Topology-based segmentation of 3D confocal images of emerging hematopoietic stem cells in the zebrafish embryo.

We develop a novel method for image segmentation of 3D confocal microscopy images of emerging hematopoietic stem cells. The method is based on the theory of persistent homology and uses an optimal threshold to select the most persistent cycles in the persistence diagram. This enables the segmentation of the image's most contrasted and representative shapes.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Types of Professional Tooth Whitening: A Systematic Review.

Background/objectives: Tooth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that improves the color of natural teeth, making them whiter and brighter; this review aimed to evaluate the greater effectiveness of in-office, at-home, and combined bleaching with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, also in relation to possible relapses and side effects (tooth sensitivity).

Methods: A literature search has been carried out through electronic databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, focused on the use of the effectiveness of in-office, at-home, and combined dental bleaching. This review has been registered on PROSPERO (ID613248).

Coronary Plaque Characteristics Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography and Plasma Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, but its influence on plaque characteristics at optical coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation is not fully understood.

Aims: This study seeks to explore the impact of Lp(a) levels on plaque morphology as assessed by OCT in a very high-risk subset of patients.

Methods: Consecutive patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and undergoing OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a large tertiary care center between 2019 and 2022 were deemed eligible for the current analysis.

A checklist of Iranian Aderidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea).

The fauna of Iranian Aderidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) includes five species within four genera, Aderus Stephens, 1829 (one species), Cobososia Collado & Alonso-Zarazaga, 1996 (two), Gompelia Alonso-Zarazaga, 2010 (one) and Phytobaenus R.F. Sahlberg, 1834 (one).

Effect of Natural Inhibitors on the Corrosion Properties of Grade 2 Titanium Alloy.

This study investigates the effects of natural inhibitors (pomegranate, algae, and tomato extracts) on the corrosion resistance of titanium (grade 2). To deepen understanding the inhibition mechanism, Molecular Dynamic (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were employed to analyze adsorption behaviors and identify optimal adsorption sites on titanium oxide (TiO) surfaces for compounds within the inhibitors. Results indicate non-flat adsorption orientations, with pomegranate peel extract components showing superior inhibition capabilities, attributed to the formation of strong O-H chemical bonds with the TiO surface.

Concordance and Clinical Outcomes Improvement Following Oral Hygiene Motivation: A Systematic Review and Report of the Workshop of the Italian Societies of Dental Hygiene.

A workshop on concordance and oral hygiene was held in February 2024. To address the topic, a systematic review aimed at investigating the effectiveness of motivational interventions in improving oral hygiene and focusing on periodontal clinical indices outcomes was designed. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed and Scopus electronic databases to identify relevant articles published up to 2024.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Clinical Practice of Dental Hygienists and Dentists, Prevention and Awareness among Italian Professionals: Focus on Enlarging Systems.

(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limbs are a common medical condition among dental hygienists and dentists, making them a common occupational risk for dental professionals. The purpose of the work was to collect information about the dental professions and their habits to highlight what can be good practices to be carried out to prevent any musculoskeletal disorders. (2) Methods: To identify habits and problems inherent in the professional activity of dental hygienists and dentists, a questionnaire was formulated on the use of enlarging systems.

Oral Health and Caries Prevention: How Tongue Hygiene Helps Maintain Balance of Microbiota and Overall Health in Pediatric Patients.

Background/objectives: The tongue harbors about two-thirds of the microorganisms present in the mouth; the stable bacterial population consists mainly of aerobic and facultative anaerobic streptococci. These bacterial colonies, found more frequently on the tongue than on the outside of the hard part of the dental enamel in children younger than 18 months, suggest that the tongue is a potential bacterial reservoir. The aim of this review is to examine the scientific literature to clarify whether the mechanical removal of bacterial biofilm on the tongue can have a positive effect on caries prevention, with the reduction in colony-forming unit (CFU) of salivary streptococcus and the whole-mouth plaque index (FMPS).

Characterization of antiseizure medications effects on the EEG neurodynamic by fractal dimension.

Objectives: An important challenge in epilepsy is to define biomarkers of response to treatment. Many electroencephalography (EEG) methods and indices have been developed mainly using linear methods, e.g.

Tooth Colour and Facial Attractiveness: Study Protocol for Self-Perception with a Gender-Based Approach.

