Differentiating Left Ventricular Remodeling in Aortic Stenosis From Systemic Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy occurs in both aortic stenosis (AS) and systemic hypertension (HTN) in response to wall stress. However, differentiation of hypertrophy due to these 2 etiologies is lacking. The aim was to study the 3-dimensional geometric remodeling pattern in severe AS pre- and postsurgical aortic valve replacement and to compare with HTN and healthy controls. METHODS: Ninety-one subjects (36 severe AS, 19 HTN, and 36 healthy controls) underwent cine cardiac magnetic resonance. Cardiac magnetic resonance was repeated 8 months post-aortic valve replacement (n=18). Principal component analysis was performed on the 3-dimensional meshes reconstructed from 109 cardiac magnetic resonance scans of 91 subjects at end-diastole. Principal component analysis modes were compared across experimental groups together with conventional metrics of shape, strain, and scar. RESULTS: A unique AS signature was identified by wall thickness linked to a LV left-right axis shift and a decrease in short-axis eccentricity. HTN was uniquely linked to increased septal thickness. Combining these 3 features had good discriminative ability between AS and HTN (area under the curve, 0.792). The LV left-right axis shift was not reversible post-aortic valve replacement, did not associate with strain, age, or sex, and was predictive of postoperative LV mass regression (R2=0.339, P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Unique remodeling signatures might differentiate the etiology of LV hypertrophy. Preliminary findings suggest that LV axis shift is characteristic in AS, is not reversible post-aortic valve replacement, predicts mass regression, and may be interpreted to be an adaptive mechanism.

Structure of a fully assembled γδ T-cell antigen receptor.

T cells in jawed vertebrates comprise two lineages, αß T-cells and γδ T-cells, defined by the antigen receptors they express, i.e., αß and γδ T-cell receptors (TCRs), respectively. The two lineages have different immunological roles, requiring γδ TCRs to recognize more structurally-diverse ligands1. Nevertheless, the receptors use shared CD3 subunits to initiate signaling. Whereas the structural organization of αß TCRs is understood2,3, the architecture of γδ TCRs is unknown. Here, we used cryogenic electron microscopy to determine the structure of a fully-assembled, MR1-reactive human Vδ3Vγ8 TCR/CD3δγε2ζ2 complex bound by anti-CD3ε antibody Fab fragments4,5. The arrangement of CD3 subunits in γδ and αß TCRs is conserved and, although the transmembrane α-helices of the TCR-γδ and -αß subunits differ markedly in sequence, the packing of the eight transmembrane-helix bundles is similar6. However, in contrast to the apparently rigid αß TCR2,3,6, the γδ TCR exhibits considerable conformational heterogeneity, owing to the ligand-binding TCR-γδ subunits being tethered to the CD3 subunits by their transmembrane regions only. Reducing this conformational heterogeneity by transferring the Vδ3Vγ8 TCR variable domains to an αß TCR enhanced receptor signaling, suggesting that γδ TCR organization reflects a compromise between efficient signaling and the ability to engage structurally-diverse ligands. Our findings reveal the remarkable structural plasticity of the TCR on evolutionary timescales, and recast it as a highly versatile receptor capable of initiating signaling as either a rigid or flexible structure.

Independência funcional e cognição em utentes de uma estrutura residencial para pessoas idosas / Functional independence and cognition in users of a residential facility for the elderly

Uma preocupação relacionada com o aumento da esperança de vida, é que a prevalência de doenças crónicas se traduza no declínio da capacidade cognitiva e independência da pessoa idosa, manifestando-se através do aumento da procura de serviços de saúde especializados. Objetivos: Avaliar o nível de independência funcional, estado de equilíbrio e o estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas; Identificar as variáveis sociodemográficas, que interferem no nível de independência funcional, equilíbrio e estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas; Identificar que variáveis clínicas influenciam o nível de independência funcional, equilíbrio e estado mental de utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal correlacional, com uma amostra de 66 utentes residentes numa Estrutura Residencial para Pessoas Idosas de um Estabelecimento Integrado no Instituto de Segurança Social da Madeira, IP-RAM. O instrumento de recolha de dados incluiu um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica ad hoc, o Índice de Barthel, o Teste de Avaliação da Mobilidade e Equilíbrio Estático e Dinâmico (POMA I) e o Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Resultados: O perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes indica que um pouco mais de metade são homens, sendo que mais de metade da amostra tem dificuldades na sua mobilidade (54,0%), entre as quais prevalecem o desequilíbrio na marcha, a dor de joelhos e a dificuldade em andar por dor nos membros inferiores; Pouco mais de metade dos idosos (54,5%) não revelava défice cognitivo. As variáveis sociodemográficas em estudo não interferiram no equilíbrio dinâmico e estático, bem como no total da POMA (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os Enfermeiros Especialistas em Enfermagem de Reabilitação, assumem um papel relevante na população em estudo, através de planos de cuidados especializados que maximizem a funcionalidade do idoso, capacitando-o para uma maior autonomia e independência no autocuidado, potenciando, a sua qualidade de vida.

