The PERFORMANCE II Trial: A Prospective Multicenter Investigation of a Novel Carotid Stent System.

Background: Several randomized clinical trials have shown that the composite endpoint of death, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) is equivalent between carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy. However, the risk of minor stroke has been consistently higher with carotid artery stenting.

Objectives: The authors sought to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a novel carotid stent system comprised of a stent, an adjustable integrated embolic filter and a postdilation balloon, in patients at elevated risk for adverse events from carotid endarterectomy.

The Efficacy of Defensive Antibacterial Coating (DAC™) Periprosthetic Joint Infection Prevention in the Hip: A Systematic Review.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a significant issue in joint replacement surgery patients, affecting results and mortality. Recent research focuses on developing hydrogels (HG) and antimicrobial coatings to reduce pressure injuries, with DAC™ HG showing lower infection risk in hip revision surgery. However, the effectiveness of DAC™ hydrogel in PIJs is still unknown.

From Symptoms to Satisfaction: Optimizing Patient-Centered Care in Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial, chronic, and often relapsing condition with a significant impact on patient quality of life (QoL). Symptoms such as ocular discomfort and visual disturbances are diverse and frequently misaligned with objective clinical signs, complicating diagnosis and management. DED not only interferes with daily activities like reading, driving, and computer use but also imposes a substantial economic burden due to direct healthcare costs and reduced work productivity.

Physiological Root Resorption of Deciduous Teeth: An ATR-FTIR Approach.

: The study exploited, for the first time, Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform-InfraRed (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy on human dental pulps at different timings of root resorption (RR) to deepen the biological mechanisms occurring in deciduous teeth (De) during their replacement with permanent ones. : N:36 dental pulps from sound De were divided into the following: G0 (no RR); G1 (RR less than 1/3 of root length); G2 (RR not exceeding 2/3 of root length); and G3 (RR more than 2/3 of root length). Samples were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, and the spectral data were submitted to univariate (One-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests; statistical significance set at < 0.

Feeding Sows with Multi-Species Probiotics During Late Pregnancy and the Lactating Period Influences IgA Concentration in Colostrum and Subsequently Increases the Survival Rate of Piglets in Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Outbreak Herd.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus is an important cause of diarrhea in sows and piglets [...

Airway MMP-12 and DNA methylation in COPD: an integrative approach.

Background: In COPD, the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)] is shifted towards excessive degradation, reflected in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as increased MMP concentrations. Because of their critical role in lung homeostasis, MMP activity is tightly regulated, but to what extent this regulation occurs through epigenetic mechanisms remains unknown.

Methods: To explore the interplay between MMPs, TIMPs, and DNA methylation (DNAm) we (1) analysed MMP-9, -12, and TIMP-1 concentrations in BAL fluid, and profiled DNAm in BAL cells from 18 COPD and 30 control subjects, (2) estimated protein-COPD relationships using multivariable regression, (3) identified protein quantitative trait methylation loci (pQTMs) with COPD as a potential modifier in a separate interaction model, and (4) integrated significant interactions with a previous COPD GWAS meta-analysis.

Hybrid Setting for Minimally Invasive Mitral Surgery in Patients With Inferior Vena Caval Filters.

Current cardiac surgery has evolved to include hybrid and minimally invasive settings. In parallel, less invasive techniques have been extended to complex clinical scenarios and may prove even more beneficial in higher-risk patients. However, comorbidities and challenging anatomy still represent limitations to widespread application of this philosophy.

Prognostic Value of Myocardial CT-ECV in Severe Aortic Stenosis Requiring Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Aim: Computed tomography (CT)-derived extracellular volume fraction (ECV) is a non-invasive method to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Evaluating CT-ECV during aortic valve replacement (AVR) planning CT in severe aortic stenosis (AS) may aid prognostic stratification. This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic significance of CT-ECV in severe AS necessitating AVR.

The Effect of the Size of Gold Nanoparticle Contrast Agents on CT Imaging of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CT imaging with contrast agents is commonly used for visualizing the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in UC patients. Contrast agents that provide enhanced imaging performance are highly valuable in this field.

Machine learning-derived asthma and allergy trajectories in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Numerous studies have characterised trajectories of asthma and allergy in children using machine learning, but with different techniques and mixed findings. The present work aimed to summarise the evidence and critically appraise the methodology.

Methods: 10 databases were searched.

Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in De Novo Lesions in Large Coronary Vessels: A Propensity Score-Matched Study.

Background: Evidence regarding drug-coated balloon (DCB)-only angioplasty in de novo lesions of large vessels is still limited and mainly focused on paclitaxel-coated balloon. We aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of sirolimus-coated balloon (SCB)-only angioplasty in de novo lesions in large vessels compared to drug-eluting stent (DES).

Methods: In this retrospective, dual-center, case-control study, we enrolled all consecutive patients treated between January 2022 and January 2024 with SCB-only angioplasty in de novo lesion in large vessel (> 2.

Heart failure outpatient clinics resources in Italy: a viewpoint of Italian Society of Cardiology organization.

