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The primary objective of this research is to analyze and compare the effects of physical activity on patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to disrupted sleep and various health complications. Methods: A systematic and strategic search of 16 peer-reviewed articles was conducted to assess the impact of different types of physical exercise on the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), a key metric used to quantify the severity of OSA. The selected studies focused on two main exercise modalities: aerobic exercise alone and a combination of aerobic and resistance training. These modalities were examined to determine their respective influences on the AHI among individuals with OSA. Results: The findings revealed that aerobic exercise alone did not significantly alter the apnea–hypopnea index (p = 0.15), suggesting limited effectiveness in reducing the severity of OSA when performed in isolation. However, in patients who engaged in combined physical activity—incorporating both aerobic and resistance exercises—a significant reduction in the AHI was observed (p < 0.01), indicating a more substantial therapeutic effect. Conclusions: This study concludes that a structured exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training produces a significant improvement in the apnea–hypopnea indices of patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These results highlight the potential of combined exercise regimens as a non-pharmacological intervention that could complement traditional OSA treatments, offering a viable approach to managing the condition and improving patient outcomes. Future research should aim to explore the optimal exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to maximize these benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a participatory research project developed in a school in Cantabria (Spain) that has sought to enhance the participation of the educational community to transform the school. The article focuses on the analysis of the contributions of the students (children from 3 to 12 years of age), key agents and promoters of change. Pedagogical documentation has been used as a tool to narrate the development of this research and to encourage subsequent reflection. The students have experienced what it means to participate, to listen, to be listened to, to feel recognised and to exert influence in their own lives. The results go beyond mere changes in the configuration and use of spaces. The project has made it possible to think of the school as a forum for citizen participation, favouring the experience of a democratic school, the development of otherness, the feeling of belonging and the experience of community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to characterize dentistry, medicine and pharmacy students in terms of emotional intelligence (EI) and personality traits (PTs). It also sought to identify whether differences existed according to gender and degree program and the relationship between them. Methods: Students enrolled in dentistry (115), medicine (85) and pharmacy (57) degree programs participated voluntarily in the research, including 59 men and 198 women. The following questionnaires were used: (1) the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) to evaluate EI; (2) the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) to assess PT. The Qualtrics XM platform was used for data collection. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between three components of EI, either according to gender or degree program. The only difference in PTs was found in neuroticism, where women scored higher than men. There were statistically significant differences between students on different degree programs in openness to experience and responsibility. The five PTs correlated significantly with the three components of EI, except responsibility and emotional attention. The strongest associations were found between neuroticism and emotional repair (−0.439). Conclusions: High percentages of the student population were observed to have weaknesses in emotional clarity and emotional repair. Neuroticism is a personality trait that seems to occur more frequently in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence and correlates of food insecurity—the unavailability of food and limited access to it—have not been adequately considered among transgender women (TW), particularly alongside other health-related conditions burdening this population, such as HIV infection. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among TW. Between 2018 and 2020, 1590 TW in the Eastern and Southern U.S. completed a multi-site baseline assessment (socio-behavioral survey and HIV testing). Descriptive statistics were calculated and multivariable Poisson models with robust error variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals for correlates of food insecurity (dichotomized as sometimes-to-always vs. seldom-to-never running out of food). Eighteen percent of TW were living with HIV and nearly half of participants (44%) reported food insecurity. Correlates of food insecurity included being Black, multiracial, or another race/ethnicity; having < college education, low income, unstable housing, and high anticipated discrimination; and a history of sex work and sexual violence (all p < 0.05). Food insecurity was highly prevalent among TW. Current programs to provide food support do not adequately meet the needs of TW. HIV pr evention and care programs may benefit from addressing food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the accuracy of a novel interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) technique based on a computer-aided static navigation technique with respect to a conventional free-hand-based technique for interproximal