A concern related to increased life expectancy is that the prevalence of chronic diseases translates into a decline in the cognitive capacity and independence of the elderly, resulting in increased demand for specialized health services. Objectives: To assess the level of functional independence, state of balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly; To identify the sociodemographic variables that interfere with the level of functional independence, balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly; To identify which clinical variables influence the level of functional independence, balance and mental state of users residing in a Residential Facility for the Elderly. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational study was carried out with a sample of 66 users living in a Residential Structure for the Elderly of an Integrated Establishment of the Social Security Institute of Madeira, IP-RAM. The data collection instrument included an ad hoc sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire, the Barthel Index, the Static and Dynamic Mobility and Balance Assessment Test (POMA I) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: The sociodemographic profile of the participants indicates that just over half are men, and more than half of the sample has mobility difficulties (54.0%), among which gait imbalance, knee pain and difficulty walking due to pain in the lower limbs prevail; just over half of the elderly (54.5%) had no cognitive impairment. The sociodemographic variables under study did not interfere with dynamic and static balance, nor with the total POMA (p>0.05). Conclusion: Specialized Rehabilitation Nurses play an important role in the population under study, through specialized care plans that maximize the functionality of the elderly, enabling them to have greater autonomy and independence in self-care, thus enhancing their quality of life.

Antihistamines H1 as Potential Anthelmintic Agents against the Zoonotic Parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

Infections caused by parasitic helminths pose significant health concerns for both humans and animals. The limited efficacy of existing drugs underscores the urgent need for novel anthelmintic agents. Given the reported potential of antihistamines against various parasites, including worms, this study conducted a screening of clinically available antihistamines against Angiostrongylus cantonensis-a nematode with widespread implications for vertebrate hosts, including humans. Twenty-one anti-H1 antihistamines were screened against first-stage larvae (L1) of A. cantonensis obtained from the feces of infected rats. Standard anthelmintic drugs ivermectin and albendazole were employed for comparative analysis. The findings revealed four active compounds (promethazine, cinnarizine, desloratadine, and rupatadine), with promethazine demonstrating the highest potency (EC50 = 31.6 µM). Additionally, morphological analysis showed that antihistamines induced significant changes in larvae. To understand the mechanism of action, antimuscarinic activities were reported based on average pK i values for human muscarinic receptor (mAChR) subtypes of the evaluated compounds. Furthermore, an analysis of the physicochemical and pharmacodynamic properties of antihistamines revealed that their anthelmintic activity does not correlate with their activity at H1 receptors. This study marks the first documentation of antihistamines' activity against A. cantonensis, offering a valuable contribution to the quest for novel agents effective against zoonotic helminths.

Sarcoidosis-Like Reaction After Chemotherapy Mimicking Metastasis in a Patient With Two Synchronous Tumors: A Case Report.

Sarcoidosis presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse clinical manifestations and potential to mimic malignancies. We report a clinical case involving a 46-year-old woman diagnosed with localized synchronous ovarian and endometrial carcinomas treated with surgery. Following adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient developed suspicious pulmonary micronodules and lymphadenopathy observed in imaging studies, raising concerns about cancer recurrence. Histopathological analysis revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation without evidence of malignancy, leading to a diagnosis of a sarcoidosis-like reaction secondary to chemotherapy. Remarkably, these lesions resolved spontaneously without specific intervention. This case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex oncological presentations and underscores the significance of histopathological examination in distinguishing between malignancy and chemotherapy-induced sarcoidosis-like reactions.

Comprehensive Review: Machine and Deep Learning in Brain Stroke Diagnosis.

