Tracking air quality trends and vehicle traffic dynamics at urban scale using satellite and ground data before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

The implications of the COVID-19 outbreak are subjected to an increasing number of studies. So far, air quality trends related to the lockdown due to the pandemic have been analysed in large cities or entire regions. In this work, the region studied is the metropolitan area of Cagliari, which is the main city on the island of Sardinia (Italy) and can be representative of a coastal city that includes industrial settlements. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of restrictions related to the COVID-19 outbreak on air quality levels and the traffic dynamics in this type of urban area. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) levels before, during and after COVID-19 lockdown have been investigated using data acquired from the Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI satellite combined with on-site measurements. Both TROPOMI detected and ground-based data have revealed higher levels of NO2 before and after the lockdown, compared to those during the period of COVID-related restrictions, in particular in the urban area of Cagliari. On the other hand, NO2 registered in the oil refinery area did not show significant differences associated with lockdown. The correlation of TROPOMI NO2 tropospheric column with ground data (surface NO2) on a monthly mean basis showed different values based on the background and the highest Pearson's coefficient was of about 0.78 near to the city centre, where traffic can be considered a significant source of emission. In addition, a comparison of the air pollution level with the dynamics of vehicle traffic was investigated. The study highlighted a remarkable correlation between the reduction of the number of vehicles and the corresponding tropospheric NO2 values that decreased on a weekly mean basis.

Contrast medium injection protocols for coronary CT angiography: should contrast medium volumes be tailored to body weight or body surface area?

AIM: To compare the uniformity and image quality between contrast media injection protocols adjusted for patient body weight (BW) versus body surface area (BSA) during coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography (CCTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=489) with suspected coronary artery disease were randomised prospectively to one of two CCTA protocols. In the BW protocol (n=245), patients received individualised iodine delivery rates (≤50 kg: 1 g/s; 51-60 kg: 1.2 g/s; 61-70 kg: 1.4 g/s; 71-80 kg: 1.6 g/s; 81-90 kg: 1.8 g/s; 91-100 kg: 2 g/s; >100 kg: 2.2 g/s). In the BSA protocol (n=244), patients received 9,600 mg iodine/m2 of contrast medium over 12 seconds. Attenuation and image noise were measured. Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio were calculated. Image quality was scored. Attenuation was assessed for correlation with BW and BSA using linear regression. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial attenuation (396.8±47.6 versus 395.8±42.2 HU, p=0.804; 95% confidence interval: -7 to 9), image noise (25.2±5.8 versus 25.5±5.4 HU; p=0.549), signal-to-noise ratio (16.7±4.4 versus 16.6±3.6; p=0.902), contrast-to-noise ratio (25.1±5.8 versus 25.8±7.4; p=0.258) or image quality scores (4.1±0.9 versus 4±0.9; p=0.770) between the BW and BSA protocols. There was no correlation between BW and aortic attenuation or between BSA and aortic attenuation (p=0.324 and 0.932, respectively). CONCLUSION: The average contrast media attenuation and image quality was comparable between BW-adjusted protocol and BSA-adjusted protocol.

Effects of the sander bite jumping appliance in patients with class ii malocclusion before growth peak.

Sander bite jumping appliance (BJA) is a functional appliance used to correct Class II malocclusion in growing patients. The aim of this study was to identify the dento-skeletal effects in patients treated with BJA before growth peak and to compare these effects with the ones obtained in a similar group treated with the Andresen activator (AA). Twenty subjects with class II relationship of the skeletal bases and cervical vertebrae maturation stage 1 or 2 were enrolled in the study and treated with BJA. This group were compared to 14 subjects treated with AA. Cephalometric analyses were carried out using landmarks derived from the analyses of Pancherz, Ricketts, Tweed and Steiner. After treatment with BJA Pg/OLp increase was 7.40±3.81 mm (P<0.001); Pg/OLp+Co/OLp significantly heightened from T0 to T1 (T0: 82.20±4.65 mm vs T1: 89.62±4.27, P<0.001). Overjet (is/OLp - ii/OLp) significantly decreased from T0 to T1 (T0: 7.40±2.31 mm vs T1: 3.05±1.34 mm, P<0.001). Molar relationship improved passing from 1.46±1.68 mm at T0 to -3.56±2.04 mm at T1 (P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between BJA and AA groups at T0 and T1. BJA treatment determined a Class II malocclusion correction in all patients. The correction of molar relationship was mainly due to the increase in mandibular length; the correction of the overjet was due to the increase in mandibular length, to the slight pro-inclination of the lower incisors and the mild retro-inclination of the upper incisors. No significant differences were found in effectiveness between BJA and AA.

