Strand-Swapped SH3 Domain Dimer with Superoxide Dismutase Activity.

The design of metalloproteins allows us to better understand metal complexation in proteins and the resulting function. In this study, we incorporated a Cu-binding site into a natural protein domain, the 58 amino acid c-Crk-SH3, to create a miniaturized superoxide dismutase model, termed SO1. The resulting low complexity metalloprotein was characterized for structure and function by circular dichroism and UV spectroscopy as well as EPR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography.

A systematic scoping review of antibiotic-resistance in drinking tap water.

Environmental matrices have been considered of paramount importance in the spread of antibiotic-resistance; however, the role of drinking waters is still underexplored. Therefore, a scoping review was performed using a systematic approach based on PRISMA guidelines, with the aim of identifying and characterizing antibiotic-resistance in tap water, specifically, water treated at a potabilization plant and provided for drinking use through a water distribution system. The review included 45 studies, the majority of which were conducted in upper-middle-income economies (42.

Identification of novel genetic loci related to dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) morphometrics, biomechanics, and behavior by genome-wide association studies.

In the realm of animal breeding for sustainability, domestic camels have traditionally been valued for their milk and meat production. However, key aspects such as zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior have often been overlooked in terms of their genetic foundations. Recognizing this gap, the present study perfomed genome-wide association analyses to identify genetic markers associated with zoometrics-, biomechanics-, and behavior-related traits in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Towards Sustainable Orthodontics: Environmental Implications and Strategies for Clear Aligner Therapy.

The increasing concern over environmental sustainability has prompted various industries to reassess their practices and explore greener alternatives. Dentistry, as a significant contributor to waste generation, is actively seeking methods to minimize its environmental footprint. This paper examines the environmental implications of clear aligner therapy (CAT) in orthodontics and explores strategies to prioritize sustainability in aligner manufacturing and usage.

Midpalatal Suture Maturation in Relation to Age, Sex, and Facial Skeletal Growth Patterns: A CBCT Study.

Background: The evaluation of midpalatal suture maturation is essential to undertake the most predictable maxillary expansion approach. Several factors, such as age, gender, and facial growth patterns, seem to be involved in midpalatal suture staging and, consequently, in its opening; however, the link between these variables and the stages of midpalatal suture development remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to analyse the midpalatal suture maturation in relation to age, sex, and skeletal growth patterns by CBCT.

The Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Implant Planning: A Systematic Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing dentistry, offering new opportunities to improve the precision and efficiency of implantology. This literature review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the use of AI in implant planning assessment. The analysis was conducted through PubMed and Scopus search engines, using a combination of relevant keywords, including "artificial intelligence implantology", "AI implant planning", "AI dental implant", and "implantology artificial intelligence".

Three-Dimensional Analysis of the Maxillary Sinuses in Ancient Crania Dated to the V-VI Centuries BCE from Opi (Italy): Volumetric Measurements in Ancient Skulls from the Necropolis of Opi, Abruzzi, Italy.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide precise information about complex anatomical structures as it is characterised by rapid volumetric image acquisition with high resolution. The aim of this study was to provide measurements for 20 ancient skulls of the Samnite people found in the necropolis of Opi, a small and isolated mountain village in Abruzzo, a region in central Italy. All the images (left and right) of the 20 ancient skulls from Opi were acquired.

Results of Tendon Transfers in Radial Nerve Palsies: A New Evaluation Protocol.

Radial nerve palsies present a challenging clinical scenario, often leading to substantial functional impairment. This study focuses on evaluating the outcomes of tendon transfer surgeries in patients with post-traumatic radial nerve injuries. The radial nerve, vital for upper limb movements, faces various etiologies, such as trauma, compression, or idiopathy.

Periodontal Health and Its Relationship with Psychological Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: Studies suggest that chronic psychological stress can lead to oral health deterioration, alter the immune response, and possibly contribute to increased inflammation, which can impact the physiological healing of periodontal tissues. This cross-sectional study seeks to assess and improve clinical understanding regarding the relationship between perceived stress, mindfulness, and periodontal health. : A total of 203 people were analyzed from December 2022 to June 2023.

Mid-term Results of Endovascular Reconstruction of Aortic Bifurcation Using COVERA Stent Graft.

Introduction: This article aims to evaluate the short-term and mid-term performance of a self-expanding covered stent (COVERA Plus, Bard Tempe, Arizona) during the treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C/D aortoiliac obstructive lesions involving the aortic bifurcation.

Methods: A single-center retrospective review of all patients who underwent endovascular reconstruction of the aortoiliac bifurcation for obstructive disease, with the use of Covera, from January 2018 to March 2023. All patients received a postoperative CTA (computed tomography angiography) scan within 1 month from the intervention.

The demographic history and adaptation of Canarian goat breeds to environmental conditions through the use of genome-wide SNP data.

Background: The presence of goats in the Canary Islands dates back to the late 1st millennium BC, which coincides with the colonization by the Amazigh settlers. However, the exact geographic origin of Canarian goats is uncertain since the Amazigh peoples were distributed over a wide spatial range. Nowadays, three Canarian breeds (Palmera, Majorera and Tinerfeña) are officially recognized, along with two distinct South and North Tinerfeña ecotypes, with the South Tinerfeña and Majorera goats thriving in arid and dry semi-desertic environments and the Palmera and North Tinerfeña goats are adapted to humid and temperate areas that are influenced by trade winds.

