Cardiovascular Risk in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) Viremia Suppression in a Young, Mid-Eastern European Population - Preliminary Study.

Purpose: People living with HIV are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and myocardial infarction related to atherosclerosis than the uninfected population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in a young, mid-eastern European population of PLWH receiving ART for undetectable viremia. Patients and Methods: This was a single-centre study. We included 34 patients below 50 years old, treated in Szczecin, Poland, with confirmed HIV-1 infection, treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), and undetectable viremia. All patients underwent coronary artery computed tomography (CACT), carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) evaluation, and echocardiography. Results: In the primary assessment, only two (5.8%) patients had an increased CVD risk calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), but we identified coronary or carotid plaques in 26.5% of the patients. Neither traditional risk factors nor those associated with HIV significantly influenced the presence of the plaque. IMT was significantly positively correlated with age and the FRS (R=0.38, p=0.04). Relative wall thickness assessed in echocardiography was higher in those with plaque (0.49 vs 0.44, p=0.04) and significantly correlated with IMT (R=0.38, p=0.04). Conclusion: In our population, more than a quarter of PLWH with undetectable viremia had subclinical atherosclerosis in either the coronary or carotid arteries. The FRS underpredicted atherosclerosis in this population. The role of RWT as a possible early marker of atherosclerosis needs further studies.

A preliminary investigation of dissociation between subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive impairments in female patients with fibromyalgia: a role of information processing speed.

OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain, and cognitive difficulties represent one of the most common symptoms of FM. However, subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) may not necessarily indicate significant abnormalities in objective cognitive performances, and there is limited research investigating the relationship between these two aspects. This study thus aims to analyse the differences between SCC and objective cognitive performance in FM patients and to explore their associations. METHODS: A total of 32 FM female patients (age: 50.91±7.06; years since diagnosis: 4.34±4.53) recruited in this study underwent a comprehensive assessment covering four domains: pain, depression, trait anxiety, SCC, and objective cognitive functions (memory, executive function, and information processing speed). RESULTS: Eighty-seven percent of patients experienced significant negative impacts from pain; meanwhile, 91% and 62% showed marked tendencies towards trait anxiety and depression, respectively. Additionally, 56% of patients reported significantly higher levels of SCC. However, less than one-third of patients demonstrated impairments in various cognitive functions. SCC significantly correlated with pain intensity, depression, information processing speed, and trait anxiety, with pain intensity being a significant predictor (R2=.30). Furthermore, patients with significant SCC exhibited more abnormalities in pain, information processing speed, and trait anxiety compared to those without significant SCC. CONCLUSIONS: SCC may not necessarily correlate with objective cognitive impairments and might be specifically linked to defective information processing speed. It thus merits that clinical assessments for FM patients should incorporate measurements of information processing speed to gain a comprehensive understanding of SCC in FM patients.

Fundamental Technical Skills of Endovascular Surgery: A Preliminary Study on Its Impact on Skills and Stress during Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Our objective is twofold: determining if simulation allows residents to reach proficient surgeons' performance concerning fundamental technical skills of endovascular surgery (FEVS) while investigating effects of the program on surgeons' stress. METHODS: Using a FEVS training simulator, 8 endovascular FEVS were performed by vascular surgery residents (simulator-naive or simulator-experienced residents [SER]) and seniors. Total time needed to complete the 8 tasks, called total completion time (TCT), was the main evaluation criterion. Analgesia Nociception Index (ANI) was monitored during simulation. Likert scale questionnaire was filled out after each simulation. RESULTS: For each task, TCT was significantly lower for SER and seniors than simulator-naive residents (P = 0.0163). After only 5 simulations, SER were able to reach and even exceed the seniors' level in terms of TCT, with a median time of 10.8 min for SER and 11.9 min for seniors, and wire's movements with a median distance during cannulation of 4.44 m for SER and 4.17 m for seniors. Seniors remained better than SER in terms of precise wire manipulation (wire movement after cannulation), 4.17 m against 4.44 m (3.72-5.96), respectively. Based on the Likert scale stress analysis, seniors felt less stressed than both residents' groups (P = 0.0618). Seniors' initial ANI and mean ANI over the session were significantly lower than those of the residents, P = 0.0358 and P = 0.0250, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that 5 simulation sessions allowed residents to reach experienced surgeons' capacities on FEVS concerning TCT. Subjectively, seniors felt less stressed than residents, contrary to the results of our objective measures of stress.