Platelet rich plasma grafting technique combined with trans-sinusal post-extractive implants placement in the posterior maxilla: a technical report and brief literature review.

The atrophic posterior ridges are usually characterized by poor bone quality and quantity: this situation requires the use of bone regenerative techniques. Other alternative surgical approaches are investigated. Nowadays the use of trans-sinus implants offers some advantages due to its feasibility. Today, bone grafting may be practical, but depends on many factors, such as the type of bone graft used (autogenous, alloplastic, or xenograft), host response, age of the patient, various complications associated with grafting procedures, infection, and, most importantly, the time spent while the grafted material matures and is taken up by the bone. So, this case report describes the feasibility of an alternative surgical technique associated to PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma).

Interceptive use of pendulum for advance resolution of class II patient: a guided eruption plan to reduce stress on permanent teeth root.

Use of the so-called distalizing mechanics is a common treatment to correct class II malocclusion. One of the first appliances made for molar distalization was the pendulum, which resulted immediately efficient. The knowledge of pendulum efficacy, in regards to distalizing treatment in adolescence, has guided the research to analyze pendulum effect in childhood: checking the pre-eruptive, natural and distal movement of upper second premolar following first upper molar distalization in order to obtain an advance resolution on Angle's Class II patient, limited treatment time, reduced periodontal inflammation and stress on permanent teeth root. A pilot study testing the possibility of a prospective study was necessary on 6 patients treated following an accurate protocol (6 months and 1-year Rx control) and 6 patient control after one year. Statistical analysis by T-Test was done. Oral hygiene controls every month were done. Second upper bicuspid vertical (1.6mm) and sagittal (2.5mm) movement mean values allow to emphasize a distal variation of tooth axis inclination of treatment group than control group, and a second upper bicuspid distal departure from "gubernaculus dentis" of second deciduous molar in treated patients. Periodontal inflammation appears inexistent on second and first upper premolar germs after the comparison between RX exam of treatment and control groups because of exploiting deciduous teeth. Besides periodontal inflammation and teeth root stress on first upper molar of treatment group, after RX analysis, results were limited compared to control groups because of the advanced orthodontic interceptive treatment during a previous stage of first upper molar root development.

New trends in adjunctive treatment and diagnosis in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A 10-year review.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a major disease under study for over the last twenty years. Different classifications have been proposed and many therapies for the different stages have been applied. The evolution of treatments lead to an increasingly conservative approach. Numerous adjuvant treatments have been proposed in the last decade. All these complementary treatments have been proposed mainly to resolve or reduce the painful stress, predominantly caused by bacterial infection, simplifying the wound healing process and improving patients' compliance. Nowadays "secondary" treatments, such as autologous platelet concentrates (APCs, more specifically PRP, PRGF or PRF), hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), Auto/tetracycline fluorescence-guided bone surgery (AF-GBS/TF-GBS), medical drugs like teriparatide or the combination between pentoxifylline and tocopherol, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), laser and/or low-laser therapy and ozone therapy are more or less well documented and known considering their clinical effectiveness. The aim of the present review is the evaluation of the quantity and quality of scientific studies concerning this specific topic.

