Cranioplasty infection in porous hydroxyapatite: Potential antibacterial properties.

Introduction: Intensive research is dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials and medical devices to be used as grafts in reconstructive surgery, with the purpose of enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness, safety, and durability. A variety of biomaterials, from autologous bone to polymethylmetacrylate, polyether ether ketone, titanium, and calcium-based ceramics are used in cranioplasty. Porous hydroxyapatite (PHA) is reported as a possible material for bone reconstruction, with good signs of biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteointegrative properties.

Difficulty score for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions with the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel technique: a preliminary reliability study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to propose a new difficulty score for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GRs) with Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel (MCAT), and to test the score's reliability.

Material And Methods: A difficulty score was developed for the assessment and grading of 13 relevant anatomical parameters at baseline. Six experienced dental practitioners evaluated existing GRs in three patients.

Effectiveness of Tralokinumab in Different Phenotypes of Atopic Dermatitis: A Real-World Study.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus and a relapsing course, affecting approximately 25% of children and 4-7% of adults. This study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and quality-of-life impact of tralokinumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-13 (IL-13), in treating moderate-to-severe AD in a real-world setting, with a focus on different AD phenotypes.

Methods: An observational cohort of 30 adults treated with tralokinumab for ≥ 16 weeks was analyzed.

Statistical models versus machine learning approach for competing risks in proctological surgery.

Clinical risk prediction models are ubiquitous in many surgical domains. The traditional approach to develop these models involves the use of regression analysis. Machine learning algorithms are gaining in popularity as an alternative approach for prediction and classification problems.

Three-year treatment with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies modifies migraine course: the prospective, multicenter I-GRAINE study.

Objectives: To determine whether extending anti-CGRP mAb treatment beyond 3 years influences migraine course, we analyzed migraine frequency during the first month of treatment discontinuation following three 12-month treatment cycles (Ts).

Methods: This multicenter, prospective, real-world study enrolled 212 patients with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) or chronic migraine (CM) who completed three consecutive Ts of subcutaneous anti-CGRP mAbs. Discontinuation periods (D1, D2, D3) were defined as the first month after T1, T2, and T3, respectively.

Approaches for the preparation and evaluation of hydrophilic polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate microplastic particles suited for toxicological effect studies.

When performing effect studies to investigate the impact of microplastic (MP) on cell lines, algae, or daphnia, it is advantageous if such experiments can be performed without the use of surfactants. The need for surfactants arises from the fact that finely milled pristine MP particles generally are hydrophobic. Methods for the preparation of larger amounts of hydrophilic and hence artificially aged MP particles and approaches for their characterization are of high importance.

What Kills Mature Street and Park Trees in Cities? Systematic Quantitative Review of Published Case Studies.

Street and park trees often endure harsher conditions, including increased temperatures and drier soil and air, than those found in urban or natural forests. These conditions can lead to shorter lifespans and a greater vulnerability to dieback. This literature review aimed to identify confirmed causes of street and park tree dieback in urban areas from around the world.

Abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of testicular germ-cell tumors in adults: recommendations of the Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology.

Objectives: The Scrotal and Penile Imaging Working Group (SPIWG) of the European Society of Urogenital Radiology (ESUR) aimed to formulate recommendations on the imaging modalities and minimal technical requirements for abdominopelvic imaging in the follow-up of adult patients treated for testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT).

Methods: The SPIWG members performed an extensive literature search, reviewed the current clinical practice, and reached a consensus based on the opinions of experts in the field.

Results: Recurrence in patients treated for TGCT mainly occurs in retroperitoneal lymph nodes (LNs).

Epidemiology of metabolic syndrome.

The global increase of overweight and obesity in children and adults is one of the most prominent public health threats, often accompanied by insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The simultaneous occurrence of these health problems is referred to as metabolic syndrome. Various criteria have been proposed to define this syndrome, but no general consensus on the specific markers and the respective cut-offs has been achieved yet.

Bimekizumab efficacy and safety through 3 years in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Long-term results from the BE RADIANT phase 3b trial open-label extension period.

Background: Overexpression of interleukin (IL)-17A and IL-17F significantly influences psoriasis pathology. Until recently, biologics targeting IL-17A alone, like secukinumab, were used to treat psoriasis. Bimekizumab is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that targets both IL-17A and IL-17F.

New therapies in celiac disease.

Purpose Of Review: Celiac disease (CeD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the small intestine triggered by gluten ingestion in genetically predisposed individuals. The cornerstone of CeD management remains a strict adherence to a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD), although such a dietary restriction can lead to an altered quality of life and may not be easy to follow for many patients. These challenges highlighted the need for alternative therapies.

2024 White Paper on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis: Evolution of Immunogenicity Assessment beyond ADA/NAb; Regulated Genomic/NGS Assays; Hypersensitivity Reactions; Minimum Noise Reduction; False Positive Range; Modernized Vaccine Approaches; NAb/TAb Correlation - Recommendations on Advanced Strategies for Molecular Assays and Immunogenicity of Gene Therapy, Cell Therapy, Vaccine; Biotherapeutics Immunogenicity Assessment & Clinical Relevance - Regulatory Agencies' Input on Immunogenicity/Technologies of Biotherapeutics, Gene, Cell & Vaccine Therapies).

