PI-RADS in Predicting csPCa: A Comparison Between Academic and Nonacademic Centers.

Introduction: The introduction of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has revolutionized prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, enhancing the localization of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and guiding targeted biopsies. However, significant disparities in the execution, interpretation, and reporting of prostate MRI examinations across centers necessitate greater standardization and accuracy. This study compares the diagnostic efficacy of mpMRI from academic and nonacademic centers in detecting csPCa and identifies factors associated with csPCa detection.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in women: A forgotten cardiovascular risk factor.

Sleep-disordered breathing is a highly prevalent disorder with negative impact on healthcare systems worldwide. This condition has detrimental effects on cardiovascular health and quality of life, and is frequently associated with a variety of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation. Nevertheless, it remains frequently undiagnosed and undertreated, especially in specific populations.

Neurological management of ischemic stroke in sickle cell disease- a case report with an updated review of the literature.

Background: In children and adults with sickle-cell disease (SCD), acute ischemic stroke (AIS) associated with a vaso-occlusive crisis is a leading cause of physical and cognitive disability and death. However, neurological guidelines for acute management of AIS fail to directly address this issue. We here report a case of a man with severe cerebrovascular complications and illustrate the current evidence on the management of SCD-related AIS.

Stability of the thromboxane B biomarker of low-dose aspirin pharmacodynamics in human whole blood and in long-term stored serum samples.

Background: Serum thromboxane B (sTXB) is a validated biomarker of low-dose aspirin pharmacodynamics. In the original method, nonanticoagulated blood samples must be incubated at 37 °C immediately after withdrawal, centrifuged and serum supernatant should be frozen until assayed. Timely completion of all preanalytical steps may affect the feasibility and quality of sTXB measurements.

State of the art CRISPR-based strategies for cancer diagnostics and treatment.

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology is a groundbreaking and dynamic molecular tool for DNA and RNA "surgery". CRISPR/Cas9 is the most widely applied system in oncology research. It is a major advancement in genome manipulation due to its precision, efficiency, scalability and versatility compared to previous gene editing methods.

Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone deficiency in mice beyond growth.

This paper provides a critical overview on GHRH and its deficiency, discussing its multiple roles in both central and peripheral tissues. Genetically engineered mice have been instrumental in elucidating the multifaceted roles of GHRH and GH, each offering unique insights into the physiological and pathological roles of these hormones, although in many of these models dissecting the direct effect of GHRH from the effect of GH is not possible. Key findings highlight the effects of GHRH deficiency on emotional behavior, including anxiety and depression, its impact on memory and learning capabilities, as well as on adipose tissue, immune system, inflammation and pain.

Disinfection of dental root canals by cold atmospheric plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of dental biofilm.

Aim: The intricate structure of the tooth root canals has a role in the colonization and biofilm formation in hidden areas that are hardly reached by standard endodontic treatments. This review aims at summarizing data from and studies for a better understanding of the application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) for the disinfection of dental root canals.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were screened.

How Italian radiation oncologists use ChatGPT: a survey by the young group of the Italian association of radiotherapy and clinical oncology (yAIRO).

Purpose: To investigate the awareness and the spread of ChatGPT and its possible role in both scientific research and clinical practice among the young radiation oncologists (RO).

Material And Methods: An anonymous, online survey via Google Forms (including 24 questions) was distributed among young (< 40 years old) ROs in Italy through the yAIRO network, from March 15, 2024, to 31, 2024. These ROs were officially registered with yAIRO in 2023.

Counselling in Fetal Medicine: Uncomplicated Twin Pregnancies.

Twin pregnancies account for 3% of all pregnancies and they are burdened by higher morbidity and mortality compared to singletons. The role of ultrasound in the screening, diagnosis and management of possible complications of twin pregnancies has been widely investigated in the current literature. However, despite the progress that have been made in the last decades regarding treatment and evidence-based management of complications, twin pregnancies remain at higher risk of adverse outcomes, requiring therefore dedicated surveillance.

Counselling in Fetal Medicine: Complications of Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies.

Twin pregnancies are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared to singletons. Among all twins, monochorionic pregnancies are at higher risk of specific and non-specific complications compared to dichorionic pregnancies. Therefore, it is of great importance to properly counsel future parents with monochorionic pregnancies regarding the risks of adverse outcomes and the modalities of monitoring and intervention of the potential complications.

Biomechanical Finite Element Analysis of Two Types of Short-Angled Implants Across Various Bone Classifications.

