Post-treatment Stage Research Articles

Background Congenital tuberculosis (CTB) is an extremely rare and potentially life-threatening infection in premature infants that is frequently misdiagnosed. There is still a lack of thorough characterization of this condition in preterm neonates, particularly in high TB-burden settings. Methods Premature infants with CTB were identified from hospital medical records from January 2016 to December 2023 in a high-burden, resource-limited neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in southwest China. Diagnosis was based on etiology and clinical evidence. Data extracted included demographics, maternal history of tuberculosis (TB) exposure, symptoms, laboratory markers, microbiological findings, imaging findings, treatment regimens, and prognosis. These were evaluated during the pre-diagnosis, diagnosis, and posttreatment stages. Results A total of 11 premature infants with CTB were included. Maternal TB was common in this cohort; 7 of the 11 mothers were diagnosed with TB following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Clinical manifestations were atypical and consisted primarily of non-specific symptoms, including low fever, shortness of breath, poor reaction, less eating, and coughing. Laboratory findings during the active phase of CTB revealed statistically significant elevations in C-reactive protein levels ( P = 0.001), thrombocytopenia ( P = 0.007), hyponatremia ( P = 0.040), hypocalcemia ( P = 0.022), and hypomagnesemia ( P = 0.025). Sputum acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear was positive in 4 out of 11, while gastric juice AFB smear was positive in 6 out of 11. Mycobacterial liquid culture produced the highest positivity with 7 out of 11, followed by solid culture and interferon-gamma release assays with 5 out of 11. All nucleic acid amplification tests were positive, and chest CT scans showed abnormalities in each patient . Among the patients, five experienced liver function impairment after anti-TB treatment, as evidenced by elevated alanine aminotransferase levels. Conclusions In this study, preterm infants with CTB frequently demonstrated non-specific clinical signs with a reversible pattern of inflammation, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and electrolyte disturbances that normalized after anti-TB therapy. These patterns, together with maternal TB risk or in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer history, may raise clinical suspicion and justify the early use of nucleic acid amplification testing, and generalizability outside this setting requires larger, controlled cohorts.

Background: Palatal rugae are unique anatomical structures located on the anterior part of the hard palate, characterized by individual morphological stability and variability. Their potential role in orthodontic diagnosis and forensic identification has garnered increasing attention. While previous studies have explored specific rugae traits, few have comprehensively analyzed multiple characteristics across different sagittal malocclusion types, genders, and treatment phases. Aim: To evaluate and compare the number, shape, length, orientation, and union of palatal rugae among individuals with different sagittal malocclusion types (Class I, Class II Division 1, Class II Division 2, and Class III), across genders and between pre-orthodontic and post-orthodontic treatment stages. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional clinical study involved 300 participants, aged 18 to 28 years, divided equally into three groups based on untreated sagittal malocclusion: Class I, Class II, and Class III, according to Angle’s classification. Key parameter that includes number, shape, length, orientation, and presence of union across different malocclusion classes were assessed and statistically analyzed using Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26.0. Results: Rugae number significantly varied across malocclusion types (p = 0.002), with the highest count observed in Class II Division 2 and the lowest in Class III. Females exhibited a significantly higher rugae count than males (p = 0.021). Rugae length showed no significant changes between pre- and post-treatment stages (p > 0.05). Shape distribution differed significantly by malocclusion class (p = 0.049), with wavy and curved patterns dominating specific groups. Orientation patterns were also significantly associated with malocclusion types (p = 0.034), with posterior orientation more frequent in Class III and Class II Division 2. The presence of rugae union was rare and statistically insignificant across groups. Conclusion: Palatal rugae characteristics-particularly number, shape, and orientation—demonstrate significant diagnostic associations with sagittal malocclusion types and gender. Their morphological stability across treatment stages supports their utility as a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic adjunct in orthodontics and a valuable tool in forensic identification.

