Prevalence of helmintic infections in Brazilian Maxakali indigenous: a repeated cross-sectional design.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intestinal parasites is known to be high among Amerindian populations; further, there are serious problems in the healthcare of these populations in Brazil. The Maxakali, located in the northeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is an indigenous group that still preserves many of its cultural aspects. This study aimed to compare the positivity rate of schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths in this ethnic group in epidemiological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014. METHODS: Stool parasitological examinations were performed by the Kato-Katz technique during both periods in this population. In 2014, the parasitological diagnosis was also realized with the TF-Test® technique. RESULTS: In 1972, 270 inhabitants were examined. The positivity rates were 67.4% for Schistosoma mansoni, 72.9% for hookworms, 43.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, and 23.7% for Trichuris trichiura. In 2014, 545 individuals were examined, and the positivity rates obtained were 45.7% for S. mansoni, 22.8% for hookworms, 0.6% for A. lumbricoides, and 2.8% for T. trichiura. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the parasitological surveys conducted in 1972 and 2014, indicates that the indigenous Maxakali remained neglected by the health and indigenous protection authorities during these four decades. The infection rate observed in 2014 for schistosomiasis and hookworm remains high, considering the current epidemiological view of these diseases in the Brazilian population.

An Evaluation of Autologous Fat Injection as a Treatment for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency: A Review and Integrated Data Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a condition characterized by incomplete separation of the oral and nasal cavities during speech production, thereby leading to speech abnormalities and audible nasal emissions. Subsequently, this adversely impacts communication and potentially interpersonal social interactions. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) to the velopharynx, a minimally invasive technique, aims to improve oronasal separation by providing bulk and advancing the posterior pharyngeal wall toward the soft palate. Despite its potential, the relative novelty of AFG in treating VPI has resulted in reporting of inconsistent indications, varied surgical techniques, and mixed outcomes across existing literature. METHODS: This systemic review examined the evidence of AFG for VPI treatment over the past decade (2013-2023). A thorough search across five electronic databases yielded 233 studies, with 20 meeting the inclusion criteria (e.g., utilized fat injection as their selected VPI treatment, conducted study in human subjects, did not perform additional surgical procedure at time of fat injection). Selected studies encompassed patient and surgical intervention characteristics, perceptual speech assessment (PSA) scores, gap sizes, nasalance measurements, and complications. RESULTS: The majority of patients had a prior cleft palate diagnosis (78.2%), in which nasoendoscopy was the prevalent method for visualizing the velopharyngeal port defect. Fat harvesting predominantly occurred from the abdomen (64.3%), with an average injection volume of 6.3 mL across studies. PSA and subjective gap size scores were consistently higher preoperatively than postoperatively. PSA score analysis from seven studies revealed significant and sustained improvements postoperatively. Gap size score analysis from four studies demonstrated similar preoperative and postoperative differences. Complications were reported in 17 studies, yielding a 2.7% summative complication rate among 594 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous fat grafting has emerged as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for mild to moderate VPI. However, challenges remain because of variability in patient selection criteria, diagnostic modalities, and outcome measurements. This review underscores the need for randomized control trials to directly compare AFG with standard-of-care surgical interventions, providing more conclusive evidence of its clinical efficacy.