Brain stroke, or a cerebrovascular accident, is a devastating medical condition that disrupts the blood supply to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. Each year, according to the World Health Organization, 15 million people worldwide experience a stroke. This results in approximately 5 million deaths and another 5 million individuals suffering permanent disabilities. The complex interplay of various risk factors highlights the urgent need for sophisticated analytical methods to more accurately predict stroke risks and manage their outcomes. Machine learning and deep learning technologies offer promising solutions by analyzing extensive datasets including patient demographics, health records, and lifestyle choices to uncover patterns and predictors not easily discernible by humans. These technologies enable advanced data processing, analysis, and fusion techniques for a comprehensive health assessment. We conducted a comprehensive review of 25 review papers published between 2020 and 2024 on machine learning and deep learning applications in brain stroke diagnosis, focusing on classification, segmentation, and object detection. Furthermore, all these reviews explore the performance evaluation and validation of advanced sensor systems in these areas, enhancing predictive health monitoring and personalized care recommendations. Moreover, we also provide a collection of the most relevant datasets used in brain stroke analysis. The selection of the papers was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Furthermore, this review critically examines each domain, identifies current challenges, and proposes future research directions, emphasizing the potential of AI methods in transforming health monitoring and patient care.

Impact of TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624 and rs1061622) and IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797 and rs1554606) Gene Polymorphisms on Inflammatory Response in Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease Undergoing Dialysis.

We aimed to study the impact of polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukin-6 (IL6) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (TNFR2), reported to be mortality risk predictors, in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis. TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) and IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms were studied in patients with ESKD and controls; the genotype and allele frequencies and the associations with inflammatory and erythropoiesis markers were determined; deaths were recorded throughout the following two years. The genotype and allele frequencies for the TNFRSF1B rs3397 polymorphism were different in these patients compared to those in the controls and the global and European populations, and patients with the C allele were less common. Patients with the CC genotype for TNFRSF1B rs3397 presented higher hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts and lower TNF-α levels, suggesting a more favorable inflammatory response that seems to be associated with erythropoiesis improvement. Patients with the GG genotype for TNFRSF1B rs1061622 showed lower serum ferritin levels. None of the TNFRSF1B (rs3397, rs1061624, and rs1061622) or IL6 (rs1800796, rs1800797, and rs1554606) polymorphisms had a significant impact on the all-cause mortality rate of Portuguese patients with ESKD.

Ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive episode: An updated systematic review and non-inferiority meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the comparative effectiveness of ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of major depressive episodes (MDEs). PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ketamine and ECT for MDE. The primary outcome was response rate, for which we prespecified a non-inferiority margin of -0.1, based on the largest and most recent RCT. Response was defined as a reduction of at least 50 % in the depression scale score. Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria, comprising 655 patients. In the overall population, ketamine was not non-inferior to ECT in response rate (RD -0.10; 95 % CI -0.26 to 0.05; p = 0.198; I2 = 72 %). The ECT group had a higher reduction in depression scores, but without difference in remission and relapse rates. Regarding safety outcomes, ketamine had better posttreatment cognition scores and reduced muscle pain rate compared with ECT, albeit with an increased rate of dissociative symptoms. In a subanalysis with only inpatients, ketamine was inferior to ECT in response rate (RD -0.15; 95 % CI -0.27 to -0.03; p = 0.014; I2 = 25 %), remission, and change in depression scores. These findings support the use of ECT over ketamine for inpatients. Further RCTs are warranted to clarify the comparative effect of these treatments for outpatients.

3D Models as a Source for Neuroanatomy Education: A Stepwise White Matter Dissection Using 3D Images and Photogrammetry Scans.

White matter dissection (WMD) involves isolating bundles of myelinated axons in the brain and serves to gain insights into brain function and neural mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. While effective, cadaveric brain dissections pose certain challenges mainly due to availability of resources. Technological advancements, such as photogrammetry, have the potential to overcome these limitations by creating detailed three-dimensional (3D) models for immersive learning experiences in neuroanatomy. This study aimed to provide a detailed step-by-step WMD captured using two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D models (via photogrammetry) to serve as a comprehensive guide for studying white matter tracts of the brain. One formalin-fixed brain specimen was utilized to perform the WMD. The brain was divided in a sagittal plane and both cerebral hemispheres were stored in a freezer at -20 °C for 10 days, then thawed under running water at room temperature. Micro-instruments under an operating microscope were used to perform a systematic lateral-to-medial and medial-to-lateral dissection, while 2D images were captured and 3D models were created through photogrammetry during each stage of the dissection. Dissection was performed with comprehensive examination of the location, main landmarks, connections, and functions of the white matter tracts of the brain. Furthermore, high-quality 3D models of the dissections were created and housed on SketchFab®, allowing for accessible and free of charge viewing for educational and research purposes. Our comprehensive dissection and 3D models have the potential to increase understanding of the intricate white matter anatomy and could provide an accessible platform for the teaching of neuroanatomy.

