First episode psychosis during the Covid-19 pandemic in Milan, Italy: Diagnostic outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

An influence of the Covid-19 pandemic on First Episode Psychosis (FEP) has been hypothesized. We previously reported an increase of FEP during the early stages of the pandemic in Milan, Italy. Here we report a 1-year follow-up of the same cohort and comparison with a FEP cohort from 2019. The higher proportion of non-chronic psychoses observed during the pandemic (58.62% in 2020 vs 43,75% in 2019) should be confirmed in larger cohorts over a longer follow-up period.

Preliminary assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in tissues of Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) specimens stranded along the Italian coasts.

Ecotoxicological and pathological research on Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) (Risso's dolphins) is scarce both globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. This species has been classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mediterranean Sea. To evaluate the presence of "persistent organic pollutants" (POPs), especially organochlorine compounds (OCs), in the animals, chemical analyses were performed on tissues and organs of Risso's dolphin stranded along the Italian coasts between 1998 and 2021. Toxic contaminants such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) were examined in the blubber, liver, muscle, and brain of 20 animals, and data was correlated with sex, age, and stranding locations.

Antibacterial composite coatings of MgB2 powders embedded in PVP matrix.

Three commercial powders of MgB2 were tested in vitro by MTS and LDH cytotoxicity tests on the HS27 dermal cell line. Depending on powders, the toxicity concentrations were established in the range of 8.3-33.2 µg/ml. The powder with the lowest toxicity limit was embedded into polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, for two different concentrations. The self-replenishing MgB2-PVP composite materials were coated on substrate materials (plastic foil of the reservoir and silicon tubes) composing a commercial urinary catheter. The influence of the PVP-reference and MgB2-PVP novel coatings on the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecium DMS 13590, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, in planktonic and biofilm state was assessed in vitro at 6, 24, and 48 h of incubation time. The MgB2-PVP coatings are efficient both against planktonic microbes and microbial biofilms. Results open promising applications for the use of MgB2 in the design of anti-infective strategies for different biomedical devices and systems.

PEG-crosslinked-chitosan hydrogel films for in situ delivery of Opuntia ficus-indica extract.

In the present study, chitosan-based wound dressings loaded with the extract of Opuntia ficus-indica (OPU) were prepared. OPU is known for its capability to accelerate skin injury repair. Chitosan (Ch) was crosslinked with a low molecular weight diepoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (diePEG), and hydrogel films with different Ch/PEG composition and OPU content were prepared by casting. The occurrence of crosslinking reaction was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. FTIR and DSC analysis suggested that ionic interactions occur between chitosan and OPU. Tensile tests evidenced that the crosslinking caused a decrease of Young's modulus, which approaches the value of the human skin modulus. Swelling characteristics, water vapor transmission rate, and release kinetics demonstrated that these films are adequate for the proposed application. Finally, a scratch test on a keratinocytes monolayer showed that the rate of cell migration in the presence of OPU-loaded samples is about 3-fold higher compared to unloaded films, confirming the repairing activity of OPU.

Impact of the first Covid-19 pandemic wave on first episode psychosis in Milan, italy.

The ongoing Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic appears to increase risk for mental illness, either directly due to inflammation caused by the virus or indirectly due to related psychosocial stress, resulting in the development of both anxious-depressive and psychotic symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to assess the frequency and characteristics of all patients with First Episodes Psychosis (FEP) without COVID-19 infection hospitalized in the first four months since lockdown in Milan. We recruited sixty-two patients hospitalized between March 8 to July 8, 2020 versus those first  hospitalized in the same period in 2019. The two subgroups were compared for sociodemographic variables and clinical characteristics of the episodes. Patients with FEP in 2020 were significantly older than patients with FEP in 2021, and presented with significantly less substances abuse. Interestingly, patients presenting with FEP in 2020 were significantly older than patients with FEP in 2019. These data are compatible with the greater vulnerability to stressful factors during the pandemic, as well as with the greater concern regarding a possible COVID-19 infection producing brain damage causing the FEP.

Assessment of the causes of Hg bioaccumulation in the fish of a Mediterranean lagoon subject to environmental management interventions.