Odontogenic Cutaneous Fistula: A Zombie Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic cutaneous fistula (OCF) is a pathologic communication between the cutaneous surface of the face and oral cavity. Majority of oral cutaneous fistulas are reported to arise from chronic dental infection. Delay in treatment may result in chronic tissue injury as well as cosmetic deformities. Lesions are often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed management. Misdiagnosis may be the result of the variability of clinical morphological presentation and location of lesions compounded by the lack of knowledge that these lesions can have dental etiology. It is estimated that half of patients with OCF undergo multiple dermatologic surgical operations, antibiotic regimens, and other excisions and biopsies before a correct diagnosis is made. Herein, we present a systematic review to detail cases of odontogenic cutaneous lesions that had been previously misdiagnosed or managed inappropriately. In addition, we include a case report from our own institution. The aims are to demonstrate various presentations of OCF, increase awareness of plastic surgeons and oral maxillofacial surgeons to this pathological condition, and reinforce the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases from January 1, 2013 to July 24, 2023. The following search terms were utilized: "odontogenic cutaneous fistula" OR "odontogenic cutaneous sinus." RESULTS: Twenty-three articles published between 2013 and 2023 were included in this review. In addition, we report a case from our own institution. A total of 28 cases were included in the review. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of OCF is challenging for numerous reasons. Misdiagnosis can lead to multiple trials of antibiotics and surgical procedures as well as reoccurrence of the lesion. Cases summarized highlight the importance of communication between oral maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, other medical subspecialists, and dentists in the evaluation of patients with head and neck lesions. Physicians should consider dental etiology in the differential diagnosis of orofacial skin lesions, even if teeth appear normal on oral examination.

Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) of the Craniofacial Skeleton, Part II: Translational Potential of 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Defect Repair.

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have revolutionized the approach to bone tissue engineering for the repair of craniomaxillofacial skeletal defects. Ample research has been performed to gain a fundamental understanding of the optimal 3D-printed scaffold design and composition to facilitate appropriate bone formation and healing. Benchtop and preclinical, small animal model testing of 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffolds augmented with pharmacological/biological agents have yielded promising results given their potential combined osteogenic and osteoinductive capacity. However, other factors must be evaluated before newly developed constructs may be considered analogous alternatives to the "gold standard" autologous graft for defect repair. More specifically, the 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffold's long-term safety profile, biocompatibility, and resorption kinetics must be studied. The ultimate goal is to successfully regenerate bone that is comparable in volume, density, histologic composition, and mechanical strength to that of native bone. In vivo studies of these newly developed bone tissue engineering in translational animal models continue to make strides toward addressing regulatory and clinically relevant topics. These include the use of skeletally immature animal models to address the challenges posed by craniomaxillofacial defect repair in pediatric patients. This manuscript reviews the most recent preclinical animal studies seeking to assess 3D-printed ceramic scaffolds for improved repair of critical-sized craniofacial bony defects.

Nasopharyngoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Closure During Speech.

Definitive oronasal separation through closure of the velopharyngeal (VP) sphincter is necessary for the development of normal speech and feeding. Individuals with velopharyngeal incompetence or insufficiency often exhibit hypernasal speech, poor speech intelligibility, and nasal regurgitation. Assessment of VP sphincter function using nasopharyngoscopy is a key element in identifying VP dysfunction. A foundational understanding of normal anatomy and physiology of the velopharyngeal mechanism is paramount to successful diagnosis. This includes recognition of 4 distinct VP sphincter closure patterns: coronal, sagittal, circular, and circular with Passavant's ridge. In this study, the authors showcase 2 patients with velopharyngeal competence who presented to an ear, nose, and throat clinic for nasopharyngoscopic evaluation. This study sought to demonstrate the use of nasopharyngoscopy to recognize velopharyngeal closure patterns and discuss how they may influence the surgical management of VP dysfunction.

Evaluation of Porcine-Derived Collagen Membranes for Soft Tissue Augmentation in the Oral Cavity: An In Vivo Study.

The use of porcine-derived collagen membranes (PDCM) to improve intraoral soft tissue rehabilitation remains under investigation. Different degrees of crosslinking have yielded differences in resorption time and inflammation surrounding collagen membranes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo performance of bilayered PDCMs with varying degrees of crosslinking for the regeneration of oral soft tissue defects. Bilateral split-thickness oral mucosa defects were created in mandibles of beagles (n=17) and assigned to one of the following: bilayer PDCM (high crosslinking porcine dermis in sheet form-H-xlink) and (low crosslinking porcine dermis in sheet form-L-xlink), bilayer PDCM (non-crosslinked predicate collagen membrane in spongy form-Ctrl), or negative control (Sham) and compared with positive control (unoperated). Animals were euthanized after 4-, 8-, or 12-weeks of healing to evaluate soft tissue regeneration and remodeling through histomorphometric analyses. H-xlink membranes presented delayed healing with a poorly developed epithelial layer (analogous to the sham group) across time points. Relative to Ctrl at 8 and 12 weeks, defects treated with H-xlink presented no difference in semiquantitative scores (P > 0.05), while L-xlink exhibited greater healing (P = 0.042, P = 0.043, at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively). Relative to positive control, L-xlink exhibited similar healing at 8 weeks and greater healing at 12 weeks (P = 0.037) with a well-developed epithelial layer. Overall, groups treated with L-xlink presented with greater healing relative to the positive control after 12 weeks of healing and may serve as an alternative to autologous grafts for intraoral soft tissue regeneration.