The use of computer-guided flapless dental implant surgery (Nobel guide®) and immediate function to support a fixed full-arch prosthesis in fresh frozen homologous bone grafted patients: a retrospective cohort study with 5 to 8-year follow-up.

The introduction of computer-assisted and guided surgery has radically improved the possibility of using all available bone for implant support, reducing the need for extensive grafting procedures and allowing for better implant placement and restoration. Moreover, fresh frozen homologous bone (FFB) grafts have shown good osteoconductive properties and biocompatibility with results comparable to autologous bone patients. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the survival and the success rate of implants and related fixed full arch prosthesis at the 5 to 8 years follow-up when performed with immediate function using a flapless surgical procedure and computer-aided technology (NobelGuide®, Nobel Biocare® AB, Goteborg, Sweden) in patients previously treated with FFB grafts; treated at the University of Verona with the NobelGuide® system from January 2007 to December 2012 with at least 5 years follow-up were reviewed. Survival implants and survival prosthesis' percentage reached 95% in a 5 to 8-year period. This study indicates that patients previously augmented with FFB graft for maxillary or mandibular bone atrophy can be safely treated with implant supported prosthesis based on the NobelGuide® protocol, with the aid of computer-generated guide.

Ketamine in dentistry: a useful way for non-compliant pediatric patients.

The infant, like the young un-cooperative or odontophobic patient, constitute the most complex type of patient to be treated and it is frequent in modern society. The treatment of these patients is necessary to resolve the infectious-antalgic urgency and subsequently to build the patient/doctor relationship for continuing general dental care. Conscious sedation is the only way to approach this type of patient. Where therapeutic success with traditional sedation techniques is not achieved, as frequently happens in these patients, sedation with ketamine is the extreme ratio for the purpose of effective resolution of the dental problem, obviously carried out within facilities authorized for these anesthesiological modalities such as private outpatient surgery structures where, when necessary, it is possible to carry out the treatments also under general anesthesia as well as with ketamine.

The rule of hydrogen peroxide long term rinse during a particular alveolar bone healing after ONJ injuries in a patient with periodontal disease: a 4-year radiological follow up report of a mental nerve emergence migration.

Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) is a pathology initially described in the early 2000s that has become increasingly common in clinical dentistry and maxillofacial practice due to the frequent use of bisphosphonates medical drugs (BPs) to treat various diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget's syndrome, osteomyelitis and in bone metastases secondary to tumors. Supragingival irrigation applied as monotherapy and in combination with root planning or BFs related bone necrosectomy revealed that supragingival irrigation with a variety of agents reduced the gingival microbial load and gingival inflammation. In this 4-year follow-up study we analyze the use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an antimicrobial agent for maintenance periodontal health, improving the longevity of teeth and oral cavity healing process.

Laser lingual frenectomy: basal eutonia achievement by natural homeostatis.

The aim of present study is a macro evaluation of adjustment to allow homeostasis before and after frenectomy. Macro analysis was done on 7 pediatric patients tested firstly simple surface elettromyography (EMG) to evaluate masticatory muscles, secondly the Romberg's test to assess the posture and thirdly cephalometric analysis according to Giannì and Rocabado to assess orthodontic variations. The frenectomy was performed with diode laser (wavelength 890 nm). Pre-frenectomy EMG outcomes indicate a clear masticatory muscular imbalance with a different electrical activity compared to physiological standard values and functional basal balance. Results after frenectomy EMG show a normalization of basal values with an improvement of mandibular posture. Depending on cephalometric analysis, outcomes reveal a tendency to normalize the cervical lordosis, previously altered. Ultimately, pre-frenectomy Romberg's test shows initial instability in the static posture, which decreases after frenectomy. In conclusion, the short lingual fraenum not only has static correlations with the oral cavity but also dynamic connections with the cervical posture and muscular basal organization. So, homeostasis includes macro alterations involving muscular tone and bone position. Frenectomy could favor the restoration of the basal eutonia achieved by a natural homeostasis.

