Supporting equitable and responsible highway safety improvement funding allocation strategies - Why AI prediction biases matter.

The existing methodologies for allocating highway safety improvement funding closely rely on the utilization of crash prediction models. Specifically, these models produce predictions that estimate future crash hazard levels in different geographical areas, which subsequently support the future funding allocation strategies. In recent years, there is a burgeoning interest in applying artificial intelligence (AI)-based models to perform crash prediction tasks. Despite the remarkable accuracy of these AI-based crash prediction models, they have been observed to yield biased prediction outcomes across areas of different socioeconomic statuses. These biases are primarily attributed to the inherent measurement and representation biases of AI-based prediction models. More precisely, measurement bias arises from the selection of target variables to reflect crash hazard levels, while representation bias results from the issue of imbalanced number of samples representing areas with different socioeconomic statuses within the dataset. Consequently, these biased prediction outcomes have the potential to perpetuate an unfair allocation of funding resources, contributing to worsen social inequality over time. Drawing upon a real-world case study in North Carolina, this study designs an AI-based crash prediction model that utilizes previous sociodemographic and crash-related variables to predict future severe crash rate of each area to reflect the crash hazardous level. By incorporating a fair regression framework, this study endeavors to transform the crash prediction model to become both fair and accurate, aiming to support equitable and responsible safety improvement funding allocation strategies.

Poor Oral Health Linked with Higher Risk of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive and behavioral changes in older adults. Emerging evidence suggests poor oral health is associated with AD, but there is a lack of large-scale clinical studies demonstrating this link. Herein, we used the TriNetX database to generate clinical cohorts and assess the risk of AD and survival among >30 million de-identified subjects with normal oral health (n = 31,418,814) and poor oral health (n = 1,232,751). There was a greater than two-fold increase in AD risk in the poor oral health cohort compared to the normal oral health group (risk ratio (RR): 2.363, (95% confidence interval: 2.326, 2.401)). To reduce potential bias, we performed retrospective propensity score matching for age, gender, and multiple laboratory measures. After matching, the cohorts had no significant differences in survival probability. Furthermore, when comparing multiple oral conditions, diseases related to tooth loss were the most significant risk factor for AD (RR: 3.186, (95% CI: 3.007, 3.376)). Our results suggest that oral health may be important in AD risk, regardless of age, gender, or laboratory measures. However, more large-scale cohort studies are necessary to validate these findings and further evaluate links between oral health and AD.

A double lateral pedicle graft technique for palatal recession coverage on dental implants.

Rough surfaces of dental implants, when exposed to the oral environment, are conducive to biofilm colonization and can predispose the affected implant to periimplantitis. Recession coverage using soft-tissue grafts is one of the treatment modalities used for the treatment of exposed implant threads. Recession coverage on the palatal aspect of maxillary implants is difficult due to the firm nature of the palatal mucosa and, consequently has not been widely documented in the literature. This case report documents a novel double-pedicle technique for palatal recession coverage on a dental implant. Two pedicle grafts were obtained from either side of the implant with the mucosal recession: a full-thickness lateral-pedicle graft from the distal aspect and a subepithelial connective tissue pedicle from the mesial aspect. The connective tissue pedicle was stabilized first on the area of mucosal recession and was then covered with the distal full-thickness lateral pedicle. Complete recession coverage was obtained, and the result was observed to be clinically stable after 18 months of follow-up. The technique demonstrated in this report can be a useful tool for the treatment of localized palatal recessions on dental implants.

New leptestherid clam shrimps (Pancrustacea: Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata: Leptestheriidae) from peninsular India.

Spinicaudatan clam shrimps are an evolutionarily ancient lineage restricted to temporary freshwater pools. Use of classical morpho-taxonomic approaches alone have led to some issues in the taxonomy of this group, which are now being resolved through integrative taxonomy. Here, we describe two new leptestherid spiny clam shrimps Leptestheria chalukyae sp. nov. and Leptestheria gomantaki sp. nov. from peninsular India based on their unique morphological characters and distinct phylogenetic position. We also re-describe Leptestheria nobilis and present an overview of the morphological characters of all the Indian leptestherids. Most of the conventional taxonomic characters appear to overlap among all the Indian species, although the combination of occipital condyle shape and the cercopod marginal spines arrangement in combination, appear to be useful in separating leptestherid species.

CERBERUS in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge.

This article presents the core technologies and deployment strategies of Team CERBERUS that enabled our winning run in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge finals. CERBERUS is a robotic system-of-systems involving walking and flying robots presenting resilient autonomy, as well as mapping and navigation capabilities to explore complex underground environments.

