic stem cells (hHSCs), whereas the role of NF-YAl is not clear.

Luminal long non-coding RNAs regulated by estrogen receptor alpha in a ligand-independent manner show functional roles in breast cancer.

Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα) activation by estrogenic hormones induces luminal breast cancer cell proliferation. However, ERα plays also important hormone-independent functions to maintain breast tumor cells epithelial phenotype. We reported previously by RNA-Seq that in MCF-7 cells in absence of hormones ERα down-regulation changes the expression of several genes linked to cellular development, representing a specific subset of estrogen-induced genes.

Radiographic comparison of periimplant bone resorption and assessment of survival rates of 2 implant systems: a 10-year prospective multicenter study.

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter human clinical trial was to radiographically evaluate the marginal bone loss and to assess implant survival rate in patients treated using 2 different implant systems (Bio-Plant and Tuber-Plant) after 10 years of loading.

Methods: Ninety-seven patients were selected, and 160 implants were inserted (72 Bio-Plant and 88 Tuber-Plant). Ten years later, 20 patients were lost at follow-up and 77 patients (126 implants; 67 Bio-Plant and 59 Tuber-Plant) were recalled.

Genome-wide activity of unliganded estrogen receptor-α in breast cancer cells.

Estrogen receptor-α (ERα) has central role in hormone-dependent breast cancer and its ligand-induced functions have been extensively characterized. However, evidence exists that ERα has functions that are independent of ligands. In the present work, we investigated the binding of ERα to chromatin in the absence of ligands and its functions on gene regulation.

Immediate denture fabrication: a clinical report.

The aim of the present clinical report was to describe the use of a patient's extensive fixed prosthesis, where the supporting teeth were hopeless, for fabricating an interim immediate complete denture. The present procedure was used to replicate the vertical dimension, phonetic and aesthetic of the existing fixed prostheses as part of an immediate denture and a final complete denture.

Correlation between the bone density recorded by a computerized implant motor and by a histomorphometric analysis: a preliminary in vitro study on bovine ribs.

Purpose: The purpose of the present preliminary in vitro study on bovine ribs was to validate a new intraoperative site-specific classification of bone Density Index (IDI), obtained by an innovative computerized implant motor, by correlating these data with the data obtained by the histomorphometrical evaluation of the same samples.

Materials And Methods: Five segments of bovine ribs were used, and a total of 22 perforations were performed. A computerized implant motor ("Torque Measuring Motor") was used to evaluate the bone density, which was classified into four classes: ID1, ID2, ID3, and ID4.

Maxillary sinus grafting with biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics: clinical and histologic evaluation in man.

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and histologic aspects of bone formation in maxillary sinus augmentation using macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (MBCP) comprising hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) 60/40 as bone-grafting material.

Materials And Methods: A total of 10 patients and 12 sinuses grafted with MBCP in two-stage sinus augmentation were included in the present study. After a healing period of 6 months, bone core biopsies were harvested during implant insertion and evaluated under light microscopy.

Rehabilitation of deficient alveolar ridges using titanium grids before and simultaneously with implant placement: a systematic review.

Background: The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic review of the literature on the use of titanium grids for implant surgery before and simultaneously with implant placement and to assess the success rate of the procedure, as well as survival and success rates of implants placed in the regenerated areas.

Methods: Medline was used to identify studies in English published from 1996 to 2011. An additional hand search was performed of the relevant journals and of the bibliographies of the papers identified.

Use of piezosurgery during maxillary sinus elevation: clinical results of 40 consecutive cases.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of piezoelectric devices during sinus elevation to determine the percentage of sinus membrane perforation and the time required to perform the antrostomy and elevation of the membrane. A total of 35 patients and 40 grafted sinuses were included. The parameters recorded were bony window length and height, bone thickness, osteotomy area, operative time, and number of perforations.

Discrimination between incomplete and atypical Kawasaki syndrome versus other febrile diseases in childhood: results from an international registry-based study.