The Effects of Interactive Context on Acoustic Characteristics of Speech in People With Dysarthria: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The current study compared temporal and spectral acoustic contrast between vowel segments produced by speakers with dysarthria across three speech tasks-interactive, solo habitual, and solo clear. METHOD: Nine speakers with dysarthria secondary to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis participated in the study. Each speaker was paired with a typical interlocutor over videoconferencing software. The speakers produced the vowels /i, ɪ, ɛ, æ/ in /h/-vowel-/d/ words. For the solo tasks, speakers read the stimuli aloud in both their habitual and clear speaking styles. For the interactive task, speakers produced a target stimulus for their interlocutor to select among the four possibilities. We measured the duration difference between long and short vowels, as well as the F1/F2 Euclidean distance between adjacent vowels, and also determined how well the vowels could be classified based on their acoustic characteristics. RESULTS: Temporal contrast between long and short vowels was higher in the interactive task than in both solo tasks. Spectral distance between adjacent vowel pairs was also higher for some pairs in the interactive task than the habitual speech task. Finally, vowel classification accuracy was highest in the interactive task. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, we found evidence that individuals with dysarthria produced vowels with greater acoustic contrast in structured interactions than they did in solo tasks. Furthermore, the speech adjustments they made to the vowel segments differed from those observed in solo speech.

A preliminary study of roxadustat in the treatment of aplastic anemia patients with inadequate erythroid responses.

Some aplastic anemia(AA) patients only have partial hematological responses after immunosuppressive therapy. Failure to achieve complete normalization of blood counts, particularly hemoglobin, will reduce their quality of life. This open-label pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in this setting. A total of 14 patients with AA who had inadequate erythroid response after immunosuppressive therapy were included in the study. The primary efficacy endpoint was hemoglobin response at week 8 after roxadustat treatment. The median duration of roxadustat therapy was 14 (4-30) weeks, with 12 patients receiving roxadustat for ≥ 8 weeks. At week 8, nine patients (9/14, 64.3%) had their hemoglobin rising for at least 15 g/L, with two patients (2/14, 14.3%) achieving normal hemoglobin levels. By the last follow-up, hemoglobin responses were observed in 10 patients (10/14, 71.4%), with 4 patients(4/14, 28.6%) having normal hemoglobin levels. Roxadustat was tapered or discontinued in four responded patients; one relapsed after 12 weeks of tapering, and three maintained their response. Four patients (4/14, 28.6%) experienced mild adverse effects during therapy. Roxadustat is safe and well tolerated by patients with AA. Treatment with the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor improves hemoglobin levels in AA patients with inadequate erythroid responses.

Is serum homocysteine level a biomarker of suicide attempts: A preliminary study.

Suicide is a global public health concern, and understanding its multifaceted determinants is crucial for effective prevention. This study was designed to find an answer to the question of whether serum homocysteine level can be a biomarker of suicide attempts. This preliminary study involving 90 participants (45 suicide attempt cases and 45 controls) was conducted at Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and ROC analysis, were employed to explore differences between groups and assess the diagnostic potential of homocysteine. Elevated homocysteine levels were found in individuals who attempted suicide compared to the control group (p= <0.001). Additionally, lower levels of vitamin B12 (p=<0.001) and folic acid (p=<0.001) were observed in the suicide attempt group. ROC analysis indicated a significant diagnostic potential for homocysteine in predicting suicide attempts (AUC = 0.845, sensitivity = 91%, specificity = 71%). This study establishes a significant association between high homocysteine levels and suicide attempts, accompanied by lower vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. The findings suggest a potential link between disturbances in homocysteine metabolism and suicidal tendencies, urging further research to establish causation and explore therapeutic implications. Consideration of the study's limitations and directions for future research are warranted.

