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ABSTRACT: Objectives: The purpose of this work was to optimise printable polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) biomaterials with high percentages of β-TCP endowed with balanced mechanical characteristics to resemble human cancellous bone, presumably improving osteogenesis. Methods: PCL/β-TCP scaffolds were obtained from customised filaments for fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing with increasing amounts of β-TCP. Samples mechanical features, surface topography and wettability were evaluated as well as cytocompatibility assays, cell adhesion and differentiation. Results: The parameters of the newly fabricated materila were optimal for PCL/β-TCP scaffold fabrication. Composite surfaces showed higher hydrophilicity compared with the controls, and their surface roughness sharply was higher, possibly due to the presence of β-TCP. The Young's modulus of the composites was significantly higher than that of pristine PCL, indicating that the intrinsic strength of β-TCP is beneficial for enhancing the elastic modulus of the composite biomaterials. All novel composite biomaterials supported greater cellular growth and stronger osteoblastic differentiation compared with the PCL control. Conclusions: This project highlights the possibility to fabricat, through an FDM solvent-free approach, PCL/β-TCP scaffolds of up to 70 % concentrations of β-TCP. overcoming the current lmit of 60 % stated in the literature. The combination of 3D printing and customised biomaterials allowed production of highly personalised scaffolds with optimal mechanical and biological features resembling the natural structure and the composition of bone. This underlines the promise of such structures for innovative approaches for bone and periodontal regeneration.

Giovanni Nicoletti,1–3 Andrea Sasso,1 Alberto Malovini,4,5 Luisa Ponchio,6 Silvia Scevola,2 Angela Faga,1–3 Aldo Pontone1 1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, 2Advanced Technologies for Regenerative Medicine and Inductive Surgery Research Centre, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; 3Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy; 4Department of Computer Engineering and Systems Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; 5Laboratory of Informatics and Systems Engineering for Clinical Research, 6Oncology Unit, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy Abstract: A randomized, prospective, controlled study was carried out at the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit of the University of Pavia, Salvatore Maugeri Research and Care Institute, Pavia, Italy, to evaluate the psychological benefits from corrective medical camouflage (CMC) following surgical treatment for skin cancer of the face. Twenty-four female patients, following recovery from facial skin cancer surgery, were enrolled in the study over a period of 1 year. The study was performed using two health-related quality of life tests, the Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P) test and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). The patients were randomized into two groups: group A, patients undergoing CMC; and group B, controls. Both the SAT-P and BUT demonstrated statistically significant better results in the treated patients versus the controls in the following functional parameters: Psychological Functionality (PsF), Physical Functionality (PhF), and Work Performance (WP) for the SAT-P test and Compulsive Self-Monitoring (CSM) for the BUT. The PsF demonstrated a better result 6 months post-treatment. Such a difference was particularly significant when comparing the performance at 6 months versus that at 3 months. The PhF demonstrated a better outcome at 6 months post-treatment. The WP demonstrated a better result comparing the performance at 6 months versus that at 3 months. The CSM demonstrated a better outcome at 6 months post-treatment. The CMC promoted a significant improvement in patients' physical appearance and in their self-image and perceived social role as a means of their desire to disguise their body disfiguration. Keywords: plastic surgery, skin cancer, camouflage, quality of life, psychological assessment

Central Asia is highly exposed to a broad range of hazardous phenomena including earthquakes, floods and landslides, which have cause substantial damage in the past. However, disaster risk reduction strategies are still under development in the area. We provide a regional-scale exposure database for population and residential buildings based on existing information from previous exposure development efforts at the regional and national scale. Such datasets are complemented with country-based data (e.g., building census, national statistics) collected by national representatives in each Central Asian country (Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan). We also develop population and residential-building exposure layers for the year 2080, which support the definition of disaster risk reduction strategies in the region.