enamel reduction. Twenty anatomical-based experimental cast models of polyurethane were randomly distributed into the following IPR techniques: IPR technique based on computer-aided static navigation technique (n = 10) (GI) for Group A and conventional free-hand-based technique for the IPR (n = 10) (FHT) for Group B. The anatomical-based experimental cast models of polyurethane randomly assigned to the GI study group were submitted for a preoperative 3D intraoral surface scan; then, datasets were uploaded into 3D implant-planning software to design virtual templates for the interproximal enamel reduction technique. Afterward, the anatomical-based experimental cast models of polyurethane of both GI and FHT study groups were subjected to a postoperative digital impression by a 3D intraoral surface scan to compare the accuracy of the interproximal enamel reduction techniques at the buccal (mm), lingual/palatal (mm), and angular (◦) levels using the Student t-test. Statistically significant differences between the interproximal enamel reduction technique based on the computer-aided static navigation technique and the conventional free-hand-based technique for the interproximal enamel reduction at the buccal (p = 0.0008) and lingual/palatal (p < 0.0001) levels; however, no statistically significant differences were shown at the angular level (p = 0.1042). The interproximal enamel reduction technique based on computer-aided static navigation technique was more accurate than the conventional free-hand-based technique for interproximal enamel reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the orientation of evidentials in complements of attitude verbs, with Paraguayan Guarani evidential ra'e as a case study. It argues that embedded evidentials can be directed either towards the speaker or towards a matrix attitude-holder argument (e.g., the subject of the attitude verb) and that a syntactic representation of the evidence-acquisition event, with its pronominal subject, in the lower end of the CP field, is well-poised to capture this potential ambiguity. Language-particular properties can also play a determining role in the orientation of the embedded evidential, as is the case of the subordinator ha in Paraguayan Guarani. It is argued that this subordinator requires the presence of a Complementizer specified with a (strong) Modal component (which encodes certainty/commitment on the part of the attitude holder with respect to the embedded proposition) and that this property biases the orientation of ra'e towards the matrix attitude-holder argument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shared control algorithms have emerged as a promising approach for enabling real-time driver automated system cooperation in automated vehicles. These algorithms allow human drivers to actively participate in the driving process while receiving continuous assistance from the automated system in specific scenarios. However, despite the theoretical benefits being analyzed in various works, further demonstrations of the effectiveness and user acceptance of these approaches in real-world scenarios are required due to the involvement of the human driver in the control loop. Given this perspective, this paper presents and analyzes the results of a simulator-based study conducted to evaluate a shared control algorithm for a critical lateral maneuver. The maneuver involves the automated system helping to avoid an oncoming motorcycle that enters the vehicle's lane. The study's goal is to assess the algorithm's performance, safety, and user acceptance within this specific scenario. For this purpose, objective measures, such as collision avoidance and lane departure prevention, as well as subjective measures related to the driver's sense of safety and comfort are studied. In addition, three levels of assistance (gentle, intermediate, and aggressive) are tested in two driver state conditions (focused and distracted). The findings have important implications for the development and execution of shared control algorithms, paving the way for their incorporation into actual vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study seeks to assess the accuracy of apical location using an augmented reality (AR) device with a free-hand method. Sixty (60) osteotomy site preparations were randomly assigned to one of two study groups: A. AR device (AR) (n = 30), and B. conventional free-hand method (FHM) (n = 30). Preoperative CBCT scans and intraoral scans were taken and uploaded to specialized implant-planning software to virtually plan preparations for the apical location osteotomy sites. The planning software was then used to automatically segment the teeth in each experimental model for their complete visualization using the AR device. A CBCT scan was carried out postoperatively after conducting the apical location procedures. The subsequent datasets were imported into therapeutic software to analyze the coronal, apical, and angular deviations. The Mann–Whitney non-parametric test was used. There were no statistically significant differences identified at the coronal (p = 0.1335), apical (p = 0.2401), and angular deviations (p = 0.4849) between the AR and FHM study groups. The augmented reality technique did not show a statistically significant accuracy of osteotomies for apical location when compared with the conventional free-hand method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to analyze and compare the tooth structure removal between a free-hand preparation technique and a computer-aided preparation technique using an augmented reality appliance for complete-crowns preparation designs and "root mean square" (RMS) alignment value. Ten upper teeth representatives of all dental sectors were selected from a generic model library as "Standard Tessellation Language" (STL-1) digital files and 3D-printed