The association between periodontal disease and serum biomarkers levels in haemodialysis patients: a narrative review

The vast majority of studies has demonstrated that periodontal infection promotes significant systemic inflammatory status. The specific effects of these systemic alterations in response to periodontal inflammation have been comprehensively described and appear to be highly stereotyped, and it is well known the pathophysiological mechanism related to immune functioning linking periodontitis and pathologies such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and rheumatoid arthritis. More recently, it has been proposed that this association could be extended to consider periodontal infection as trigger to complications in maintenance haemodialysis (HD) patients through the establishment of inflammatory status in association to impaired nutritional status, emphasizing the role of periodontal infection in increase of C-reactive protein serum marker, a notably predictor of the cardiovascular risk. The aim of this narrative review was to summarize the currently literature evidence that has developed around the potential impact of periodontal inflammatory status on serum nutritional and inflammatory biomarkers concentration monitoring the severity of systemic conditions in HD patients, in which cardiovascular events and malnutrition are the most common causes of mortality and morbidity. Methods: an electronic PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane database search complemented by a manual search of the bibliographies cited in all identified articles was performed between 2012 and 2019. The inclusion criteria were: all types of articles, articles published in PubMed, , Google Scholar and Cochrane and related only to humans. The exclusion criteria were: articles for which full text was not available, were not in English, or were grey literature. Keywords set: hemodialisys serum markers and periodontitis have been combined through the use of Mesh search. The terms then inserted in Pubmed were “serum markers”, “hemodialisys”, “periodontal disease” OR “periodontal infection” OR “periodontal inflammation”. Results: thirteen articles were identified. Studies currently available on the impact of periodontitis on the serum markers level in HD patients are analogous. Results confirmed the impact of subclinical inflammation related to periodontitis on C-reactive protein and albumin serum levels, supporting the emerging hypothesis of relationship between periodontal infection and HD status. Conclusions: although many studies have suggested that the inflammatory cytokines release may play a key role in several clinical alterations related to HD maintenance, further studies are needed to investigate the long-term consequences of chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis. There is a paucity of data concerning to the impact of periodontal disease on maintenance hemodialysis patients and about mechanisms involved

Minecraft: A Remote Laboratory for Game-Based Distance Learning

Immersive learning environments are some of the technological and cognitive artifacts that can support active teaching approaches, in which product and process evaluation can sustain significant learning even in remote contexts, if well designed and calibrated for the students in training. The paper delves into the experience of remote laboratory teaching conducted within the MineClass project between 2018 and 2021, during which the pandemic school saw a reduction at a national level of active and collaborative laboratory activities due to social distancing, both in-person and remotely. The study integrates results from case studies, qualitative and quantitative surveys, and semi-structured interviews directed at participants in the experimentation. Within the larger primary sample, a follow-up questionnaire was administered in 2022 with the aim of exploring the didactic use of the video game during the pandemic years; most respondents reported continuing laboratory teaching activities with Minecraft even to support distance learning after the conclusion of the MineClass project. The results show the positive impact of the experimentation in terms of perceived added value by teachers for the development of cross-cutting competences, increased motivation, involvement, and autonomy of their students. Conference organisers' note: This paper was granted the EDEN Best Research Paper Award, in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change. It is a traditional award of EDEN Annual Conferences and Research Workshops. The appointed honourable jury blind selects 8-10 finalists and appoints only 1 Best Research Paper Award that is officially announced during the Gala dinner of the Conference. EDEN Best Research Paper Award competition is based on evaluation results on submission of Full Papers presented to the Annual Conference that follow five standard evaluation criteria: • The paper deals with a research question. • Rigorous examination/research methods are applied. • Findings, results and outcomes are convincingly presented and critically examined. • Conclusions are thoroughly discussed (including applicability, transferability, and further research. • Literature is reviewed against state of the art. The composition of the honourable jury for the EDEN Best Research Paper Award is composed in cooperation with The UNESCO Chair in Education and Technology for Social Change: • Alfredo Soeiro, Chair, University of Porto, Portugal • Orna Farrell, Dublin City University, Ireland • Maria Rosaria Re, University of Roma Tre, Ital

Variations in Function and Vocal Acoustic Characteristics After Orthognathic Surgery: Preliminary Results