Therapeutic potential of LINS01 histamine H3 receptor antagonists as antineoplastic agents for triple negative breast cancer.

The aims of this work were to evaluate the expression of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) samples and to investigate the antitumoral efficacy and safety of the LINS01 series of H3R antagonists, through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches. Antitumor activity of LINS01009, LINS01010, LINS01022, LINS01023 was assayed in vitro in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells (0.01-100 µM), and in vivo in 4T1 tumors orthotopically established in BALB/c mice (1 or 20 mg/kg). Additionally, H3R expression was assessed in 50 human TNBC samples. We have described a higher H3R mRNA expression in basal-like/TNBC tumors vs. matched normal tissue using TCGA Pan-Cancer Atlas data, and a higher H3R expression in human tumor samples vs. peritumoral tissue evidenced by immunohistochemistry associated with poorer survival. Furthermore, while all the essayed compounds showed antitumoral properties, LINS01022 and LINS01023 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative effects by: i) inducing cell apoptosis and suppressing cell migration in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells, and ii) inhibiting cell growth in paclitaxel-resistant 4T1 cells (potentiating the paclitaxel antiproliferative effect). Moreover, 20 mg/kg LINS01022 reduced tumor size in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice, exhibiting a safe toxicological profile and potential for druggability estimated by ADME calculations. We conclude that the H3R is involved in the regulation of TNBC progression, offering promising therapeutic potential for the novel LINS01 series of H3R antagonists.

The histamine H4 receptor antagonist 1-[(5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-2-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-piperazine(LINS01007) prevents the development of DSS-induced colitis in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with growing incidence worldwide. Our group reported the compound 5-choro-1-[(2,3-dihydro-1-benzofuran-2-yl)methyl]piperazine (LINS01007) as H4R antagonist (pKi 6.2) and therefore the effects and pharmacological efficacy on a DSS-induced mice model of UC were assessed in this work. Experimental acute colitis was induced in male BALB/c mice (n = 5-10) by administering 3 % DSS in the drinking water for six days. The test compound LINS01007 was administered daily i.p. (5 mg/kg) and compared to control group without treatment. Body weight, water and food consumption, and the presence of fecal blood were monitored during 7-day treatment period. The levels of inflammatory markers (PGE2, COX-2, IL-6, NF-κB and STAT3) were also analyzed. Animals subjected to the acute colitis protocol showed a reduction in water and food intake from the fourth day (p < 0.05) and these events were prevented by LINS01007. Histological signs of edema, hyperplasia and disorganized intestinal crypts, as well as neutrophilic infiltrations, were found in control mice while these findings were significantly reduced in animals treated with LINS01007. Significant reductions in the levels of PGE2, COX-2, IL-6, NF-κB and STAT3 were observed in the serum and tissue of treated animals. The results demonstrated the significant effects of LINS01007 against DSS-induced colitis, highlighting the potential of H4R antagonism as promising treatment for this condition.

Circular economyeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a sustainable source of glucans and its safety for skincare application.

Glucans, a polysaccharide naturally present in the yeast cell wall that can be obtained from side streams generated during the fermentation process, have gained increasing attention for their potential as a skin ingredient. Therefore, this study focused on the extraction method to isolate and purify water-insoluble glucans from two different Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains: an engineered strain obtained from spent yeast in an industrial fermentation process and a wild strain produced through lab-scale fermentation. Two water-insoluble extracts with a high glucose content (> 90 %) were achieved and further subjected to a chemical modification using carboxymethylation to improve their water solubility. All the glucans' extracts, water-insoluble and carboxymethylated, were structurally and chemically characterized, showing almost no differences between both yeast-type strains. To ensure their safety for skin application, a broad safety assessment was undertaken, and no cytotoxic effect, immunomodulatory capacity (IL-6 and IL-8 regulation), genotoxicity, skin sensitization, and impact on the skin microbiota were observed. These findings highlight the potential of glucans derived from spent yeast as a sustainable and safe ingredient for cosmetic and skincare formulations, contributing to the sustainability and circular economy.

