Angulated titanium bases screw channel abutments for single implant restorations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Screw-retained implant crowns are a common solution to rehabilitate single or multiple edentulous sites. Angulated screw channel (ASC) abutments have been developed as a new system of connection to correct the angulation of the implant and avoid a possible undesired emergence of the access hole. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine available literature related to the effects of ASC abutments in rehabilitating single implant crowns.

Probiotics in the Management of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Patients: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial to Evaluate a Possible Link Between Gut Microbiota Restoring and Symptom Relief.

Several studies have suggested that probiotics could play a role in the management of patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP). In this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of consumption of probiotics containing human DG as an add-on treatment in patients with clinical recurrences of CBP, through gut microbiota modification analysis. Enrolled patients with CBP were randomized to receive for 3 months probiotics containing human DG or placebo following 1 month treatment with ciprofloxacin.

Neonatal death of siblings with Uhl's disease and KCNH2 mutation - A rare association.

Uhl's disease is a rare disorder secondary to the uncontrolled destruction of right ventricular myocytes during the perinatal period. We present here the case of a 1-month-old child who died suddenly of Uhl's disease, which was only diagnosed at autopsy and histological examination. From an anamnestic point of view, the child's sister had also died at about 1 month of age from the same pathology.

Drugs That Induce Gingival Overgrowth Drive the Pro-Inflammatory Polarization of Macrophages In Vitro.

Several attempts have been made to elucidate the pathogenesis of drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO), which is triggered by the chronic use of certain drugs that fall into three main categories: anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers. Previous research suggests that cytokines and impaired cellular functions play a role in DIGO. Of particular interest are macrophages, immune cells that can switch between M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotypes in response to exogenous signals and stimuli.

Shape optimization for high efficiency metasurfaces: theory and implementation.

Complex non-local behavior makes designing high efficiency and multifunctional metasurfaces a significant challenge. While using libraries of meta-atoms provide a simple and fast implementation methodology, pillar to pillar interaction often imposes performance limitations. On the other extreme, inverse design based on topology optimization leverages non-local coupling to achieve high efficiency, but leads to complex and difficult to fabricate structures.

Can nutraceuticals counteract the detrimental effects of the environment on male fertility? A parallel systematic review and expert opinion.

Introduction: Male fertility relies on a complex physiology that may be negatively influenced by lifestyle, diet, and environment. The beneficial effect of nutraceuticals on male fertility is a debated claim. The aim of this study was to assess if the positive effect of nutraceuticals can counteract the negative effects of the environment on male fertility.

Delirium Incidence and Predictors in SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinated Residents in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF): Insights from the GeroCovid Vax Study.

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 vaccination can bring an important benefit for older people in terms of reduction of mortality and hospitalization; however, reports of rare adverse effects like altered consciousness and delirium among this demographic have raised concerns. This study aimed to assess delirium incidence post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and its predictors in older residents across 60 Italian long-term care facilities (LTCFs).

Design: This is a prospective cohort study considering data from GeroCovid Vax, a multicenter cohort study jointly performed by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SIGG) (Florence, Italy) and the Italian National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità-ISS, Rome, Italy), and sponsored by the Italian Medicines Agency (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco-AIFA).

'But … Would I Be Able to Toast With Friends?' When Service Users Ask for New Care Pathways.

Introduction: The WHO European Mental Health Action Plan (2013-2030) emphasises the need to generate services that are more inclusive and attentive to the co-construction of care practices. This exploratory research investigates the needs of young substance abusers shown during their stay in residential communities; in particular, it explores the idea that treatment may include a new phase focused on how to manage moderate or controlled alcohol intake during residential care. Interviews with young ex-users open up critical reflections on complete abstinence programmes from all substances, including alcohol, as a prerequisite for discharge and also provide examples of how to co-design a plan for mindful drinking.

Thermodynamically Templated Macrocyclizations: Enhancing the Synthesis of Prism[5]arenes with Tailor-Made Guests.

The macrocyclization of 2,6-dialkoxynaphthalene monomers to prism[5]arenes is thermodynamically templated by DABCO cations. In this study, we demonstrate that a greater template affinity for prism[5]arene improves the macrocyclization yield. By using novel templating cations, the yield of alkoxy-prism[5]arenes increases significantly compared with those of previously reported procedures, while the purification process becomes easier and faster.

Direct Functionalization of Polyethylene Surfaces with High-Density Polymer Brushes.

Introducing functionality onto PE surfaces is a longstanding challenge in polymer science, driven by the need for polymer materials with improved adhesion and antifouling properties. Herein, we report surface-initiated hydrogen atom transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI HAT-RAFT) as a robust method to grow high-density brush polymers from PE surfaces. We demonstrate that, under mild conditions, direct initiation from the C-H bonds of PE surfaces allows for the graft polymerization of a variety of (meth)acrylate monomers.

Design of a Cavity for the High-Power Radio-Frequency Quadrupole Coupler Test for the ANTHEM Project.

The ANTHEM (Advanced Technologies for Human-centered Medicine) Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) will employ eight coaxial power couplers, which will be magnetically coupled to the device through a loop antenna. The coupler design can support up to 140 kW in continuous wave operation. This paper presents the design of the cavity used for high-power testing, with the primary objectives of both optimizing the coupling between the couplers and ensuring operations at the designated operating frequency.