In a Mediterranean lagoon characterized by high levels of Hg in the sediment, Hg content in commercial fish species was determined, and, in order to establish Hg concentration in the water column, Diffusive Gradient in Thin films technique (DGT) was used. The results allowed to state (1) the disturbance of the surface sediment and its resuspension in the water column did not cause detectable increase in Hg releases, (2) the East basin acted more than the West one in contamination of fish species, (3) the small-sized sea-breams (<400 g) were more contaminated than larger sizes ones (>400 g). We concluded: (1) fish contamination may also depend on direct contact with releases of the contaminant and small, gregarious and less sedentary subjects are more likely to incur releases of Hg; (2) Hg releases can be greater in areas with a relatively low sedimentary organic matter load compared to areas subjected to high density macroalgal mat, regardless of the amount of Hg present in the sediments; (3) wind transport of plant masses in low energy storage areas, may constitute an increase factor of Hg in the sediment. A critical review of the results was made in comparison with the available literature reports and some hypotheses were proposed regarding the possible dynamics and availability of the contaminant.

Zygomatic implants supported rehabilitations in atrophic maxilla: sinus complications, radiological, periodontal and prosthodontic evaluations: a one year follow up retrospective longitudinal study.

The rehabilitation of maxillary bone atrophy represents one of the main challenges of modern oral implantology. The use of zygomatic implants in the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient affected by severe maxillary bone atrophy is another therapeutic alternative, not exempt from complications. The present study included 19 patients with edentulous maxillae who were treated between 2013 to 2015 with at least two zygomatic implants at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Verona, Italy. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate sinus complications and radiological, periodontal and prosthetic evaluations of zygomatic implants technique in severe atrophic. Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of the upper jaw edentulous severely atrophic using zygomatic implants represents one safe and repeatable technique. In terms of implant survival from our study showed an implant CRS (common reporting standard) of 98.5% and a prosthetic CRS 100% with a mean follow-up period of 19.2 months (range). Both recorded data are superimposed on major reported studies in literature.

Robust, reproducible, recyclable SERS substrates: monolayers of gold nanostars grafted on glass and coated with a thin silica layer.

We prepared and characterized recyclable surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) active glass chips. Gold nanostars were grafted on properly functionalized glasses by means of electrostatic interactions and then they were coated with a silica layer of controllable thickness in the nanometer range. The SERS activity of the obtained substrates were tested in terms of reproducibility and homogeneity intra-samples and inter-samples from different batches using the Raman reporter as the model compound rhodamine 6G. The uncoated substrates were used as reference to evaluate the effect of silica spacers on SERS enhancement factors (EFs). The chemical route to obtain silica-coated SERS chips is described in detail, and the morphology and the optical response of substrates have been characterized. We demonstrate that SERS substrates coated with 1 nm silica conserve a good EF, and that the coating confers to the SERS platform an extreme robustness leading to reusability of the substrates.

Silver nanoparticles synthesized and coated with pectin: An ideal compromise for anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm action combined with wound-healing properties.

The synthesis of Ag nanoparticles from Ag+ has been investigated, with pectin acting both as reductant and coating.∼100% Ag+ to Ag(0) one-pot conversion was obtained, yielding p-AgNP, i.e. an aqueous solution of pectin-coated spherical Ag nanoparticles (d=8.0±2.6nm), with a<1ppm concentration of free Ag+ cation. Despite the low free Ag+ concentration and low Ag+ release with time, the nature of the coating allows p-AgNP to exert excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm actions, comparable to those of ionic silver, tested on E. coli (Gram-) and S. epidermidis (Gram+) both on planctonic cells and on pre- and post-biofilm formation conditions. Moreover, p-AgNP were tested on fibroblasts: not only p-AgNP were found to be cytocompatible but also revealed capable of promoting fibroblasts proliferation and to be effective for wound healing on model cultures. The antibacterial activity and the wound healing ability of silver nanoparticles are two apparently irreconcilable properties, as the former usually requires a high sustained Ag+ release while the latter requires low Ag+ concentration. p-AgNP represents an excellent compromise between opposite requirements, candidating as an efficient medication for repairing wounds and/or to treat vulnerable surgical site tissues, including the pre-treatment of implants as an effective prophylaxis in implant surgery.