Ablative fractional CO2 laser treatment (AFCO2) can cause immediate erythema, pain, and complications such as prolonged erythema and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This study investigated whether the use of a serum before and after AFCO2 could accelerate skin recovery and relieve complications. This randomized controlled trial included 72 healthy Chinese women with acne scars who intended to undergo AFCO2; 64 (32 in each group) completed the study and were included in the analysis. The participants in the serum group applied the study serum for 2weeks in the preoperative (D0 and D14) and post-treatment stages (D32 and D39), with additional product usage of standard products, including standard cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, for all participants (both groups). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, and skin qualities were evaluated throughout the entire study. Clinical assessment was conducted at D0 (baseline and time immediately after product application); D14; D15 (directly after procedure treatment); D16, D18, D22, and D25 (1day, 3days, 7and 10days after CO2 laser treatment); and during the post-treatment period at D32 and D39 (1 and 2weeks after self-recovery). TEWL improvement was significantly better in the serum group than in the control group throughout the study (p < 0.001), including pre-treatment (p = 0.043), self-recovery (D15-D31) (p < 0.001), and post-treatment (p = 0.027) stages. In the post-treatment stage, the improvement in skin hydration with the serum was significantly better than in the control group (p < 0.001). The serum group showed significantly better improvements in smoothness (p = 0.001), brightness (p = 0.016), and overall healthy appearance (p = 0.001) compared with controls. Peri-AFCO2 application of the serum can facilitate faster postoperative recovery and can help reduce postoperative erythema and discomfort with satisfying tolerance. The use of the serum can enhance effectiveness and satisfaction with AFCO2 treatment. This trial was retrospectively registered on 30 June 2025: ISRCTN identifier ISRCTN60519611.

Reductant-free biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle-functionalized bacterial nanocellulose composites via in-cultivation and post-treatment by a silver-tolerant Acetobacter intermedius.

Following publication of the Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer Followed by Surgery Study (CROSS) trial, neoadjuvant chemoradiation has become standard of care for most esophageal cancer (EC). Patients most commonly receive either 41.4 Gy (per CROSS) or 50-50.4 Gy, but little post-CROSS era data have been reported. The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with EC receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by resection from 2012-2020 (n = 10,810). Patients were grouped by neoadjuvant radiation dose (41.4 Gy or 50-50.4 Gy). Overall survival (OS) was evaluated with Cox proportional hazards modeling following propensity-score matching on the basis of relevant clinicopathologic characteristics. A total of 10,810 patients were identified, with 1450 (13.4%) receiving 41.4 Gy of radiation and 9360 (86.6%) receiving 50-50.4 Gy. At a median follow-up of 61.6 months, median OS was 59.9 months in patients receiving 41.4 Gy and 45.5 months (P < 0.001) for patients receiving 50-50.4 Gy. Following stratification by posttreatment stage, 41.4 Gy dosing remained associated with improved OS compared with 50-50.4 Gy, but was most pronounced for patients with pCR (median OS 110.0 versus 82.4 months, P < 0.001) and Tis/Stage I residual disease (median OS 92.8 versus 67.2 months, P = 0.02). Propensity matching yielded 1448 patients per group. On multivariable analysis, receipt of 41.4 Gy was independently associated with improved OS (HR 0.82, P < 0.001). Lower neoadjuvant radiation dosage is associated with improved OS in resected EC. Until prospective trials are completed, higher radiation doses should be reserved for definitive treatment in patients ineligible for surgery, due to potential harms.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) remains one of the most effective interventions for severe psychiatric disorders. However, despite its established clinical efficacy, ECT continues to be associated with stigma, fear, and misinformation, which significantly impacts patient satisfaction and adherence. Nursing care plays a critical role in shaping patients' perceptions and overall satisfaction with ECT. This literature review explores the influence of nursing education on patient satisfaction throughout the ECT process, highlighting how well-trained nurses contribute to improved communication, reduced anxiety, and enhanced patient-centered care. A systematic literature search was conducted using databases such as EBSCO, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, IEEE Access, and DOAJ, applying the PRISMA framework to identify, select, and analyze relevant studies. Articles published in English from 2019 to 2025. Findings demonstrate that structured nursing education programs focusing on procedural knowledge, therapeutic communication, and stigma reduction significantly enhance patient satisfaction across pre-treatment, intra-treatment, and post-treatment stages. Educated nurses are better equipped to deliver accurate information, address concerns, and foster trust, ultimately improving the overall patient experience. This review underscores the importance of integrating ECT-specific content into nursing curricula and ongoing professional development to ensure that psychiatric nursing practice aligns with evidence-based, patient-centered care principles.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a prevalent malignant tumour affecting children. Due to its insidious onset, malignant nature and poor prognosis, the absence of effective treatments presents a significant challenge, profoundly impacting children and their families. Children embody the core and hope of a family, and when faced with sudden adversity, parents often undergo psychological crises marked by anxiety, depression and severe emotional distress. Fortunately, XXX Hospital serves as a testing ground for novel domestic medications, offering not only therapy but also instilling hope in children with NB and their families. Among these medications, naxitamab (hu3F8) has shown promising efficacy in treating NB. This qualitative study aims to investigate the psychological experiences of caregivers of children with NB undergoing naxitamab treatment at a hospital in China, a specialized institution. Subsequently, tailored psychological support for caregivers will be considered based on the findings. Employing phenomenological research techniques, we conducted face-to-face semistructured interviews with 14 caregivers of children diagnosed with NB. Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method was employed to analyse the interview data. The psychological experiences of caregivers of children with NB were categorized into three main themes and 11 subthemes: the pretreatment stage (challenges during diagnosis, shock and collapse upon diagnosis and persistent pursuit of hope); the in-treatment stage (treatment-related worries and fears, significant financial strain, renewed hope and expectations during treatment and reliance on medical staff for trust and hope); and the posttreatment stage (changes in perspectives following treatment, rethinking expectations for children, anticipating the development of novel therapeutic agents and expectations regarding financial support). Caregivers of children undergoing naxitamab treatment for NB encounter diverse psychological challenges throughout different stages. It is crucial for clinical medical professionals to provide tailored psychological support to both children and their families during various stages of treatment.