in an anatomically based acrylic resin experimental model. Then these were randomly assigned to the following tooth preparation techniques: Group A: free-hand preparation technique (n = 5) (FHT) and Group B: computer-aided preparation technique using an augmented reality appliance (n = 5) (AR). Experimental models were submitted to a digital impression through an intraoral scan and (STL-2) uploaded into a reverse engineering morphometric software to measure the volumetric reduction in the planned and performed tooth structure (mm3) and RMS using the Student's t-test and the Mann–Whitney non-parametric test. Statistically significant differences were observed between the volumetric reduction in the planned and performed tooth structure (mm3) of the AR and FHT study groups (p = 0.0001). Moreover, statistically significant differences were observed between the RMS of the planned and performed tooth preparations in both the AR and FHT study groups (p = 0.0005). The augmented reality appliance provides a more conservative and predictable complete-crowns preparation design than the free-hand preparation technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statement of problem: The extraction of fractured abutment screws can be a difficult challenge to overcome. Purpose: To compare the removal capacity, dental implant connection damage, and time required to remove the fractured abutment screws between three drilling techniques and a conventional method. Materials and methods: A total of 180 prefabricated screw-retained abutments were intentionally fractured in internal connection dental implants after being subjected to a cyclic load and a static compression load. Afterwards, three operators randomly removed the fractured abutment screws with the following drilling techniques and a conventional method: A: a conventional technique using an exploration probe and ultrasonic appliance (n = 45), Rhein83® (n = 45); B: Sanhigia® (n = 45); C: Phibo® (n = 45). Two-way ANOVA models were estimated to evaluate the mean time according to the method and operator used. Results: The probability of removal of the screws with mobility was twelve times higher than that of the screws without mobility (OR = 12.4; p < 0.001). The success rate according to the operators did not show statistically significant differences (p = 0.371). The location of the fractured screw did not affect removal success (p = 0.530). The internal thread of the implant was affected after the removal process in 9.8% of the cases. The mean extraction time was 3.17 ± 2.52 min. The Rhein83® method showed a success rate of 84.4%, followed by the Phibo® and conventional methods (71.1%) and the Sanhigia® method (46.7%). Conclusions: The Rhein83® drilling technique increases the removal probability of fractured abutment screws. The initial mobility of the fragment is also a significant factor in the removal success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the association between periodontal disease and prostate inflammation with a null hypothesis stating that periodontal disease does not increase the incidence of prostate inflammation. Materials and methods: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of longitudinal observational cohort and case-control studies that evaluated the odds ratio or hazard ratio and confidence interval was undertaken based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations (2020). A total of four databases were consulted in the literature search: PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. After eliminating duplicated articles and applying the inclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for the qualitative and quantitative analyses. Results: Four observational cohort studies and three observational cohort case-control studies were included in the meta-analysis. The four observational cohort studies were combined using the random effects model to estimate a hazard ratio of 1.32 with a confidence interval of 95% between 0.87 and 1.77. The meta-analysis presented high heterogeneity (Q test = 56.1; p value < 0.001; I2 = 94.9%). Moreover, the three observational case-control studies were combined using the random effects model to estimate an odds ratio of 1.62 with a confidence interval of 95% between 1.41 and 1.84. The meta-analysis presented high heterogeneity (Q test = 1.07; p value = 0.782; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: The incidence of periodontal disease does not increase the risk of the incidence of prostate inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expanded GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat (HRE) in the non-coding region of the C9ORF72 gene (C9ORF72-HRE) is the most common genetic cause of familial forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), FTD, and concurrent ALS and FTD (ALS-FTD), in addition to contributing to the sporadic forms of these diseases. Both syndromes overlap not only genetically, but also sharing similar clinical and neuropathological findings, being considered as a spectrum. In this paper we describe the clinical-genetic findings in a Basque family with different manifestations within the spectrum, our difficulties in reaching the diagnosis, and a narrative review, carried out as a consequence, of the main features associated with C9ORF72-HRE. Family members underwent a detailed clinical assessment, neurological examination, and genetic analysis by repeat-primed PCR. We studied 10 relatives of a symptomatic carrier of the C9ORF72-HRE expansion. Two of them presented the expansion in the pathological range, one of them was symptomatic whereas the other one remained asymptomatic at 72 years. Given the great intrafamilial clinical variability of C9ORF72-HRE, the characterization of patients and family members with particular clinical and genetic subgroups within ALS and FTD becomes