Large Follicular Cyst Associated with Upper Third Molar in the Maxillary Sinus with Pterygomaxillary Space Extension: Reflection on a Case Report

BACKGROUND: Follicular cysts are osteolytic lesions characterized by greater growth, differentiation, and degeneration potentials, compared to inflammatory root cysts. Those connected to upper third molars can disrupt the neighboring teeth and extend to maxillary sinus and adjacent anatomical structures. CASE PRESENTATION: In this study, we present a case of a large dimension follicular cyst associated with the upper third molar, extended to maxillary antrum and pterygomaxillary space, uncommon for dimensions, involving meso- and sovra-structure describing the clinical diagnostic procedures, and the surgical strategies adopted. The cone-beam computed tomography allowed a very accurate analysis of the lesion. Surgical excision was performed through Caldwell-Luc technique, approaching to the pterygomaxillary space. A 1-year follow-up shows good clinical, anatomical, and functional conditions. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of follicular cyst. CONCLUSION: Giant follicular cysts require an accurate pre-operative study due to the delicate structures that may be involved

New plant breeding technologies towards a more sustainable viticulture

European grapevine cultivars are highly susceptible to many pathogens that are managed through large pesticide use. Nevertheless, the European policies promote pesticide use reduction and new environmentally friendly methods for a more sustainable agriculture. In this framework, grapevine genetic improvement could benefit from New Plant Breeding Technologies. In order to reduce fungal susceptibility, we will produce knock-out plants from embryogenic calli using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Studies in barley reported the acquisition of powdery mildew resistance by knocking out susceptibility genes belonging to the MLO (Mildew Locus O) family. In this study, our approach takes advantage from CRISPR/Cas9 technology to perform a multiple knockout of MLO genes. Among the 17 VvMLOs reported in grapevine we designed constructs to target VvMLO6 and VvMLO7. Golden Gate assembly was used to produce three different constructs (containing two guideRNAs for each gene) to knocking-out the targets singularly or by producing a double mutant. Usually, the genetic engineering techniques, mediated by A. tumefaciens, involve the insertion of exogenous selectable marker genes. These markers are required for selection of transgenic plants, but they are undesirable to be retained in commercial transgenic plants due to possible toxicity or allergenicity to humans and potential environmental hazard. To overcome these limits, we opted for a \u201cclean\u201d editing strategy developing an inducible excision system. This approach is based on a recombinase technology involving the Cre-loxP system from the P1 bacteriophage under a heat-shock inducible promoter to be activated once the editing event(s) will be confirmed. Obtainment of embryogenic calli is one of the main bottlenecks for application of CRISPR/Cas9: for two seasons, we collected inflorescences from Chardonnay, Glera, Microvine, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese cultivars and two rootstocks, 110 Richter and SO4, cultured and maintained in vitro up to embryo development and then used to perform Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 mediated transformation

Cox regression and survival analysis from the tauro-urso-deoxycholic trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Recent phase II pilot clinical trials suggested that tauro-urso-deoxycholic acid (TUDCA) might slow functional decline and increase survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We performed a multivariate analysis of the original TUDCA cohort to better define the treatment effect and allow comparability with other trials. Linear regression slope analysis showed statistical differences in the decline rate, favoring the active treatment arm (p-value < 0.01; −0.262 for the TUDCA group and −0.388 for the placebo group). Mean survival time, estimated by the Kaplan–Meier analysis, showed a 1-month difference, favoring active treatment (log-rank test p-value = 0.092). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that placebo treatment was associated with a higher risk of death (p-value = 0.055). These data further support the disease-modifying effect of TUDCA monotherapy and raise the question of what could be the additional effect of combining TUDCA with sodium phenylbutyrate

Effect of Parity on Claw Horn Lesions in Holstein Dairy Cows: Clinical and Radiological Study