Modified technique for endoscopic endonasal reduction of medial orbital wall fracture using an absorbable packing.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe a modified technique using only biological dura substitute (Lyoplant®) associated or not to a sheet of Medpore® (porous polyethylene plate) avoiding the use of Silastic® or Merocel® packing for endoscopic endonasal reduction of medial orbital wall fracture. METHODS: An interventional case report was used involving two patients with medial orbital wall fracture that were treated with the modified technique. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated for visual acuity, enophthalmos, extraocular motility, and diplopia. RESULT: Twelve months after surgery, patients recovered completely without any residual eye symptoms or complications, and postoperative CT showed a completely corrected medial orbital wall fractures. CONCLUSION: The reported technique proved itself to be safe and effective, and it may be expected to have advantages over the conventional endoscopic approach using a non-absorbable packing, avoiding the need for long-term nasal packing and a secondary removal procedure.

Sequential inferior vena cava filter insertion and peripherally inserted central catheter placement through upper extremity veins.

PURPOSE: To report the sequential placement of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) using the same upper extremity venous access. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study that reviewed the medical records of 379 consecutive patients who underwent IVCF insertion during a 39-month period at our center. Of these 379 patients, 28 patients had sequential insertion of an IVCF and a PICC through the same upper extremity venous access. The same vein entry site was used for placement of the IVCF followed by PICC insertion. Data collected included: indication and duration of IVCF and PICC placement, access site location, complications, and the type of IVCF. RESULTS: IVCFs were placed for prophylactic purposes in 15 patients (53.6%) and therapeutic purposes in 13 patients (46.4%). Right upper extremity veins were used for venous access in 27 patients (96.4%): brachial (n=16), basilic (n=9), and cephalic (n=2). The left basilic vein was used in one patient (3.6%). IVCFs were temporary in 20 patients (71.4%) and permanent in 8 patients (28.6%). There were no procedural complications. The OptEase filter was used in 23 patients (82.1%) and the TrapEase filter was used in 5 patients (17.9%). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous IVCF and PICC insertion using the same upper extremity venous access was feasible and safe in our series. This combined technique provides the patient with central venous access for repeated blood collections and intravenous therapy.

Melatonin reduces the need for sedation in ICU patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients suffer from physiological sleep deprivation and have reduced blood melatonin levels. This study was designed to determine whether nocturnal melatonin supplementation would reduce the need for sedation in patients with critical illness. METHODS: A single-center, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out from July 2007 to December 2009, in a mixed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit of a University hospital, without any form of external funding. Of 1158 patients admitted to ICU and treated with conscious enteral sedation, 82 critically-ill with mechanical ventilation >48 hours and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II>32 points were randomized 1:1 to receive, at eight p.m. and midnight, melatonin (3+3mg) or placebo, from the third ICU day until ICU discharge. Primary outcome was total amount of enteral hydroxyzine administered. RESULTS: Melatonin treated patients received lower amount of enteral hydroxyzine. Other neurological indicators (amount of some neuroactive drugs, pain, agitation, anxiety, sleep observed by nurses, need for restraints, need for extra sedation, nurse evaluation of sedation adequacy) seemed improved, with reduced cost for neuroactive drugs. Post-traumatic stress disorder prevalence did not differ between groups, nor did ICU or hospital mortality. Study limitations include the differences between groups before intervention, the small sample size, and the single-center observation. CONCLUSION: Long-term enteral melatonin supplementation may result in a decreased need for sedation, with improved neurological indicators and cost reduction. Further multicenter evaluations are required to confirm these results with different sedation protocols.

Salivary levels of IgA in healthy subjects undergoing active orthodontic treatment.

It has been reported that the immune system undergoes changes due to various factors, inflammation, surgery, medication, age and gender. The aim of this study was to investigate therapy-dependent changes of salivary IgA among healthy subjects undergoing active orthodontic treatment. The levels of IgA were determined at the beginning, and after 1,4, 8,16 weeks and 32 weaks of active orthodontic treatment. A total of 100 healthy individuals (aged 15-42 years) were enrolled in the study. Two milliliters of saliva were collected from all participants, and salivary IgA levels were measured by the ELISA technique. Mean salivary IgA levels were significantly higher in subjects after 1 week as compared to subjects at the beginning of orthodontic treatment (P < 0.01).. The mean levels of salivary IgA were significantly higher after 4 and 8 weeks of therapy than those observed in the control group (P < 0.00001 and P < 0.05, respectively) and reached the highest level at 16 weeks and then remained stable during treatment. Gender had no effect on the salivary levels of IgA as any significant differences were observed between men and women. The results highlight the importance of the salivary defense mechanism, translated through the increase in the levels of IgA, once orthodontic treatment is started.

