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Neuronal differentiation is regulated by nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophins. We explored the impact of NGF on mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism through time‐lapse imaging, metabolomics profiling, and computer modeling studies. We show that NGF may direct differentiation by stimulating fission, thereby causing selective mitochondrial network fragmentation and mitophagy, ultimately leading to increased mitochondrial quality and respiration. Then, we reconstructed the dynamic fusion–fission–mitophagy cycling of mitochondria in a computer model, integrating these processes into a single network mechanism. Both the computational model and the simulations are able to reproduce the proposed mechanism in terms of mitochondrial dynamics, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitophagy, and mitochondrial quality, thus providing a computational tool for the interpretation of the experimental data and for future studies aiming to detail further the action of NGF on mitochondrial processes. We also show that changes in these mitochondrial processes are intertwined with a metabolic function of NGF in differentiation: NGF directs a profound metabolic rearrangement involving glycolysis, TCA cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway, altering the redox balance. This metabolic rewiring may ensure: (a) supply of both energy and building blocks for the anabolic processes needed for morphological reorganization, as well as (b) redox homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(cyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate) has been prepared by solid-state polymerization using 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or its di-methylester and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol as monomers. The process consists in a first step in which a prepolymer with high crystallinity is prepared by melt polycondensation and then submitted to solid-state polymerization (SSP) at a temperature below the melting temperature of the polymer. The use of the solid state process permits to minimize the isomerization from the trans to the cis form in the polymer chain and therefore a polyester with higher crystallinity and melting temperature, compared to those synthesized by the traditional polycondensation routes, can be obtained. For this reason, the SSP process allows to obtain materials with thermo-mechanical properties that cannot be achieved using the standard polycondensation method. Moreover, the process does not involve a complex multi-step temperature ramp as in the case of the polycondensation process., INTRODUCTIONPoly(cyclohexane-1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate) (PCCD) polymers are of current interest as weatherable materials, due to the fact that they are completely aliphatic [1-3], do not absorb UV, and provide resistance to light [...]

Abstract Powder coatings have been prepared using a sustainable polyester synthesized by combining the chemical recycling of polymers, recovered from post-consumer waste streams, with the use of bio-based monomers. The [...]

Purpose: To analyze, in vitro, the dimensional stability over time of 3D‐printed surgical guides. Materials and methods: Ten surgical guides, manufactured by digital light processing 3D‐printing technology, were scanned immediately after post‐processing and then after 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. The corresponding standard tessellation language (STL) files were used for comparison with the reference CAD project. Mean absolute deviation (MAD) of the intaglio surface, axial, and linear deviations of the sleeves' housings were measured. Generalized estimated equations models (α = 0.05) were used to investigate the effect of time. Results: MAD of the teeth intaglio surface showed less variation (minimum: 0.002, maximum: 0.014 mm) than that of the mucosa (minimum: 0.026, maximum: 0.074 mm). Axial variations of the sleeves' housings on the sagittal (minimum: –0.008°, maximum: –0.577°) and frontal plane (minimum: –0.193°, maximum: 0.525°) changed with similar patterns, but opposite trends (decreasing for the former). Linear deviations of center points of the sleeves' housings had a shifting (minimum: –0.074, maximum: 0.02 mm) pattern with a decreasing tendency. Time after processing had a significant effect, either alone or nested with guides volume, on all outcomes of interest, except for MAD of the mucosa intaglio surface (p < 0.001), which was significantly affected only by the time‐volume nested effect (p = 0.012). Conclusions: Within the limitations of the experimental design, postmanufacturing dimensional variations of surgical guides were statistically significant. Although limited, they are an additional source of variability affecting the overall accuracy of computer‐guided surgery. As such, they should be addressed by further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Primary focused question for this systematic review (SR) was "Which is the evidence about surfaces decontamination and protection masks for SARS‐Cov‐2 in dental practice?" Secondary question was "Which is the evidence about surfaces decontamination and protection masks against airborne pathogens and directly transmitted viral pathogens causing respiratory infections?" Materials and Methods: PRISMA guidelines were used. Studies on surface decontamination and protective masks for SARS‐CoV‐2 in dental practice were considered. Studies on other respiratory viruses were considered for the secondary question. Results: No studies are available for SARS‐CoV‐2. Four studies on surface disinfection against respiratory viruses were included. Ethanol 70% and sodium hypochlorite 0,5% seem to be effective in reducing infectivity by > 3log TCID. Four RCTs compared different types of masks on HCW. The single studies reported no difference for laboratory‐diagnosed influenza, laboratory‐diagnosed respiratory infection, and influenza‐like illness. A meta‐analysis was not considered appropriate. Conclusions: There is lack of evidence on the efficacy of surface disinfection and protective masks to reduce the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 or other respiratory viruses in dentistry. However, the consistent use of respirator and routine surface disinfection is strongly suggested. There is urgent need of data on the efficacy of specific protection protocols for dental HCW against viral infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence suggests that SARS‐CoV‐2, the virus that causes COVID‐19, is predominantly spread from person to person. Aim of this narrative review is to explore transmission modality of SARS‐CoV‐2 to provide appropriate advice to stakeholders, in order to support the implementation of effective public health measures and protect healthcare workers that primary face the disease. "In vivo" and "in vitro" studies from laboratories and hospitals confirmed the presence of surface contamination and provided insight of SARS‐CoV‐2 detection in the air, particularly in indoor settings with poor ventilation where aerosol‐generating procedures were performed. Measures for aerosol reduction, in conjunction with other effective infection control strategies, are needed to prevent the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 in dental setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]