BK Viremia and Viruria Does Not Depend on the Type of Double-J Stent Used During Kidney Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: BK virus is a major cause of chronic renal allograft failure.Transplant ureteral stent use has been reported as a risk factorfor BK virus infection. Recently, the use of a new type of ureteral stent (Magnetic Black Star) was reported in kidney transplant recipients. The aim ofthis preliminary report was to compare BK virus viremia and viruria occurrence depending on the type of double-J stent (standard versus Magnetic Black Star). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included all kidney transplants performed in our center from January to December 2022. Each case had double-J stent placement. Indwelling stents were either a 6- or 7-Fr standard double-J stent or a 6-Fr Magnetic Black Star double-J stent. The type of double-J stent was chosen according to the surgeon's preference. A standard BK virus screening protocol was followed during the study period, which consisted of routine polymerase chain reaction examination of plasma and urine samples during monthly follow-ups. RESULTS: We assessed 120 patients without missing data: 92 patients received standard double-J stents and 28 patients received Magnetic Black Star stents. Patients were mostly male in the standard group (70.7%) versus the Magnetic Black Star group (42.9%) (P = .01). ABO- and HLA-incompatible transplant rates were similar in both groups. BK viremia occurrence and BK viruria occurrence were similar between groups at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study showed no differences concerning BKvirus infection depending on the type of double-J stents used during kidney transplant.

Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis through Breath Test Using a Portable Breath Analyzer-Preliminary Data.

Screening methods available for colorectal cancer (CRC) to date are burdened by poor reliability and low patient adherence and compliance. An altered pattern of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath has been proposed as a non-invasive potential diagnostic tool for distinguishing CRC patients from healthy controls (HC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of an innovative portable device containing a micro-gas chromatograph in enabling rapid, on-site CRC diagnosis through analysis of patients' exhaled breath. In this prospective trial, breath samples were collected in a tertiary referral center of colorectal surgery, and analysis of the chromatograms was performed by the Biomedical Engineering Department. The breath of patients with CRC and HC was collected into Tedlar bags through a Nafion filter and mouthpiece with a one-way valve. The breath samples were analyzed by an automated portable gas chromatography device. Relevant volatile biomarkers and discriminant chromatographic peaks were identified through machine learning, linear discriminant analysis and principal component analysis. A total of 68 subjects, 36 patients affected by histologically proven CRC with no evidence of metastases and 32 HC with negative colonoscopies, were enrolled. After testing a training set (18 CRC and 18 HC) and a testing set (18 CRC and 14 HC), an overall specificity of 87.5%, sensitivity of 94.4% and accuracy of 91.2% in identifying CRC patients was found based on three VOCs. Breath biopsy may represent a promising non-invasive method of discriminating CRC patients from HC.

Postabsorptive and postprandial glucose and fat metabolism in postmenopausal women with breast cancer-Preliminary data after chemotherapy compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer survivors are a growing population due to improved treatment. It is known that postmenopausal women treated for breast cancer may experience weight gain and increased insulin resistance, but detailed knowledge on how chemotherapy impact metabolic and endocrine mechanisms remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: We performed a thorough, preliminary study to elucidate the differing mechanisms of postprandial absorption and metabolism in postmenopausal early breast cancer (EBC) patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy compared to healthy controls. We hypothesize that chemotherapy has a negative impact on metabolism in EBC patients. METHODS: We examined four postmenopausal women shortly after treatment with chemotherapy for EBC and four age-matched healthy women who served as controls using isotopic tracers during a mixed meal-test. Blood was sampled during the 240 min meal-test to examine postprandial absorption and endogenous synthesis of lipid and carbohydrate metabolites. RESULTS: We found that insulin concentrations were numerically higher before the meal-test in the EBC patients compared to controls (76.3 pmol/L vs 37.0 pmol/L; P = 0.06). Glucose kinetics was increased postprandial (most pronounced at 30 min, 9.46 mmol/L vs 7.33 mmol/L; P = 0.51), with no difference between the groups regarding liver glucose output. Fatty acid kinetics showed a numeric increase in oleic acid rate of appearance in BC patients, but only during the first hour after the mixed meal. There was no significant difference in VLDL-TAG synthesis between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study is unique in using advanced tracer methods to investigate in vivo metabolism of EBC patients after chemotherapy although no statistical differences in glucose and fatty acid kinetics was seen compared to controls. However, during the first two postprandial hours, oral glucose and oleic acid appearance in the systematic circulation was elevated in the EBC patients. This could be due to changes in gastrointestinal uptake and further studies with altered set-up could provide valuable insights.

