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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a progressive disease leading to immune-mediated tissue damage, associated with an alteration of lymphoid organs. Therapeutic strategies involving regulatory T (Treg) lymphocytes, which physiologically quench autoimmunity and support long-term immune tolerance, are considered, as conventional treatment often fails. We describe here a therapeutic strategy based on Tregs overexpressing FoxP3 and harboring anti-CD19 CAR (Fox19CAR-Tregs). Fox19CAR-Tregs efficiently suppress proliferation and activity of B cells in vitro, which are relevant for SLE pathogenesis. In an humanized mouse model of SLE, a single infusion of Fox19CAR-Tregs restricts autoantibody generation, delay lymphopenia (a key feature of SLE) and restore the human immune system composition in lymphoid organs, without detectable toxicity. Although a short survival, SLE target organs appear to be protected. In summary, Fox19CAR-Tregs can break the vicious cycle leading to autoimmunity and persistent tissue damage, representing an efficacious and safe strategy allowing restoration of homeostasis in SLE. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease characterized by abnormally activated B cells causing organ damage. Here authors introduce an adoptive cell therapy involving regulatory T cells overexpressing FoxP3 and harboring an anti-CD19 CAR to inhibit pathological B cells and thus tissue-harming autoimmunity in a humanized mouse model.

Talitrus saltator is known for its capacity to use celestial orienting cues (sun, moon, skylight spectra, and radiance gradients) to return to the damp belt of sand. adult individuals perceive radiance and/or color gradients more effectively when exposed to polarized light. expert (collected in the field) or inexpert (born in the laboratory) young of this species exhibit zonal recovery using a solar or lunar compass. Our experiments aimed to test the use of skylight polarization gradient in the zonal orientation of expert or inexpert young sandhoppers. Our observations of the rhabdom revealed that 14-day-old sandhoppers have thick and disordered microvilliThe microvillar arrangement becomes thinner and regular above 27-day-old sandhoppers it is known that the microvilli of the rhabdom in the ommatidia are involved in polarized light reception, this suggests that T. saltator perceives polarized light efficiently from approximately one month of age. Sandhoppers of various ages were tested in a transparent Plexiglas bowl under an opaline Plexiglas dome. The bowl was covered by a blue gelatin filter with a grey filter and a linear polarizing filter positioned under the blue one in such a way as to occupy half of the upper surface of the Plexiglas bowl to create a linear polarization gradient. Results show that adult and expert young sandhoppers above a month old use the linear polarization gradient, whilst inexpert young are unable to take any direction independently from their ages. Therefore, our results suggest that the use of the polarization gradient as an orientation factor needs learning in the field.

BackgroundSystemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by an abnormal inflammatory response against nuclear antigens with consequent tissue damage. Autoreactive B cells and auto-antibodies have a fundamental role in SLE pathogenesis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) physiologically maintain the immune tolerance and are impaired in SLE. Polyclonal Treg trnasfer obtained unsatisfactory results due to the low number of disease-relevant antigen-specific cells. Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) are molecules capable of redirecting T cell specificity. CAR-Tregs proved effective in pre-clinical mouse models of autoimmunity.ObjectivesWe aimed at developing a CAR-Treg based product to be employed in SLE.MethodsWe isolated Tregs from Healthy Donors Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and expanded them with IL-2 and rapamycin. We transduced Tregs with a Lentiviral Vector encoding for a second-generation anti-CD19 CAR, considering the relevant role of autoreactive B cells and autoantibodies in SLE.ResultsEngineered cells retained their immune suppressive capabilities upon polyclonal stimulation. Noticeably, they acquired new antigen-specific suppressive capacities, being able to block autologous B cell proliferation. We set up a humanized mouse model of SLE. In vivo, CAR-Tregs delayed the occurrence of B cell lymphopenia, producing immunomodulatory cytokines and without showing toxicity or reprogramming towards Th17 pro-inflammatory cells. In inflamed organs, CAR-Tregs restored the normal composition of the immune system.ConclusionIn conclusion, we efficiently generated anti-CD19 CAR-Tregs and proved their efficacy both in vitro and in an in vivo humanized mouse model of lupus.REFERENCES:NIL.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

The purpose of this descriptive review was to assess post-operative periodontal outcomes of adjacent molar sites after the extraction of lower third molars, comparing different surgical techniques. The electronic search strategy was conducted on different databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) fitting the following selection criteria: clinical human studies (RCTs, retrospective and prospective); studies comparing different flap designs (e.g., envelope, triangular, and trapezoidal flaps) for surgical extraction of lower 3rd molars; studies assessing clinical outcomes of periodontal healing at adjacent molar sites. Studies included had to present a minimum follow-up of 1 month and at least variations of probing pocket depth (PPD) at 2nd molar site between baseline and follow-up. The search strategy considered a total of 148 records: based on the predetermined eligibility criteria, 24 articles were read, and 9 were finally identified. Regarding the primary outcome considered (PPD at 2nd molar site), no significant differences in its reduction between baseline and follow-up were found comparing different flaps designs. However, the greatest clinical attachment loss (CAL) was generally reported using a trapezoidal flap. Considering the heterogeneity of studies included, after 1 to 6 months of follow-up, no substantial evidence can be assumed for or against the use of a particular flap design for the extraction of lower third molars.

