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Efficacy of a Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm in CBCT Images of Teeth With Ceramic Brackets With/Without Coated Archwires: An In Vitro Study
No full textObjective: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of teeth with ceramic brackets with/without coated archwires. Material and Methods: In this in vitro study, 10 ceramic brackets were bonded to maxillary anterior teeth from the second premolar of one side to the second premolar of the other side on a dry human skull. CBCT scans (85 kVp, 8 mA, 14.5 s) were taken twice in the presence and absence of coated nickel–titanium (NiTi) archwires. The skull was placed in a water container for soft tissue simulation during scanning. The images were reconstructed with and without the MAR algorithm, and imported to ImageJ software in DICOM format to calculate the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at 15-, 20-, and 25-mm distances from the tooth center. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, ANOVA, and Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). Results: Application of the MAR algorithm had no significant effect on the CNR in the presence or absence of archwire (p > 0.05). Significant differences were found in the CNR according to tooth type and distance from the tooth center, such that the CNR significantly increased in farther distances (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the results showed that the application of the MAR algorithm had no significant efficacy in improving the quality of CBCT scans of teeth with ceramic brackets with/without coated archwire
Generalized Estimating Equation Methods With a New Interpretation Of Goodness Of Fit Measures. The Impact Of Digitalization Level On Gdp Of The European Countries.
No full textThe Implementation of Trifecta Score to Assess the Quality of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate in Elderly Patients: An Analysis of Perioperative and Functional Outcomes and the Impact of Age
No full textBackground: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in elderly patients using the Trifecta Score, based on a 1-year follow-up. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with BPH who underwent HoLEP at our institution between January 2016 and December 2022. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: patients aged ≥75 years, Group 2: patients aged below 74 years. The Trifecta Score achievement rates were then evaluated. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the impact of age on Trifecta parameters and to assess factors associated with urinary incontinence. Results: Overall, 981 participants were enrolled, with 490 in Group 1 and 491 in Group 2. Operative characteristics were similar between groups, though Group 1 had a longer time to catheter removal. At the 3-month follow-up, Group 1 had a higher IPSS and lower Qmax compared to Group 2, while there were no significant differences in functional outcomes by one year. In terms of postoperative morbidities, Group 1 exhibited a higher rate of blood transfusion. The Trifecta Score was similar between Groups 1 and 2 (63.5% vs. 68.8%, respectively, p = 0.08), and no parameter of that score exhibited a negative correlation with age. Conclusions: HoLEP demonstrates comparable functional outcomes to those observed in younger cohorts after one year. Overall, the Trifecta Score appears to be a valuable tool for this assessment. Nevertheless, incorporating an assessment of postoperative urinary continence and 1-year postoperative Qmax could enhance the system’s validity
Guselkumab In A Subset Of Multifailure Patients With Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Real-Word Evidence from Federico II
No full textIntroduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating inflammatory skin disorder characterized by painful nodules and abscesses, leading to substantial impairment in quality of life. Treatment remains challenging, particularly for patients with prior treatment failure or contraindications to anti-TNFα and anti-IL-17 therapies. Methods: This prospective, real-life study assessed the efficacy and safety of guselkumab, an anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody, in 10 adult patients with moderate-to-severe HS who had previously failed or were contraindicated for anti-TNFα and/or anti-IL-17 therapy. Guselkumab was administered using the psoriasis-approved dosing regimen. Patients were evaluated at baseline (week 0), week 16, week 32 and week 48 using the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The primary endpoint was achievement of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) at week 16. Results: At week 16, 40% of patients achieved HiSCR, increasing to 50% by week 48. Mean IHS4 scores decreased from 14.3 at baseline to 9.3 at week 16. This was accompanied by an average 10-point reduction in DLQI and a 4-point reduction in VAS pain scores. Despite these improvements, overall quality of life remained moderately impaired. One patient discontinued guselkumab due to loss of efficacy. Discussion: The results support previous findings from smaller studies and case reports, indicating that guselkumab may offer clinical benefit in select HS populations, particularly those with comorbid psoriasis or Crohn's disease. Although limited by a small sample size, this study contributes to the growing real-world evidence supporting guselkumab as a potential treatment option in multi-refractory HS. Larger, placebo-controlled trials are needed to further define its role in treatment algorithms
CLASSICI DELLA STORIOGRAFIA ANTICA, MEDIOEVALE, MODERNA E CONTEMPORANEA: BENEDETTO CROCE, LA SPAGNA NELLA VITA ITALIANA DURANTE LA RINASCENZA (1917)
No full textIL SEMINARIO, SVOLTOSI NEL QUADRO DELLE ATTIVITA' DIDATTICHE DEL DOTTORATO IN HISTORICAL STUDIES DELLA FEDERICO II, SI E' FOCALIZZATO SUL NESSO TRA STORIA DELLA CULTURA, STORIA D’ITALIA, STORIA D’EUROPA NELLE RICERCHE ISPANO-ITALIANE DI BENEDETTO CROCE
Violence against women: a collaborative process for enhancing community responsibility.
No full textGender-based violence is a significant violation of human rights (EIGE, 2024). Counteracting dynamics that contribute to the persistence of gender inequalities is essential for social transformation. To address these challenges, co-constructed and participatory actions among various stakeholders operating at the local level are necessary. This research is inspired by the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) method (Wallerstein, 2021), which aims to generate knowledge for action (Minkler et al., 2012; Wallerstein et al., 2018). This contribution aims to illustrate the steps of the collaborative process to foster a dialogue between institutional representatives and citizens. The research was carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Naples and the network of Anti-Violence Centers (CAVs) operating in the Neapolitan area. Following the methodology of focused narrative interviews (Kemper et al., 2003; Legewie, 2006; Schütze, 1983), six stakeholders, psychologists and social workers, were involved, all working in services to counter violence against women in Naples. The interviews explored the following thematic areas: needs, concerns, training, information, and services. In addition, reports collected by local CAVs were analyzed and compared with national data.
Furthermore, to identify actions and measures to combat violence at the local level, best practices adopted by services dedicated to tackling violence, both locally and internationally, were collected through a questionnaire. The research project culminated in the creation of two murals, one of which is interactive, by two artists with experience on the theme of violence. These murals were installed at one of the city’s CAVs, with the aim of engaging citizens, service users, service representatives, local authorities, and institutions in producing a message against violence that reflects a shared sense of community responsibility