Iron deficiency in pernicious anemia: Specific features of iron deficient patients and preliminary data on response to iron supplementation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: While vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency is considered as the hallmark of pernicious anemia (PA), iron deficiency (ID) is also prevalent. Indeed, this auto immune gastritis is responsible for parietal cell atrophy and increase in gastric pH, leading to impaired iron absorption. We compared PA patients' features according to their iron status at PA diagnosis, and we assessed the iron status recovery after oral or intravenous iron supplementation. METHODS: We prospectively included patients presenting with a newly diagnosed PA in a tertiary referral hospital between November 2018 and October 2020. Iron status was assessed at PA diagnosis then regularly during a standardized follow-up. In case of ID, the decision of treatment with oral and/or intravenous iron supplementation was left to the clinician convenience. RESULTS: We included 28 patients with newly diagnosed PA. ID was observed in 21/28 (75.0%) patients: from the PA diagnosis in 13 patients, or during the follow-up in 8 patients. Iron deficient PA patients had higher plasma B12 (p = 0.04) and lower homocysteine levels (p = 0.04). Also, ID was independently associated with the 'APCA (anti-parietal cell antibodies) alone' immunological status (absence of anti-intrinsic factor antibodies) after adjustment for age, gender and B12 level (aOR 12.1 [1.1-141.8], p = 0.04). High level of APCA was associated with lower ferritin level. After 3 months of supplementation, 3/11 PA patients normalized the iron status with oral iron supplementation, versus 7/8 with intravenous iron supplementation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The high frequency of iron deficiency in PA highlights the interest of regular assessment of iron status in this condition. ID was associated with a profile including APCA alone and less pronounced B12 deficiency. Intravenous iron supplementation seemed to be more efficient than an oral supplementation in these preliminary data.

The role of pharmacies in the implementation of vaccination cover- age in Italy. Insights from the preliminary data of the Lombardy Region.

Introduction: The administration of vaccines in pharmacies was not allowed in Italy until 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative innovations were introduced that now allow qualified pharmacists to administer anti-flu and anti-COVID-19 vaccines after completing specific training. Methods: The article provides an overview of legislation concerning vaccinations in Italian pharmacies, followed by a description of the vaccinations carried out by pharmacies participating in the regional vaccination campaign from 2021 to 2023. The study relies on data extracted from the Lombardy Region's database on vaccine administration in pharmacies. Furthermore, innovative vaccination practices from the Marche Region were also taken into consideration. Study Design: Observational Study. Results: Lombardy became the Italian pioneer region in extensively incorporating pharmacy-based vaccinations, starting in 2021. This initiative reached its zenith with 46% of anti-COVID vaccines and 17% of flu vaccines administered within the first six weeks of the autumn 2023 campaign. Pharmacies played a crucial role in meeting the targets outlined in the Italian National Vaccine Prevention Plan for 2023-25. As part of an experimental program, the Marche Region has further expanded pharmacy-based vaccinations, now including anti-zoster and anti-pneumococcus vaccines for the 2023-24 campaign. Conclusions: The promising outcomes observed in Lombardy and the ongoing experimental efforts in the Marche are encouraging steps toward achieving vaccination coverage targets, albeit still falling below the objectives set by the National Vaccination Plan for 2023-25. The widespread presence of pharmacies throughout the territory makes them well-suited as support structures for vaccination campaigns, especially in reaching the adult, the elderly, and the vulnerable populations.

Preliminary data on artificial intelligence tool in magnetic resonance imaging assessment of degenerative pathologies of lumbar spine.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of degenerative pathologies of lumbar spine using radiologist evaluation as a gold standard. METHODS: Patients with degenerative pathologies of lumbar spine, evaluated with MRI study, were enrolled in a retrospective study approved by local ethical committee. A comprehensive software solution (CoLumbo; SmartSoft Ltd., Varna, Bulgaria) designed to label the segments of the lumbar spine and to detect a broad spectrum of degenerative pathologies based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) was employed, utilizing an automatic segmentation. The AI tool efficacy was compared to data obtained by a senior neuroradiologist that employed a semiquantitative score. Chi-square test was used to assess the differences among groups, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated between the grading assigned by radiologist and the grading obtained by software. Moreover, agreement was assessed between the value assigned by radiologist and software. RESULTS: Ninety patients (58 men; 32 women) affected with degenerative pathologies of lumbar spine and aged from 60 to 81 years (mean 66 years) were analyzed. Significant correlations were observed between grading assigned by radiologist and the grading obtained by software for each localization. However, only when the localization was L2-L3, there was a good correlation with a coefficient value of 0.72. The best agreements were obtained in case of L1-L2 and L2-L3 localizations and were, respectively, of 81.1% and 72.2%. The lowest agreement of 51.1% was detected in case of L4-L5 locations. With regard canal stenosis and compression, the highest agreement was obtained for identification of in L5-S1 localization. CONCLUSIONS: AI solution represents an efficacy and useful toll degenerative pathologies of lumbar spine to improve radiologist workflow.