Introduction and Objective:Radiotherapy combined withconcomitant chemotherapy, followed by surgery, is currently the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. This therapeutic strategy improves local control and increases the sphincter preservation rate. In addition, a pathological complete response (pCR) can be achieved in up to 20% of cas. The objective of our study was to determine the predictive factors for pCR after neoadjuvant RCT. Methods: This is a retrospective study of a series of 430 patients with rectal carcinoma, collected from January 2018 to December 2023 at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, who received radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy based on Capecitabine and subsequent surgery. Conclusions: Pathological characteristics that have been reported to significantly influence patient outcomes after neoadjuvant RCC include post-treatment pathological stage (ypTNM). They provide a good indicator of tumourradiosensitivity and chemosensitivity. The incidence of complete histological response in our study was 21%. Tumour site, size and differentiation were clinical predictors of a complete histological response associated with a very good prognosis.

ObjectivesAcoustic trauma (AT) is a condition for which no standard treatment currently exists. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a neuroregenerative agent. This prospective experimental study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of PRP in rats subjected to AT.MethodsBaseline auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were measured prior to AT induction and again 3 days afterward. Following this, intratympanic PRP was administered to the treatment group (n = 10), while the control group (n = 10) received intratympanic saline. After 3 weeks, ABR and DPOAE tests were repeated and compared with the initial results.ResultsIn the PRP group, significant improvements in DPOAE thresholds at 25,000 Hz and 32,000 Hz were observed between the post-trauma and post-treatment stages. No significant differences were found between baseline and post-treatment measurements. ABR thresholds in the PRP group increased significantly following trauma (P = .007) but showed no significant difference compared with baseline after treatment (P = .615). A statistically significant improvement was observed between post-trauma and post-treatment thresholds (P = .013).ConclusionPRP appears to contribute positively to auditory recovery following AT, likely due to its neuroregenerative properties. Nevertheless, further randomised, larger-scale studies are required to substantiate these preliminary findings.