The research here presented reflects on the potentials of enhancement, given by new Information and Communication technologies, in the field of Culture Heritage. It describes an interpretation and communication project for a military landscape built during World War II by the German troops. Known as Galla Placidia Line, it was a network of heterogeneous fortifications like bunkers, defensive emplacements and dragon’s teeth erected between Pesaro and Ravenna along the coasts of Emilia Romagna.The project bases its roots on the development of a rigorous census, thought as an implementation of the online open-source catalogue established by the entrusted Institutions. The direct and indirect surveys required in order to describe these structures according to a specific set of characteristics will increase their knowledge and relative awareness and it will constitute the starting point for developing new narrative contents. The communication and interpretation of these data will go through the use of locating intelligences – an integrated GPS and Beacon system – involved into a new application. A tool witch is meant to help and empower local communities and institutions not only in making this heritage known but also in its conservation policies.

Fortresses and castles are important symbols of social and cultural identity providing tangible evidence of cultural unity in Europe. They are items for which it is always difficult to outline a credible prospect of reuse, their old raison d'être- namely the military, political and economic purposes for which they were built- having been lost. In recent years a Research Unit of the University of Bologna composed of architects from different disciplines has conducted a series of studies on fortified heritage in the Emilia Romagna region (and not only) often characterized by buildings in ruins. The purpose of this study is mainly to document a legacy, which has already been studied in depth by historians, and previously lacked reliable architectural surveys for the definition of a credible as well as sustainable conservation project. Our contribution will focus on different techniques and methods used for the survey of these architectures, the characteristics of which- in the past- have made an effective survey of these buildings difficult, if not impossible. The survey of a ruin requires, much more than the evaluation of an intact building, reading skills and an interpretation of architectural spaces to better manage the stages of documentation and data processing. Through a series of case studies of fortified buildings in ruins, we intend to describe the reasons that guided the choice of the methods and tools used and to highlight the potentials and the limits of these choices in financial terms.

  Fixed orthodontics presents significant challenges in maintaining proper at-home oral hygiene. The presence of irregular surfaces, which favor bacterial accumulation, makes it difficult to control plaque effectively, thereby increasing the risk of developing various oral diseases. In this context, education and motivation are crucial for improving at-home oral hygiene in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatments. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of education and motivation on the plaque index of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. A search was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs). They had to assess treatment with fixed and home oral hygiene protocols. The p-value was analyzed by comparing the experimental and control groups, as well as the Plaque Index (PI) of the two groups at each follow-up. After a careful selection process, nine studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the review. The results from these studies show that repeated educational and motivational strategies, delivered through both traditional and digital methods, lead to a reduction in the plaque index among patients who received support compared to control groups. In fact, six out of nine studies show a statistically significant difference in terms of PI for the experimental group. This systematic review highlights the importance of educational and motivational interventions in helping patients maintain effective plaque control, a crucial aspect of oral health for individuals wearing fixed orthodontic appliances. Digital tools offer a promising avenue for enhancing adherence among orthodontic patients and reducing the risk of plaque-related conditions.

    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.

Orthodontic treatment, especially fixed orthodontic treatment, increases the amount of plaque in the oral cavity due to the difficulty in brushing because of the presence of brackets. The aim of this systematic review was to compare different types of toothbrushes, that is, sonic, roto-oscillating, and manual, to determine the best method for removing plaque during treatment with fixed orthodontics. The review was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. The 2020 PRISMA guidelines were used for this study. Nine studies between 2013 and 2023 were included, two of which considered sonic toothbrushes in relation to others, and seven investigated roto-oscillating toothbrushes with other types. The aim of this study was to observe how plaque indices change based on the device used. Each study used a distinct method of instruction and follow-up. According to statistical data and plaque percentages, the best device appears to be a roto-oscillating toothbrush combined with an orthodontic brush head. However, it remains essential that patients, throughout the treatment, are motivated to have good oral hygiene at home and follow up to ensure the treatment is effective.

  Air polishing therapy, utilizing advanced technologies such as erythritol- or glycine-based powders and air-jet devices, is an innovative method for managing oral biofilms without damaging dental surfaces. This systematic review compares Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), which combines air polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal, with conventional oral hygiene methods, such as ultrasonic debridement followed by rubber cup polishing. The analysis focused on reducing biofilm, improving gingival health, enhancing patient comfort, and reducing treatment duration. This study followed the PICO method to formulate a research question. A bibliographic search was conducted using the PubMed and Cochrane databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published over the past 10 years. The 2020 PRISMA guidelines were applied, resulting in the selection of six studies published between 2015 and 2025. Only studies that directly compared GBT with conventional methods were included and assessed for methodological quality. The findings indicated that GBT is as effective as traditional methods for reducing oral biofilms. Additionally, GBT improves patient comfort, reduces treatment duration, and is associated with fewer side effects than conventional techniques. Guided Biofilm Therapy represents a promising alternative to conventional oral hygiene methods, offering comparable clinical efficacy with added benefits in terms of patient comfort and treatment efficiency.