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Background: Various techniques have been employed in aesthetic medicine to combat skin aging, in particular that of the facial region. Hyaluronic acid is utilized to enhance moisture levels and extracellular matrix molecules. This study aims to histologically assess the effects of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid fragments combined with amino acids (HAAM) on facial skin rejuvenation through intradermal microinjections. Methods: A total of twenty women, with an average age of 45 and ranging from 35 to 64 years old, participated in the study, including 8 in menopause and 12 in the childbearing age group. Mesotherapy was used to administer HAAM to the patients. Prior to and three months after the treatment, each patient underwent small circular punch biopsies. Ultrasound examinations were conducted using B-mode, capturing 2D images in longitudinal or transverse orientations with frequencies ranging from 5 to 13 Mega-hertz (MY LAB X8, ESAOTE, Genova, Italy). A total of 60 ultrasound examinations were taken, with 30 collected before treatment and 30 after treatment. Results: The histological analysis demonstrates an increase in fibroblast activity resulting in the production of Type III reticular collagen, as well as an increased number of blood vessels and epidermal thickness. However, the analysis of ultrasound data before and after treatment showed no statistical difference in skin thickness in malar area, chin and mandibular angle. Conclusions: Histological assessments indicate that subcutaneous infiltration of HAAM has a substantial impact on the dermis of facial skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on our lives all over the world. Changes have occurred in daily life as well as in all medical services. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the emergency accesses in four universities' emergency services during the lockdown period from March to June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 44,787 patients to evaluate the emergency services of university centers. The medical data of Medical Emergency Service Data (MESD) were assessed by five independent operators considering the epidemiological findings for statistics methods. RESULTS: A lower level of emergency access was reported in March-July compared to the pre-COVID period. The epidemiological data confirmed that female pathologies were more frequent compared to male patients. A fluctuation for almost all urgent healthcare centers was detected, showing one/two peaks per year during the years 2017-2019. The COVID-19 pandemic period did not influence the variety of pathology detected. CONCLUSIONS: After the lockdown period, the emergency services slowly increased in cases. The pre-COVID period showed an overlapping of the most frequent pathologies compared to the post-COVID period: periodontitis (Bari and Tirana), dental fractures (Bari and Bucharest), odontogenic abscess (Bari, Cluj and Tirana). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: A biomaterial is any non-pharmaceutical substance or a mixture of synthetic or natural substances used independently or as part of a system for any amount of time with the aim of mending, supporting the growth, or replacing tissues, organs, or functions of the body. It is a non-renewable material that interacts with biological systems. The purpose of this study was to assess the advances in ceramic biomaterials and perform a bibliometric mapping of the literature on the subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Scopus database was used for manuscript screening (Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). The effect of the scientific production has been assessed using scientometric citational metrics. RESULTS: A total of 2,554 pieces of literature, including 2,234 papers, 170 conference proceedings, 109 reviews, 35 book chapters, 3 editorial letters, and 3 short surveys, were retrieved. Based on the research conducted, it is noted that ceramic materials are high-performing by being porous or glassy and can, therefore, serve as fillers, covering materials, and scaffolds in medicine and biotechnology. They are frequently employed not only in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery but also in dentistry for dental prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Materials monitoring methods enable us to track the three-dimensional evolution of ceramics' volume, as well as flaws or micro-cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antegrade intramedullary nailing in humeral shaft fracture has been abandoned by certain orthopedic surgeons because of rotator cuff injury caused by first- and second-generation intramedullary nails (IMNs). However, only a few studies have specifically addressed the results of antegrade nailing for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures with a straight third-generation IMN; thus, complications need to be re-evaluated. We hypothesized that fixation of displaced humeral shaft fractures with a straight third-generation antegrade IMN with the percutaneous technique avoid shoulder problems (stiffness and pain) incurred by first- and second-generation IMNs. This was a retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized study of 110 patients with a displaced humeral shaft fracture between 2012 and 2019 treated surgically with a long third-generation straight IMN. Mean follow-up was 35.6 months (range, 15-44 months). There were 73 women and 37 men with a mean age of 64.7 ± 19 