Application of 3D Printing in Cleft Lip and Palate Repair.

This manuscript reviews the transformative impact of 3-dimensional (3D) printing technologies in the treatment and management of cleft lip and palate (CLP), highlighting its application across presurgical planning, surgical training, implantable scaffolds, and postoperative care. By integrating patient-specific data through computer-aided design and manufacturing, 3D printing offers tailored solutions that improve surgical outcomes, reduce operation times, and enhance patient care. The review synthesizes current research findings, technical advancements, and clinical applications, illustrating the potential of 3D printing to revolutionize CLP treatment. Further, it discusses the future directions of combining 3D printing with other innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, 4D printing, and in situ bioprinting for more comprehensive care strategies. This paper underscores the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration and further research to overcome existing challenges and fully utilize the capabilities of 3D printing in CLP repair.

Performance Evaluation of Computer Vision Algorithms in a Programmable Logic Controller: An Industrial Case Study.

This work evaluates the use of a programmable logic controller (PLC) from Phoenix Contact's PLCnext ecosystem as an image processing platform. PLCnext controllers provide the functions of "classical" industrial controllers, but they are based on the Linux operating system, also allowing for the use of software tools usually associated with computers. Visual processing applications in the Python programming language using the OpenCV library are implemented in the PLC using this feature. This research is focused on evaluating the use of this PLC as an image processing platform, particularly for industrial machine vision applications. The methodology is based on comparing the PLC's performance against a computer using standard image processing algorithms. In addition, a demonstration application based on a real-world scenario for quality control by visual inspection is presented. It is concluded that despite significant limitations in processing power, the simultaneous use of the PLC as an industrial controller and image processing platform is feasible for applications of low complexity and undemanding cycle times, providing valuable insights and benchmarks for the scientific community interested in the convergence of industrial automation and computer vision technologies.

Mobile Data Gathering and Preliminary Analysis for the Functional Reach Test.

The functional reach test (FRT) is a clinical tool used to evaluate dynamic balance and fall risk in older adults and those with certain neurological diseases. It provides crucial information for developing rehabilitation programs to improve balance and reduce fall risk. This paper aims to describe a new tool to gather and analyze the data from inertial sensors to allow automation and increased reliability in the future by removing practitioner bias and facilitating the FRT procedure. A new tool for gathering and analyzing data from inertial sensors has been developed to remove practitioner bias and streamline the FRT procedure. The study involved 54 senior citizens using smartphones with sensors to execute FRT. The methods included using a mobile app to gather data, using sensor-fusion algorithms like the Madgwick algorithm to estimate orientation, and attempting to estimate location by twice integrating accelerometer data. However, accurate position estimation was difficult, highlighting the need for more research and development. The study highlights the benefits and drawbacks of automated balance assessment testing with mobile device sensors, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance conventional health evaluations.

Translational Experimental Basis of Indirect Adenosine Receptor Agonist Stimulation for Bone Regeneration: A Review.