Zygomatic implants supported rehabilitations in atrophic maxilla: sinus complications, radiological, periodontal and prosthodontic evaluations: a one year follow up retrospective longitudinal study.

The rehabilitation of maxillary bone atrophy represents one of the main challenges of modern oral implantology. The use of zygomatic implants in the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient affected by severe maxillary bone atrophy is another therapeutic alternative, not exempt from complications. The present study included 19 patients with edentulous maxillae who were treated between 2013 to 2015 with at least two zygomatic implants at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Verona, Italy. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to evaluate sinus complications and radiological, periodontal and prosthetic evaluations of zygomatic implants technique in severe atrophic. Implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of the upper jaw edentulous severely atrophic using zygomatic implants represents one safe and repeatable technique. In terms of implant survival from our study showed an implant CRS (common reporting standard) of 98.5% and a prosthetic CRS 100% with a mean follow-up period of 19.2 months (range). Both recorded data are superimposed on major reported studies in literature.

Efficacy of the Andresen activator before peak growth in class II patients.

Andresen activator (AA) is a functional appliance used to correct Class II malocclusion in growing patients. It corrects the malocclusion stimulating mandibular growth and determining a palatoversion of the upper incisors and a vestibularization of the lower incisors. The aim of this study was to analyze the treatment efficacy of class II malocclusion due to mandibular hypodevelopment before peak growth. Fourteen subjects with class II relationship of the skeletal bases and cervical vertebrae maturation stage 1 or 2 were enrolled in the study. Cephalometric analyses were carried out using landmarks derived from the analyses of Pancherz, Ricketts, Tweed and Steiner. A significant decrease (P less than 0.05) in ANB angle was found (-2.29±3.05°) after treatment, which was expression of an improvement in maxillo-mandibular sagittal skeletal relationships. There was also a significant reduction of OJ after treatment (-4.44±2.36 mm; P less than 0.001), indicating a vestibularization of the mandibular incisors and a palatoversion of the maxillary incisors, and a correction of the molar relationship. The favorable effects of the Andresen activator for the correction of the mandibular defect can be found even prior to peak growth; the achieved class I relationship maintains a correct mandible position in time, ensuring a proper skeletal growth. .

Evaluation of pain, swelling and trismus after extraction of impacted third molars relative to the use of betamethasone in submucusal infiltration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of a single 4 mg injection of submucosal betamethasone after extraction of impacted third molars. Single-centre, single-blinded, parallel group study; Forty-three patients were submitted to impacted third molar extraction. In this study, 4 mg single-dose submucosal betamethasone was injected in the interventional group, while in the control group nothing was injected. Postoperative measurement included pain via the VAS scale, swelling and trismus with facial measurements and maximum mouth openings, and finally nerve sensitivity. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding trismic pain and edema. The use of a single 4 mg submucosal betamethasone injection leads to a reduction of oedema, trismus and pain in patients undergoing impacted third molar extraction. .

Tooth agenesis: part 2. Orthodontic treatment and prosthetic possibilities.

Dental agenesis has a great clinical significance due to its frequency during daily practice and the therapeutic problems that can arise from it. This paper will explore all the aspects to consider in order creating a proper multidisciplinary treatment plan: in particular, orthodontic, prosthetic and implantologic therapeutic alternatives are described for the rehabilitation of the different areas of the dental arches. In fact, dental agenesis is a problem that often requires the intervention of specialists from the different fields of dentistry and its treatment must meet aesthetics needs, stomatognathic function and patient satisfaction.

Bi-layered collagen nano-structured membrane prototype collagen matrix CM-10826 for oral soft tissue regeneration: an in vivo ultrastructural study on 13 patients.