Carotid stenosis is characterized by the progressive narrowing of the carotid arteries due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to stroke and death as major complications. Numerous biomarkers allow for its study and characterization, particularly those related to “omics” sciences. Through the most common research databases, we report representative studies about carotid stenosis biomarkers based on genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics in a narrative review. To establish a priority among studies based on their internal validity, we used a quality assessment tool, the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Genes, transcriptomes, proteins, and metabolites can diagnose the disease, define plaque connotations, predict consequences after revascularization interventions, and associate carotid stenosis with other patient comorbidities. It also emerged that many aspects determining the patient’s psychological and social sphere are implicated in carotid disease. In conclusion, when taking the multidisciplinary approach that combines human sciences with biological sciences, it is possible to comprehensively define a patient’s health and thus improve their clinical management through precision medicine.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is defined as a sudden reduction in blood flow to a limb, resulting in cessation of blood flow and, therefore, cessation of the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the tissues of the lower limb. Despite optimal treatment to restore blood flow to ischemic tissues, some patients may suffer from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) syndrome, the most severe complication after a revascularization procedure used to restore blood flow. There are multiple molecular and cellular factors that are involved in each phase of ALI. This review focuses firstly on molecular and cellular factors of arterial thrombosis, highlighting the role of atherosclerotic plaques, smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and cytokine which may alter key components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Then, molecular and cellular factors of arterial embolism will be discussed, highlighting the importance of thrombi composition. Molecular and cellular factors of ischemia/reperfusion syndrome are analyzed in depth, highlighting several important mechanisms related to tissue damage, such as inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis, and necroptosis. Furthermore, local and general complications of ALI are discussed in the context of molecular alterations. Ultimately, the role of novel biomarkers and targeted therapies is discussed.

Purpose: Choroideremia is an X-linked choroidopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the CHM gene. It is characterized by the early appearance of multiple scotomas in the peripheral visual field that spread and coalesce, usually sparing central vision until late in the disease. These features make quantitative monitoring of visual decline particularly challenging. Here, we describe a novel computational approach to convert Goldmann visual field (GVF) data into quantitative volumetric measurements. With this approach, we analyzed visual field loss in a longitudinal, retrospective cohort of patients with choroideremia. Design: Single-center, retrospective, cohort study. Participants: We analyzed data from 238 clinic visits of 56 molecularly-confirmed male patients with choroideremia from 41 families (range, 1–27 visits per patient). Patients had a median follow up of 4 years (range, 0–56 years) with an age range of 5 to 76 years at the time of their visits. Methods: Clinical data from molecularly-confirmed patients with choroideremia, including GVF data, were included for analysis. Goldmann visual field records were traced using a tablet-based application, and the 3-dimensional hill of vision was interpolated for each trace. This procedure allowed quantification of visual field loss from data collected over decades with differing protocols, including different or incomplete isopters. Visual acuity (VA) data were collected and converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution values. A delayed exponential mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the loss of visual field volume over time. Main Outcome Measures: Visual acuity and GVF volume. Results: The estimated mean age at disease onset was 12.6 years (standard deviation, 9.1 years; 95% quantile interval, 6.5–36.4 years). The mean field volume loss was 6.8% per year (standard deviation, 4.5%; 95% quantile interval, 1.9%–18.8%) based on exponential modeling. Field volume was more strongly correlated between eyes (r2 = 0.935) than best-corrected VA (r2 = 0.285). Conclusions: Volumetric analysis of GVF data enabled quantification of peripheral visual function in patients with choroideremia and evaluation of disease progression. The methods presented here may facilitate the analysis of historical GVF data from patients with inherited retinal disease and other diseases associated with visual field loss. This work informs the creation of appropriate outcome measures in choroideremia therapeutic trials, particularly in trial designs. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the root canal shaping effect of ProTaper Gold (PTG) versus ProTaper Next (PTN) instrumentation systems, and of a manual #15 K-type file (K15) versus the ProGlider (PG) mechanized instrument for glide path creation, in severely curved mesial canals. Twenty-four mandibular molars with two separate mesial canals were anatomically matched using computed tomographic scanning, and then divided into two groups (n=12) according to the glide path instrument used, either K15 or PG. In all teeth, the PTG system was used to prepare the mesiobuccal canal, and the PTN, the mesiolingual canal. The teeth were scanned by computed microtomography, before and after root canal preparation, and the values of the initial volume, final volume, volumetric variation, untouched walls, and canal transportation variables were determined. The data were analyzed using the two-way ANOVA test, and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons. There was no significant difference among the study groups regarding volumetric variation or root canal transportation, either in the cervical, middle or apical thirds, or in the entire root canal (p>0.05). In the apical third, the percentage of untouched walls was significantly higher in groups using K15 than in those using PG (p