Bone regeneration remains a significant clinical challenge, often necessitating surgical approaches when healing bone defects and fracture nonunions. Within this context, the modulation of adenosine signaling pathways has emerged as a promising therapeutic option, encouraging osteoblast activation and tempering osteoclast differentiation. A literature review of the PubMed database with relevant keywords was conducted. The search criteria involved in vitro or in vivo models, with clear methodological descriptions. Only studies that included the use of indirect adenosine agonists, looking at the effects of bone regeneration, were considered relevant according to the eligibility criteria. A total of 29 articles were identified which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and they were reviewed to highlight the preclinical translation of adenosine agonists. While preclinical studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of adenosine signaling in bone regeneration, its clinical application remains unrealized, underscoring the need for further clinical trials. To date, only large, preclinical animal models using indirect adenosine agonists have been successful in stimulating bone regeneration. The adenosine receptors (A1, A2A, A2B, and A3) stimulate various pathways, inducing different cellular responses. Specifically, indirect adenosine agonists act to increase the extracellular concentration of adenosine, subsequently agonizing the respective adenosine receptors. The agonism of each receptor is dependent on its expression on the cell surface, the extracellular concentration of adenosine, and its affinity for adenosine. This comprehensive review analyzed the multitude of indirect agonists currently being studied preclinically for bone regeneration, discussing the mechanisms of each agonist, their cellular responses in vitro, and their effects on bone formation in vivo.

Ultrathin lithium disilicate and translucent zirconia crowns for posterior teeth: Survival and failure modes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability and failure modes of ultrathin (0.5 mm) lithium disilicate, translucent and ultra-translucent zirconia crowns for posterior teeth restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four mandibular first molar crowns of three ceramic materials: (1) Lithium disilicate (e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent), (2) 3Y-TZP (Zirconn Translucent, Vipi), and (3) 5Y-PSZ (Cercon XT, Dentsply Sirona), with 0.5 mm of thickness were milled and cemented onto composite resin abutments. Eighteen samples of each group were tested under mouth-motion step-stress accelerated life testing in a humid environment using mild, moderate, and aggressive profiles. Data was subjected to Weibull statistics. Use level curves were plotted and reliability was calculated for a given mission of 100,000 cycles at 100, 200, and 300 N. Fractographic analyses of representative samples were performed in scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Beta (ß) values suggest that failures were dictated by material's strength for lithium disilicate and by fatigue damage accumulation for both zirconias. No significant differences were detected in Weibull modulus and characteristic strength among groups. At a given mission of 100,000 cycles at 100 N, lithium disilicate presented higher reliability (98% CB: 95-99) regarding 3Y-TZP and 5Y-PSZ groups (84% CB: 65%-93% and 79% CB: 37&-94%, respectively). At 200 N, lithium disilicate reliability (82% CB: 66%-91%) was higher than 5Y-PSZ (20% CB: 4%-44%) and not significantly different from 3Y-TZP (54% CB: 32%-72%). Furthermore, at 300 N no significant differences in reliability were detected among groups, with a notable reduction in the reliability of all materials. Fractographic analyses showed that crack initiated at the interface between the composite core and the ceramic crowns due to tensile stress generated at the intaglio surface. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrathin lithium disilicate crowns demonstrated higher reliability relative to zirconia crowns at functional loads. Lithium disilicate and zirconia crown's reliability decreased significantly for missions at higher loads and similar failure modes were observed regardless of crown material. The indication of 0.5 mm thickness crowns in high-load bearing regions must be carefully evaluated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Ultraconservative lithium disilicate and zirconia crowns of 0.5 mm thickness may be indicated in anterior restorations and pre-molars. Their clinical indication in high-load requirement regions must be carefully evaluated.

How nursing practice environments limit implicit rationing of care and nurse-assessed adverse events: the role of flow at work.

