Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss of urine caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) that affects urethral closure. Myostatin, which prevents the growth of muscles, is a protein expressed by human skeletal muscle cells. Indeed, it has been observed that myostatin concentration rises during skeletal muscle inactivity and that suppressing serum myostatin promotes muscle growth and strength. ⋯ The Pelvic Floor Bother Questionnaire consistently revealed a decrease in mean scores when comparing the pre- and post-treatment data. Conclusions: Effective flat magnetic stimulation reduces myostatin concentration and genital hiatus length, minimizing the severity of urinary incontinence. The results of the study show that without causing any discomfort or unfavourable side effects, the treatment plan significantly improved the PFM tone and strength in patients with UI.
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Background and Objectives: Transverse maxillary deficiency is an important maxillary anomaly that is very common in society and remains current in orthodontics. The maxillary expansion has been used in treatment for a long time. While maxillary expansion can be performed with rapid maxillary expansion in young adults, it is performed with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) in individuals who have reached skeletal maturity. ⋯ Results: Our results showed that when the pterygomaxillary plates were separated, fewer stresses were observed on the bone and teeth. Although hybrid-supported appliances created less stress on the teeth than tooth-supported appliances and no difference was found between bone-supported appliances, it was found that hybrid-supported appliances created less stress on the bone than the other appliances. Conclusions: The separation of the pterygomaxillary junction in the SARME operation and the use of a bone-supported or hybrid-supported appliance would place less stress on the bone and teeth.
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Background and Objectives: Although available therapies have changed the natural evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS), in time some patients assume a progressive course and no longer respond to treatment. There is no definitive clinical or laboratory parameter to certify MS progression from relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) in early phases of transition. Our study aims to evaluate the value of clinical parameters and serum neurofilament light chain levels (sNfLs) as early warning signs of conversion to SPMS. ⋯ Conclusions: An elevated level of progression independent of relapses (PIRA) was found in our cohort, with high-efficacy drugs providing no supplementary protection. As sNfL levels were correlated with the progression of EDSS (the main clinical progression marker), they may be considered potential prognostic markers, but further studies are necessary to precisely define their role in this direction. The lack of early sensitive markers for risk of progression may contribute to therapeutic delay and failure.
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Background and Objectives: The influence of the quantity and quality of peri-implant soft tissue on implant health and long-term maintenance is controversial. This consensus aimed to assess the importance of peri-implant soft tissue by analyzing four aspects: the role of keratinized mucosa (KM), the efficacy of specific collagen matrix, the influence of abutment material, and soft-tissue thickness. Materials and Methods: Active members of the Italian Academy of Osseointegration (IAO) participated in the consensus. ⋯ The influence of abutment material (titanium or zirconia) on MBL remains controversial, and no conclusion could be reached on this issue. Peri-implant soft-tissue health and recession seem not to be influenced by abutment material, but data are limited to zirconia and titanium. Although this systematic review highlighted the absence of a correlation between soft-tissue thickness and MBL, the assembly failed to find a consensus on this issue.
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Background and Objectives: Typically, the vertebral arteries (VAs) enter the posterior fossa through dural rings and further unite, forming the basilar artery. The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is usually a branch of the V4 segment of the VA (intradural origin). It may also leave the V3 suboccipital segment of the VA (extradural origin). ⋯ Four of the seventy-eight PICAs opposite to an absent one, three intradural and one transdural, were true bihemispheric PICAs. Conclusions: The PICAs with extradural or transdural origins are facultative contents of the dural ring and are at risk during neurosurgical approaches in the foramen magnum. Rare bihemispheric PICAs could originate either intradurally or within the dural ring.