BackgroundThe efficacy and safety of administering a narrow-spectrum β-lactam and gentamicin as empirical therapy for community-acquired sepsis has been questioned. We compared the efficacy and safety of this combination with that of broad-spectrum β-lactams (cefotaxime, piperacillin-tazobactam, or meropenem) in patients with suspected sepsis.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we included patients initiated on narrow-spectrum β-lactam/gentamicin or broad-spectrum β-lactams for suspected sepsis between January 2017 and December 2022. Patients without baseline creatinine and at least 1 subsequent creatinine measurement were excluded. We compared the impact of antibiotic regimens using a 5-level ordinal outcome scale ranging from no acute kidney injury (AKI) to all-cause death during 30-day follow-up.ResultsAmong 1917 patients, 33.1% received narrow-spectrum β-lactam/gentamicin, and 66.9% received broad-spectrum β-lactams. Patients initiated on broad-spectrum β-lactams had more comorbidities, had lower estimated glomerular filtration rate on admission, and more frequently required treatment with noradrenaline, respiratory support, and admission to the intensive care and medical intermediate care units. Therapy with broad-spectrum β-lactams was associated with a higher posttreatment stage of AKI or death (adjusted odds ratio, 1.61 [95% confidence interval, 1.27–2.04]). We found no significant association between cumulative dose of gentamicin and peak creatinine value. For patients treated with gentamicin experiencing AKI, creatinine normalized during 30-day follow-up.ConclusionsIn patients with suspected sepsis, empirical treatment with narrow-spectrum β-lactam/gentamicin was not associated with an increased risk of AKI or death. If local antimicrobial resistance patterns permit, narrow-spectrum β-lactam/gentamicin may reduce broad-spectrum β-lactam usage, addressing a key element of antibiotic stewardship.

e15694 Background: The TNM classification at pathological evaluation determines prognosis following cancer treatment. For rectal cancer patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy, whether post-treatment (yp)TNM stage confers the same prognostic value as the corresponding pathologic (p)TNM stage is unknown. Current staging systems and management guidelines do not distinguish between pTNM and ypTNM stage. The objective of this study is to compare the prognostic value of ypTNM versus pTNM stage for rectal cancer using a large cancer registry database. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study among patients with resected (y)p stage 0-III rectal cancer identified from the National Cancer Data Base (2010-2017). We compared the overall survival (OS) for patients who underwent upfront surgery (pTNM) and neoadjuvant therapy (ypTNM) for each pathological stage. To account for treatment selection bias, we conducted survival analysis stratified by receipt of guideline concordant care. Patients with pathological stage 0 or I disease who underwent upfront surgery for clinical stage II or III and patients with pathological stage II or III disease who underwent upfront surgery and did not receive any postoperative therapy (pT3-4N0) or adjuvant chemotherapy (pN+) were defined has not having received guideline-concordant care. Survival outcomes were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HR) were estimated by univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results: A total of 11,732 of 50,436 (23.3%) patients underwent upfront surgery (pTNM) and 38,704 (76.7%) received neoadjuvant therapy (ypTNM). Among patients who underwent upfront surgery, 78.8% (9,241 of 11,732) received guideline-concordant care (stage 0 -I, upfront surgery; stage II, upfront surgery with postoperative treatment; stage III, upfront surgery with adjuvant chemotherapy). After stratification by receipt of guideline concordant care, OS were similar between pTNM and ypTNM stage for patients with (y)p stage 0-I (HR, 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.15; 5-year OS, 86.9% versus 87.7%), but were significantly worse for patients with ypTNM compared to pTNM in (y)p stage II (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.27-1.77; 5-year OS, 75.6% versus 83.2%) and (y)p stage III (HR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.46-1.75; 5-year OS, 67.0% versus 78.2%). The multivariable analysis showed that ypTNM stage was associated with worse OS compared to pTNM stage in each stage (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30, P &lt; 0.001 in stage 0-I; HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.28-1.79, P &lt; 0.001 in stage II; HR, 1.63, 95% CI, 1.49-1.78, P &lt; 0.001 in stage III). Conclusions: Stage for stage, the ypTNM groups are associated with worse survival than the respective pTNM groups, with the survival disparity between pTNM and ypTNM increasing with increasing stage.