The current paper reports the model organization, level of health care, and type of medical and research activities related to the existing heart failure centers of the Italian Society of Cardiology. Of note, we conduced an internal survey among the members of heart failure working group and related hospital and territorial sites about the quality of care and assistance levels according to the local hospital resources and type of diagnostic therapeutic and management resources. Thirty-two hospital ambulatorial structures have been identified, the centers were equally distributed within the national ground, with similar concentration between north and south regions of the Italian country.

Molecular detection of the zoonotic trematode Centrocestus formosanus (Nishigori, 1924) (Opisthorchiida, Heterophyidae) in Central Europe.

In our study, fancy southern platyfish Xiphophorus maculatus (Cyprinodontiformes, Poeciliidae) were examined due to breathing disorders and mortality. Fish came from Vietnam farm and were redistributed by international wholesaler. In fish, loss of appetite and gasping near the water surface was observed.

A Multimodal Approach to Symptomatic Endometriosis: A Proposed Algorithm for Clinical Management.

Recent research has proven that peripheral (PS) and central sensitization (CS), mental health, and myofascial dysfunction all play a role, alongside nociception, in the genesis and in the perpetuation of endometriosis' symptoms. However, such components of pain are still largely ignored in clinical practice, although not considering such contributors may entail serious consequences on women's health, including the choice of unnecessary surgery and leaving the real causes of pain untreated. At the present time, we are facing a paradox by which 25-40% of women who undergo laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain do not have an obvious diagnosis, while the percentage of women with endometriosis who have signs of CS, of depressive or anxiety disorders, or who have an increased pelvic muscle tone ammounts to 41-55%, 15-88% and 28-73%, respectively.

Evidence of avian and human influenza A virus infection in farmed Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Thailand.

Crocodilians are susceptible to a range of virus infection including influenza A virus (IAV). However, little is known about the ecology and epidemiology of IAV in crocodile species. This study aimed to investigate IAV infection in farmed Siamese crocodiles in central Thailand.

Hyperacusis and Tinnitus in Vestibular Migraine Patients.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of tinnitus and hyperacusis in patients with vestibular migraine (VM), and to define the association with hearing loss, anxiety, and depression.

Design: A cross-sectional, multicenter study including 51 adult patients with definite or probable VM, defined according to the Barany Society diagnostic criteria. Audiological examinations were performed by pure tones extended to high frequencies to assess hearing thresholds.

Application of Microsponge Drug Platform to Enhance Methotrexate Administration in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to develop a novel nanotechnological slow-release drug delivery platform based on hyaluronic acid Microsponge (MSP) for the subcutaneous administration of methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and damage, while MTX is a common disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), the conventional use of which is limited by adverse effects and the lack of release control.

Methods: MSP were synthesized as freeze-dried powder to increase their stability and allow for a facile reconstitution prior to administration and precise MTX dosing.

Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint.

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care by providing an aesthetic, removable alternative to traditional braces. However, their significant environmental footprint, contributing to approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste annually, poses a critical challenge. To address this issue, advancements in 4D printing have introduced "smart" aligners with shape memory properties, enabling reshaping and reducing the number of aligners required per treatment.

Teenage Patients with Class II Subdivision Treated with Aligners and Elastics: A Retrospective Study.

: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of Class II subdivision teenage patients treated with Invisalign clear aligners (CAs) and elastics. : A total of 23 individuals aged 14.3 ± 2.

Long-Term Impact of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media on Balance and Vestibular Function in Children.

Background/objectives: Recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) is a common disease in childhood, but its impact on the vestibular system remains poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of rAOM on balance and vestibular function in pediatric patients.

Methods: A total of 55 children, aged 8 years (25 males and 30 females), with a documented history of rAOM, no AOM episodes in the past year, and no previous ear surgery were assessed.

Humeral Head-Split Fracture in Two Dogs.

Two skeletally immature female dogs were each investigated for chronic weight-bearing thoracic limb lameness. The first patient was lame for 2 months following a tumble whilst playing, and the second patient had been intermittently lame since 3 weeks of age. In both cases, radiographic examination of the shoulder revealed fissuring of the caudal humeral head consistent with an incomplete proximal humeral Salter-Harris type IV fracture with an Enoki-mushroom-like appearance of the caudal fragment, where two heads rise from a common stem.

Clinical predictors for surfactant retreatment in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: the results of a pooled analysis.

Background: The issue of retreatment with surfactant of infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to identify possible clinical predictors of the need for multiple doses of surfactant in a large cohort of very preterm infants.

Methods: Data were analyzed from three previous studies on infants born between 25 and 31 weeks of gestation with RDS who were treated with surfactant.

From ex vivo to in vivo chimeric antigen T cells manufacturing: new horizons for CAR T-cell based therapy.

In the past decades, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success, leading to the approval of six therapeutic products for haematological malignancies. Recently, the therapeutic potential of this therapy has also been demonstrated in non-tumoral diseases. Currently, the manufacturing process to produce clinical-grade CAR-T cells is complex, time-consuming, and highly expensive.

An update on emerging pharmacological treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction.

Introduction: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) represents the most common cause of dry eye disease (DED). Traditional treatments mainly rely on heating and liquifying the meibum to favor its expression. However, recent knowledge advances have led to the development of novel therapies specifically designed for patients with MGD.