Evaluation of individual and ensemble probabilistic forecasts of COVID-19 mortality in the United States.

Short-term probabilistic forecasts of the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States have served as a visible and important communication channel between the scientific modeling community and both the general public and decision-makers. Forecasting models provide specific, quantitative, and evaluable predictions that inform short-term decisions such as healthcare staffing needs, school closures, and allocation of medical supplies. Starting in April 2020, the US COVID-19 Forecast Hub (https://covid19forecasthub.org/) collected, disseminated, and synthesized tens of millions of specific predictions from more than 90 different academic, industry, and independent research groups. A multimodel ensemble forecast that combined predictions from dozens of groups every week provided the most consistently accurate probabilistic forecasts of incident deaths due to COVID-19 at the state and national level from April 2020 through October 2021. The performance of 27 individual models that submitted complete forecasts of COVID-19 deaths consistently throughout this year showed high variability in forecast skill across time, geospatial units, and forecast horizons. Two-thirds of the models evaluated showed better accuracy than a naïve baseline model. Forecast accuracy degraded as models made predictions further into the future, with probabilistic error at a 20-wk horizon three to five times larger than when predicting at a 1-wk horizon. This project underscores the role that collaboration and active coordination between governmental public-health agencies, academic modeling teams, and industry partners can play in developing modern modeling capabilities to support local, state, and federal response to outbreaks.

Photobiomodulation of human gingival fibroblasts with diode laser - A systematic review.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is being extensively studied in the field of periodontics as a noninvasive technique to achieve better results after nonsurgical and surgical therapy. However, there is a lack of definitive guidelines for the use of LLLT to promote gingival and periodontal wound healing. The primary objective of this systematic review was to critically analyze the studies evaluating the effect of low-level diode laser on human gingival fibroblasts in vitro and to develop wavelength-specific guidelines for photobiomodulation of human gingival fibroblasts. A thorough electronic and manual search was conducted for relevant articles published until December 2019. Nine studies were included in the review after the initial screening of 1334 articles. Our data analysis revealed that LLLT with diode laser stimulates human gingival fibroblasts as there was the increase in cell viability, proliferation, migration, and protein synthesis in irradiated cells. The diode lasers in the 600-700 nm spectrum were effective in the 10 mW to 30 mW power range. Lasers in the 700-800 nm range were effective in the 25-50 mW power range and diode lasers in the 800-900 nm range were effective at a power setting of 10 mW. It was possible to ascertain a suitable power setting for a particular wavelength spectrum, but no other parameters could be defined due to a lack of reporting of details. Hence, the authors have developed guidelines for comprehensive reporting of in-vitro studies to facilitate future research and overcome existing lacunae in knowledge.

Applications of diode laser in periodontal therapy ­ clinical guidelines and tips / Aplicações do laser de diodo na terapia periodontal ­ Orientações e dicas clínicas

Os lasers de diodo tornaram-se ferramentas clínicas populares devido ao seu tamanho compacto, acessibilidade, facilidade de uso e versatilidade. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as diversas aplicações de um laser de diodo na prática diária e destacar os aspectos técnicos do uso do laser de diodo para o mesmo. Esta série de casos relata o manejo de seis diferentes situações clínicas com laser de diodo: anquiloglossia, bolsa periodontal, zênites gengivais desiguais, mucocele, hipersensibilidade dentinária e gengiva hiperpigmentada. Os pacientes foram tratados com laser de diodo de 940 nm com potência de 0,5 W a 2 W dependendo do caso. A cicatrização pós-operatória transcorreu sem intercorrências na maioria dos casos e foram observados resultados favoráveis. O laser de diodo ofereceu vantagens cirúrgicas como ­ campo seco, desinfecção do sítio cirúrgico e cirurgia sem sutura. Além disso, os autores observaram melhor satisfação do paciente devido à mínima dor ou edema pós-operatório e alívio imediato em caso de hipersensibilidade dentinária. Este artigo apresenta as aplicações cirúrgicas e não cirúrgicas do laser de diodo juntamente com os aspectos técnicos. Embora a literatura disponível não forneça evidências substanciais para comparação direta do laser de diodo com as técnicas convencionais, é seguro concluir que o laser de diodo é uma ferramenta eficiente para uso rotineiro em odontologia.(AU)