Myofibroblast and pro-fibrotic cytokines in fibrosis of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients from South Asia: preliminary data.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrosis is a typical pathological characteristic in IgG4-RD patients and often irreversible. There exists a lack of suitable markers for detection of earlier onset of fibrosis in various organs in IgG4-RD patients. Hence, this study aims at analysing ambispectively the myofibroblasts and the pro-fibrotic cytokines, IFN gamma and IL-33 involved in IgG4-RD associated fibrosis in South Asian patients. METHOD: Archived biopsy samples of definite/probable/possible cases of IgG4-RD, classified according to diagnostic criteria, taken from patients who attended the OPD and IPD of our tertiary care centre during January 2015-January 2020 were chosen for this study. The paraffin sections were examined qualitatively for fibrosis and the excessive collagen deposition by Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson's Trichrome staining. Also, the presence of alpha-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressing myofibroblasts and the involvement of pro-fibrotic cytokines (IFN-gamma, IL-33) were assessed by Immunohistochemistry and scored semi-quantitatively (+mild, ++moderate, +++ severe). Serum IL-33 levels were analysed by indirect Elisa (R & D Systems). RESULTS: Myofibroblasts were present in 10/12 biopsy samples, in moderate levels in 4 (33%) and very high levels (+++) in 3 (25%) of the patients. IFN-gamma was expressed at low levels in 6 (50%) and absent in 6 (50%). All patients showed IL-33 expression with very high levels in tissue (6, 50%), as well as in serum samples. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study reinforce the role of myofibroblasts and profibrotic cytokines like IL-33 in fibrosis of Ig4-RD patients, pointing to their potential as earlier predictive markers of onset and extent of fibrosis.

Evaluation of a New Cystoscopic Cryocatheter and Method for the In Situ Destruction of Bladder Cancer: Preliminary In Vivo Study.

Purpose: To assess the ability to deliver full-thickness bladder wall cryoablation through a cystoscopic approach using a new closed-loop 6F cryocatheter and thermal dose-controlled protocol. Materials and Methods: Evaluations were conducted using a chronic porcine model wherein 10 lesions/animal were created throughout the bladder (bladder wall, trigone region, ureteral orifice, and distal ureter). A 6F cryocatheter was passed through the working channel of a flexible cystoscope. Single 1- and 1.5-minute freeze protocols in a saline environment were evaluated and resultant lesion size was determined. A laparoscopic approach was utilized to observe the transmural extension of the ice propagation. Results: Studies demonstrated the generation of transmural lesions characterized by full-thickness histologic necrosis after freezing for 1.5 minutes regardless of tissue thickness (range 2-12 mm). All animals were found to have good overall health (maintained weight, appetite, mobility, and energy levels) throughout the recovery period. No significant deviations were noted in complete blood count and serum chemistry bloodwork except for elevated creatine kinase levels. Importantly, no fistulas or perforations were noted. Conclusions: The cryocatheter was able to rapidly and effectively freeze the bladder wall through a cystoscopic approach. The results showed the ability to consistently ablate an ∼1 cm diameter and up to 1.2 cm deep using a single 1.5-minute freeze protocol. Analysis of the ablation efficacy revealed ∼80% destruction within the frozen mass. Although further testing and refinement are needed, these studies demonstrate the potential of this new approach to provide a next-generation strategy for the treatment of bladder cancer.

Leveraging Communication Partner Speech to Automate Augmented Input for Children on the Autism Spectrum Who Are Minimally Verbal: Prototype Development and Preliminary Efficacy Investigation.