Gastric signet-ring cell carcinoma (GSRCC) is a more aggressive subtype of gastric cancer compared to gastric adenocarcinoma (GA), with an increasing incidence. However, the prognostic differences between these subtypes, particularly in resectable cases, remain unclear. To evaluate prognostic factors and develop a predictive model for GA and GSRCC patients undergoing curative resection. This retrospective cohort study included patients with GA and GSRCC who underwent curative surgery at the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from 2011 to 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) balanced the baseline characteristics. Prognostic factors were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses. Model performance was evaluated through calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves. Subgroup analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated. In a cohort of 3027 patients, the GSRCC group was characterized by a significantly higher prevalence of individuals under 60 years of age, females, cases with poor differentiation, and early-stage (stage I) disease (all P < 0.001). After PSM, the baseline was balanced and 761 patients were retained in each group. Variables identified through univariate Cox regression were included in the LASSO regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified age, tumor differentiation, tumor size, vascular invasion, and post-treatment nodal margin staging as independent prognostic factors. Subgroup analysis indicated a notably poorer prognosis for GSRCC in patients aged 60 and above (hazard ratio = 1.36, P = 0.025). The nomogram (C-index = 0.755) exhibited greater predictive accuracy than tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging for 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (all P < 0.001), and provided a higher clinical net benefit according to DCA. This study systematically compared resectable GA and GSRCC, revealing no overall survival difference. However, GSRCC demonstrated a significantly elevated mortality risk in subgroups stratified by age and tumor size. Multivariate analysis identified age, differentiation, tumor size, vascular invasion, and TNM stage as independent prognostic factors. The nomogram integrates clinicopathological features for precise risk stratification, surpassing traditional TNM staging.

To propose the utilization of virtual tooth models (VTMs) created by combining tooth root data from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and crown data gathered through intraoral scanning to assess inter-root distance and angulation during orthodontic treatment when repeated radiographic monitoring becomes necessary. Patients with planned dental implant placement in edentulous areas during or after orthodontic treatment and who underwent intraoral and CBCT scans at the pretreatment and posttreatment stages were selected. Tooth models were fabricated by merging intraorally scanned crowns with the corresponding CBCT-scanned roots from the pretreatment. Tooth positions posttreatment was estimated by integrating models into posttreatment intraoral scans. Moreover, the actual positions were obtained from posttreatment CBCTs. Discrepancies in the estimated and actual tooth positions, including inter-radicular distances and inter-root angulations, were compared. The minimum inter-radicular distance between two adjacent teeth demonstrated no significant difference between the estimated and actual tooth positions. The difference in inter-root angulation was not statistically significant. Most inter-radicular distances measured at each landmark revealed no significant differences between the estimated and actual tooth positions, except at the buccolingual midpoint of the cemento-enamel junction, where a slight discrepancy was observed. The tooth position of VTMs demonstrated clinically acceptable accuracy compared to CBCT scans. Additionally, VTMs can benefit both clinicians and patients by enabling accurate assessment of the inter-radicular space for dental implant placement without repeated CBCT scans.

The main objective was to analyse the clinicaleffectiveness of ramus mini-implant-assisted traction ofmandibular second molars with eruption disturbances. A prospective study was carried out during a 3-year period. A total of 16 patients with 19 impacted mandibular second molars underwent surgical exposure followed by implant-assisted orthodontic traction. The pre- and post-treatment cone-beam computed tomography, and pre-, in-, and post-treatment panoramic radiographs were collected and measured for the changes in space, angles and alveolar bone atpre-, in-, and post-treatment stages. Mandibular second molars showed progressive uprighting (the angle between MM2 and the mandibular plane increased to 95.70 ± 11.96°, p < .0001) and improved root parallelism (the angles between MM2 and the mandibular second premolar decreased to 8.45 ± 7.06°, p < .0001) after the treatment. While molar crowns exhibited no significant deviation from the standard arch form, roots predominantly shifted lingually (2.29 ± 1.84mm lingually atpost-treatment, p < .05). Regarding alveolar bone changes, there was a significant increase of bone height at the distal sideof the mandibular first molar (p < .05), coupled with a decrease of bone height atthe mesial sideof the second molar (p < .05). Root lengths of all patients indicated no statistical significance before and after treatment (p = .63). Mini-implants placed at the mandibular ramus region are clinically effective in the orthodontic traction of impacted mandibular second molars. The orthodontic traction favours periodontal regeneration between first and second molars and bears no or minimal risk ofroot resorption of mandibular second molars.

