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An increasing body of evidence from animal models, human specimens and cell lines points to reactive oxygen species as likely involved in the pathways, which convey both extracellular and intracellular signals to the nucleus, under a variety of pathophysiological conditions. Indeed, reactive oxygen species (ROS), in a concentration compatible with that detectable in human pathophysiology, appear able to modulate a number of kinases and phosphatases, redox sensitive transcription factors and genes. This type of cell signalling consistently implies the additional involvement of other bioactive molecules that stem from ROS reaction with cell membrane lipids. The present review aims to comprehensively report on the most recent knowledge about the potential role of ROS and oxidised lipids in signal transduction processes in the major events of cell and tissue pathophysiology. Among the lipid oxidation products of ROS-dependent reactivity, which appear as candidates for a signalling role, there are molecules generated by oxidation of cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids, as well as lysophosphatidic acid and lysophospholipids, platelet activating factor-like lipids, isoprostanes, sphingolipids and ceramide.

PurposeThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decided to initiate a survey to evaluate the current status of the practice of paediatric nuclear medicine worldwide, with the focus mainly on low and middle-income countries specifically in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa and Asia. This investigation sought to determine if the practice in paediatric nuclear medicine in these countries differed from that indicated by the survey of the Nuclear Medicine Global Initiative (NMGI) and if nuclear medicine practitioners were following established paediatric nuclear medicine guidelines.MethodsA total of 133 institutes took part in the survey from 62 different IAEA member states within Africa (29), Asia (39), Europe (29) and Latin America (36). The four most frequent conventional (single-photon) nuclear medicine procedures were 99mTc labelled MDP, DSMA, MAG3 and pertechnetate thyroid scans. In addition, 46 centres provided data on FDG PET/CT, including exposure data for the CT component. Nearly half of the sites (48%) perform less than 200 paediatric nuclear medicine studies per year, while 11% perform more than 1000 such studies per year.ResultsAdministered activities largely exceeded the recommendations for most of the sites for DMSA, MAG3 and pertechnetate, while compliance with international standards was somehow better for MDP studies. For FDG PET, the results were more uniform than for conventional nuclear medicine procedures. However, the use of CT in PET/CT for paediatric nuclear medicine revealed a high variability and, in some cases, high, dose-length product (DLP) values. This observation indicates that further attention is warranted for optimizing clinical practice in FDG PET/CT.ConclusionsOverall, in most parts of the world, efforts have been undertaken to comply either with the EANM dosage card or with the North American Consensus Guidelines. However, variability in the practice of paediatric nuclear medicine still exists. The results of this survey provide valuable recommendations for a path towards global standardization of determining the amount of activity to be administered to children undergoing nuclear medicine procedures.

Cervical tissue explants (CTEs) from 22 HIV-1 seronegative women were exposed to R5 HIV-1 ex vivo. Eight CTEs were productively infected in terms of HIV-1 p24Gag release in culture supernatants, whereas 14 were not. Nonetheless, both accumulation of HIV-1gag DNA and of p24Gag+ CD4+ T cells and macrophages occurred in both productive and, at lower levels, in nonproductive CTEs. Nonproductive CTEs differed from productive CTEs for higher secretion of C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) and CCL5. A post-hoc analysis revealed that all productive CTEs were established from women in their secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, whereas nonproductive CTEs were derived from women either in their secretory (28%) or proliferative (36%) menstrual cycle phases or with an atrophic endometrium (36%). Thus, our results support the epidemiological observation that sexual HIV-1 transmission from males to women as well as from women to men is more efficient during their secretory phase of the menstrual cycle.