BACKGROUND: The nursing practice environment is beneficial in curbing implicit rationing of nursing care and adverse patient events. However, the underlying mechanisms of these relationships remain unexplored. AIM: To test whether flow at work mediates the relationship between the nursing practice environment, implicit rationing of nursing care, and nurse-assessed adverse patient events. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 231 nurses from five hospitals in Port Said, Egypt. The participants completed Arabic-translated versions of the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, the Work-Related Flow Inventory, the Perceived Implicit Rationing of Nursing Care instrument, and the Adverse Patient Events scale. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothetical model. RESULTS: The favorable nursing practice environment positively predicted nurses' flow at work (ß = 0.64, p < 0.001), while inversely predicting implicit rationing of nursing care (ß = -0.23, p = 0.014) and adverse patient events (ß = -0.35, p < 0.001). Nurses' flow at work inversely predicted implicit rationing of nursing care (ß = -0.30, p = 0.002) and adverse patient events (ß = -0.29, p = 0.002). Moreover, nurses' flow at work acted as a mediator, linking the nursing practice environment to the rationing of nursing care and adverse patient events, with 500 bootstrap results for the indirect effects (ß = -0.24, p = 0.001, 95% CI: -0.43 to -0.09; and ß = -0.44, p = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.79 to -0.16, respectively). CONCLUSION: Nurses working in a favorable nursing practice environment are more likely to experience flow at work, limiting implicit rationing of nursing care and adverse patient events. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing administrators should strive to create a healthy nursing practice environment to foster nurses' flow and thereby reduce the frequency of implicit rationing of nursing care and adverse patient events.

The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF): A 30-Year Retrospective Analysis.

Federal government research grants provide limited funding to plastic surgeon-scientists, with reconstructive research taking precedence over aesthetic research. The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that seeks to support innovative, diverse research endeavors within aesthetic surgery. A total of 130 ASERF-funded studies and 32 non-funded applications from 1992 to 2022 were reviewed. Kruskal Wallis, Fisher's exact, and chi-squared tests were utilized to assess the potential relationship between self-identified gender, practice setting, geographical location, and study type with individual grant amounts and grant funding decision. Although significant differences were observed between male and female grant recipient h-indices (P < .05), there were no differences in the amount of funding they received (P > .05). Grant amounts were also consistent between study types as well as principal investigator practice settings and geographical locations (P > .05). The subanalysis revealed that the practice setting of the primary investigator (PI) was the only variable to exhibit a significant association with the decision to award funding (P < .05). Further, of the 61 applicants between 2017 and 2022, only 2 PIs self-identified as female. ASERF serves as an excellent funding source for global aesthetic surgery. To promote further research diversification, increased emphasis should be placed on recruiting applicants from outside academia and those who identify as female or gender nonbinary.

Intestinal schistosomiasis-related mortality in Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2000-2019: Temporal trends and spatial patterns for determining priority areas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify priority areas for schistosomiasis control, we analysed the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends and spatial patterns of schistosomiasis-related mortality in the state of Minas Gerais from 2000 to 2019. METHODS: Ecological and time-series study with spatial analysis techniques on deaths from Schistosomiasis mansoni. A log-linear regression model was used to identify changes in mortality rates. Moran's global index, local indicators of spatial association and a retrospective spatio-temporal permutation model were applied to identify the spatial and temporal distribution of mortality rates and assist in identifying priority areas for interventions. RESULTS: A total of 1290 deaths from schistosomiasis were recorded between 2000 and 2019, with an average mortality rate of 0.33 deaths/100,000. Although the overall mortality rate in the state of Minas Gerais decreased significantly over time (average annual percentage change = -9.6; 95% confidence interval = -14.4 to -4.6; p < 0.001), it increased in the mesoregions of Jequitinhonha, Mucuri Valley, and Rio Doce Valley. Spatial analysis identified the displacement and emergence of high-risk clusters from the central region of the state to the mesoregion of Rio Doce Valley. CONCLUSION: Temporal changes and shifting of high-risk areas from the central region to the mesoregion of Rio Doce Valley may indicate possible failures in early diagnosis and treatment of the schistosomiasis control program in these areas. Our research contributes to a better understanding of the spatio-temporal dynamics of death rates due to schistosomiasis infections and might help health authorities to direct resources most efficiently to avoid serious clinical outcomes in Minas Gerais.

A new cryptic species of Echinostoma (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) closely related to Echinostoma paraensei found in Brazil.