a bottleneck for medication development, in particular for genetically focused medicines for ALS and FTD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malocclusions have a negative impact on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Posterior cross-bite is one of the most prevalent malocclusions in the preadolescent population. This study investigated the influence of posterior cross-bites (unilateral or bilateral) on OHRQoL in an 11- to 14-year-old population. Materials and Methods: A pilot case–control study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca between 2021 and 2023. A consecutive sample of 120 preadolescent patients aged 11 to 14 years old was recruited. Three groups were analyzed: a control group (no posterior cross-bite) (n = 40), a group with unilateral posterior cross-bite (n = 40), and a group with bilateral posterior cross-bite (n = 40). To analyze the OHRQoL, the Spanish version of the Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ-Esp11–14) was used. Results: The mean age of the sample was 12.2 years old (±0.96 years). The group of patients with a bilateral posterior cross-bite was shown to have higher scores in all dimensions of the CPQ-Esp11–14, as well as a higher total score. Sex only influenced the oral symptom dimension of the CPQ-Esp11–14 questionnaire; in this dimension, the girls described a greater impact. Age did not influence OHRQoL. Conclusion: The presence of a posterior cross-bite had a negative impact on OHRQoL in the preadolescent population that was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze a novel digital technique to quantify the distal tooth displacement and derotation angle produced by the Carriere Motion Appliance (CMA). Twenty-one patients with a class II molar and canine relationship underwent orthodontic treatment with CMA. All patients were exposed before (STL1) and after the CMA placement (STL2), submitted to a digital impression, and afterwards, data were uploaded to specific cephalometric software to allow automatic mesh network alignment of the STL digital files. Subsequently, the distal tooth displacement of the upper canines and first upper molars, as well as the derotation angle of the first upper molars were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient (ρ). Repeatability and reproducibility were analyzed using Gage R&R statistical analysis. An increase in canine displacement was correlated with an increase in contralateral canine displacement (ρ = 0.759; p < 0.000). An increase in canine displacement was correlated with an increase in molar displacement (ρ = 0.715; p < 0.001). An increase in upper first molar displacement was correlated with an increase in the contralateral upper first molar displacement (ρ = 0.609; p < 0.003) and the canine displacement (ρ = 0.728; p < 0.001). The distal tooth displacement showed a repeatability of 0.62% and reproducibility of 7.49%, and the derotation angle showed a repeatability of 0.30% and reproducibility of 0.12%. The novel digital measurement technique is a reproducible, repeatable, and accurate method for quantifying the distal tooth displacement of the upper canine and first upper molar, as well as the derotation angle of the first upper molars after using CMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has become the biomaterial of choice for repairing craniofacial defects over time. Prospects for the point-of-care (POC) fabrication of PEEK customized implants have surfaced thanks to the developments in three-dimensional (3D) printing systems. Consequently, it has become essential to investigate the characteristics of these in-house fabricated implants so that they meet the necessary standards and eventually provide the intended clinical benefits. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the steam sterilization method on the dimensional accuracy of POC 3D-printed PEEK customized cranial implants. The objective was to assess the influence of standard sterilization procedures on material extrusion-based 3D-printed PEEK customized implants with non-destructive material testing. Fifteen PEEK customized cranial implants were fabricated using an in-house material extrusion-based 3D printer. After fabrication, the cranial implants were digitalized with a professional-grade optical scanner before and after sterilization. The dimensional changes for the 3D-printed PEEK cranial implants were analyzed using medically certified 3D image-based engineering software. The material extrusion 3D-printed PEEK customized cranial implants displayed no statistically significant dimensional difference with steam sterilization (p > 0.05). Evaluation of the cranial implants' accuracy revealed that the dimensions were within the clinically acceptable accuracy level with deviations under 1.00 mm. Steam sterilization does not significantly alter the dimensional accuracy of the in-house 3D-printed PEEK customized cranial implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of the present study was to measure and compare how the length of CM Gold Wire and CM Blue Wire NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files impacts their resistance to cyclic fatigue. Methods: A total of 40 sterile endodontic rotary files were chosen and allocated to the following study groups: (A) 25.06 CM Gold wire NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files, 31 mm in length (n = 10); (B) 25.06 CM Gold wire NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files, 25 mm in length (n = 10); (C) 25.06 CM Gold wire NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files, 21 mm in length (n = 10); and (D) 25.06 CM Blue wire NiTi alloy endodontic rotary files, 17 mm in length (n = 10). A specialized device was designed using artificial root canal systems made from stainless steel for the dynamic cyclic fatigue tests, with an apical diameter of 250 µm, curvature angle of 60°, radius of curvature of 5 mm, lengths of 31, 25, 21, and 17 mm, and a 6% taper. An individual operator determined failure of the endodontic rotary instrument through direct observation and the tests were filmed so as to precisely measure the exact time to failure. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and Weibull statistical analysis. Results: The results found statistically significant differences across all study groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Rotary file length is inversely proportional to the cyclic fatigue resistance of the 25.06 CM Gold wire NiTi alloy at 31 mm, 25 mm, and 21 mm in length and of the 25.06 CM Blue wire NiTi alloy 17 mm length endodontic rotary files, with a greater length contributing to lower resistance to cyclic fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) has been considered a reliable procedure to treat immature necrotic teeth; however, the effect of dental trauma on the prognosis of RET is questionable. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current level of evidence for revascularization techniques (the RET) in the management of traumatized necrotic immature permanent teeth with or without periapical radiolucent areas. Four electronic databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase—were searched until November 2022. Only randomized clinical trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies with a minimum of 10 cases and 12 months of follow-ups were included. The search identified 363 preliminary results. After discarding the duplicates and screening the titles, abstracts, and full texts, 13 articles were considered eligible. The results showed that RET techniques seemed to have high survival and success rates, 93.8% and 88.3%, respectively, in the treatment of traumatized necrotic immature permanent teeth. Root maturation with RET techniques seemed to be lower in traumatized teeth. Future studies are needed to evaluate root maturation in traumatized teeth using 3-dimensional radiographic evaluations. In addition, the lack of literature on the studies comparing RET and apexification (calcium hydroxide or an MTA) in the treatment of traumatized necrotic immature teeth highlights the necessity for high-level clinical studies comparing these treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, research on automated vehicles is strongly related to technological advances to achieve a safe, more comfortable driving process in different circumstances. The main achievements are focused mainly on highway and interurban scenarios. The urban environment remains a complex scenario due to the number of decisions to be made in a restrictive context. In this context, one of the main challenges is the automation of the relocation process of car-sharing in urban areas, where the management of the platooning and automatic parking and de-parking maneuvers needs a solution from the decision point of view. In this work, a novel behavioral planner framework based on a Finite State Machine (FSM) is proposed for car-sharing applications in urban environments. The approach considers four basic maneuvers: platoon following, parking, de-parking, and platoon joining. In addition, a basic V2V communication protocol is proposed to manage the platoon. Maneuver execution is achieved by implementing both classical (i.e., PID) and Model-based Predictive Control (i.e., MPC) for the longitudinal and lateral control problems. The proposed behavioral planner was implemented in an urban scenario with several vehicles using the Carla Simulator, demonstrating that the proposed planner can be helpful to solve the car-sharing fleet relocation problem in cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is an abundant and sustainable material that is receiving more and more attention in different industries. In the context of additive manufacturing, it would be even more valuable. However, there are some challenges to overcome in processing cellulose-based materials. Therefore, this study used a new thermoplastic cellulose-based granulate to show its potential in filament extrusion and the fused filament fabrication printing process. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were investigated. It was shown that filaments with a suitable and uniform diameter could be produced. A parameter study for printing revealed that adhesion of the material on the bed and between layers was an issue but could be overcome with a suitable set of parameters. Tensile bars with different orientations of 0°, +/−45°, and 90° were printed and compared with injection-molded samples. It could be shown that different mechanisms (single strand breakage, shear failure) caused fracture for different printing orientations. In comparison with injection-molding, the printed parts showed lower mechanical properties (moduli of 74–95%, a tensile strength of 47–69%, and an elongation at break of 29–60%), but an improvement could be seen compared with earlier reported direct granule printing. The study showed that FFF is a suitable process for the new cellulose-based material to fabricate samples with good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines in detail the morpho-syntax of the verbal phrase in Paraguayan Guarani, in root and complement clauses, and argues that while the ordering relation between the verb and its associated functional morphemes is congruent with the syntax (cf. the Mirror Principle), the ordering of post-verbal arguments is best understood in terms of phonological linearization. More specifically, it is argued that there are language-particular prosodic requirements that force the post-verbal arguments to be phonologically linearized outside the accentual domain defined by the verb and its associated functional morphemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]