Unraveling the inflammation-degeneration tangle in early MS: preliminary insights from ferritin, neurogranin, TREM2, and retinal ganglion cell layer.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a complex interplay between immune-mediated inflammation and neurodegeneration. Recent advances in biomarker research have provided new insights into the molecular underpinnings of MS, including ferritin, neurogranin, Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), and neurofilaments light chain.

Objectives: This pilot study aims to investigate the levels of these biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients and explore their associations with clinical, cognitive, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters.

Bipolar vs. monopolar sealer in decreasing blood loss and transfusion rate in patients undergoing two-stage exchange in infected total knee arthroplasty: propensity score-matched study.

Background: Two-stage revision in infected total knee arthroplasty increases the risk of blood loss and the need for transfusion. The present study aimed to test the hemostatic efficacy of a bipolar sealer to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements after the first stage in patients affected by peri-prosthetic knee infections.

Methods: Twenty-four patients undergoing 2-stage arthroplasty for infected TKA using a bipolar sealer (Haemodiss, Kylix, Naples, IT) were compared with 24 patients of a historical control group in which conventional electrocautery was used.

Cenobamate as add-on treatment for SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.

Objectives: Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) caused by pathogenic variants in SCN8A are associated with difficult-to-treat and early-onset seizures, developmental delay/intellectual disability, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of early mortality. High doses of sodium channel blockers are typically used to treat SCN8A-DEE caused by gain-of-function (GoF) variants. However, seizures are often drug resistant, and only a few patients achieve seizure freedom.

Body image distress and disordered eating among gay and straight men from Greece and Cyprus.

Sociocultural factors play a significant role in the development of body image distress and disordered eating behavior in diverse populations, including men. One group which seems to be at increased risk, is sexual minority men. However, these factors have rarely been studied outside of Western populations.

Modeling shock propagation and resilience in financial temporal networks.

Modeling how a shock propagates in a temporal network and how the system relaxes back to equilibrium is challenging but important in many applications, such as financial systemic risk. Most studies, so far, have focused on shocks hitting a link of the network, while often it is the node and its propensity to be connected that are affected by a shock. Using the configuration model-a specific exponential random graph model-as a starting point, we propose a vector autoregressive (VAR) framework to analytically compute the Impulse Response Function (IRF) of a network metric conditional to a shock on a node.

Excess cement and peri-implant disease: A cross-sectional clinical endoscopic study.

Background: Crown cementation is a common technique for implant-supported prosthodontics. However, for possible slipping of the cement below the mucosal margin, its thorough removal poses some issues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of submucosal cement residues in patients with peri-implant disease by endoscopic visualization and to investigate the potential correlation between the pathological scenario and the spatial position of cement residues.

Challenges in determining the global burden of non-malignant central nervous system tumors: an analysis of international incidence and mortality data sources.

Background: Non-malignant tumors of the CNS contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality from CNS tumors. It is critical to understand the epidemiology of non-malignant CNS tumors separately from CNS malignancies to inform resource allocation and policy since treatment and prognosis can differ. High quality international data on non-malignant CNS tumor burden are needed to accomplish this goal.

Real-world effectiveness of mepolizumab in asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Exacerbations and suboptimal disease control are common in severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype (SAep). Mepolizumab, an anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to strengthen the real-world evidence base for mepolizumab in SAep.

Biologically-oriented alveolar ridge preservation to correct bone dehiscence at immediate implant placement.

Background: The purpose of the present case study is to describe the application of a modification of the Biologically-oriented Alveolar Ridge Preservation (BARP) principles in cases of peri-implant bone dehiscence (PIBD) due to a compromised alveolus at immediate implant placement (IIP).

Methods: The technique is based on the stratification of three layers: a deep layer with a collagen sponge (CS) in the apical part of the alveolus (where the buccal bone plate was still present) to support the blood clot; a graft layer to correct the PIBD; and a superficial collagen layer to cover the graft thus providing space and enhancing clot/graft stability. Healing was obtained by primary closure.

Sex and academic stage differences in work-related musculoskeletal disorders pain among dental students. A cross-center cross-sectional study.

Objective: Dental professionals are highly vulnerable to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). As females, who are more prone to WMSD, represent a growing proportion of the dental workforce, this study explored sex differences in WMSD-pain prevalence among dental students, and differentiated it between preclinical and clinical students.

Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students at three U.

Critical Issues in the Management of CRMS/CFSPID Children: A National Real-World Survey.

Background: Notwithstanding guidance from the European Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Society (ECFS) neonatal screening (NBS) working group, significant variation persists in the evaluation and management of Cystic Fibrosis Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis (CFSPID) subjects, leaving many aspects of care under debate. This study reports the results of a national survey investigating management and treatment approaches of pre-school CFSPIDs in Italy.

Methods: In February 2024, a comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to all Italian CF centers.

Tackling Hominin Tickling: Bonobos Share the Social Features and Developmental Dynamics of Play Tickling With Humans.