(1) Background. The aim of the present protocol is to assess whether self-perception of tooth colour and facial attractiveness correlates with gender and mood state. (2) Study protocol.

Blockade of sympathetic ganglia improves vascular dysfunction in septic shock.

Sepsis/septic shock activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to deal with the infection stress. However, an imbalanced or maladaptive response due to excessive or uncontrolled activation characterizes autonomic dysfunction. Our hypothesis was that reducing this excessive activation of the autonomic nervous system would impact positively in sepsis.

Patient-specific computer simulation of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with previous mechanical mitral prosthesis: A case series.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement performed in patients with previously implanted mechanical mitral prosthesis represents a high risk procedure with several potential complications. We report a systematic use of a prediction model based on artificial intelligence to plan the interventional strategy in this challenging scenario.

Changes in Oral Health and Dental Esthetic in Smokers Switching to Combustion-Free Nicotine Alternatives: Protocol for a Multicenter and Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Although the detrimental effects of conventional combustible cigarettes on oral health and dental esthetics are well known, there is limited information about the long-term impact of combustion-free nicotine alternatives (C-F NA) such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products.

Objective: This multicenter, prospective, 3-parallel-arm randomized controlled trial will investigate whether switching from combustible cigarettes to C-F NA will lead to measurable improvements in oral health parameters and dental esthetics over 18 months in adult smokers with limited gum disease.

Methods: Regular smokers not intending to quit and without clinical signs of periodontitis will be randomly assigned (1:4 ratio) to either standard of care with brief cessation advice (control group; arm A) or C-F NA use (intervention group; arm B).

Fully automated measurement of plasma Aβ42/40 and p-tau181: Analytical robustness and concordance with cerebrospinal fluid profile along the Alzheimer's disease continuum in two independent cohorts.

Introduction: For routine clinical implementation of Alzheimer's disease (AD) plasma biomarkers, fully automated random-access platforms are crucial to ensure reproducible measurements. We aimed to perform an analytical validation and to establish cutoffs for AD plasma biomarkers measured with Lumipulse.

Methods: Two cohorts were included.

Use of a steerable delivery sheath to obtain coaxial alignment in left atrial appendage occlusion after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: a case report.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) have a five-fold increase in stroke events, and ∼90% of the thrombi develop in the left atrial appendage (LAA). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as a safe and feasible alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in selected patients with non-valvular AF and contraindications to OAC. Atrial fibrillation is closely associated with mitral disease, and there is a growing interest in combined procedures.

Daily rhythm in cortical chloride homeostasis underpins functional changes in visual cortex excitability.

Cortical activity patterns are strongly modulated by fast synaptic inhibition mediated through ionotropic, chloride-conducting receptors. Consequently, chloride homeostasis is ideally placed to regulate activity. We therefore investigated the stability of baseline [Cl] in adult mouse neocortex, using in vivo two-photon imaging.

Postoperative Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Patients With and Without Preoperative Colonization.

Importance: Staphylococcus aureus surgical site infections (SSIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs) are important complications of surgical procedures for which prevention remains suboptimal. Contemporary data on the incidence of and etiologic factors for these infections are needed to support the development of improved preventive strategies.

Objectives: To assess the occurrence of postoperative S aureus SSIs and BSIs and quantify its association with patient-related and contextual factors.

Epidemiological evaluation of patient compliance regarding oral health and hygiene during the COVID-19 period.

Unlabelled: This work aimed to report values on oral hygiene habits at home during the pandemic and compare the differences between previous oral hygiene habits. A total of 1,136 questionnaires were filled in via a link sent through email to the patients. The answers show that although they had more time during the pandemic, they spent less time on dental and tongue hygiene.

Quality control in treating patients with patent foramen ovale: 7-year-experience of the Heart and Brain team of the Careggi University Hospital.

Background: The right comprehension of ischemic stroke pathogenesis guarantees the best prevention therapy. The term "patent foramen ovale (PFO) related stroke" has been proposed for those events where PFO is supposed to be pathogenetic, but their definition is challenging. A multidisciplinary evaluation in a "Heart & Brain" team (HBteam) including stroke neurologists and interventional cardiologists was therefore highly recommended in the recent guidelines of secondary stroke prevention.