Introduction: The smile is an important determinant of facial attractiveness. Patients seek orthodontic treatment to enhance the aesthetics of their smiles. Passive Self-ligating (SL) appliances are promoted as a means to enhance smile aesthetics by widening the arch and thereby diminishing the buccal corridor area. Aim: To compare the transverse maxillary arch changes, smile parameters and their effect on smile aesthetics in patients treated with conventional and passive SL bracket systems. Materials and Methods: The present retrospective observational study, which spanned five months (May 2023 to September 2023) was conducted in the Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (tertiary care dental teaching hospital), Velappanchavadi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, 30 records of patients who were treated between 2018 and 2023 were analysed-15 with conventional brackets (Group 1) and 15 with SL brackets (Group 2). Pre- and post-treatment digital models were used to assess changes in intermolar and intercanine widths. Pre- and post-treatment frontal smiling images were used to measure changes in smile parameters and ratios. The frontal smile photographs were sent to 30 raters, consisting of laypeople, general dentists and specialists like Orthodontists and aesthetic dentists, who scored the smile attractiveness on a 10-point Likert scale. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni’s post-hoc test were used to compare the aesthetic scores, with p-value ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: In Group 1, the average age was 17.5±4.7 years, while in Group 2 it was 16.5±5.6 years. Group 1 had ten females and five males. Group 2 had nine females and six males. The mean pre- and post-treatment inter-canine widths in Group 2 were 462.33±82.63 mm and 542.47±99.33 mm, respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.004). The mean pre- and post-treatment visible dentition widths in Group 2 were 481.2±196.41 mm and 608.4±248.82 mm, respectively and the difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.049). There were no significant differences in other smile parameters, ratios, or maxillary arch changes between and within Groups 1 and 2. There was a statistically significant difference between the smile attractiveness scores given by the raters in the pre- and post-treatment stages of both groups (p-value ≤0.001). The smile aesthetic scores given by raters from the dental specialist groups were significantly lower compared to those from the general dentists and laypeople groups. Conclusion: The alteration in maxillary arch width, buccal corridor space and smile attractiveness showed no significant variation when treated with either SL or conventional brackets. The study did not find any advantages to support the use of the SL bracket system over conventional brackets for the purpose of smile enhancement and reduction of buccal corridor space. Regardless of the type of bracket, orthodontic therapy significantly enhances smile aesthetics.

This study aimed to determine the accuracy of overbite correction in patients with deep bite using the clear aligner therapy (CAT). This retrospective study included 31 patients prescribed orthodontic treatment using CAT from January 2020 to January 2024. Clinical information was collected via X-ray results at pre-treatment and post-treatment stages. Treatment outcomes were measured at three stages: pre-treatment, post-treatment (clinical results), and predict treatment (predict results) as programmed in ClinCheck®. Significant changes were observed in X-ray in both overbite (3.85 ± 1.38 mm to 2.93 ± 1.13 mm) and overjet (5.19 ± 1.79 mm to 3.43 ± 1.14 mm) following CAT. For clinical crown lengthening (CCL) of tooth 31, significant differences were noted between pre-treatment and post-treatment (-0.31 ± 0.66 mm) and between predicted and clinical results (-0.21 ± 0.58 mm). For CCL of tooth 41, significant differences were found between pre-treatment and post-treatment (-0.36 ± 0.66 mm) and between prediction and post-treatment (-0.32 ± 0.65 mm). The percentage of deep bites differed significantly between pre-treatment vs predicted treatment (38.10 ± 14.90%), pre-treatment vs post-treatment (11.80 ± 14.30%), and predicted treatment vs post-treatment (-26.40 ± 12.60%). Similar trends were observed in mean overbite (2.77 ± 1.07 mm, 0.69 ± 0.93 mm, and - 2.08 ± 0.83 mm, respectively). Our findings support the use of CAT as a reliable and aesthetic option for treating deep bite malocclusions.