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disorder that causes changes in both the structure and function of the kidneys, causing complications such as hypertension, edema, and oliguria. Renal fibrosis is also a common pathological feature of CKD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The proteinase domain consists of a zinc ion in the active site, which contributes to its stabilization with another zinc and three calcium structural ions. Many cellular processes are controlled by MMPs, such as cell–cell interactions and various signaling pathways, while they are also involved in degrading substrates on cell surfaces. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are key regulators of metalloproteinases, and both are involved in regulating cell turnover, the regulation, and the progression of fibrosis and apoptosis in the tissue. MMPs play a role in renal fibrosis, such as the tubular cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (TEM), activation of resident fibroblasts, endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and pericyte–myofibroblast transdifferentiation. This review aims to show the mechanisms through which MMPs contribute to renal fibrosis, paying particular attention to MMP-9 and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a extrusão apical de irrigantes em dentes imaturos simulados, comparando a irrigação convencional com outros dispositivos de irrigação por pressão negativa. Materiais e Métodos: 48 amostras de dentes imaturos simulados foram montadas em um modelo adaptado para conter o irrigante extravasado e distribuídas igualmente em 4 grupos (n=12) de acordo com o dispositivo de irrigação utilizado: Grupo Irrigação Convencional (IC), Grupo EndoVac (EV), Grupo Pulp Sucker (PS) e Grupo Ivac (IV). As amostras foram irrigadas com 15mL de solução irrigadora, sendo 10mL de NaOCl a 2,5% e 5mL de EDTA a 17% intercalados. As amostras foram pesadas em balança de precisão antes e depois dos procedimentos de irrigação, sendo a diferença entre os pesos final e inicial considerado o volume de irrigante extravasado. Os dados foram coletados e analisados estatisticamente pelos testes de Kruskal-wallis e exato de Fisher. Resultados: Os grupos que utilizaram pressão negativa promoveram significativamente menor volume de irrigante extravasado que o grupo IC (p0,05). Houve diferenças significativas na associação entre os grupos e a extrusão de irrigante, sendo o grupo PS menos associado a extrusão de irrigante (p

Up to 50 % of total PM2.5 emissions are due to particles derived from the automotive sector, and both exhaust and non-exhaust emissions contribute to the pollution of urban areas. Fuel incomplete combustion, or lubricant degradation due to high temperatures during the combustion process, are responsible for exhaust emissions. The non-exhaust ones concern brakes, tires and road surface-wear emissions and road resuspension contribution. The present study aims to provide a methodological approach for a detailed chemical characterization of wear friction products by means of a large array of techniques including spectroscopic tools, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), chromatography, morphological and elemental analysis. The dust sample derived from the wear of a brake pad material was collected after a Noise & Vibration Harshness (NVH) test under loads similar to a Worldwide Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) braking cycle. The TGA shows that only a small fraction is burned during the test in an oxidizing environment, testifying that the sample consists mostly of metals (more than 90 %). Fe exhibits the highest concentrations (50–80 %, even in the form of oxides). Also other kinds of metals, such as Zn, Al, Mg, Si, S, Sn, Mn, occur in small quantities (about 1–2% each). This finding is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The organic fraction of the debris, investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy, has an evident aromatic character, probably due to oxidative phenomena occurring during the braking cycle test. Noteworthy, the extraction of the dust sample with organic solvents, revealed for the first time the presence of ultrafine particles (UFPs), even in the range of few nanometers (nanoparticles), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), recognized as highly toxic compounds. The simultaneous presence of toxic organic carbon and metals makes of concern the non-exhaust emissions and mandatory a deep insight on their structure and detailed composition.

Hyperkalemia (HK) is a life-threatening condition that often occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). High serum potassium (sKsK) is responsible for a higher risk of end-stage renal disease, arrhythmias and mortality. This risk increases in patients that discontinue cardio-nephroprotective renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) therapy after developing HK. Hence, the management of HK deserves the attention of the clinician in order to optimize the therapeutic strategies of chronic treatment of HK in the CKD patient. The adoption in clinical practice of the new hypokalaemic agents patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC) for the prevention and chronic treatment of HK could allow patients, suffering from heart failure and chronic renal failure, to continue to benefit from RAASi therapy. We have updated a narrative review of the clear variables, correct definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiology and classifications for HK among non-dialysis CKD (ND CKD) patients. Furthermore, by describing the prognostic impact on mortality and on the progression of renal damage, we want to outline the strategies currently available for the control of potassium (K+) plasma levels.