PURPOSE: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) technology innovation is urgently needed to improve outcomes for children on the autism spectrum who are minimally verbal. One potential technology innovation is applying artificial intelligence (AI) to automate strategies such as augmented input to increase language learning opportunities while mitigating communication partner time and learning barriers. Innovation in AAC research and design methodology is also needed to empirically explore this and other applications of AI to AAC. The purpose of this report was to describe (a) the development of an AAC prototype using a design methodology new to AAC research and (b) a preliminary investigation of the efficacy of this potential new AAC capability. METHOD: The prototype was developed using a Wizard-of-Oz prototyping approach that allows for initial exploration of a new technology capability without the time and effort required for full-scale development. The preliminary investigation with three children on the autism spectrum who were minimally verbal used an adapted alternating treatment design to compare the effects of a Wizard-of-Oz prototype that provided automated augmented input (i.e., pairing color photos with speech) to a standard topic display (i.e., a grid display with line drawings) on visual attention, linguistic participation, and (for one participant) word learning during a circle activity. RESULTS: Preliminary investigation results were variable, but overall participants increased visual attention and linguistic participation when using the prototype. CONCLUSIONS: Wizard-of-Oz prototyping could be a valuable approach to spur much needed innovation in AAC. Further research into efficacy, reliability, validity, and attitudes is required to more comprehensively evaluate the use of AI to automate augmented input in AAC.

Protective Properties of Botanical Extracts against 5G Radiation-induced Damage to Human Skin, as Demonstrated in Preliminary Data from a Keratinocyte Cell Culture Model.

BACKGROUND: Next-generation 5G communication technology involves increasing use of 3-100 GHz wireless bands in population centers. Though still non-ionizing, this implies higher radiation energy vs. existing bands. The range is also shorter, needing more numerous emitters, closer to the user-resulting in higher electromagnetic energy exposure. With no universal consensus regarding exposure risks, there is some concern among the public and the scientific community, following indications that 5G radiation can impact immune function, trigger inflammatory responses, and influence expression of genes affecting protein folding, oxidative stress, tissue/extracellular matrix (ECM) matrix turnover, and more. This work aims at identifying botanical extracts for protection of human skin from these impacts, based on a preliminary cell culture-based model. METHODS: We irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes at 6 GHz, evaluating effects on Interleukin1-α (IL1-α), a key inflammatory cytokine; TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1), shown to inhibit collagenase; Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPLT4), which plays a role in wound healing and epidermal differentiation; and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9), involved in immune recruitment during injury, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunostaining. We next used this model to identify substances able to mitigate the effects of 5G irradiation, through the evaluation of the influence of treatment by one of several botanical extracts on the observed effects of 5G irradiation. RESULTS: After a remarkably short 1-h exposure, clear effects on keratinocyte function were observed: increased inflammatory cytokine IL1-α; reduced collagenase inhibitor TIMP1; increased wound healing/differentiation facilitator ANGPLT4; and increased SA100A9, involved in immune recruitment during injury. On this basis, we then showed the protective effects of selected botanical extracts, capable of reducing the increase in IL1-α induced by 5G exposure, possibly in part due to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of compounds present in these extracts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a clear influence of 5G irradiation on the keratinocytes, possibly indicating injury and damage responses. What's more, we showed how these preliminary data can be used to identify botanical extracts capable of offering some protection against these effects for users of 5G technology, e.g., when employed as active ingredients in protective cosmetic applications.

Sleep effects of Ketogenic diet in pediatric patients with migraine: Preliminary data of a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Ketogenic dietary therapies' effects on sleep have been poorly investigated up to date. Preliminary results of a prospective study aimed at evaluating possible sleep changes in pediatric patients with migraine treated with classic ketogenic diet are presented. PATIENTS/METHODS: Included patients were aged 14-18 years and had a diagnosis of chronic migraine. A customized classic ketogenic diet was drawn up for all patients and all participants underwent neurological, nutritional and subjective and objective sleep assessment at baseline and after three months of follow-up (standardized sleep questionnaires, polysomnography, actigraphy). RESULTS: The majority of patients reported an improvement in migraine symptoms and quality of life. As far as sleep effects, a possible sleep stabilization was evidenced according to actigraphic data, and polysomnographic data showed a slight increase in total sleep time and sleep efficiency together with a reduction in waking time during night and a trend of NREM stage 1 decrease and REM increase. CONCLUSIONS: Future analyses on a broader population are needed to shed light on the ketogenic dietary therapies' effects on sleep and future research should be devoted to identify influence of possible individual and diet characteristics, and biochemical related changes.

Use of the universal scan template to achieve a predictable optical impression: Preliminary data of a case series study in complete edentulous patients.