The diode lasers have become popular clinical tools because of their compact size, affordability, ease of use and versatility. The aim of this paper is to put forth the various applications of a diode laser in day to day practice and highlight the technical aspects of diode laser use for the same. This case series reports management of six different clinical situations with diode laser namely ­ ankyloglossia, periodontal pocket, unequal gingival zeniths, mucocele, dentinal hypersensitivity and hyper-pigmented gingiva. The patients were treated with 940 nm diode laser with power settings from 0.5 W to 2 W depending on the case. The post-operative healing was uneventful in most cases and favourable outcomes were observed. The diode laser offered surgical advantages like ­ dry field, disinfection of surgical site and suture-less surgery. In addition, the authors observed better patient satisfaction owing to minimal post-operative pain or swelling and immediate relief in case of dentinal hypersensitivity. This paper presents both surgical and non-surgical applications of diode laser along with the technical aspects. Even though the available literature does not lend substantial evidence for direct comparison of diode laser with conventional techniques, it is safe to conclude that diode laser is an efficient tool for routine use in dentistry.(AU)

Palatal pre-suturing for perioperative hemostasis at free gingival graft donor sites: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The palatal suture has been well known in literature as a method for palatal hemostasis but has not been validated for its efficacy. The aim of this parallel-arm randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of palatal pre-suturing using the greater palatine compression suture (GPCS) in reducing the perioperative hemorrhage associated with the palatal free gingival graft (FGG) procedure. METHODS: Twenty-four patients requiring the FGG procedure for recession coverage or augmentation of keratinized tissue were recruited in the study and randomized to the GPCS group and the control group. The GPCS was placed using a previously described protocol by a single operator in all the participants in the GPCS group. Perioperative blood loss was estimated by weighing the gauze used to mop the palatal hemorrhage, before and after the procedure. The time required for the surgery was also recorded by an independent observer. RESULTS: Significantly lesser blood loss was observed in the GPCS group (4.33 ± 0.89 g) as compared with the control group (8.91 ± 4.16 g). The difference in the time taken for the surgical procedure for the GPCS group (73.25 ± 22.35 minutes) was not significantly different from that required for the control group (76.08 ± 14.47 minutes). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pre-suturing of the palate using the GPCS is an effective technique to reduce the perioperative blood loss associated with the palatal FGG procedure.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Grafting Material in Periapical Surgery: A Case Series.

Positive effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on soft tissue healing are well documented, but its role in hard-tissue healing remains contested. The present case series documents the use of PRF as the sole grafting material in periapical bone defects. PRF was prepared and condensed into the bone defects after debridement. The defects were then covered with a collagen membrane and wound closure was performed. In all three cases presented in this report, excellent bone fill was observed in the periapical defects. The observed benefit may be due to the role of fibrin in initial clot stabilization. The elaboration of various growth factors by the platelets and leukocytes in the PRF clot may also play a role.

A novel clinical protocol for the greater palatine compression suture: A case report.

Bleeding from the palatal donor site is a worrisome complication of palatal soft tissue harvesting procedures and leads to considerable stress to both the patient and the surgeon. Several methods to control palatal hemorrhage have been suggested in literature, including a palatal suture, but a precise protocol has not been suggested. The present case report aims to suggest a protocol for the greater palatine compression suture (GPCS). Five patients who experienced profuse bleeding from the palatal free gingival graft donor site were treated with the GPCS. The palatal midline was used as a landmark and the location of the greater palatine foramen was estimated. The suture was placed anterior to the estimated location of the foramen and was passed deep into the palatal tissue with the aim of looping and compressing the vascular bundle. In all the patients, an immediate reduction and arrest of bleeding from the palatal wound was observed with blanching of the soft tissues around the suture. The proposed technique is a predictable method to control palatal hemorrhage and can be used if other less invasive techniques fail to stem the blood flow from an injured palatal vessel.

Identification of multiple strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis using heteroduplex polymerase chain reaction in varying severity of chronic periodontitis.

AIM: Research has demonstrated that there are multiple strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis with varying potency to cause periodontal disease. The current study aims at using heteroduplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the strain diversity of P. gingivalis in periodontitis lesions of varying severity in a sample of the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 60 individuals with varying severity of chronic periodontitis and 30 individuals with a clinically healthy periodontium. The samples were subjected to PCR analysis to identify P. gingivalis, followed by heteroduplex analysis to identify the strain diversity in a given sample. Bacterial culture was carried out as a comparative standard. RESULTS: Of the 56 samples that were positive for P. gingivalis by PCR, 54 samples yielded eight different heteroduplex patterns. Analysis of these patterns indicated that two strains of P. gingivalis were present in 41 individuals (45.6%) and three strains were present in 13 individuals (14.4%). Detection of P. gingivalis by PCR was significantly more in the periodontitis group as compared to the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: Species-specific PCR and heteroduplex analysis provide a simple and accurate method to analyse the strain diversity of P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis was detected in both healthy periodontal sites as well as sites with periodontitis. The presence of two or three P. gingivalis strains was seen in 60% of the samples.

