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Purpose The present study aimed to three-dimensionally evaluate the correlation between cephalometric measurements utilizing Sellion in place of Nasion.Material and methods A pilot study using 25 CBCTs was carried out to determine the required sample size, reaching a minimum of 136 patients was required to validate the correlation between Nasion(N)- and Sellion(Se)-related measurements. Eight landmarks were manually annotated on full cranium CBCTs, resulting in six skeletal and six cutaneous/skeletal measurements. Therefore, data were statistically analysed after outliers’ detection and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculation. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to assess the correlation between Nasion and Sellion measurements. At the end, simple linear regression was performed. Values of p 0.80 were considered statistically and clinically relevant, respectively.Results ICC revealed a substantial degree of consistency. A total of 214 CBCTs were included in the present study. Pearson test revealed highly significant correlations for all the tested variables; the highest coefficient was found between N^Me^Go vs Se^Me^Go (r = 0.989, p

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to perform a two-dimensional analysis of upper airway changes in adolescent patients following molar distalization with the Pendulum appliance. Materials and methods The study involved the cephalometric analysis of 88 patients, retrospectively categorized into two groups: skeletal Class II with a dental Class II molar relationship (36 patients, mean age 12.6 ± 1.1 years) and skeletal Class I with a dental Class II molar relationship (54 patients, mean age 12.3 ± 1.2 years). Changes were observed using lateral radiographs before (T0) and after Pendulum appliance removal (T1); treatment time averaged 7 months. Upper airways were subsequently analyzed by tracing lateral radiographs. The Shapiro-Wilk test showed a normal distribution of the data, therefore parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Intragroup changes between T0 and T1 were evaluated using paired t-tests, and intergroup differences were assessed using independent student t-tests; statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results Statistically significant differences were observed in the skeletal measurements that characterized both groups, particularly in ANB and Wits appraisal, at T0 (P 0.05). Additionally, intergroup comparisons of airway changes at T1 did not show statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Conclusions The Pendulum appliance does not significantly change the upper airway dimensions in Class I and Class II malocclusion patients, thereby minimizing potential respiratory risks.

Objectives: Correct identification and management of Developmental Defects of Enamel (DDEs) are essential to provide the best possible treatment. The present survey aims to investigate Italian dentists’ knowledge of DDEs, their ability to recognise the different clinical pictures, and to choose the most appropriate clinical approach. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was planned based on a questionnaire including 27 closed-ended questions, and that proposed 4 clinical pictures, molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), dental fluorosis (DF), and an initial caries lesion (ICL). It was distributed by e-mail to all Italian dentists (N = 63,883) through the Italian Federation of Doctors and Dentists. Discrete variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies (%). A multivariate analysis assessed whether socio-demographic variables correlated with the answers’ truthfulness. Results: About 5017 questionnaires were included and analysed. Although 90.19% of the sample stated that they had received information on DDEs, a significant percentage did not recognise MIH (36.36%), AI (48.34%), DF (71.50%), and ICL (46.62%). Only 57.07% correctly classified enamel hypomineralisation as a qualitative defect, and even fewer, 54.45%, classified enamel hypoplasia as a quantitative defect. According to the logistic regressions, female dentists, dentists who treat mainly children and received information about DDEs, were more likely to recognise the 4 clinical pictures (P < .01). Conclusions: Italian dentists showed many knowledge gaps on DDEs that need to be filled; those who received formal training were more capable of correctly identifying the defects and were more likely to prescribe an appropriate management approach for the defects. Clinical significance: Increasing university courses and continuing education on diagnosing and managing DDEs seems reasonable to fill the knowledge gap on DDEs.