The 18 Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (18 WRIB) took place in San Antonio, TX, USA on May 6-10, 2024. Over 1100 professionals representing pharma/biotech companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies convened to actively discuss the most current topics of interest in bioanalysis. The 18 WRIB included 3 Main Workshops and 7 Specialized Workshops that together spanned 1 week to allow an exhaustive and thorough coverage of all major issues in bioanalysis of biomarkers, immunogenicity, gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccines.

Unveiling the role of miRNAs in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: an in silico network approach.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have acquired an increased recognition to unravel the complex molecular mechanisms underlying Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR), one of the main responsible for infertility. To investigate the impact of miRNA profiles in granulosa cells and follicular fluid, crucial players in follicle development, this study employed a computational network theory approach to reconstruct potential pathways regulated by miRNAs in granulosa cells and follicular fluid of women suffering from DOR. Available data from published research were collected to create the FGC_MiRNome_MC, a representation of miRNA target genes and their interactions.

Thyroid Hormone Activation Regulates the Crosstalk between Breast Cancer and Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Background: Thyroid Hormones (THs) critically impact human cancer. Although endowed with both tumor-promoting and inhibiting effects in different cancer types, excess of THs has been linked to enhanced tumor growth and progression. Breast cancer depends on the interaction between bulk tumor cells and the surrounding microenvironment in which mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert powerful pro-tumorigenic activities.

Contribution of Nuclear Fragmentation to Dose and RBE in Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy.

Variable relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of carbon radiotherapy may be calculated using several models, including the microdosimetric kinetic model (MKM), stochastic MKM (SMKM), repair-misrepair-fixation (RMF) model, and local effect model I (LEM), which have not been thoroughly compared. In this work, we compared how these four models handle carbon beam fragmentation, providing insight into where model differences arise. Monoenergetic and spread-out Bragg peak carbon beams incident on a water phantom were simulated using Monte Carlo.

Exploring the Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options of Multiple Sclerosis.

The complicated neurological syndrome known as multiple sclerosis (MS) is typified by demyelination, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Managing this crippling illness requires an understanding of the complex interactions between neurophysiological systems, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic methods. A complex series of processes, including immunological dysregulation, inflammation, and neurodegeneration, are involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

Short (2-Hour) Non-Oxygenated End-Ischemic Hypothermic Perfusion Versus Cold Storage in the Setting of Renal Transplantation.

Background: Kidney transplantation (KT) is the most effective treatment for end-stage renal disease. End-ischemic hypothermic machine perfusion (EI-HMP) has emerged as a promising method for preserving grafts before transplantation. This study aimed to compare graft function recovery in KT recipients of deceased brain-death (DBD) grafts preserved with EI-HMP versus static cold storage (SCS).

The Line of Emotion Dysregulation and Need Frustration from Parents to Adolescents: The Role of Parental Psychological Control.

Accumulating evidence, as outlined by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), highlights the crucial role of emotion dysregulation and basic psychological needs in shaping various psychological outcomes. Parental psychological control may play a key role in understanding how these processes develop within the family context. This study aims to examine the intergenerational transmission of basic psychological needs and emotion dysregulation from parents to adolescents, focusing on the indirect association of parental psychological control within this relationship.

Efficacy of Orthognathic Surgery in OSAS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a prevalent condition characterised by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and associated morbidities. Orthognathic surgery (OGS) has been proposed as a treatment option for OSAS, aimed at anatomically repositioning the maxillofacial structures to alleviate airway obstruction. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of OGS in reducing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores among OSAS patients.

Real-World Impact of Olaparib Exposure in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Patients Harboring Germline BRCA1-2 Pathogenic Variants.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer arising in the context of BRCA predisposition may benefit from poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. We analyzed real-world data on the impact of olaparib on survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients harboring germline BRCA mutations in Italy, where olaparib is not reimbursed for this indication.

Methods: Clinico/pathological data of pancreatic cancer patients with documented BRCA1-2 germline pathogenic variants who had received first-line chemotherapy for metastatic disease were collected from 23 Italian oncology departments and the impact of olaparib exposure on overall survival (OS) was analyzed.

Pediatric, adult, and late onset multiple sclerosis: Cognitive phenotypes and gray matter atrophy.

Objectives: We aim to investigate cognitive phenotype distribution and MRI correlates across pediatric-, elderly-, and adult-onset MS patients as a function of disease duration.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 1262 MS patients and 238 healthy controls, with neurological and cognitive assessments. A subset of 222 MS patients and 92 controls underwent 3T-MRI scan for brain atrophy and lesion analysis.

Eight Years of Norovirus Surveillance in Urban Wastewater: Insights from Next-Generation.

Human noroviruses (HNoVs) are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, with significant public health implications. In this study, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was used to monitor the circulation and genetic diversity of HNoVs in Rome over an eight-year period (2017-2024). A total of 337 wastewater samples were analyzed using RT-nested PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify genogroups GI and GII and their respective genotypes.