Salivary calcium levels during orthodontic treatment.

Saliva contains many defense factors and plays a key role in oral metabolism. Salivary calcium, due to its affinity to be readily taken up by plaque, is an important factor not only with regard to the onset of periodontitis but also significantly with regard to dental health. The aim of this study was to estimate the salivary concentration of calcium, in a group of adults undergoing active orthodontic treatment. The levels of salivary calcium were determined at the beginning, and after 16 weeks of active orthodontic treatment. A total of 40 healthy individuals with a mean age of 23.9 years were enrolled in the study group, while 40 subjects served as controls. Two milliliters of saliva were collected from all participants, and salivary calcium levels were measured by biochemical assay. Mean salivary calcium levels were significantly higher in subjects after 16 weeks as compared to subjects at the beginning of orthodontic treatment and to the control group (p= 0.001). A significant association between higher salivary calcium levels and orthodontic treatment has been established, therefore, monitoring salivary calcium levels might be a useful tool to establish periodontal health status during active orthodontic treatment along with other inflammatory parameters.

Blood levels of interleukins in patients with ameloblastoma.

The aim of study was to determine and compare serum concentrations of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in patients with oral ameloblastoma and healthy controls. Sixteen patients with ameloblastoma and 16 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Cytokine concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme linked immunoassay. Serum concentrations of IL-1ß were below level of detection in all but four participants. No significant differences between the groups were observed in serum concentrations of IL-6. Serum TNF-α was significantly higher in control subjects than in ameloblastoma patients. Patients diagnosed with ameloblastoma have relatively normal levels of inflammatory cytokines in their blood and thus cannot be used as indicators of disease severity or for monitoring the treatment outcomes.

The benefits of Quercitin for dentistry and maxillofacial surgery: a systematic review.

Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is the major bioflavonoid in the human diet and belongs to an extensive class of polyphenolic flavonoid compounds almost ubiquitous in plants and plant food sources. The estimated average daily dietary intake of quercetin by an individual in the United States is 25 mg. In recent years, research about quercetin has evolved from animal studies to in vitro and in vivo studies and to human clinical studies and trials in order to establish its real properties and effects. In oral medicine, quercetin has been extensively studied, as a real increase in major diseases like cancers, periodontal disease, oral lesions, tooth decay and infections have been reported worldwide by health providers.It has been thus established that quercetin exhibits beneficial effects on oral health with its broad pharmacological properties, as preventive and therapeutic agent in dental caries with anti-inflammatory effect against oral pathogens, as well as an antioxidant and anti-cancer agent .The aim of the review is to present evidence-based aspect of treatment with quercetin in order to validate its tremendous role in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery.

Inclusion of all permanent mandibular molars and all maxillary second and third molars: a case report and review of the literature.

Simultaneous impactions of first, second, and third permanent molars on both mandibular sides together with the all maxillary second and third molars is a clinical situation never reported before in the literature and it might be a difficult challenge for maxillofacial surgeons and dentists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eruption disturbances contributes to optimal outcomes. This article reports the treatment of an adult with severe impaction of all mandibular first, second, and third molars together with all maxillary second and third molars, which limits the masticatory function and dental arch integrity. The impacted molars were surgically removed as the patients declined orthodontic treatment. The combined surgical-orthodontic approach represents a challenging treatment and the optimal one as it eliminates the need for prosthetic rehabilitation and implant replacement of the impacted molars, when accepted.

Non-traumatic unilateral bifid mandibular condyle and multiple inclusions: a case report.

Simultaneous impactions of first, second, and third permanent molars on both mandibular sides together with the all maxillary second and third molars is a clinical situation never reported before in the literature and it might be a difficult challenge for maxillofacial surgeons and dentists. Early diagnosis and treatment of eruption disturbances contributes to optimal outcomes. This article reports the treatment of an adult with severe impaction of all mandibular first, second, and third molars together with all maxillary second and third molars, which limits the masticatory function and dental arch integrity. The impacted molars were surgically removed as the patients declined orthodontic treatment. The combined surgical-orthodontic approach represents a challenging treatment and the optimal one as it eliminates the need for prosthetic rehabilitation and implant replacement of the impacted molars, when accepted.