Letizia Perillo,1 Maria Esposito,2 Alberto Caprioglio,3 Stefania Attanasio,1 Annamaria Chiara Santini,2 Marco Carotenuto2 1Department of Orthodontics, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; 2Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy; 3Department of Orthodontics, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy Background: Dental malocclusions can be considered not only as an oral health problem, because they are linked to quality of life perception. Many factors related to malocclusion have strong influences on the perception of facial esthetics (eg, anterior tooth alignment, tooth shape and position, lip thickness, symmetric gingival or tooth contour, lip profile, and overjet). Many reports have shown that the perception of facial esthetics can influence psychological development from early childhood to adulthood. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of dental malocclusion on self-esteem in a sample of adolescents. Materials and methods: The study population was composed of 516 orthodontically untreated subjects (256 males) mean ages 13.75±1.977 years recruited from schools in the Campania region of Italy between January 2011 and July 2011. To evaluate the self-esteem grade in our population, all subjects filled out the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale questionnaire and attended an orthodontic clinical evaluation to estimate dental occlusal aspects. Results: Pearson's analysis shows the relationship in our sample between some occlusal characteristics (crossbite and dental crowding) and aspects of self-concept evaluation (social, competence, academic, physical, and global score) of the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale questionnaire. Moreover, logistic regression analysis shows the potential role of dental crowding (odds ratio 5.359; 95% confidence interval 3.492–8.225) and crossbite (odds ratio 6.153; 95% confidence interval 3.545–10.678) as risk factors for development of global self-concept score abnormalities. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the relationship between psychosocial well-being, self-esteem, and dental malocclusion among adolescents. Keywords: dental malocclusion, self-concept, adolescents, crossbite, dental crowding

Oscillatory complex networks in the metastable regime have been used to study the emergence of integrated and segregated activity in the brain, which are hypothesised to be fundamental for cognition. Yet, the parameters and the underlying mechanisms necessary to achieve the metastable regime are hard to identify, often relying on maximising the correlation with empirical functional connectivity dynamics. Here, we propose and show that the brain’s hierarchically modular mesoscale structure alone can give rise to robust metastable dynamics and (metastable) chimera states in the presence of phase frustration. We construct unweighted 3-layer hierarchical networks of identical Kuramoto-Sakaguchi oscillators, parameterized by the average degree of the network and a structural parameter determining the ratio of connections between and within blocks in the upper two layers. Together, these parameters affect the characteristic timescales of the system. Away from the critical synchronization point, we detect the emergence of metastable states in the lowest hierarchical layer coexisting with chimera and metastable states in the upper layers. Using the Laplacian renormalization group flow approach, we uncover two distinct pathways towards achieving the metastable regimes detected in these distinct layers. In the upper layers, we show how the symmetry-breaking states depend on the slow eigenmodes of the system. In the lowest layer instead, metastable dynamics can be achieved as the separation of timescales between layers reaches a critical threshold. Our results show an explicit relationship between metastability, chimera states, and the eigenmodes of the system, bridging the gap between harmonic based studies of empirical data and oscillatory models.

Abstract Chemokine heterodimers activate or dampen their cognate receptors during inflammation. The CXCL12 chemokine forms with the fully reduced (fr) alarmin HMGB1 a physiologically relevant heterocomplex (frHMGB1•CXCL12) that synergically promotes the inflammatory response elicited by the G-protein coupled receptor CXCR4. The molecular details of complex formation were still elusive. Here we show by an integrated structural approach that frHMGB1•CXCL12 is a fuzzy heterocomplex. Unlike previous assumptions, frHMGB1 and CXCL12 form a dynamic equimolar assembly, with structured and unstructured frHMGB1 regions recognizing the CXCL12 dimerization surface. We uncover an unexpected role of the acidic intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of HMGB1 in heterocomplex formation and its binding to CXCR4 on the cell surface. Our work shows that the interaction of frHMGB1 with CXCL12 diverges from the classical rigid heterophilic chemokines dimerization. Simultaneous interference with multiple interactions within frHMGB1•CXCL12 might offer pharmacological strategies against inflammatory conditions.

Background: The need to perform occasional or continuous MRI exams and the interference with metal orthodontic appliances might be important and take a primary role during retention since the retention period is significantly longer than orthodontic treatment. Several non-metallic materials were proposed as potential alternatives to perform fixed retainers in orthodontics, but they showed internal limits. Methods: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was used in the present clinical report as a fixed orthodontic retainer in the lower arch in order to perform an appliance with mechanical properties comparable to metallic ones but with a higher biocompatibility material and without the need for removal in case of an MRI exam. The retainer wire was handmade in the studio and then shaped to fit the arch. Results: PEEK showed a good capability for constructing a lingual fixed retainer compared to other aesthetic non-metallic and metallic materials. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study proposes how to easily build a retainer in PEEK and provides a clinical example of how this material can be beneficial.