Single and longitudinal genome-wide association studies for dairy traits available in goats with three recorded lactations.

Milk yield and composition phenotypes are systematically recorded across several lactations in goats, but the majority of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) performed so far have rather ignored the longitudinal nature of such data. Here, we have used two different GWAS approaches to analyse data from three lactations recorded in Murciano-Granadina goats. In Analysis 1, independent GWAS have been carried out for each trait and lactation, while a single longitudinal GWAS, jointly considering all data, has been performed in Analysis 2.

DNA damage in workers exposed to pigment grade titanium dioxide (TiO) and association with biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

The present study was aimed at investigating DNA damage, micronuclei frequency and meta-nuclear alterations in buccal cells of workers involved in pigment-grade TiO production (15 exposed and 20 not-exposed). We also assessed associations of genotoxicity biomarkers with oxidative stress/inflammatory biomarkers in urine and exhaled breath condensate (EBC), as well as possible associations between biomarkers and reported respiratory symptoms. In spite of compliance with TiO Occupational Exposure Limits, results showed increased direct/oxidative DNA damage and micronuclei frequency in exposed workers.

Non-Pharmacological Pain Treatment of Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Masticatory Muscles-Case Series.

Myofascial pain is the most common cause of chronic pain in the masticatory region and can be assessed through clinical analysis and muscle palpation. Generally, it appears with headache and orofacial pain associated with sensitive points (trigger points) due to the excessive contraction of the masticatory muscle fibers. The study aims to evaluate how a correct treatment of myofascial pain can improve the life quality of affected patients.

Effects of CPAP and FiO on respiratory effort and lung stress in early COVID-19 pneumonia: a randomized, crossover study.

Background: in COVID-19 acute respiratory failure, the effects of CPAP and FiO on respiratory effort and lung stress are unclear. We hypothesize that, in the compliant lungs of early Sars-CoV-2 pneumonia, the application of positive pressure through Helmet-CPAP may not decrease respiratory effort, and rather worsen lung stress and oxygenation when compared to higher FiO delivered via oxygen masks.

Methods: In this single-center (S.

Can oestrogenic activity in air contribute to the overall body burden of endocrine disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are emerging contaminants that are harmful to health. Human exposure occurs mainly through ingestion or dermal contact, but inhalation could be an additional exposure route; therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the oestrogenic activity of airborne particulate matter (PM). Outdoor PM was collected for a year in five Italian sites and extracted with organic solvents (four seasonal extracts/site).

Tumor monocyte content predicts immunochemotherapy outcomes in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

For inoperable esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), identifying patients likely to benefit from recently approved immunochemotherapy (ICI+CTX) treatments remains a key challenge. We address this using a uniquely designed window-of-opportunity trial (LUD2015-005), in which 35 inoperable EAC patients received first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors for four weeks (ICI-4W), followed by ICI+CTX. Comprehensive biomarker profiling, including generation of a 65,000-cell single-cell RNA-sequencing atlas of esophageal cancer, as well as multi-timepoint transcriptomic profiling of EAC during ICI-4W, reveals a novel T cell inflammation signature (INCITE) whose upregulation correlates with ICI-induced tumor shrinkage.

Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain: The Positive Impact of Physical Activity on Cognition across All Age Groups.

While the physical improvements from exercise have been well documented over the years, the impact of physical activity on mental health has recently become an object of interest. Physical exercise improves cognition, particularly attention, memory, and executive functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have yet to be fully understood.

Biological effects of particulate matter samples during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison with the pre-lockdown period in Northwest Italy.

Unlabelled: In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, containment measures were applied inducing potential changes in air pollutant concentrations and thus in air toxicity. This study evaluates the role of restrictions on biological effects of particulate matter (PM) in different Northwest Italy sites: urban background, urban traffic, rural, and incinerator. Daily PM samples collected in 2020 were pooled according to restrictions: January/February (no restrictions), March and April (first lockdown), May/June and July/August/September (low restrictions), October/November/December (second lockdown).

Univariate and multivariate genome-wide association studies for hematological traits in Murciano-Granadina goats.

Hematological traits are important indicators of health status, and they are frequently used as criteria for clinical diagnosis. In humans, the genomic architecture of blood traits has been investigated in depth and thousands of associations with genetic variants have been found. In contrast, the association between marker genotypes and the variation of hematological traits has not been investigated in goats yet.

Interpreting the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain impacting Italian and Peruvian dentists likewise: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a frequent condition among dental practitioners due to working in prolonged static isometric/eccentric contraction. The study aimed to describe musculoskeletal pain prevalence and the interplay between environmental conditions, lifestyle, and drugs consumed among Italian and Peruvian dentists.

Methods: A 18 multiple choice questionnaire was administered to Peruvian and Italian dental care practitioners.

Genotoxic effects of particulate matter on larvae of a common and widespread butterfly along an urbanization gradient.

Biodiversity is currently declining worldwide. Several threats have been identified such as habitat loss and climate change. It is unknown if and how air pollution can work in addition or in synergy to these threats, contributing to the decline of current species and/or local extinction.