Echinostoma paraensei, described in Brazil at the end of the 1960s and used as a biological model for a range of studies, belongs to the 'revolutum' complex of Echinostoma comprising species with 37 collar spines. However, molecular data are available only for a few isolates maintained under laboratory conditions, with molecular prospecting based on specimens originating from naturally infected hosts virtually lacking. The present study describes Echinostoma maldonadoi Valadão, Alves & Pinto n. sp., a species cryptically related to E. paraensei found in Brazil. Larval stages (cercariae, metacercariae and rediae) of the new species were found in the physid snail Stenophysa marmorata in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the same geographical area where E. paraensei was originally described. Adult parasites obtained experimentally in Meriones unguiculatus were used for morphological (optical microscopy) and molecular [28S, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nad1 and cox1] characterization. The morphology of larval and adult parasites (most notable the small-sized dorsal spines in the head collar), associated with low (0­0.1%) molecular divergence for 28S gene or ITS region, and only moderate divergence for the mitochondrial cox1 gene (3.83%), might suggest that the newly collected specimens should be assigned to E. paraensei. However, higher genetic divergence (6.16­6.39%) was found in the mitochondrial nad1, revealing that it is a genetically distinct, cryptic lineage. In the most informative phylogenetic reconstruction, based on nad1, E. maldonadoi n. sp. exhibited a strongly supported sister relationship with E. paraensei, which may indicate a very recent speciation event giving rise to these 2 species.

Enhancement of chlorhexidine activity against planktonic and biofilm forms of oral streptococci by two Croton spp. essential oils from the Caatinga biome.

This work investigates the ability of two Croton spp. essential oils (EO) to enhance chlorhexidine (CHX) activity against oral streptococci. EO's chemical composition of Croton argyrophyllus and C. pluriglandulosus was determined by GC-MS/FID. The microbial growth kinetics and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EOs and CHX were determined, followed by their synergism against S. mutans UA159 and ATCC 25175, S. salivarius ATCC 7073 and S. sp. ATCC 15300. The microplate-based method was used to determine the EO/CHX activity against 24-h-old biofilms. The major compounds were α-pinene (54.74%) and bicyclogermacrene (16.08%) for EOAr and 1,8-cineole (17.41%), methyleugenol (16.06%) and elemicin (15.99%) for EOPg. Both EO had MIC around 16,000 µg/mL. EOs/CHX presented a synergistic effect against most strains (FICi from 0.133 to 0.375), and OE/CHX-treated biofilms showed a reduction in biomass and cell viability compared to CHX, only (p < 0.01). Thus, the EOs works as natural adjuvants for CHX.

Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) of the Craniofacial Skeleton, Part I: Evolution and Optimization of 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Repair of Defects.

Bone tissue regeneration is a complex process that proceeds along the well-established wound healing pathway of hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Recently, tissue engineering efforts have focused on the application of biological and technological principles for the development of soft and hard tissue substitutes. Aim is directed towards boosting pathways of the healing process to restore form and function of tissue deficits. Continued development of synthetic scaffolds, cell therapies, and signaling biomolecules seeks to minimize the need for autografting. Despite being the current gold standard treatment, it is limited by donor sites' size and shape, as well as donor site morbidity. Since the advent of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and additive manufacturing (AM) techniques (3D printing), bioengineering has expanded markedly while continuing to present innovative approaches to oral and craniofacial skeletal reconstruction. Prime examples include customizable, high-strength, load bearing, bioactive ceramic scaffolds. Porous macro- and micro-architecture along with the surface topography of 3D printed scaffolds favors osteoconduction and vascular in-growth, as well as the incorporation of stem and/or other osteoprogenitor cells and growth factors. This includes platelet concentrates (PCs), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and some pharmacological agents, such as dipyridamole (DIPY), an adenosine A 2A receptor indirect agonist that enhances osteogenic and osteoinductive capacity, thus improving bone formation. This two-part review commences by presenting current biological and engineering principles of bone regeneration utilized to produce 3D-printed ceramic scaffolds with the goal to create a viable alternative to autografts for craniofacial skeleton reconstruction. Part II comprehensively examines recent preclinical data to elucidate the potential clinical translation of such 3D-printed ceramic scaffolds.