Introduction: Transparent orthodontic aligners have revolutionized dentistry and orthodontics since the 1990s, offering advantages over traditional fixed appliances in terms of hygiene, comfort, and aesthetics. With the increasing demand for invisible orthodontic treatments, clear aligners have gained popularity, prompting research into materials to enhance their efficacy and performance. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted using electronic databases (Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus) to identify studies on clear aligner materials published in the last decade. Selection criteria focused on studies specific to dental materials, excluding those unrelated to materials or clear aligners. Results: The review included 11 relevant studies evaluating 17 different clear aligner materials. Materials such as polyvinyl chloride derivatives, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) were commonly used. The studies assessed mechanical, physical, chemical, and optical properties, as well as thermoforming effects, stress decay, and surface characteristics. Discussion and Conclusions: Various materials exhibited distinct properties, with PETG materials offering transparency and flexibility, while TPU-based materials like Smart Track providing durability and elasticity. Thermoforming affected mechanical properties, with both PETG and TPU materials showing decreased efficacy post-thermoforming. Polymer blending improved mechanical properties, but variations existed among different brands and materials. Clear aligner materials exhibit diverse characteristics, influencing their suitability for orthodontic use. PETG-based materials offer transparency and flexibility, while TPU-based materials provide durability and elasticity. However, both materials undergo mechanical changes post-thermoforming, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize material performance for clinical use.

Abstract Background The purpose of this study was to compare the three-dimensional dental changes for the maxillary first molars and the overall skeletal effects achieved after expansion between the rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliance attached to two different anchor units, the maxillary deciduous molars and the maxillary permanent first molars. Methods Patients were retrospectively selected according to the anchorage unit used for RME: deciduous upper second molars (RME-E group; 10 M, 10 F; mean age 8.4 ± 1.1 years) and first upper permanent molars (RME-6 group; 10 M, 10 F; mean age 12.6 ± 1.8 years). CBCT scans were obtained before treatment start (T1) and after retention and removal of the expander (T2). Images were analyzed using a new three-dimensional intra-hemi-maxillary reference system. 3D landmarks were marked to calculate all changes on maxillary first permanent molars; mesio-distal and buccal-lingual inclination and rotation, as well as intermolar and interforaminal distances were calculated. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare within-group changes, whereas the Mann–Whitney test was used to compare between-group differences, with the significance level set at 0.05. Results In the RME-E group, significant distorotation and lingual inclination of the first permanent molars at T2 were observed (p

La traduzione che Vladimir Nabokov svolge del poema russo Evgenij Onegin di Aleksandr Puškin offre lo stimolante esempio di un artista che si presenta come traduttore, critico, commentatore e studioso. Il saggio esplora il lavoro svolto da Nabokov sulla traduzione di Evgenij Onegin e la sua successiva riflessione sui possibili metodi per rendere un’opera letteraria in un’altra lingua, giungendo alla conclusione che l’unica vera traduzione del romanzo in versi di Puškin è quella che trasmette il più fedelmente possibile l’esatto contenuto semantico dell’originale (la «traduzione letterale», secondo la sua definizione), sacrificando tutto alla completezza del significato tranne il ritmo giambico.

"Veganism and betrayal" di Silvia Caprioglio Panizza.

The essay explores the cultural meaning and social significance of oil in Soviet and post-Soviet Russian culture through the analysis of three literary case studies. The analysis shows that, from the anthropocentric optimism of the Soviet era to the awareness of our times about oil as an uncontrollable ‘object’, oil is a hybrid of nature and culture that holds a significant place in Russian literature. The first story is Boris Pilnyak’s Gorod vetrov (City of Winds, 1928), the second is Isaac Babel’s Neft’ (Petroleum, 1934), and the third is authored by Dmitry Bykov and was published in 2017 with the same title: Neft’ (Oil).

The cultural conception and representation of the other-than-human has played an extremely meaningful role in the construction of Russian identity, as well as in the socio-political processes concerning the Russian territory. The special issue “Framing Environments in Russia: Critical Reflections on Ecology, Culture and Power” originates from the intent to stress the raising importance of ecocritical theory and environmental ethics in contemporary research involving Russia and the Soviet Union.

A mismatch between quasi-Fermi level splitting and open-circuit voltage is detrimental to wide bandgap perovskite pin solar cells. Here, through theoretical and experimental approaches, the authors optimize n- and p-type interfaces to achieve open-circuit voltage of 1.29 V and T80 of 3500 h at 85 °C.