AbstractThe aim of this study was to estimate the effect of parity on claw lesions prevalence in Holstein dairy cows through clinical and radiological observations. Ninety-seven cows were examined two months after calving to record body condition score, locomotion score, feet diagnostic imaging (X-ray), hoof trimming and clinical evaluation. According to the lactation, the cows were divided into three groups: first parity (Group 1, n=40), second parity (Group 2, n= 29) and third or more parity (Group 3, n=28). Several claw lesions were found. One-way analysis of variance was applied along with Pearson's correlation coefficient. Significant effect of groups was evidenced on radiographic images. In particular, the radiographic images showed a significant increase of osteolysis from Group 1 to Group 3. The application of Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significantly positive correlation between locomotion score and some claw lesions in all groups. In conclusion, this study provides an overview of claw lesions in dairy cow through clinical and radiological observations

Organic Consumers’ Viewpoints Towards New Breeding Techniques In Italy

Despite the recent decision of the European Court of Justice to consider plant obtained by New Breeding Techniques (NBTs) as GMOs, there is still an intensive debate in Europe on the use of these new techniques in the organic farming. For this reason, understanding organic consumers’ viewpoint towards NBTs is essential for the future of the sector. Following the Q method approach (Brown, 1980), a pilot study was conducted in Italy with 36 organic consumers. The balanced Q-sample, which accounted 48 statements regarding NBTs, was defined according to a 4 x 2 factorial design with six replications. Results demonstrated the presence of two relevant viewpoints towards the adoption of the NBTs in the organic seed and plant breeding sector

Agreements and controversies of national guidelines for bronchiolitis: Results from an Italian survey

Introduction: Significant variations in the management of bronchiolitis are often recorded, and, in parallel, to recommend a univocal clinical approach is challenging and still questioned. This study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic management of bronchiolitis in children adopted by Italian pediatricians following the national guidelines. Material and methods: A survey study was designed and carried out by sending an email an open-ended questionnaire developed by an expert panel of the Scientific Board of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology (SIAIP). Questions were designed according to the national intersociety consensus document on treatment and prevention of bronchiolitis in newborns and infants. Results: Overall, 234 pediatricians were taking part in the study. When diagnosing bronchiolitis, only 44.01% (103/234) of participants correctly followed the national guidelines. All participants (100%) would perform laboratory tests and/or radiological exams. 44.01% administered oxygen (O2 ) when O2 saturation was minor than 92%. About the therapeutic regimen, marked discrepancies between national guidelines and recorded answers were reported. Indications for hospital admission and discharge criteria were in line with the national guidelines. Conclusions: There is a significant practice variation in the management of acute bronchiolitis among Italian physicians. Some wrong attitudes need to be further discouraged, such use of diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches. Further research is urgently required to define the best management of patients with bronchiolitis and implement strategies to standardize care and improve the quality of care

Chronic cough in childhood: A systematic review for practical guidance by the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology

The current systematic review presented and discussed the most recent studies on pediatric chronic cough. In addition, the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology elaborated a comprehensive algorithm to guide the primary care approach to a pediatric patient with chronic cough.Several algorithms on chronic cough management have been adopted and validated in clinical practice; however, unlike the latter, we developed an algorithm focused on pediatric age, from birth until adulthood. Based on our findings, children and adolescents with chronic cough without cough pointers can be safely managed, initially using the watchful waiting approach and, successively, starting empirical treatment based on cough characteristics. Unlike other algorithms that suggest laboratory and instrumental investigations as a first step, this review highlighted the importance of a "wait and see" approach, consisting of parental reassurance and close clinical observation, also due to interprofessional collaboration and communication between general practitioners and specialists that guarantee better patient management, appropriate prescription behavior, and improved patient outcome. Moreover, the neonatal screening program provided by the Italian National Health System, which intercepts several diseases precociously, allowing to treat them in a very early stage, helps and supports a "wait and see" approach.Conversely, in the presence of cough pointers or persistence of cough, the patient should be tested and treated by the specialist. Further investigations and treatments will be based on cough etiology, aiming to intercept the underlying disease, prevent potentially irreversible tissue damage, and improve the general health of patients affected by chronic cough, as well as the quality of life of patients and their family. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate this algorithm's performance in real clinical practice