The aim of this finite element analysis (FEA) was to investigate the distribution of von Mises stress within dental implant components, as well as trabecular and cortical bone. The study considered various bone qualities that influence cortical thickness in contact with the implant, specifically examining cortical thicknesses of 0.5, 1.

The Effect of Endometriosis on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of endometriosis on various outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF), including live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates, fertilization rates, and implantation rates, through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Systematic searches were carried out using PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science from January 2010 to November 2023. Studies comparing IVF outcomes in women with and without endometriosis were included.

Synthesis and Characterization of Na-P1 (GIS) Zeolite Using Rice Husk.

This work deals with the synthesis of Na-P1 (GIS) zeolite using rice husk as the starting material, instead of the more expensive chemicals currently used in the industry (i.e., Na aluminates and Na silicates).

Long-Term Ecosystem Monitoring Along the Trabocchi Coast (Chieti, Italy): Insights from Underwater Visual Surveys (2011-2024).

Biodiversity studies are essential for evaluating environmental quality and ecosystem integrity [...

Metabolic and Regulatory Pathways Involved in the Anticancer Activity of Perillyl Alcohol: A Scoping Review of In Vitro Studies.

Background/objectives: Perillyl alcohol (POH), a plant-derived compound, has demonstrated anti-tumor activity across various human cancers. Understanding the regulatory pathways through which POH exerts its effects is crucial for identifying new therapeutic opportunities and exploring potential drug repositioning strategies. Therefore, this scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic and regulatory pathways involved in the anticancer effects of POH, based on in vitro evidence.

Survival of dental implants placed in a postgraduate educational setting: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: Dental implant treatment can still fail due to various factors. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the influence of operator experience in a postgraduate educational setting, as well as patient, implant, and surgical risk factors on the incidence of the dental implant failure.

Methods: The dental records of 1049 implants with a mean follow-up of 794.

Diagnosis and management of dilated cardiomyopathy: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is extensively discussed in numerous expert consensus documents and international guidelines, with differing recommendations. To support clinicians in daily practice and decision-making, we conducted a systematic review of key guidelines and recommendations concerning the diagnosis and clinical management of DCM. Our research encompassed MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for relevant articles published, as well as the websites of relevant scientific societies.

Generation, interrogation, and future applications of microglia-containing brain organoids.

Brain organoids encompass a large collection of in vitro stem cell-derived 3D culture systems that aim to recapitulate multiple aspects of in vivo brain development and function. First, this review provides a brief introduction to the current state-of-the-art for neuro-ectoderm brain organoid development, emphasizing their biggest advantages in comparison with classical two-dimensional cell cultures and animal models. However, despite their usefulness for developmental studies, a major limitation for most brain organoid models is the absence of contributing cell types from endodermal and mesodermal origin.

Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome: When spasms come out of the blue.

Background: This study evaluates the electroclinical features of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) suddenly appearing in previously normal patients, aiming to describe clinical outcomes and independent predictors.

Method: We retrospectively selected a homogeneous group of patients with IESS from two Italian centers. All patients had normal development prior to IESS onset and a follow-up period lasting at least one year.

HoloLens platform for healthcare professionals simulation training, teaching, and its urological applications: an up-to-date review.

The advancements of technological devices and software are putting mixed reality in the frontline of teaching medical personnel. The Microsoft HoloLens 2 offers a unique 3D visualization of a hologram in a physical, real environment and allows the urologists to interact with it. This review provides a state-of-the-art analysis of the applications of the HoloLens in a medical and healthcare context of teaching through simulation designed for medical students, nurses, residents especially in urology.

Value of PGT-A when only one or two blastocysts are obtained: propensity-score matching and cost-effectiveness study.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and cost of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) when only one or two blastocysts are obtained.

Methods: A dataset was gathered from 1829 patients including 368 non-PGT-A and 1461 PGT-A cycles with one or two blastocysts obtained, between April 2013 and July 2022. Patients were matched 1:1 by propensity-score matching for maternal age, number of metaphase-II oocytes inseminated and number of blastocysts obtained, achieving a database of 242 patients per group.

Accuracy of cell-free fetal DNA in detecting chromosomal anomalies in women experiencing miscarriage: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To report the diagnostic accuracy of cell-free fetal DNA (cfDNA) in detecting fetal chromosomal anomalies in women experiencing miscarriage.

Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to June 2024. The inclusion criteria were women experiencing miscarriage (defined as pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation) who underwent cfDNA screening for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, other autosomal aneuploidies, sex-chromosome aneuploidies and/or copy-number variants (CNVs).