years. All fractures were closed (37.3% 12A1, 13.6% 12B2, and 13.6% 12B3 AO/OTA classification). Mean Constant score was 82 ± 19, Mayo Elbow Performance Score 96 ± 11 and the mean EQ-5D visual analog scale score was 69.7 ± 21.5. Mean forward elevation 150° ± 40°, abduction 148° ± 45°, and external rotation 38° ± 15°. Symptoms associated with rotator cuff disease were present in 6.4%. Evidence of radiographic fracture healing was detected in all but 1 case. One postoperative nerve injury and 1 adhesive capsulitis were present. Overall, 6.3% underwent second surgeries (4.5% were minor surgeries like hardware removal). Percutaneous antegrade intramedullary nailing of humeral shaft fractures with a straight third-generation nail considerably reduced complications related to shoulder problems and achieved good functional results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Constant-Murley Score (CMS) is one of the most employed tools for assessing shoulder function. It was first devised in 1987 for the English population and is now widely used internationally. However, it had yet to be cross-culturally adapted and validated to Spanish, which is the world's second-most native language. Formal adaptation and validation of clinical scores is paramount for them to be used with rigorous scientific methodology. Following international recommendations for the cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures, the CMS was first adapted into Spanish in six stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, a review by expert committee, pretesting, and final appraisal by expert committee. After conducting a pretest with 30 individuals, the Spanish version of the CMS was tested on 104 patients with various shoulder pathologies to assess content, construct, criterion validity, and reliability. No major conflicts were encountered in the process of cross-cultural adaptation, with 96.7% of pretested patients having a full understanding of every item in the test. The validation showed excellent content validity (content validity index =.90), construct validity (strong correlation between items within the same subsection of the test), and criterion validity (CMS - Simple Shoulder Test, Pearson r =.587, P =.01; CMS - American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Pearson r =.690, P =.01). Reliability of the test was also excellent, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's α =.819), interrater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =.982), and intrarater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =.937), without showing ceiling or floor effects. Spanish version of the CMS has been proved to accurately reproduce the original score and to be easily comprehensible by native Spanish speakers with acceptable intrarater-interrater reliability and construct validity. La escala de Constant-Murley (CMS) es una de las más empleadas para evaluar la función del hombro. Se ideó por primera vez para la población inglesa en 1987 y actualmente es ampliamente empleada a nivel internacional. Sin embargo, su validación y adaptación transcultural no se han realizado al español, la segunda lengua nativa más hablada en el mundo. Actualmente no puede resultar admisible el empleo de escalas en las que no tengamos la seguridad de que existe una equivalencia conceptual, cultural y lingüística entre la versión original y la empleada. La versión traducida al español de la CMS se realizó siguiendo las recomendaciones internacionales: traducción, síntesis de la traducción, retrotraducción, revisión por comité de expertos, pretest y validación. Tras la realización del pretest en 30 individuos, la versión española de la escala de CMS se probó en 104 pacientes con diferentes patologías de hombro para evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala: contenido, constructo, validez de criterio y fiabilidad. No se encontraron problemas importantes durante el proceso de adaptación transultural con un entendimiento completo de todos los ítems del pretest por el 96.7% de los pacientes. La escala adaptada demostró una excelente validez de contenido (índice de validez de contenido =.90), de constructo (fuerte correlación entre ítems de la misma subsección del test), y de criterio (CMS-SST Pearson's r =.587, p =.01; CMS-ASES Pearson's r =.690, p =.01). La Fiabilidad del test resultó excelente, con una elevada consistencia interna (Cronbach's α =.819), fiabilidad interobservador (ICC =.982) e intraobservador (ICC =.937), sin efectos techo y suelo. La versión Española de la CMS garantiza la equivalencia con respecto al cuestionario original. Los presentes resultados, sugieren que esta versión es válida, fiable y reproducible para la evaluación de la patología de hombro en nuestro entorno. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulite is a common topographic condition of the skin manifested as lumpy, dimpled flesh resembling an orange peel on some zones such as the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. The aetiology of this cosmetic issue is multifactorial, with hormonal, anatomical, environmental and genetic factors influencing its origin, although the exact mechanisms which cause this condition are still unknown. In the present work, a bibliographic analysis of the cellulite etiology has been updated and exposed, as well as the multiple classification grade scales established over the decades. In addition, a new method to classify cellulite severity, in which the clinical manifestations are correlated to the histological aspects more frequently found in the patients, has been presented. Several theories regarding its appearance, structure and clinical aspects have arisen with the aim of developing and establishing a valuable therapeutic approach. However, the lack of a consensus regarding the classification of cellulite severity has complicated the developments within this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: In Europe, a great number of investigations and studies followed up to develop safer techniques performed by physicians only. Successful dedicated medical protocols included the implant of single fibers with ex- tractable root. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of biocompatible artificial hair implants in patients with androgenetic alopecia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 682 patients (488 males and 184 females) aged between 25 and 70 years old, with diagnosed AGA, requiring no invasive nor surgical hair restoration, with problems of baldness and refusing surgical options appealed to the Second Opinion Medical Consulting (Modena, Italy), and were included in the present protocol. Before the treatment, all patients underwent a test implant to rule out hypersensitivity by implanting 100 fibers on a selected skin spot. If no reaction was detected, five weeks later 5001,200 fibers were further implanted per session at a minimum interval of 5 weeks until the required aesthetic result was achieved. RESULTS: The average number of sessions for each patient was 5. The average number of implanted fibers was 2,100 (ranging from 800 to 12,000). The treated scalp area returned to normal appearance and tenderness in 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The socio-phycological benefit and the life quality improvement of our patients have been the focus of the study. On our side, the accurate selection, small hair units for each implant session, customized dermatological consultation and the use of highly biocompatible fibers have been the proper strategy to achieve the goal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The physical and physical chemistry is able to influence the interaction of the scaffolds and bone substitutes with the body fluid and blood. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the wettability properties of an Mg-HA Chitosan-based Gel with blood vs. autologous platelet gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 6 study groups were evaluated according to the Mg-HA Chitosan-based Gel thickness (1, 2 and 3 mm) and the fluids (blood vs. autologous platelet gel). The biomaterial wettability was conducted through the sessile drop technique. RESULTS: The study findings showed a significant difference in contact angles between the APL and blood groups (p<0.05). The MG-Ha Chitosan-based membrane thicknesses seem to produce no significant effects on contact angles measurement for all groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present investigation, a similar MG/Ha gel membranes wettability was reported between APL and blood groups. In addition, a high hydrophilicity of MG/Ha gel membranes was reported with a potential advantage in terms of a more effective osteogenic capability in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In parallel with the increase in requests for filler injections, reported complications (immediate or delayed and transient or permanent) increased too. CASE REPORT: In the presented case report, a patient reported a delayed complication of filler injection. The complaints of the patient and the objective evaluation revealed the presence of multiple lip nodules, that were painful both spontaneously and at the touch, after 10 years from a lip filler injection. The surgical excision of the neoformations permitted the complete healing of the lesions. The histological analysis showed a not specific pattern, showing a material encapsulated by a tissue reaction, confirming that the possible cause of the multiple injuries could be attributable to the injection received years earlier. CONCLUSIONS: The professional who intends to perform filler injections needs a complete training process, both from a theoretical and practical point of view. Also, the patients must be informed of the possible risks associated with each product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Horizontal atrophic ridges need a regenerative procedure for implant positioning and fixed rehabilitation. Cone Morse taper implants are characterized by the intimate fitting of the prosthetic interface with the absence of microgaps and micromovements of the interfaces. The aim of this case report was to evaluate the clinical outcome of Cone Morse implant design in split crest augmentation treatment. CASE REPORT: A female patient with partial edentulism of atrophic posterior maxilla was treated for split crest procedure and implant-supported rehabilitation. A full-thickness flap was elevated, and horizontal and vertical osteotomic lines were produced with piezoelectric device. A total of 4 Cone Morse Taper implants (Universal III, Implacil de Bortoli, Brasil) were positioned and the site was grafted with bone substitute and covered by a heterologous membrane. CONCLUSIONS: A complete healing of the surgical site was evident at the follow-up with no evidence of bone resorption. No radiolucency or inflammatory aspects of the treated site were evident in the radiographic control. Simultaneous Cone Morse implants positioning with split crest technique seems to be a promising treatment for posterior maxillary rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous ridges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufficient hemostasis during oral surgical procedures is crucial for successful outcomes and to reduce healthcare resource utilization. The purpose of this narrative review is to give a rational insight into the management of bleeding in oral and dental practice through modern drugs. A narrative literature review has been performed on the present topic identifying all articles on Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholars. Acceptable hemostasis during oral surgery is also required to improve visibility and provide a dry operational area. Many oral surgeons, in their daily practice, encounter problems in controlling postoperative bleeding and use a topical hemostatic agent to promote platelet activation or aggregation to form a stable clot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate possible differences in the filling of the various recesses of the maxillary sinus after the procedure of sinus floor elevation in relation with the initial volume of the same and if the sinus volume can influence long-term graft dimensions, by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as diagnostic analysis device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 32 sinuses corresponding to 16 patients referred for bilateral maxillary sinus augmentation procedures needing to increase the volume of the surgical site with the porcine cortical bone for dental implant placement in the posterior maxilla. The sinuses were analyzed by preoperative and postoperative (15 days and 6 months after sinus surgery) cone beam computed tomography. RESULTS: No statistically significant relations were observed between initial sinus dimensions and the entity of the contraction of the graft between T1 (15 days after surgery) and T2 (180 days after surgery). The behavior was the same either for the large sinus (> 15.65 cm³) and for the small one (< 15.65 cm³). Instead, about the filling of the various sinus recesses, a linear regression model was used to explain the difference between the mean preoperative and postoperative surgical spaces; in most of the samples, the filling of the anterior recess was ~15% of the total volume of the graft, i.e., the minor one among the main recesses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that: (1) in the procedure of sinus floor augmentation by a lateral approach with deproteinized porcine bone there are no relations between the initial dimensions of the sinus and the long-term dimensional changes of the graft, and (2) that, among the main recesses of the sinus, the anterior one is generally the less filled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate, by an in vitro simulation, the mechanical behavior of the conical vs. internal hexagon under cyclic load and the microleakage of the prosthetic connection of the fixture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A standardized cyclic loading was performed considering the implant with conical connection (diameter 4 mm - length 10 mm) (CS) and internal hexagon connection (diameter 4 mm - length 10 mm) (IH). The toluidine blue infiltration has been evaluated with the paper cone test. RESULTS: After a total of 5x104 loads, the screw has been removed and the abutment appears solid and stable to the implant fixture for CS, while the IH was unstable. There was no infiltration of the toluidine marker in the connection interfaces of CS implants, while the IH was positive to the paper cone test. CONCLUSIONS: The study data showed that the conical connection showed higher stability compared to the internal hexagon connection under the loading and it is able to prevent bacterial microleakage. This effectiveness should be considered for the long-term maintenance of the peri-implant soft and hard tissues around the fixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: New methods for biofilm removal are being investigated. A recent new one involves the use of the electric field for biofilm removal. In particular, electrolytic cleaning works on the adhesion forces of the biofilm on the surfaces, with few studies showing promising results in decontamination and implant re-integration in the bone. This study aims at assessing the effect of a new decontamination device that implies the electric field for implant-biofilm removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three implants affected by peri-implantitis were selected for the study. After the treatment, the implants were observed by the Scanning Electron Microscopy. RESULTS: All three samples showed no microbial biofilm in the application area, while the rest of the surface observed was covered with microbial biofilm, with an intensely thickened bacterial population. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis prevention and early treatments are essential for implant maintenance, thus saving the surrounding hard and soft tissues. The technological innovation is providing electrolytic devices which act not only on the microbial population but on the biofilm adhesion to the implant surface, with promising results for a new and valid therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present clinical study is to assess the effectiveness of a lipolytic solution containing sodium salt of ascorbic acid at 0.24% and a surfactant agent at 0.020% ascorbyl-palmitate (SAP) for the treatment of double chin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 10 healthy adult subjects affected by double chin (8 female and 2 male) were evaluated in the present investigation. The patients were admitted to a total of 4 sessions, with biweekly procedures, without no other active agents addiction. RESULTS: In all the subjects a reduction of the convexity of the chin after the treatment with SAP was observed. Improvement in submental appearance was achieved in 90% (9/10) of the patients. One patient did not see any improvement in submental appearance after two section treatments and withdrew from the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in the present study, a new adipocytolytic solution consisting of sodium ascorbate mixed with ascorbyl-palmitate was used with success as a surfactant agent for the treatment of double chin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Hyaluronic acid has been used for a long time as a biorevitalizer to treat skin aging both in single formulation and in association with other compounds such as amino acids or vitamins. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of class III medical devices SKIN B, SKIN R, SKIN OX, SKIN COLIN, for the treatment of wrinkles on the face, neck, décolleté and hands. These medical devices are all based on hyaluronic acid and supplemented with amino acids (SKIN B and SKIN R) and glutathione (SKIN OX) or colin (SKIN COLIN). This gives broader possibilities to the aesthetic surgeon for personalization and pharmacological diversification based on the patient's deficits to treat. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 subjects affected by skin damage such as rhytidids, dehydration, reduced sebum production and skin hypoxia were enrolled. The patients were treated with a session of mesotherapy every 7 days for 30 days, followed by other 2 sessions every 15 days for 30 days and the follow-up on day 90. The primary efficacy endpoint was evaluated by means of a 0-10 visual analog scale at day 60; the secondary efficacy endpoint was evaluated by means of a 0-10 visual analog scale at day 90. RESULTS: All patients completed the 3-month follow-up. Treatment with SKIN B, SKIN OX, SKIN COLIN and SKIN R medical devices for the prevention and treatment of wrinkles on the face, neck, décolleté and hands were associated with favorable and positive results. A clear reduction of wrinkles has been clinically observed with improvement in the texture, brightness, and turgor of the skin. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The medical devices SKIN B, SKIN SKIN OX, SKIN COLIN produce an aesthetic improvement in patients affected by skin defects, when administered by mesotherapy technique. This study confirms the safety and efficacy of the medical devices based on hyaluronic acid supplemented with amino acids and glutathione or colin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bariatric Surgery (BS) represents a viable option for the treatment of obesity and its risks. Nevertheless, it is still being underused by the eligible patient population because of the general lack of information, false beliefs, and the stigmatization of obesity. Social media seems to be a solution for overcoming this problem. The search terms "Bariatric surgery", "Metabolic surgery", "Obesity surgery" and "Weight loss surgery" were employed to analyze the Twitter accounts and Facebook pages dedicated to Bariatric Surgery. The most relevant metadata from each account was collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. 293 Facebook pages and 122 Twitter accounts were analyzed, being most of them created in the US (42%). No significant differences were found between the mean of followers of both platforms. Medical centers were the biggest creator category with 69.24% of the total number of followers. Although the promotion of medical services accounted for 68.65% of the total number of followers, the promotion of medical products had a significant higher mean of followers. (p = 0.002). Doctors and businesses acknowledge the importance of social media for informing patients about BS and promoting their services. Accounts with commercial purposes presented the highest number of followers. The high number of supporters this commercial content has, along with the relative lack of followers in educational and support groups, could lead to undeliberate decisions in detriment of the patients and their well-being. • Little is known about the current use of social media in the field of Bariatric Surgery. • The most common objective of the sites analyzed was the promotion of medical services. • The relative lack of followers in educational and support groups, could lead to undeliberate decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis from plant waste involves the generation of functional nanoparticles (NPs), offering significant potential for a wide range of applications. Numerous studies have focused on the use of plant extracts to produce AuNPs suitable for various applications in the medical field, particularly in photothermal therapy and cancer therapy, owing to their plasmonic properties. Moreover, NP-mediated immunostimulation and immunosuppression is an intriguing field of research, focusing on how manipulation of NP physicochemical properties can influence their inter-action with immune cells and immune modulation. However, to date, few investigations have been conducted on the modulation of the inflammatory response mediated by green-synthesized nanostructures. To this aim, we synthesized AuNPs using extracts of Laurus nobilis , which exhibit high crystallinity and are inherently coated by a dense network of