Objective: To determine the effects of orthognathic surgery on oral function and vocal quality in order to assess the need for speech therapy after surgery. Material and Methods: Thirty-seven patients scheduled for mono-jaw surgery, specifically maxillary (G1:15 patients), mandibular advancement (G2:10 patients) or mandibular set-back (G3:12 patients), were recruited for this prospective cohort study. Evaluation of oral functions, video recordings of speech articulation and audio recordings of voice were obtained before surgery (T0), and at 1 (T1) and 6 months (T2) after surgery. Spectrographic analysis and self-evaluation questionnaire regarding the vocal performance (VAPP) were performed. Both qualitative and quantitative statistical analysis was performed, mainly using generalized linear models for dichotomous data (p<0.05). Results: The formant frequencies (F1 and F2) of the main vowels vary after orthognathic surgery according to the type of surgery. Before surgery, 84% of patients analyzed showed difficulties in breathing and positioning the tongue both at rest and swallowing. Thanks to surgical correction of the malocclusion, the major part of these issues were resolved within 6 months. In 25% of cases, a change in the voice and/or articulation had occurred. Conclusion: Vocality improves after orthognathic surgery and it changes in relation to the type of surgery. However, vocality did not normalize completely. Speech assessment should be considered after surgery in order to offer adequate speech therapy if necessary.&nbsp

Exploring forest infrastructures equipment through multivariate analysis: complementarities, gaps and overlaps in the Mediterranean basin

The countries of the Mediterranean basin face several challenges regarding the sustainability of forest ecosystems and the delivery of crucial goods and services that they provide in a context of rapid global changes. Advancing scientific knowledge and foresting innovation is essential to ensure the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests and maximize the potential role of their unique goods and services in building a knowledge-based bioeconomy in the region. In this context, the European project FORESTERRA ("Enhancing FOrest RESearch in the MediTERRAnean through improved coordination and integration”) aims at reinforcing the scientific cooperation on Mediterranean forests through an ambitious transnational framework in order to reduce the existing research fragmentation and maximize the effectiveness of forest research activities. Within the FORESTERRA project framework, this work analyzed the infrastructures equipment of the Mediterranean countries belonging to the project Consortium. According to the European Commission, research infrastructures are facilities, resources and services that are used by the scientific communities to conduct research and foster innovation. To the best of our knowledge, the equipment and availability of infrastructures, in terms of experimental sites, research facilities and databases, have only rarely been explored. The aim of this paper was hence to identify complementarities, gaps and overlaps among the different forest research institutes in order to create a scientific network, optimize the resources and trigger collaborations

Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Chronic Diseases: Highlighting the Amplified Impact of Depressive Episodes

Background: Extensive research has explored SLE’s impact on health-related quality of life (H-QoL), especially its connection with mental wellbeing. Recent evidence indicates that depressive syndromes significantly affect H-QoL in SLE. This study aims to quantify SLE’s impact on H-QoL, accounting for comorbid depressive episodes through case-control studies. Methods: A case-control study was conducted with SLE patients (meeting the ACR/EULAR 2019 criteria of age ≥ 18). The control group was chosen from a community database. H-QoL was measured with the SF-12 questionnaire, and PHQ-9 was used to assess depressive episodes. Results: SLE significantly worsened H-QoL with an attributable burden of 5.37 ± 4.46. When compared to other chronic diseases, only multiple sclerosis had a worse impact on H-QoL. Major depressive episodes had a significant impact on SLE patients’ H-QoL, with an attributable burden of 9.43 ± 5.10, similar to its impact on solid cancers but greater than its impact on other diseases. Conclusions: SLE has a comparable impact on QoL to serious chronic disorders. Concomitant depressive episodes notably worsened SLE patients’ QoL, exceeding other conditions, similar to solid tumors. This underscores the significance of addressing mood disorders in SLE patients. Given the influence of mood disorders on SLE outcomes, early identification and treatment are crucial

C-Cell Hyperplasia and Cystic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in a Patient with Type 1B Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Hypercalcitoninaemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Hypercalcitoninaemia has been described in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) type 1A and 1B. Elevated calcitonin levels are thought to result from impaired Gsα receptor signaling, leading to multiple hormone resistance. Evidence on the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or C-cell hyperplasia in PHP patients with hypercalcitoninaemia is lacking. A 43-year-old Caucasian man was referred to our endocrinology clinic for chronic hypocalcemia associated with elevated serum parathormone levels and a single cystic thyroid nodule. The patient did not show skeletal deformities, and screening for concomitant hormone resistances was negative, except for the presence of elevated serum calcitonin levels. The workup led to a molecular diagnosis of sporadic PHP1B. Fine needle aspiration of the thyroid nodule was not diagnostic. The calcium stimulation test yielded an abnormal calcitonin response. Given the scarcity of data on the risk of thyroid malignancy in PHP and calcium stimulation test results, total thyroidectomy was performed. Histological examination revealed cystic papillary thyroid cancer in a background of diffuse C-cell hyperplasia. To our knowledge, we are the first to describe a rare form of thyroid cancer combined with C-cell hyperplasia in a patient with PHP and hypercalcitoninaemia. In the present case, a mere receptor resistance might not fully explain the elevated calcitonin levels, suggesting that hypercalcitoninaemia should be carefully evaluated in PHP patients, especially in the case of concomitant thyroid nodules. Further studies on larger cohorts are needed to elucidate this topic

