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In this article, we describe a case study research conducted to validate a set of lesson plans specifically designed for collaborative work with children. A group of nine teachers implemented the lessons in their classes. Data were gathered by means of ethnographical notes to determine children's reactions to collaborative work. Class observations and surveys to teachers on their perception of the lesson plans and collaborative learning were used to collect the data. Results show that children can indeed work in collaboration when given the adequate conditions. This kind of work among children helps them to negotiate meanings and find solutions for learning spaces. Implications point in the direction of teacher education programs that can help teachers understand the principles and practices of collaborative learning with children.

This study aims to compare computed tomography (CT) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by using texture analysis (TA) to detect condylar bone marrow changes associated with the flattening and erosion of cortical bone. A total of 47 patients from the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology Division at São Paulo State University were evaluated. Images from 250 CT and 250 MRI images were assessed by experienced radiologists employing OnDemand3D software. Texture parameters were extracted with MaZda software (version 4.6), and we focused on regions of interest within the condyles. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in texture parameters between the affected and control groups. CT images showed higher correlation values in cases of flattening, whereas MRI images demonstrated substantial changes in texture parameters for both flattening and erosion. These findings suggest that the texture analysis of CT and MRI images can effectively detect early and advanced degenerative changes in the TMJ, thus providing valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiology and aiding in early intervention and treatment planning.

In the present study, we aimed to assess frontal ethmoidal cells by using segmentation 3D software to establish a possible correlation between volume variation and both gender and age, as well as a relationship with Keros classification. Helical computed tomography images were obtained from 71 patients for analysis, in which the agger nasi cell, supra agger cell, supra agger frontal cell, supra bulla frontal cell, supraorbital ethmoidal cell, supra bulla cell, and frontal septal cell were identified and segmented to obtain their volume. Significant differences in volume were found for age and gender regarding agger nasi cells (p-value = 0.017), supra agger cells (p-value < 0.001), and frontal septal cells (p-value = 0.049). In the frontal septal cells, an increase of one year in age reduced the volume by 0.309, on average. According to Keros classification, the mean volumes were 10.07 and 25.64, respectively, for types II and III, both being greater than that of type I. Extracting volumetric data by using segmentation software in agger nasi cells, supra agger cells, and frontal septal cells may be useful for obtaining additional information related to age, in addition to possibly contributing to elucidating the anatomical variations in the region and an identification forensic tool.

BackgroundDirect-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy have been shown to be highly successful in clinical trials and observational studies, but less is known about treatment success in patients with a high burden of comorbid conditions, including mental health and substance use disorders. We evaluated DAA effectiveness across a broad spectrum of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection in routine clinical care, including those with psychosocial comorbid conditions.MethodsThe primary end point was sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as HCV RNA not detected or 3.25) was present in 24%, and 17% were interferon treatment experienced; 96% had genotype 1 infection and 432 (81%) had received ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. SVR occurred in 96.5% (95% CI, 94.5%-97.9%). Patients who were black, treatment experienced, or cirrhotic all had SVR rates >95%. Patients with depression and/or anxiety, psychotic disorder, illicit drug use, or alcohol use disorder also had high SVR rates, ranging from 95.4% to 96.8%. The only factor associated with lower SVR rate was early discontinuation (77.8%; 95% CI, 52.4%-93.6%). Similar results were seen in multiply imputed data sets.ConclusionsOur study represents a large multicenter examination of DAA therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. The broad treatment success we observed across this diverse group of patients with significant comorbid conditions is highly affirming and argues for widespread implementation of DAA therapy.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are highly attractive for applications in the field of biosensing, particularly for colorimetric nucleic acid detection. Their unique optical properties, which are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, make them ideal candidates for developing simple, rapid, and cost-effective assays. When functionalized with oligonucleotides (Au-nanoprobes), they can undergo aggregation or dispersion in the presence of complementary sequences, leading to distinct color changes that serve as a visual signal for detection. Aggregation-based assays offer significant advantages over other homogeneous assays, such as fluorescence-based methods, namely, label-free protocols, rapid interactions in homogeneous solutions, and detection by the naked eye or using low-cost instruments. Despite promising results, the application of Au-nanoprobe-based colorimetric assays in complex biological matrices faces several challenges. The most significant are related to the colloidal stability and oligonucleotide functionalization of the Au-nanoprobes but also to the mode of detection. The type of functionalization method, type of spacer, the oligo–AuNPs ratio, changes in pH, temperature, or ionic strength influence the Au-nanoprobe colloidal stability and thus the performance of the assay. This review elucidates characteristics of the Au-nanoprobes that are determined for colorimetric gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-based nucleic acid detection, and how they influence the sensitivity and specificity of the colorimetric assay. These characteristics of the assay are fundamental to developing low-cost, robust biomedical sensors that perform effectively in biological fluids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This research aims to investigate the influence of environmental factors on the treatment efficacy of ocular lubricants in patients from urban areas with dry eye disease (DED). Methods: A phase IV clinical trial, which included 173 patients from major cities in Mexico, was randomly assigned to use ocular lubricants four times a day for 30 days. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), noninvasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT), ocular staining, and conjunctival hyperemia (CH) among other factors like weather, and air pollution as covariates were analysed. Results: After 30 days, OSDI score decreased by 14.8 points (p< 0.001), and NIBUT increased by 2.9 seconds (p< 0.001), with longer values observed in patients recruited in autumn and winter (additional 1.8 seconds, p< 0.05) compared to those recruited in spring. Patients living in cities with cooler weather and high humidity, but low air quality had higher OSDI and conjunctival stain scores of up to 4.4 and 0.3 points, respectively, as compared to those living in cities with similar pollution and humidity levels but with higher temperatures (p-values= 0.019 and 0.050). Patients with moderate CH had an increase of up to 0.8 points in their corneal stain score (p< 0.010). We also found that ozone levels were related to the predicted changes in OSDI and NIBUT. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on the signs and symptoms of DED and suggests that patients residing in cities with inadequately controlled air pollution can benefit from using ocular lubricants to alleviate their symptoms. Trial Registration: Trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04702776). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the use of texture analysis for characterization of radicular cysts and periapical granulomas and to assess its efficacy to differentiate between both lesions with histological diagnosis. Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained from 19 patients with 25 periapical lesions (14 radicular cysts and 11 periapical granulomas) confirmed by biopsy. Regions of interest were created in the lesions from which 11 texture parameters were calculated. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed and adjusted with Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate procedure (FDR