A Comparison of Guided Bone Regeneration vs. the Shell Technique Using Xenogeneic Bone Blocks in Horizontal Bone Defects: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

In cases of severe horizontal atrophy, implant placement requires bone reconstruction procedures. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the outcomes of bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement using the shell technique to the outcomes of guided bone regeneration (GBR) in cases of severely horizontal bone atrophy. This study was designed as a monocentric, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with a six-month follow-up.

Physiological synchronization and innovative moments in psychotherapy: A single-case study of micro-process.

Objective: Interpersonal synchronization is increasingly studied as a biomarker of empathy, therapeutic alliance, and treatment outcome. However, most studies average data over sessions, leaving associations between synchrony and actual interactions largely unexplored. We aim to showcase a novel approach examining synchronization during specific micro-processes: Innovative Moments (IM) as markers of exceptions to clients' problematic patterns of meaning.

Icarifil in Association with Daily Use of Tadalafil (5 mg) versus Standard Tadalafil Daily Dose (5 mg) or Alone: Results from a Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

: The management of erectile dysfunction (ED) shows several grey zones and new treatments are required to reduce the percentage of patients discontinuing treatment. Here, we aim to evaluate the role of a natural mixture named Icarifil® (L-Citrulline, L-Carnitine, , , , , Taurine, Vitamin E, Zinc) in the management of patients with ED. : From September 2022 to March 2023, all patients attending 3 urological institutions due to ED were randomized to receive the following for 3 months: Icarifil® 1 sachet every 24 h (Group 1) or Icarifil® 1 sachet + tadalafil 5 mg 1 tablet every 24 h (Group 2) or tadalafil 5 mg 1 tablet daily (Group 3).

Role of narcissism in parental alienation phenomenon. A narrative review.

Parental Alienation Syndrome (PAS) is a term addressed to describe negative, psychopathological feelings, thinking and behaviours, including hostility and fear, exhibited by children who have been alienated from one parent by the other parent. Despite its relevance in the clinical psychology field, theoretical and empirical contributions to understanding and deepening the many facets of this concept are still few. In particular, literature aimed at disentangling the alienating parent's psychological characteristics is scarce and fragmented.

Synthesis of 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles by domino reductive Nef reaction/cyclization of β-nitroenones.

β-Nitroenones can be efficiently converted into 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoles by using tin(II)chloride dihydrate and ethyl acetate as a reducing agent and solvent, respectively. Products are obtained in good yields and several functional groups are tolerated thanks to the mild reaction conditions.

Effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia.

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

The diagnostic yield of the Meares & Stamey test can be significantly improved by symptom-based patient selection and the experience of the test performer.

Background: Even if Meares-Stamey 4-glass (M&S) test is regarded a decisive tool for diagnosing prostatitis its use is only rarely performed in everyday clinical practice. Here, we analyze if the diagnostic yield of the M&S test could be improved by a pre-test categorization of patients due to undergo a M&S test.

Methods: All clinical and microbiological data of patients who underwent M&S test in two urological centers from January 2004 to December 2021 were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study.

The Role of Double Interatrial Septum in Cryptogenic Stroke.

In this work, the case of a 70-year-old Caucasian woman affected by cryptogenic stroke is reported. After discarding other sources of embolism, a transesophageal echocardiogram was performed, which revealed the presence of a double interatrial septum associated with a left-sided atrial pouch. The persistent interatrial space was identified as the most probable source of thrombus.

Do dielectric bilayer metasurfaces behave as a stack of decoupled single-layer metasurfaces?

Flat optics or metasurfaces have opened new frontiers in wavefront shaping and its applications. Polarization optics is one prominent area which has greatly benefited from the shape-birefringence of metasurfaces. However, flat optics comprising a single layer of meta-atoms can only perform a subset of polarization transformations, constrained by a symmetric Jones matrix.

Carotid Near-Occlusion: Surgical or Conservative Management? Retrospective Multicenter Study.

Background: Carotid near-occlusion (CNO) represents an anatomical-functional condition characterized by severe (more than 90%) internal carotid artery stenosis which can lead to a distal lumen diameter greater or less than 2 mm. CNO can be divided into a less severe subgroup (without lumen full collapse: diameter >2 mm) and a more severe subgroup (with lumen full collapse: diameter <2 mm). The decision for revascularization is still highly debated in Literature.

Phytotherapy Might Have a Role in Reducing Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies: Results from an Exploratory, Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Different Phytotherapeutic Agents.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the impact of two different phytotherapeutic agents on decision making regarding prostate biopsy for patients with higher-than-normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Methods: From June 2022 to May 2023, all patients attending two urological institutions due to higher-than-normal PSA levels were randomized to receive either oral capsules of Curcuma Longa, Boswellia, Pinus pinaster and Urtica dioica (Group A) or Serenoa Repens 320 mg (Group B) for 3 months. At the follow-up visit after 3 months, all patients underwent PSA tests and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Iron homeostasis alterations and erectile dysfunction: A new issue in erectile disfunction treatment?

To the Editor, Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting men globally, with significant psychological and social consequences. The prevalence varies across different populations, and it is estimated around 50% in men aged between 40 to 70. The etiology of ED is multifactorial, involving a complex crosstalk between psychological, hormonal, neurogenic, vascular, and structural factors [.