This in vitro study assessed the efficacy of a solution containing 33% trichloroacetic acid (CCl3COOH; TCA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in decontaminating machined (MAC) and sand-blasted acid-etched (SBAE) titanium surfaces. A total of 80 titanium disks were prepared (40 MAC and 40 SBAE). Streptococcus sanguinis and Enterococcus faecalis strains were incubated on 36 samples, while the remaining 44 were kept as controls. Roughness analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the surface features before and after TCAH2O2 treatment. The viability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) after TCAH2O2 decontamination was assessed with a chemiluminescent assay along with cell morphology through fluorescent staining. TCAH2O2 preserved the surface topography of MAC and SBAE specimens. It also effectively eradicated bacteria on both types of specimens without altering the surface roughness (p > 0.05). Also, no significant differences in protein adsorption between the pristine and TCAH2O2-treated surfaces were found (p = 0.71 and p = 0.94). While ASC proliferation remained unchanged on MAC surfaces, a decrease was observed on the decontaminated SBAE specimens at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05), with no difference at 72 h (p > 0.05). Cell morphology showed no significant changes after 72 h on both surface types even after decontamination. This study suggests TCAH2O2 as a promising decontamination agent for titanium surfaces, with potential implications for peri-implant health and treatment outcomes.

The agitation for resource control in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region has frequently snowballed into violence and militancy. Although the demand for resource control borders on the transfer of ownership and management and control of the processes of exploitation of crude oil found abundantly in the region, the exact parametres of the demand are not defined by the agitators. This paper examined the various variants of resource control demanded by the different groups of agitators in the Niger Delta. It particularly argued that the common law private property ownership principles of Cuius est solum, eius est usque ad coelum et ad inferos, and Quic quid plantatur solo, solo cedit be adopted to transfer ownership of natural resources, including crude oil to the indigenous inhabitants of the oil rich Niger Delta region in line with the principles of true federalism. The paper recommended the restructure of the Nigerian federal system to devolve more powers to the states and repeal of certain existing laws that inhibit the rights of the people to own land and natural resources beneath those lands, which belong to them, their ancestors and children yet unborn.

Many States are engulfed in crises over natural resources in the form of claims and counterclaims over who should exercise legal authority over the resources located within the state territory. In Nigeria, the agitation over control of natural resources has led to militancy and rebellion against the federal government and multinational oil companies. The debate on who should control and manage natural oil resources in Nigeria exists at the local community level, the federating states level, and the federal government level. This paper x-rayed the varying contentions of these agitations from an international law perspective. It adopted the doctrinal method to explore international human rights instruments and other legal and non-legal sources to realize the result and arrive at persuasive conclusions. The paper concluded that although international law guarantees states’ exercise of sovereign rights over their natural resources, it safeguards the right of indigenous peoples and communities to manage the natural resources found within their ancestral lands to deepen their economic and social development. It also concluded that the Niger Delta indigenous peoples and oil-producing communities are entitled to exercise some measure of control and management of the processes of exploitation of the natural resources found within their lands. The paper calls on the Nigerian government to fast-track legal and policy reforms to resource rights to indigenous host communities of natural resources in Nigeria.

Raffaele Serra,1,2,&ast; Umberto Marcello Bracale,3,&ast; Nicola Ielapi,4 Luca Del Guercio,3 Maria Donata Di Taranto,5 Maurizio Sodo,3 Ashour Michael,6 Teresa Faga,6 Egidio Bevacqua,7 Federica Jiritano,7 Giuseppe Fliberto Serraino,7 Pasquale Mastroroberto,7 Michele Provenzano,8 Michele Andreucci6 1Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy; 2Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy; 3Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy; 4Department of Public Health and Infectious Disease, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Roma, 00185, Italy; 5Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy; 6Department of Health Sciences, “Magna Graecia” University, Catanzaro, Italy; 7Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy; 8Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, Italy&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Raffaele SerraDepartment of Surgical and Medical Sciences, Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, 88100, ItalyTel +39 09613647380Email rserra@unicz.itAbstract: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Globally, CKD is also increasing in prevalence and incidence. The two principal kidney measures namely estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria have been found to be predictors of renal and cardiovascular (CV) endpoints including peripheral artery disease (PAD). The prevalence of PAD was increased in CKD patients and, particularly, in patients with more severe CKD stages. Despite the fact that revascularization strategies are suitable in CKD patients in similar fashion to non-CKD patients, few CKD patients underwent these procedures. In fact, if it is true that revascularization improves prognosis in PAD patients irrespective of baseline eGFR, it was also demonstrated that CKD patients, who underwent revascularization, were at higher risk for amputations, mortality, re-intervention and perioperative complications. With the present review article, we have examined the association between CKD, PAD and peripheral revascularization highlighting data about epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and results from previous observational and intervention studies. We have also examined the future perspectives and challenges of research around the association between CKD and PAD.Keywords: chronic kidney disease, CKD, peripheral artery disease, PAD, ESKD, amputations, albuminuria