The human oral mucosa exhibits a wide array of color variations, influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. These variations range from physiological differences in individuals with lighter or darker skin tones to pathological changes caused by trauma, inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, and exposure to pharmacological agents. Pigmented lesions in the oral cavity present a diagnostic challenge due to their diverse etiologies, which include benign conditions such as melanotic macules and smoker’s melanosis, as well as more serious pathologies like oral melanoma and systemic disorders such as Addison’s disease and Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome. The differential diagnosis is further complicated by multifactorial causes, including both endogenous factors, such as nevi, and exogenous ones, such as amalgam tattoos. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the causes, diagnostic challenges, and clinical management of oral mucosal pigmentation. It underscores the importance of distinguishing between physiological and pathological states, highlighting the need for a detailed understanding of the underlying mechanisms and careful diagnostic evaluation in clinical practice.

Genioplasty is a well-established ancillary surgical procedure used to correct aesthetic and functional deficiencies of the chin. With the evolution of surgical technologies, piezoelectric bone surgery (piezosurgery) has emerged as a promising technique for performing osteotomies with improved precision and reduced soft tissue trauma. This study aims to narratively evaluate the current literature on the application of piezosurgery in genioplasty and to compare its clinical efficacy, safety, and outcomes with those of conventional bone-cutting methods using rotary or reciprocating instruments. An electronic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, following a PICO-based strategy. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2017 and 2024, focusing on human genioplasty procedures performed with either piezoelectric or traditional techniques, were included and critically analyzed. Piezosurgery demonstrated superior intraoperative precision, minimized neurovascular risk, and reduced postoperative morbidity. It was associated with lower blood loss, fewer complications, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction. Its microvibrational mechanism enables selective cutting of mineralized tissue, sparing adjacent soft structures and enhancing surgical visibility. Piezosurgery represents a valuable advancement in genioplasty, particularly in cases requiring meticulous bone reshaping and soft-tissue preservation. Its clinical advantages support its integration as a standard tool in contemporary mandibular contouring procedures.

The aim of the present article is to describe a surgical technique consisting of the execution of coronoidectomy with piezosurgery by intraoral approach. In this technical note, the authors describe the appropriate approach to the coronoid process, providing a step-by-step illustration of the intraoral procedure; moreover, the authors define the clinical scenarios in which coronoidectomy is indicated. Two cases are then presented to enrich the description. Surgical treatment with coronoidectomy might be indicated for functional or pathological conditions: coronoid hyperplasia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, closed lock trismus, post-traumatic restriction of mouth opening, lockjaw, surgical access to expand the surgical field when the procedure has to reach the medial part of masticator space, tumors or pathological conditions of the coronoid process, e.g. osteochondroma, osteoma, fibrous dysplasia, pseudo-joint in Jacob’s disease or oral submucosal fibrosis. Coronoidectomy might also be performed for prophylactic reasons, as it happens in oral cancer treatment.

    Biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory properties, and regenerative potential. It plays a crucial role in enhancing wound healing, reducing inflammation, and supporting tissue repair. This review aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of HA in various dental applications, including periodontal therapy, oral surgery, implantology, and the management of oral mucosal lesions. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, focusing on studies published in the last 5 years. Inclusion criteria comprised clinical trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews assessing HA’s effects on oral lichen planus, oral ulcers, periodontal disease, and post-surgical healing. Studies were evaluated for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The review identified five key studies demonstrating HA’s beneficial effects in dentistry. HA was shown to reduce pain and lesion size in oral lichen planus, enhance postoperative healing following third molar extractions, and improve alveolar ridge preservation when combined with demineralized bovine bone. Additionally, HA gel applications accelerated gingival healing post-gingivectomy, and its combination with photobiomodulation therapy further optimized wound repair. HA has proven to be a valuable adjunct in various dental treatments, promoting tissue regeneration and reducing postoperative complications. Its combination with other biomaterials and regenerative therapies enhances its clinical efficacy. However, further research is needed to standardize its application protocols and assess long-term outcomes. As advancements in biomaterials continue, HA is poised to play an increasingly significant role in modern dentistry.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty using injectable fillers is gaining popularity as a minimally invasive alternative for nasal reshaping, particularly in patients seeking correction of post-surgical deformities or enhancement of nasal projection. The choice of filler is crucial for achieving optimal aesthetic outcomes and ensuring safety, particularly in high-risk vascular areas. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of VYC-25L, a high G’ and high cohesivity hyaluronic acid filler, in treating nasal deficiencies in Asian patients. This retrospective analysis included 25 Asian patients treated with VYC-25L for nasal augmentation. Injections were performed using a standardized grid-based protocol with a supra-periosteal technique, emphasizing midline placement and slow, small-volume injections to mitigate vascular risks. Aesthetic outcomes were assessed using a 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by independent surgeons, while patient satisfaction was recorded via a three-degree questionnaire. Safety was evaluated through the monitoring of adverse events over 12 months. All patients demonstrated significant improvement in nasal projection and contour, with 100% scoring 8 or higher on the VAS at 2 weeks post-treatment. Patient satisfaction was high, with 92% rating the correction as “adequate.” Results remained stable at 3, 6, and 12 months. Minor complications included transient bruising (12%) and a single case of nasal dorsum hematoma (4%), both resolving without intervention. No instances of vascular occlusion, necrosis, or infection were observed. VYC-25L is a safe and effective option for non-surgical rhinoplasty in Asian patients, providing durable aesthetic results with minimal downtime. The grid-based injection protocol enhances standardization and reproducibility, making it a valuable tool for optimizing outcomes. Further prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.

This narrative review assesses the clinical performance of root-end filling materials used in endodontic microsurgery, with a particular focus on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published over the last decade. The goal is to determine whether material choice has a significant impact on surgical outcomes or if other procedural factors play a more decisive role. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed (MEDLINE) and Scopus for RCTs published from January 2015 to March 2025. Studies were eligible if they compared at least two root-end filling materials in human patients undergoing apicoectomy and retrograde filling, with a minimum follow-up of six months. Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity in study design, outcome reporting, and small sample size. Success rates for evaluated materials, including MTA, iRoot BP Plus, EndoSequence RRM, TotalFill, and Super EBA, ranged from 75% to 96%. While MTA remains a well-established material, newer bioceramic sealers demonstrated comparable outcomes with improved handling. No definitive superiority was observed among materials. Instead, surgical factors such as microsurgical technique, retrocavity depth, use of CBCT imaging, and operator experience emerged as primary determinants of success. The evidence suggests that modern calcium silicate-based materials are all clinically effective when used within an appropriate and dedicated protocol. Given the procedural complexity and multifactorial nature of success in endodontic surgery, material selection should be based on handling preference and clinical familiarity. The absence of standardized application protocols for newer bioceramics highlights an unmet need in clinical practice. While root-end filling material selection remains relevant, procedural precision and surgeon expertise have a more significant influence on outcomes. Further long-term studies are needed to develop consensus protocols for bioceramic materials in endodontic microsurgery.  

 Actinomycosis is a rare, chronic infection caused by Actinomyces israelii, a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium that commonly inhabits the human oral cavity. Lingual involvement is extremely uncommon, accounting for less than 3% of reported cases, and poses a diagnostic challenge due to its ability to mimic both benign and malignant lesions. The present paper reports the case of a 38-year-old male presenting with a six-month history of swelling in the posterior region of the tongue, which exhibited cyclical size variation and fistula formation. Clinical and radiological evaluation revealed a solid mass extending into the mylohyoid and genioglossus muscles. Surgical excision was performed, followed by histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of lingual actinomycosis. Postoperative antibiotic therapy was administered, and the patient showed complete recovery without recurrence. Lingual actinomycosis is a rare but important differential diagnosis for submucosal tongue lesions. A multidisciplinary approach involving imaging, surgical intervention, histological examination, and appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Surgical excision combined with antibiotic therapy provides optimal outcomes, with long-term follow-up recommended to monitor for recurrence.