A new species of genus Eulimnadia Packard, 1874 (Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata: Limnadiidae) from India with an updated key for some Indian species.

We describe a new species of Eulimnadia, Eulimnadia bondi sp. nov., from the state of Goa, India. This is the 8th species to be described from the country and first from this state. This species differs from all other Indian species in having unique egg morphology-cylindrical egg with dilated borders at both ends and a specific internal eggshell structure. Specimens showed intra-population morphological variation as observed in other species from the genus. Eulimnadia bondi sp. nov. egg resembles the South American E. colombiensis and the Australian E. australiensis. These species are however distinguished on egg morphological details and by some morphological characteristic of adults. Based on the available information, we present an overview of the distribution of the different Indian Eulimnadia species and an updated identification key based on egg morphology.

A new Indian record and morphological variation for Eulimnadia khoratensis Rogers et al., 2016 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata).

Eulimnadia Packard, 1874 is the most species rich and widely distributed genus within the Limnadiidae (Reed et al. 2015). Species identification relies primarily on egg morphology as adult morphological characters show high variability, sometimes within the same populations and hence of little use (Rabet, 2010; Rogers et al. 2012). Seven species are currently known from the Indian subcontinent (sensu Rogers & Padhye 2015) and SE Asia (Rogers et al. 2016). Of these, four species, viz. E. compressa (Baird, 1860), E. michaeli Nayar & Nair, 1968 and E. indocylindrova Durga Prasad and Simhachalam, 2004, E. azisi Babu and Nandan, 2010 are known from peninsular India (Padhye et al. 2015; Rogers & Padhye, 2015), although, much of this region remains unstudied (Padhye pers. obs.). With this background, we present a new Indian record of E. khoratensis Rogers, Dadseepai and Sanoamuang, 2016 from the Western region of Maharashtra state, India, extending its distribution a few thousand kilometers westwards.

Applications of a modified palatal roll flap in peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation - A case series.

Abrams's palatal roll technique has been used extensively to augment peri-implant soft tissues in the maxillary esthetic zone and has seen numerous modifications. An adaptation of the palatal roll technique is described here and its simplicity of application in three different scenarios is demonstrated. At second-stage implant surgery, a partial thickness initial incision followed by a palatal subepithelial dissection at the site of implant was done and a connective tissue graft with a buccal pedicle was obtained. The graft was rolled under the buccal flap and allowed to heal with the support of a healing abutment. The graft healed uneventfully and provided excellent contours of tissues around the implant. The procedure demonstrated good results for augmentation of a buccal ridge deficiency, for covering exposed and unsightly implant fixtures and was also done with a papilla preservation incision. In addition, a second surgical site to obtain the connective tissue graft was avoided.

Platelet-rich fibrin as an adjunct to palatal wound healing after harvesting a free gingival graft: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Owing to its stimulatory effect on angiogenesis and epithelialization, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an excellent material for enhancing wound healing. The use of PRF dressings may be a simple and effective method of reducing the morbidity associated with donor sites of autogenous free gingival grafts (FGGs). The purpose of this case series is to document the beneficial role of PRF in the healing of FGG donor sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 patients treated with FGGs could be classified into two groups. PRF was prepared, compressed and used to dress the palatal wound followed by a periodontal pack in one group (10 patients) and only a periodontal pack was used in the other group (8 patients). Post-operative healing was assessed clinically at 7, 14 and 21 days and the morbidity was assessed qualitatively by an interview. RESULTS: Sites where PRF was used showed complete wound closure by 14 days and these patients reported lesser post-operative morbidity than patients in whom PRF was not used. CONCLUSIONS: PRF as a dressing is an effective method of enhancing the healing of the palatal donor site and consequently reducing the post-operative morbidity.

Post-operative morbidity following the use of the inverted periosteal graft: A case series.

Post-operative complications following flap surgeries or mucogingival procedures are important factors influencing patient's perception of periodontal procedures. Hence, it is important to foresee such complications and take adequate measures pre- and post-operatively. We treated five consecutive cases of gingival recession in the maxillary canine-premolar area using the inverted periosteal graft with a coronally positioned flap technique. Following each of these surgeries, the patients complained of post-operative swelling the next day involving the canine space or buccal space area. The swelling persisted for at least 5 days, however, it was painless. This paper highlights the post-operative complications associated with the said procedure and makes a case for detail enquiry in the form of controlled studies.