Clinical and thermographic evaluation after lower third molar extractions and the application of different photobiomodulation protocols: double-blind randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: to compare the parameters of pain, oedema, temperature, and soft tissue closure in dental sockets that received two different photobiomodulation (PBM) protocols following extractions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one participants had their teeth 38 and 48 extracted. Subsequently, one of the dental sockets received PBM at a wavelength (WL) of 808 nanometers (808 group- nm) and the other dental socket received the PBM at WLs of 808 nm and 660 nm, simultaneously (808 + 660 group). The PBM was applied immediately after the surgical procedure and on the 3rd and 7th days. RESULTS: The mean of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values for pain were 1.45 for the 3rd day and 0.52 for the 7th day in the 808 + 660 and 808 group, respectively. The mean the pogonion-tragus measurement, used to assess facial oedema on the 3rd day, was 15.38 cm (range 13.5-17.5) in the 808 + 660 group and 15.48 cm (range 14.0-17.5) in the 808 group. The mean facial temperatures in the 808 + 660 group were 34.9 degrees Celsius (ºC) (range 33.5-36.4) on the 3rd day and 35 ºC (range 33.4-36.4) on the 7th day. In the 808 group, the mean temperatures were 34.9 ºC (range 33.9-36.2) on the 3rd day and 34.9 ºC (33.7-36.2) on the 7th day. Regarding the dimensions of the dental socket, the mean were similar for both groups. Significant differences between the groups were only observed in the pain parameter and only on the 7th day, being greater for the 808 + 660 group (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The association of the 660 nm with 808 nm, and the increase in energy did not showed more benefits in pain reduction oedema, or acceleration of the closure of the soft tissues of the dental sockets of lower third molars, in the protocols used here. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is no need to combine lasers at wavelengths of 660 and 808 nm to reduce oedema, pain and repair of soft tissues after extraction of lower third molars. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) with the following code: RBR-66pyrh8, on 29th December, 2022.

Age-Related Changes in Clinical and Analytical Variables in Chronic Hemodialyzed Patients.

Worldwide, the number of elderly individuals receiving chronic hemodialysis is rising. The aim of our study was to evaluate several clinical and analytical biomarkers in chronically dialyzed patients and analyze how they change with age. A cross-sectional study was performed by evaluating 289 end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. We evaluated the hemogram, adipokines, the lipid profile, and several markers related to inflammation, endothelial function/fibrinolysis, nutrition, iron metabolism, and cardiac and renal fibrosis. Clinical data and dialysis efficacy parameters were obtained from all patients. The relationships between studied biomarkers and age were assessed by a statistical comparison between younger (adults with age < 65 years) and older (age ≥ 65 years) patients and by performing regression analysis. Participants presented a mean age of 68.7 years (±13.6), with 66.8% (n = 193) being classified as older. Compared to younger patients, older patients presented the following: (a) significantly lower values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and ultrafiltration volume; (b) lower levels of phosphorus, uric acid, creatinine, and albumin; and (c) higher circulating concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), D-dimer, interleukin-6, leptin, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1. In the multiple linear regression analysis, DBP values, tPA, phosphorus, and D-dimer levels were independently associated with the age of patients (standardized betas: -0.407, 0.272, -0.230, and 0.197, respectively; p < 0.001 for all), demonstrating relevant changes in biomarkers with increasing age at cardiovascular and nutritional levels. These findings seem to result from crosstalk mechanisms between aging and chronic kidney disease.

High-density volumetric super-resolution microscopy.

Volumetric super-resolution microscopy typically encodes the 3D position of single-molecule fluorescence into a 2D image by changing the shape of the point spread function (PSF) as a function of depth. However, the resulting large and complex PSF spatial footprints reduce biological throughput and applicability by requiring lower labeling densities to avoid overlapping fluorescent signals. We quantitatively compare the density dependence of single-molecule light field microscopy (SMLFM) to other 3D PSFs (astigmatism, double helix and tetrapod) showing that SMLFM enables an order-of-magnitude speed improvement compared to the double helix PSF by resolving overlapping emitters through parallax. We demonstrate this optical robustness experimentally with high accuracy ( > 99.2 ± 0.1%, 0.1 locs µm-2) and sensitivity ( > 86.6 ± 0.9%, 0.1 locs µm-2) through whole-cell (scan-free) imaging and tracking of single membrane proteins in live primary B cells. We also exemplify high-density volumetric imaging (0.15 locs µm-2) in dense cytosolic tubulin datasets.