Background: The self-administered odour questionnaire (SAOQ), consisting of 20 odours familiar to Japanese people, is proposed as a scoring system for the quantitative evaluation of sense of smell. We examined the correlations between the SAOQ and the standard olfactory test covered by insurance in Japan and evaluated the usefulness of the SAOQ in patients with olfactory dysfunction (OD). Methodology: Data from 3048 patients undergoing treatment for OD between June 2005 and September 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The causative diseases of OD were identified. Correlations between the SAOQ score and olfactory detection and recognition thresholds (DT and RT) were investigated using olfaction tests. The characteristics of each itemised odour of the SAOQ for each causative disease were analysed. Results: Causative diseases of OD were: chronic rhinosinusitis (43%), post-viral (25%), post-traumatic (6%), central nervous system dysfunction (2%), peripheral nervous system dysfunction (2%), congenital (1%), psychogenic (1%), or idiopathic (20%). The SAOQ score correlated with DT and RT in both the pre- and post-treatment stages. The median SAOQ scores significantly declined with RT severity. Analysis of the itemised odour scores of the SAOQ showed that ‘strawberry’ was the most declined-odour, while ‘perfume’ was the most preserved-odour. Conclusions: The SAOQ is a useful scoring interview system for evaluating sense of smell.

The objective of the study was to examine the impact of the ethanol extract of Ficus racemosa L fruit on rats with hypercholesterolemia. The rats were divided into distinct groups and were administered varying doses of the extract or simvastatin. Hypercholesterolemia was induced in the rats, and the lipid profiles were measured at both the pre- and post-treatment stages. The findings demonstrated that the Ficus racemosa L fruit extract markedly reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels while elevating HDL levels in the hypercholesterolemic rats. The 500 mg/kg dose demonstrated the most promising outcomes, exhibiting a notable reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides and an increase in HDL. However, no impact on weight loss was observed. These findings indicate that Ficus racemosa L fruit extract may have the potential to be utilized in the management of hypercholesterolemia, although further investigation is necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Ultrasound proves to be an effective technique for intensifying a wide range of processes involving solids and, as such, is often used to improve control over both solids formation and post-treatment stages. The intensifying capabilities of ultrasonic processing are best interpreted in the context of the chemical, transport, and mechanical effects that occur during sonication. This review presents an overview of how ultrasound influences the processing and synthesis of solids across various material classes, contextualized within an ultrasound effect framework. By describing the mechanisms underlying the different effects of ultrasound on the solid synthesis and processing, this review aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the current literature in the field and to promote more effective utilization of ultrasound technology in solid synthesis and processing.

BackgroundThe global rise in breast cancer (BC) incidence is mirrored in the Sultanate of Oman, where the median age of diagnosis is strikingly young at 47 years. This pilot study represents the first in the region to examine the genetic alterations of Omani BC biopsies and resected tumors and their correlations with patient characteristics using a targeted pan-cancer panel.MethodsUtilizing the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay Plus, we profiled 40 BC biopsies alongside 22 matched post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy samples, identifying single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) and copy number variations (CNVs). Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact tests were used for categorical variables. In contrast, the Independent T-test and Levene test were used for continuous variables. Comparative analyses were conducted using the METABRIC and TCGA datasets to place these findings in a global context.ResultsThe data revealed molecular patterns between early-onset (under 50 years) and late-onset (50 years and older) cases. Notably, SNVs were predominant in late-onset tumors, while CNVs were more frequent in early-onset cases. PIK3CA SNVs emerged as a hallmark of late-onset BC, which persists across pre- and post-treatment stages. NTRK1 mutations were linked to late-onset cases at pre-treatment, while OR6F1 CNV was exclusive to early-onset tumors. The five genes with the highest CNV prevalence in the cohort were CDK12, ERBB2, BRIP1, and BLM, and they closely mirrored those found in global datasets. Correlations with clinical features identified CHEK2 alterations associated with high-grade tumors and luminal and HER2 type, while TP53 mutations were predominantly found in TNBC cases. Mutations in CBFB and GATA3 were predominantly enriched in luminal subtypes, and TSC1 mutations corresponded with smaller tumors, whereas FGFR4 SNVs were linked to nodal (N) status. Additionally, we identified 19 new SNV variants distributed across seven genes that were not recorded in the public databases.ConclusionThis study sheds light on the genetic landscape of BC driver genes in Oman and the shared molecular traits with Western populations while uncovering unique regional alterations in NTRK1, OR6F1, and FGFR4. These findings highlight the need for region-specific insights to inform targeted therapies and personalized care, advancing the global understanding of BC biology.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-025-02133-3.