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Successful integration of point-of-care testing (POCT) into clinical settings requires improved assay sensitivity and precision to match laboratory standards. Here, we show how innovations in amplified biosensing, imaging, and data processing, coupled with deep learning, can help improve POCT. To demonstrate the performance of our approach, we present a rapid and cost-effective paper-based high-sensitivity vertical flow assay (hs-VFA) for quantitative measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a biomarker widely used for measuring acute cardiac damage and assessing cardiovascular risk. The hs-VFA includes a colorimetric paper-based sensor, a portable reader with time-lapse imaging, and computational algorithms for digital assay validation and outlier detection. Operating at the level of a rapid at-home test, the hs-VFA enabled the accurate quantification of cTnI using 50 μL of serum within 15 min per test and achieved a detection limit of 0.2 pg/mL, enabled by gold ion amplification chemistry and time-lapse imaging. It also achieved high precision with a coefficient of variation of

Background: In dental treatment planning, aesthetic considerations are crucial due to the relationship between a smile and facial beauty. Crown lengthening is a procedure used to achieve aesthetic smiles, particularly in cases of subgingival caries, fractures, and short clinical crowns. Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to achieve aesthetic improvement of the central incisors through crown lengthening procedures. Case: A 31-year-old female patient presented with a complaint of a broken upper left front tooth and easily bleeding gums. Clinical examination revealed Ellis class 1 fracture at the incisal-distal of tooth 21. The patient exhibited poor oral hygiene with visible calculus on upper and lower jaw teeth. There was gingival hyperplasia, redness, bleeding tendency, and the gingival margin height of teeth 11 and 21 appeared lower than teeth 12 and 22. Radiographically, the alveolar crest was distant from the CEJ. Case Management: Treatment plan included crown lengthening on teeth 11 and 21 with composite restoration on tooth 21. Crown lengthening, a surgical procedure designed to increase the extent of supragingival tooth structure for restorative or aesthetic purposes by repositioning the gingival margin apically was performed. This procedure is indicated for teeth with subgingival caries, extensive caries shortening the tooth, fractures, and short clinical crowns. Conclusion: Crown lengthening should consider the biological width to prevent bone resorption, gingival recession, inflammation, or hypertrophy. When performed under ideal clinical conditions, crown lengthening provides satisfactory outcomes both functionally and aesthetically [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been associated with autoimmune (AI) and connective tissue disorders (CTDs), but clinical correlates and treatment response to topical corticosteroids (tCS) for patients with both conditions are not well known. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical features of AI/CTDs in EoE patients, and assess the response to tCS. In this retrospective cohort study of adults and children newly diagnosed with EoE in the University of North Carolina EoE Clinicopathologic database, we extracted clinical characteristics and treatment response data. We compared EoE patients with and without AI/CTDs, identified independently associated factors, and explored treatment responses. Of 1029 EoE patients, 61 (5.9%) had an AI/CTDs. The most common AI/CTDs were psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis (P/PA) (1.7%), Hashimoto's (1.2%), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1%). Compared to those without AI/CTDs, AI/CTDs patients were older (35 vs. 28 years, P  = 0.004), more likely to be female (51% vs. 30%, P  = 0.001), have insurance (93% vs. 78%, P  = 0.004) and a longer symptom duration prior to EoE diagnosis (10 vs. 7 years, P  = 0.02). Older age, female sex, having insurance, and having allergic rhinitis were independently associated with AI/CTDs. AI/CTD patients with EoE were less likely to have a symptom response (47% vs. 79%, P  = 0.003). Overlap between EoE and AI/CTDs was uncommon, seen in approximately 6%, with P/PA, Hashimoto's, and RA being most frequent. In conclusion, older age, female sex, having insurance, and allergic rhinitis were independently associated with AI/CTDs. EoE patients with AI/CTDs had less symptom response, with trendtowards lower endoscopic and histologic responses, to tCS therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about esophageal dilation as a long-term treatment approach for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We examined the impact of a "dilate and wait" strategy on symptom management and safety of patients with EoE.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included two patient groups: those who underwent a dilation-predominant approach (≥ 3 dilations as sole therapy or for histologically refractory disease [> 15 eos/hpf]); and those who had routine care (< 3 dilations or histologic response). Group characteristics were compared and outcomes for the dilation-only group assessed.Results: 53/205 patients (26 %) received the dilation-predominant strategy (total 408 dilations), predominantly for histologic treatment nonresponse (75 %). These patients were younger (33 vs. 41 years; P = 0.003), had a narrower baseline esophageal diameter (9.8 vs. 11.5 mm; P = 0.005), underwent more dilations (7.7 vs. 3.4; P < 0.001), but achieved a smaller final diameter (15.7 vs. 16.7 mm; P = 0.01) vs. routine care. With this strategy, 30 patients (57 %) had ongoing symptom improvement, with esophageal caliber change independently associated with symptom response (adjusted odds ratio 1.79, 95 % confidence interval 1.16-2.78); 26 (49 %) used the strategy as a bridge to clinical trials. Over a median follow-up of 1001 days (interquartile range 581-1710), no deaths or dilation-related perforations occurred, but there were nine emergency room visits, including one for post-dilation bleeding and four for food impaction.Conclusions: A dilation-predominant long-term treatment strategy allowed for symptom control or bridge to clinical trials for patients with difficult-to-treat EoE. Close follow-up and monitoring for complications are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]