Objectives: Kawasaki syndrome (KS) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown origin predominantly affecting young children. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent cardiac complications. However, the differential diagnosis of patients with the incomplete or atypical form of the disease poses a heavy challenge for the paediatrician.

Resonance frequency analysis assessment of implants placed with a simultaneous or a delayed approach in grafted and nongrafted sinus sites: a 12-month clinical study.

Background: Implant stability is one of the key factors for a successful osseointegration. At present, several techniques are available to regenerate bone tissue, but it is not clear whether implants placed in grafted bone are as stable as implants in native bone over time.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare, by means of resonance frequency analysis (RFA), the stability of implants placed in sinus-grafted and -nongrafted sites during 12-month follow-up.

Resonance frequency analysis of implants inserted with a simultaneous grafting procedure: a 5-year follow-up study in man.

The aim of this study was to measure implant stability quotient (ISQ) values in grafted sites during 5 years of follow-up. Sixteen patients received a total of 36 implants inserted in sites treated with autologous bone (group A) or porcine bone in addition to autologous bone (group B). In both groups, resonance frequency analysis (RFA) values increased during the observation period.

Effect of titanium surface topographies on human bone marrow stem cells differentiation in vitro.

Coating characteristics of dental implants such as composition and topography regulate cell response during implant healing. The aim of this study was to assess how surface topography can affect osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by analyzing the expression levels of bone-related genes and MSCs marker. Thirty disk-shaped, commercially pure Grade 2 titanium samples (10 × 2 mm) with 3 different surface topographies (DENTSPLY-Friadent GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) were used in the present study: 10 Ti machined disks (control), 10 Ti sandblasted and acid-etched disks (DPS(®)) and 10 sandblasted and acid-etched disks at high temperature (Plus(®)).

A protective strategy against hyperinflammatory responses requiring the nontranscriptional actions of GPS2.

The association between hyperinflammatory states and numerous diseases is widely recognized, but our understanding of the molecular strategies that have evolved to prevent uncontrolled activation of inflammatory responses remains incomplete. Here, we report a critical, nontranscriptional role of GPS2 as a guardian against hyperstimulation of the TNF-α-induced gene program. GPS2 cytoplasmic actions are required to specifically modulate RIP1 ubiquitylation and JNK activation by inhibiting TRAF2/Ubc13 enzymatic activity.

Microparticles and Kawasaki disease: a marker of vascular damage?

Background: Microparticles (MPs) are increased in diseases characterised by endothelial injury. Kawasaki disease (KD) damages the endothelium provoking life-threatening involvement of coronary arteries.

Objectives: To compare KD MPs vs.

Inflammatory infiltrate, microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase, and proliferative activity in soft tissues below intraorally welded titanium bars.

Background: The aim of the present study is a comparative evaluation of inflammatory infiltrate, microvessel density, vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase, and proliferative activity in soft tissues below intraorally welded titanium bars.

Methods: Twenty-two patients participated in this study. All patients carried immediately loaded one-stage titanium implants splinted with intraorally welded titanium bars.

Serum osteopontin as a predictive marker of responsiveness to methotrexate in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Objective: To evaluate if serum concentrations of osteopontin (OPN) at baseline in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) represent a potential predictor of responsiveness to methotrexate (MTX).

Methods: At diagnosis, 60 children with active JIA received MTX in addition to nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. After 12 months of MTX treatment, 30 patients were defined as responders; the 30 nonresponders received anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy (etanercept) in addition to MTX; this group was then enrolled for an additional 12-month study period.

Development of fluorescence polarization assays for the molecular chaperone Hsp70 family members: Hsp72 and DnaK.

The heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family of chaperones play crucial roles in protein folding and have been linked to numerous diseases. We were interested in developing a generally applicable assay format for the Hsp70 family and have developed fluorescence polarization based assays for both the mammalian Hsp72 and its bacterial counterpart, DnaK. These assays are comparable in assay set-up, incubation conditions and buffer components.