Mood Disorder Questionnaire Positivity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Other Chronic Diseases including Screen Bipolar Disorders or Rhythm and Energy Dysregulation Syndromes (DYMERS)

Introduction: This study explores the issue of paper-and-pencil screening tests for bipolar disorder, often leading to false positives. It discusses hypotheses that connect MDQ positivity with sleep disorders, a decline in health-related quality of life, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mood disorders. The study proposes that MDQ identifies a "Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome" (DYMERS), indicating a stress-related condition. It aims to investigate the association between MDQ positivity and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in comparison to other chronic disorders. Methods: This case-control study, conducted from April 2019 to February 2020, investigated MDQ positivity in patients with SLE. Ethical approvals were obtained, and statistical analysis was used for data assessment. Results: This is a case-controlled study where MDQ positivity was significantly higher in systemic lupus erythematosus cases than controls. The analysis compared gender, age, and the presence of depressive episodes between MDQ-positive and MDQ-negative cases, revealing some differences but no significant variations. Interestingly, no association with high prednisone or biologics use was observed. The frequency of MDQ positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus was compared to other chronic pathologies, revealing varying associations with each condition. Conclusion: This study reveals a high rate of (MDQ) positivity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), associated with the risk of bipolar disorder in SLE. Notable discrepancies in MDQ positivity risk factors between SLE and bipolar disorder are observed. The study emphasizes the ability of MDQ to identify a distinct syndrome characterized by rhythm dysregulation, posing a risk for bipolar disorder and other disorders

The Effects of \u201cVelaMente?!\u201d Project on Social Functioning of People With Severe Psychosocial Disabilities

Abstract: Introduction: Physical activity helps to improve several clinical outcomes of people with severe psychosocial disabilities. The aims of this study were; 1) to assess the efficacy of a psychosocial rehabilitative intervention focused on sailing in a crew on: a) social functioning; b) severity of the psychosocial disability; c) general functioning; d) dysregulation of biorhythms of people with severe psychosocial disabilities, and 2) to evaluate the attenders\u2019 satisfaction about the project. Methods: A randomized waitlist controlled trial with parallel groups was carried out involving 51 people with severe psychosocial disabilities. The intervention was a 3 months-lasting course to learn sailing in a crew. Just after the randomization, a group began the sailing course and the other group (wait list) attended the sailing course after 3 months of treatments as usual. Before and after the sailing course, as well as the waiting list period, all attenders were assessed by HoNOS, GAF, CGI-S and BRIAN. At the end of the sailing course, they completed also a self-report satisfaction questionnaire. Results: Social functioning significantly improved after the sailing course (HoNOS total score \u201ctime X group\u201d: p=0.011), mainly because of the improvement of psychopathological symptoms (HoNOS symptoms score \u201ctime X group\u201d: p=0.003). Furthermore, participants greatly appreciated the rehabilitative program based on sailing in a crew. Conclusions: When compared to more traditional rehabilitative activities that are usually carried out in mental health services, a psychosocial rehabilitative intervention based on sailing in a crew significantly improve the social functioning of people with severe psychosocial disabilities

HTRA1 and TGF-β1 concentrations in the aqueous humor of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE: To evaluate the expression of high-temperature requirement A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) proteins in the aqueous humor of patients with naïve choroidal neovascularization (nCNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: We measured by ELISA the concentrations of HTRA1, TGF-β1, BMP4, GDF6 and VEGFA in the aqueous humor of 23 patients affected by nCNV who received 3 consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab. Samples were collected at baseline (before the first injection), month 1 (before the second injection), and month 2 (before the third injection). 23 age-matched cataract patients served as controls. RESULTS: BMP4 and GDF6 were not detectable in any samples. Baseline HTRA1 was higher than controls (P<0.0001), and higher than both the month 1 (P<0.0001) and the month 2 (P<0.0001) values. Baseline VEGFA was higher than controls (P<0.0001), not different from month 1 value (P=0.0821), but higher than month 2 value (P<0.0001). Baseline TGF-β1 was higher than controls (P=0.0015) and not different from month 1 (P=0.129) and month 2 values (P=0.5529). No correlation was found in naïve patients between concentrations of HTRA1 and TGF-β1, HTRA 1 and VEGFA, or TGF-β1 and VEGFA. CONCLUSIONS: In nCNV patients, HTRA1 and TGF-β1 were significantly higher compared to controls. After treatment, TGF-β1 was persistently elevated, while HTRA1 returned to control levels, suggesting the involvement of TGF-β1 and HTRA1 in nAMD and a VEGFA-independent role for TGF-β1