BACKGROUND: Full-arch IOS scan of edentulous areas rehabilitated with dental implants is nowadays still described as an unpredictable procedure. To improve the accuracy, a universal scan template (UST®) is proposed in this article. The clinician can easily assemble the template with a mechanical coupling, by matching the scan bodies with objects of known dimension characterized by specific markers. The UST® facilitates the scanning of an entire arch on scan bodies, reducing the learning curve, simplifying acquisition movements, shortening the scanning time, and drastically reducing the risk of distortions and aberrations of the scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a case series study on 12 patients, the improvement in the accuracy of the scans with UST® was validated by comparing the STL files derived from scans with and without the guide in place. A titanium bar was produced from each optical impression. RESULTS: The bars obtained from the optical impressions taken without UST® were found to be nonpassive in the mouth in the majority of the cases. On the contrary with the use of UST® we obtained 12 passive prosthetic rehabilitations. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed solution may represent a valid method to improve the predictability of full arch optical impressions on implants.

Preliminary data on cytotoxicity and functional group assessment of a herb-mineral combination against colorectal carcinoma cell line.

OBJECTIVES: The invasive screening methods and the late stage diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) are contributing for the devastative prognosis. The gradual shift of the disease pattern among younger generations requires the implementation of phytochemicals and traditional medicines. Arkeshwara rasa (AR) is a herb-mineral combination of Tamra bhasma/incinerated copper ashes and Dwigun Kajjali/mercury sulphide levigated with Calotropis procera leaf juice, Plumbago zeylanica root decoction and the decoction of three myrobalans (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellerica, Emblica Officinalis decoction)/Triphala decoction. METHODS: The SW-480 cell line was checked for the cytotoxicity and the cell viability criteria with MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. The acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EtBr) assay revealed the depth of apoptosis affected cells in the fluorescent images. The FTIR analysis exhibited the graphical spectrum of functional groups within the compound AR. RESULTS: The IC50 from the 10-7 to 10-3 concentrations against SW-480 cells was 40.4 µg/mL. The staining of AO/EtBr was performed to visualize live and dead cells and it is evident from the result that number of apoptotic cells increases at increasing concentration of AR. The single bond with stretch vibrations of O-H and N-H are more concentrated in the 2,500-3,200 cm-1 and 3,700-4,000 cm-1 of the spectra whereas, the finger print region carries the O-H and S=O type peaks. CONCLUSIONS: The AR shows strong cyto-toxicity against the SW-480 cells by inducing apoptosis. It also modulates cellular metabolism with the involvement of functional groups which antagonizes the strong acids. Moreover, these effects need to be analyzed further based in the in vivo and various in vitro models.

Switching from Galenic to Advanced Dressings or Vacuum Assisted Closure Therapy Can Improve Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Non-Responsive Pressure Skin Ulcers: Preliminary Data with Italian Translation of WOUND-Q.

Objective: A few studies have focused on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic non-responsive pressure skin ulcers. The aim of this study was to assess how correct treatment (advanced wound care [AWC] dressings alone or vacuum assisted closure [VAC] therapy alone) changes the QoL of these patients. Approach: One hundred six patients with chronic non-responsive pressure skin ulcers, who had previously used galenic dressings, applied without proper therapeutic indication, were included in this study. We administered the WOUND-Q, at time 0 and after 1 month of appropriate therapy, to assess patient-reported outcome measures. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients treated with advanced dressings, Group 2: 22 patients treated with VAC therapy, and Group 3: 30 patients continuing conventional galenic dressings (Control group). Statistical analysis allowed us to analyze QoL changes over time and to compare WOUND-Q Group 1 and 2 deltas with those of Group 3. The study followed the STROBE statement. Results and Innovation: In all the scales evaluated (Assessment, Drainage, Smell, Life impact, Psychological, Social, Sleep and Dressing), there were significant improvements in mean values for Groups 1 and 2. Kruskal-Wallis tests with Dunn's multiple-comparisons tests and Brown-Forsythe and Welch Analysis of Variance tests demonstrated significant differences between deltas of Group 1 and Group 2 compared with those of Group 3 for most scales analyzed. Conclusions: Administration of the WOUND-Q demonstrated that the application of advanced dressings alone or VAC therapy alone positively affects the QoL of patients with chronic nonresponsive pressure wounds, in comparison with galenic dressings alone. The WOUND-Q has been shown to be a valid tool in studying changes in QoL of these patients.