Morphological analysis of the jugular foramen in dry human skulls in northeastern Brazil.

The jugular foramen (JF) is located between the temporal and occipital bones. The JF is a primary pathway for venous outflow from the skull and passage of nerves. Variations are common in this region and may have clinical and surgical implications. To analyze the sexual dimorphism and JF morphology in skulls from Northeastern Brazil. 128 human skulls from the Anatomy Laboratory of the Federal University of Paraíba, 64 male and 64 female, were selected and the JFs analyzed for bone septation and the presence of a dome. Data analysis considered P<0.05 as significant. On at least one side, complete septation was observed in 26 skulls (20.3%), incomplete septation in 93 skulls (72.6%) and 61 skulls (47.6%) did not present septation. In 114 skulls (89%), 47.6% female and 41.4% male, have a unilateral presence of the dome and 71 (55.4%) have it bilaterally. Posterolateral compartment diameters and JF area had higher values on the right side in the total sample and separated by sex (P<0.05). Most morphometric variables of the anteromedial compartment were higher in male than in female (P<0.05), fact that was not observed in the posterolateral compartment (P>0.05). This study showed a higher prevalence of complete septation in males compared to females. Morphometric analysis presented a peculiar morphology of the JF in this study. These results suggests that the surgical approach to diseases that affect the JF may be peculiar to the studied population, confirming the importance of morphological analysis of the skull base.

Accuracy of Silicone Impressions and Stone Models Using Two Laboratory Scanners: A 3D Evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vitro accuracy of impressions obtained with two silicone and corresponding stone models using two laboratory scanners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A master model with synthetic resin teeth with two single-unit crown preparations was created and scanned using a 12-megapixel scanner. Five conventional impressions of the physical model were prepared with different silicone impression systems (Zhermack and Coltene) using the double-mix technique and poured with gypsum. The impressions and stone models obtained were scanned using two extraoral scanning systems (Identica T500, Medit; S600 ARTI, Zirkonzahn). All best-fit superimpositions of the teeth areas were conducted between the master model and the scans of the impressions and models obtained with the two scanners. A P < .05 level was considered significant. RESULTS: The Identica T500 Medit scanner showed an accuracy of 102.34 (89.67, 115.01) µm for Coltene silicone and 79.51 (67.82, 91.21) µm for Zhermack silicone, while the S600 ARTI Zirkonzhan scanner presented 110.79 (98.24, 123.33) µm and 91.91 (81.29, 102.54) µm, respectively, with significant differences between scanners for Zhermack silicone (P = .008) and for the corresponding stone models (P = .002). Zhermack silicone presented overall discrepancies lower than Coltene silicone, with statistically significant differences in both scanners analyzed (P < .001; P = .017). However, the discrepancies found were within clinically acceptable values. With the Zirkonzahn scanner, discrepancies found in the Zhermack impressions were lower than in the corresponding stone models (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The direct digitization of silicone impressions with laboratory scanners presented comparable results to conventional techniques with stone models.

The sound of silence: Quantification of typical absence seizures by sonifying EEG signals from a custom-built wearable device.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a method for long-term (24-h) objective quantification of absence seizures in the EEG of patients with childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) in their real home environment using a wearable device (waEEG), comparing automatic detection methods with auditory recognition after seizure sonification. METHODS: The waEEG recording was acquired with two scalp electrodes. Automatic analysis was performed using previously validated software (Persyst® 14) and then fully reviewed by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist. The EEG data were converted into an audio file in waveform format with a 60-fold time compression factor. The sonified EEG was listened to by three inexperienced observers and the number of seizures and the processing time required for each data set were recorded blind to other data. Quantification of seizures from the patient diary was also assessed. RESULTS: Eleven waEEG recordings from seven CAE patients with an average age of 8.18 ± 1.60 years were included. No differences in the number of seizures were found between the recordings using automated methods and expert audio assessment, with significant correlations between methods (ρ > .89, p < .001) and between observers (ρ > .96, p < .001). For the entire data set, the audio assessment yielded a sensitivity of .830 and a precision of .841, resulting in an F1 score of .835. SIGNIFICANCE: Auditory waEEG seizure detection by lay medical personnel provided similar accuracy to post-processed automatic detection by an experienced clinical neurophysiologist, but in a less time-consuming procedure and without the need for specialized resources. Sonification of long-term EEG recordings in CAE provides a user-friendly and cost-effective clinical workflow for quantifying seizures in clinical practice, minimizing human and technical constraints.