polyphenols, thus maintaining stability on their surface through the green synthesis approach. Then, in order to explore how these green-synthesized nanostructures can enhance or suppress the inflammatory cellular responses, we investigated the response of free polyphenols and AuNPs@polyphenols in murine bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), by means of morphomechanical analysis and biochemical assays. Our findings demonstrated that DCs exposed to both free polyphenol extract and AuNPs@polyphenols were able to inhibit the secretion of crucial inflammatory mediators in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Therefore, polyphenols immobilized on Au surface were more effective in the inflammation suppression. These evidence paving the way for a powerful strategy to develop edible anti-inflammatory adjuvants, overcoming the limitations associated with the use of free polyphenols in clinical practice. [Display omitted] • free polyphenols and AuNPs@polyphenols in BMDCs were investigated by morphomechanical analysis and biochemical assays. • BMDCs exposed to both free polyphenols extract and AuNPs@polyphenols are able to suppress the secretion of crucial inflammatory mediators. • AuNPs@polyphenols are powerful tools to develop edible anti-inflammatory adjuvants and overcome the limitations associated to free polyphenols in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the relevance of telephone-based cognitive screening tests in clinical practice and research, no specific test assessing executive functioning is available. The present study aimed at standardizing and providing evidence of clinical usability for the Italian telephone-based Frontal Assessment Battery (t-FAB). Methods: The t-FAB (ranging 0–12), comprising two subtests, has two versions: one requiring motor responses (t-FAB-M) and the other verbal responses (t-FAB-V). Three hundred and forty-six Italian healthy adults (HPs; 143 males; age range = 18–96 years; education range = 4–23 years) and 40 participants with neurological diseases were recruited. To HPs, the t-FAB was administered along with a set of telephone-based tests: MMSE, verbal fluency (VF), backward digit span (BDS). The in-person version of the FAB was administered to both HPs and clinical groups. Factorial structure, construct validity, inter-rater and test–retest reliability, t-FAB-M vs. t-FAB-V equivalence and diagnostic accuracy were assessed. Norms were derived via Equivalent Scores. Results: In HPs, t-FAB measures yielded high inter-rater/test–retest reliability (ICC =.78–.94), were internally related (p ≤.005) and underpinned by a single component, converging with the telephone-based MMSE, VF, BDS (p ≤.0013). The two t-FAB versions were statistically equivalent in clinical groups (ps of both equivalence bounds <.001). Education predicted all t-FAB scores (p <.001), whereas age only the t-FAB-M score (p ≤.004). t-FAB scores converge with the in-person FAB in HPs and clinical groups (rs =.43–.78). Both t-FAB versions were accurate in discriminating HPs from the clinical cohort (AUC =.73-.76). Discussion: The t-FAB is a normed, valid, reliable and clinically usable telephone-based cognitive screening test to adopt in both clinical and research practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mesocosm experiment was set-up to investigate the effects of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) fragments deriving from plastic film on soil ecology, rhizosphere and plant (Salvia officinalis L.) fitness. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 16S metagenomic analysis was adopted to evaluate taxonomic and functional shifts of both soil and rhizosphere under the influence of microplastics (MPs). Photosynthetic parameters and enzymes involved in oxidative stress were assessed to unveil the plant physiological state. MP fragments were analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and metagenomics to investigate the plastisphere. Microbial biomarkers of MPs pollution were identified in soil and rhizosphere, reinforcing the concept of molecular biomonitoring. Overall, Bacillus , Nocardioides and Streptomyces genera are bacterial biomarkers of MPs pollution in soil whereas Aspergillus, Fusarium and Trichoderma genera, and Nectriaceae family are fungal biomarkers of MPs polluted soil. The data show that the presence of MPs promotes the abundance of taxa involved in the soil N cycle, but simultaneously reduces the endophytic interaction capability and enhances pathogen related functions at the rhizosphere level. A significant decrease in chlorophyll levels and increase of oxidative stress enzymes was observed in plants grown in MPs-polluted soil. The SEM observations of MPs fragments revealed a complex colonisation, where bacteria (Bacillus in MPSo and Microvirga in MPRz) and fungi (Aspergillus in MPSo and Trichoderma in MPRz) represent the main colonisers. The results demonstrate that the presence of MPs causes changes in the soil and rhizosphere microbial community and functions leading to negative effects on plant fitness. [Display omitted] • Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) has negative effects on plant physiological state. • Bacillus genus is the main bacterial biomarker of LDPE soil pollution. • Aspergillus and Fusarium are fungal biomarkers of LDPE soil pollution. • Microbial endophytic interaction capability is reduced by LDPE presence in soil. • Plastisphere has the higher potential for human and plant pathogenic capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]