A 34-year-old man with unremarkable past medical history presents with night sweats and a recent diagnosis of intracardiac mass. The initial diagnostic workup did not provide a definitive diagnosis, so a cardiac biopsy under intracardiac echocardiography guidance was performed, revealing a hemangioma, which was then successfully resected. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

A new glucosyl flavone, 5,7,2′,5′-tetrahydroxyflavone 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, named loeflingiin, together with apigenin 6-C-glucoside (isovitexin), coumarins citropten and isompinellin, triterpenoids betulin and betulinic acid, and a mixture of phytosterols β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol were isolated for the first time from the leaves of wild Plantago loeflingii L. (Plantaginaceae) collected in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. The plant is used by local people to treat wounds and as a vulnerary remedy. The structures of isolated compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis. The activities of isovitexin and loeflingiinon the viability of breast (MCF7), ovarian (BG-1), endometrial (Ishikawa), and mesothelioma (IST-MES1) human cancer cells and two normal cell lines were determined with an MTT assay. Notably, the new 7-O-glucosyl flavone showed effects higher than cisplatin against the Ishikawa and IST-MESI cell lines. The significant biological activities exhibited by all the compounds isolated from P. loeflingii provided scientific evidence to support the use of the plant in the Kurdish traditional medicine.

The developing Internet of Things market is attracting the indoor photovoltaic (IPV) as an essential power source. Perovskite photovoltaics (PPVs) are a fascinating candidate for IPV in solution-processable photovoltaics. Recent developments in PPVs can deliver power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 25% outdoor (AM 1.5 G) and over 40% under indoor (1000 lux) light. The selection of charge transport layers (CTLs) has played an essential role in improving PPVs indoor performance. Herein, formamidinium-caesium-based mixed-cation (FACsPb(I,Br) _3 ) PPV devices are fabricated, and evaluated their outdoor and indoor performances by changing the different CTL combinations such as PTAA-PCBM and SAM-C _60 . Outdoor PCEs were 13.76% and 15.27% achieved for PTAA-PCBM and SAM-C _60 -based devices, respectively. Meanwhile, under LED (4000 K) 1000 lux, the PCEs were 26.32% and 31.92% for PTAA-PCBM and SAM-C _60 -based PPV, respectively. The short circuit current ( J _sc ) (116.8–122.5 µ A cm ^−2 ) and fill factor (FF) (0.724–0.817) were the main parameters which improved for SAM-C _60 -based devices under indoor light. This study points to the importance of CTL combination and indicates the promising potential of SAM-C _60 interlayers in PPV indoor applications.

This article describes the controlled synthesis and characterization of an olefin‐linked oxazolone scaffold compound containing multifunctional groups, including the carbonyl group, imine, and carbon‐carbon double bond. The reaction of the bisoxazolone with aromatic amines led to the ring‐opening of the bisoxazolone into the corresponding bisdiamide derivatives in a short time (average 10 min), resulting in a high yield (>90 %). The compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and MS. Besides, screened against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans using ciprofloxacin as a standard. All compounds exhibited significant inhibition potency against E. coli, with a lower potency against S. aureus. Compounds 3 a, 3 b, and 3 d showed more reactivity against E. coli, while compound 3 i has the highest activity against S. aureus (MIC=128 μg/mL). Additionally, the antioxidant activity was performed utilizing DPPH radical scavenging activity. The findings indicated that some compounds possessed moderate antioxidant activity in comparison to ascorbic acid as a control. A molecular docking study demonstrated a positive interaction between synthesized compounds and the bacterial DNA gyrase target (PDB ID: 1KZN) in S. aureus. Subsequently, in silico ADME simulations were conducted for all the synthesized compounds, indicating favorable properties in comparison to the established antibiotic ciprofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The need to perform occasional or continuous MRI exams and the interference with metal orthodontic appliances might be important and take a primary role during retention since the retention period is significantly longer than orthodontic treatment. Several non-metallic materials were proposed as potential alternatives to perform fixed retainers in orthodontics, but they showed internal limits. Methods: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) was used in the present clinical report as a fixed orthodontic retainer in the lower arch in order to perform an appliance with mechanical properties comparable to metallic ones but with a higher biocompatibility material and without the need for removal in case of an MRI exam. The retainer wire was handmade in the studio and then shaped to fit the arch. Results: PEEK showed a good capability for constructing a lingual fixed retainer compared to other aesthetic non-metallic and metallic materials. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study proposes how to easily build a retainer in PEEK and provides a clinical example of how this material can be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]