In vitro assessment of the effect of luting agents, abutment height, and fatigue on the retention of zirconia crowns luted to titanium base implant abutments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The bonding of implant-supported prostheses is determined by abutment material, convergence angle, height, surface treatment, and luting agents. However, studies evaluating the bonding of luting agents to titanium base abutments with different heights under fatigue conditions are scarce. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the retention of zirconia crowns bonded with different luting agents to titanium base abutments of different heights before and after fatigue testing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Zirconia crowns were designed, milled, and distributed into 4 experimental groups according to the luting agents (G-Multi Primer/G-Cem LinkForce [MP/GC] and Scotchbond Universal/RelyX Ultimate [SU/RU]) and titanium base abutment heights (2.5 mm and 4 mm) (n=10). Pull-out testing was performed in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until crown displacement. Fatigue testing was performed by an electric precision fatigue simulator (1×106 cycles; 100 N; and 15 Hz), followed by pull-out testing of fatigued specimens. Collected data were statistically evaluated by using a linear mixed model after post hoc comparisons by the least significant difference test (α=.05). RESULTS: Luting agents, abutment heights, and fatigue influenced the bonding retention of zirconia crowns to titanium base abutments. SU/RU agents promoted higher pull-out compared with MP/GC for both abutment heights before and after fatigue. Higher abutment height increased pull-out regarding lower abutment height for SU/RU materials before and after fatigue testing. Although fatigue had no significant effect on the pull-out of MP/GC, lower bond retention was observed for SU/RU after fatigue, regardless of abutment height. CONCLUSIONS: Luting agent composition and the interaction with abutment height and fatigue influenced the retention of zirconia crowns to titanium base abutments.

Creative dance associated with traditional Portuguese singing as a strategy for active aging: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal forms of exercise can influence several physical and mental factors important for successful aging. In the present study, we introduce a new type of multimodal intervention, combining movement (creative dance) with traditional singing. This study aims to compare physical fitness, functional physical independence, depressive symptoms, general cognitive status, and daytime sleepiness among older adults participating in multimodal exercise, those participating in traditional physical exercise, and those not actively engaged in physical exercise. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 112 people aged ≥ 65 years (75.3 ± 0.7 years) living independently in the community, divided into 3 groups: multimodal exercise (n = 34), traditional exercise (n = 41), and no physical exercise (n = 37). RESULTS: The multimodal exercise group showed greater flexibility of the lower limbs and upper limbs/shoulders and better general cognitive status than the traditional exercise group (p < 0.05). The traditional exercise group had better agility and dynamic balance, aerobic endurance, and strength of the lower and upper limbs than the no-exercise group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the two types of programs studied may have different impacts on some of the variables investigated and support the design of future experimental studies that include interventions based on the combination of creative dance and traditional Portuguese singing.

Detection and Mosaicing Techniques for Low-Quality Retinal Videos.

Ideally, to carry out screening for eye diseases, it is expected to use specialized medical equipment to capture retinal fundus images. However, since this kind of equipment is generally expensive and has low portability, and with the development of technology and the emergence of smartphones, new portable and cheaper screening options have emerged, one of them being the D-Eye device. When compared to specialized equipment, this equipment and other similar devices associated with a smartphone present lower quality and less field-of-view in the retinal video captured, yet with sufficient quality to perform a medical pre-screening. Individuals can be referred for specialized screening to obtain a medical diagnosis if necessary. Two methods were proposed to extract the relevant regions from these lower-quality videos (the retinal zone). The first one is based on classical image processing approaches such as thresholds and Hough Circle transform. The other performs the extraction of the retinal location by applying a neural network, which is one of the methods reported in the literature with good performance for object detection, the YOLO v4, which was demonstrated to be the preferred method to apply. A mosaicing technique was implemented from the relevant retina regions to obtain a more informative single image with a higher field of view. It was divided into two stages: the GLAMpoints neural network was applied to extract relevant points in the first stage. Some homography transformations are carried out to have in the same referential the overlap of common regions of the images. In the second stage, a smoothing process was performed in the transition between images.