A new developed collagen matrix CM-10826 (CM) of porcine origin designed to be used as oral soft tissue substitute was investigated before and after implantation by light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In a case series biopsy specimens were harvested from thirteen patients at 10, 20, 30, 43 days after abutment surgery for uncovering dental implants. The in vivo histological evaluations of each patient were performed via micro-coring of newly formed oral mucosa in the area covered by CM (test side) or left uncovered (control). Results showed that CM can be integrated in connective and epithelial tissues within 10 days, can be completely resorbed within 20 days and it is able to reduce inflammatory infiltrates and to stimulate both fibroblast/epithelial cell proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Generally it seems to be superior in promoting soft tissue healing compared to that induced by secondary intention healing. Furthermore, it is able to act as a scaffold for soft-tissue regeneration, allowing the proliferation of keratinocytes from the wound edges and favoring neovascularization and growth of connective tissue in the mesh of porous layer. It appears that a CM might function in oral surgery as a substitute for autologous grafts and to avoid secondary intention healing in soft tissue defects.

Guidelines for achieving the best implants survival rates in the rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla.

The first option in the rehabilitation of the posterior atrophic maxilla is the sinus lift. The aim of this study is to highlight the characteristics that a sinus lift should have to maximize the subsequent implant survival rate. 33 systematic reviews regarding sinus lift procedures, implants success and survival rates were identified through scientific archives and analysed. The obtained results indicated that a heterogeneity of sinus lift procedures are described in the literature. The sinus lift should be performed through the apposition of particulate xenograft materials, in at least 4mm residual bone. Implants should have a rough surface and the patient should be non-smoker.

An overview of socket preservation.

Socket preservation is a surgical procedure whose aim is to limit the physiological resorption of the alveolar ridge that occurs after a dental extraction, in order to have sufficient bone to perform an implant placement. 16 articles regarding socket preservation procedures were identified through scientific archives and analysed. The biological rationale, the graft materials and the predictive factors are identified to help the clinicians in their practice. Socket preservation is an effective treatment to prevent bone resorption if performed after an atraumatic extraction with the use of biomaterials and membranes. It is also important not to forget local and systemic predictive factors.

Immediate rehabilitation of the posterior maxilla with an axial and a tilted post-extractive implant: a technical report and brief literature review.

The atrophic posterior ridges are usually characterized by poor bone quality and quantity: this situation requires the use of bone regenerative techniques. Other alternative surgical approaches are investigated. Nowadays the use of tilted implants offers some advantages due to its feasibility. Today, bone grafting may be practical, but depends on many factors, such as the type of bone graft used (autogenous, alloplastic, or xenograft), host response, age of the patient, various complications associated with grafting procedures, infection, and, most importantly, the time spent while the grafted material matures and is taken up by the bone. So this case report describes the feasibility of an alternative surgical technique.

An overview of guided bone regeneration.

TGuided bone regeneration (GBR) is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to obtain, new bone, new cementum and a new periodontal attachment around a periodontally compromised tooth. In this work, an overview of the literature was performed to analyze the state of the art concerning GBR in order to draw useful conclusions for clinical practice. Twenty-nine articles regarding GBR procedures were identified through scientific archives and analyzed. The biological rationale, the graft materials and the predictive factors were identified to help the clinicians in their practice. GBR is an effective treatment to prevent tooth loss if performed in adequate bone defects and it is also important to keep in mind predictive factors.

Agenesis: pilot case report by 2.9 mm implant.

The agenesis of the upper lateral incisor is one of the most frequent aesthetic-functional problems in dentistry. The reported case concerns a 49 years old male patient with bilateral agenesis of teeth 1.2-2.2 and a root stump of tooth 5.2 temporarily rehabilitated through a Maryland bridge. Without orthodontic treatment, the only solution for implant-prosthetic rehabilitation of tooth 1.2 results therefore in the use of a 2.9 mm diameter implant. The clinical and radiographic control of the implant and the gingival stability at a distance of 1 year gives a positive result both clinically and radiographically. The use of the implant with a 2.9 mm diameter is therefore indicated in extreme cases of limited bone availability.