It is under debate whether intersubjectivity-the capacity to experience a sense of togetherness around an action-is unique to humans. In humans, heavy tickling-a repeated body probing play that causes an automatic response including uncontrollable laughter (gargalesis)-has been linked to the emergence of intersubjectivity as it is aimed at making others laugh (self-generated responses are inhibited), it is often asymmetrical (older to younger subjects), and it elicits agent-dependent responses (pleasant/unpleasant depending on social bond). Intraspecific tickling and the related gargalesis response have been reported in humans, chimpanzees, and anecdotally in other great apes, potentially setting the line between hominids and other anthropoids.

An Exploratory Study of PN HPT for Treating Postsurgical Atrophic and Depressed Scars.

Background: Postsurgical atrophic scars tend to respond poorly to treatments, especially non-energy-based ones. Hydrophilic PN HPT (Polynucleotides High Purification Technology) injected intradermally is a non-energy-based option with an immediate volume-enhancing effect that indirectly improves the fibroblast synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix. The PN HPT ingredient has the further benefit of a dermal "priming" effect that enhances the efficacy of other scar treatments.

The low-lying electronic states of 4H-pyran-4-thione; a photoionization and vacuum ultraviolet absorption study, with interpretation by configuration interaction and density functional calculations for the ionic and singlet states.

Two synchrotron-based studies on 4H-pyran-4-thione, photoelectron spectroscopy and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectra were performed. A highly resolved structure was observed in the photoelectron spectrum (PES), in contrast to an earlier PES study, where little structure was observed. The sequence of ionic states was determined using configuration interaction and coupled cluster methods.

Establishing Decisional Cutoff Values of Neurofilament Light Chains in Cerebrospinal Fluid Measured by Fully Automated Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay.

Introduction: Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is one of the most important biomarkers in the field of clinical neurochemistry. Several analytical methods have been developed in the last decade. Recently, Fujirebio introduced a ready-to-use assay kit for measuring NfL levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the fully automated LUMIPULSE G System.

Evaluating Lichen Sclerosus in Phimosis: Insights From a Multidisciplinary Retrospective Study.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of lichen sclerosus (LS) in male patients undergoing circumcision for phimosis, emphasising the significance of a multidisciplinary approach in the early diagnosis and management of this condition.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 841 male patients who underwent circumcision at a high-volume medical centre between 2001 and 2023. Data were collected on clinical diagnoses made by both dermatologists and urologists, along with the corresponding histological findings.

Cardiovascular diseases, prevention and management of complications in older adults and frail patients treated for elective or post-traumatic hip orthopaedic interventions.

Due to the aging population, focusing on healthy aging has become a global priority. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and frailty, characterized by increased vulnerability to adverse stress and health events, interact synergistically in advanced age. In older adults, hip fractures are a frequent dramatic "life-transition" event.

The role of multi-modality imaging for the assessment of left atrium and left atrial appendage. A clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Structural, architectural, contractile or electrophysiological alterations may occur in the left atrium (LA). The concept of LA cardiopathy is supported by accumulating scientific evidence demonstrating that LA remodeling has become a cornerstone diagnostic and prognostic marker. The structure and the function of LA and left atrial appendage (LAA) which is an integral part of the LA, are key elements for a better understanding of multiple clinical conditions, most notably atrial fibrillation (AF), cardioembolism, heart failure and mitral valve diseases.

Impact of optimal secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival outcomes in women with recurrent endometrial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Management of recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC) represents a challenge. Although a complete resection of visible disease at secondary surgery (R0) is recommended, the impact of R0 on survival outcomes is unclear and pooled data are lacking.

Objective: To quantitatively assess the impact of R0 on survival outcomes in women with EC recurrence.

Nursing approaches in home chemotherapy: A systematic review.

Aim: To systematically explore the existing literature by examining nursing approaches to home chemotherapy treatment.

Background: With the rising number of patients with cancer, home chemotherapy has gained prominence. Nurses play a crucial role in this process and bear significant responsibilities.

Phenotyping and metabolomics insights into the effect of melatonin in lettuce under non-stress and salinity conditions.

Melatonin (MLT) is an indole derivative that exhibits hormone-like activities in plants, regulating multiple aspects of growth and development. Due to its role in mitigating oxidative stress and facilitating osmoprotectant accumulation, MLT enhances abiotic stress tolerance, although the pathways and metabolic mechanisms involved remain unclear despite being studied in various crops. This work aimed to investigate the changes elicited by the exogenous MLT application at different concentrations (10, 50, 150 μM) and its role in mitigating the salinity stress in Lactuca sativa L.

Design, Synthesis, and In Vitro Evaluation of Aromatic Sulfonamides as Human Carbonic Anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII Inhibitors and Their Antioxidant Activity.

This study is focused on the design, synthesis, and evaluation of some sulfonamide derivatives for their inhibitory effects on human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) enzymes I, II, IX, and XII as well as for their antioxidant activity. The purity of the synthesized molecules was confirmed by the HPLC purity analysis and was found in the range of 93%-100%. The inhibition constant (K) against hCA I ranged from 0.