Comparative analysis of treatment outcomes between Bi-Maxillary Plates and Facemask for treating class III malocclusion in growing subjects. A retrospective study.

AIM: To comparatively analyse the skeletal and dento-alveolar changes after treatment with Class III Bi-Maxillary Plates (BMPs) and FM appliances in growing patients with Class III skeletal malocclusion. CONCLUSION: BMPs with class III elastics provided a similar pattern of skeletal and dento-alveolar changes compared to FMs, however supported by slightly greater dentoalveolar effects that contribute to the correction of the class III malocclusion in growing subjects.

Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence Models in the Prediction of Periodontitis: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss and is related to many systemic diseases. Artificial intelligence (AI) in periodontics has the potential to improve the accuracy of risk assessment and provide personalized treatment planning for patients with periodontitis. This systematic review aims to examine the actual evidence on the accuracy of various AI models in predicting periodontitis. METHODS: Using a mix of MeSH keywords and free text words pooled by Boolean operators ('AND', 'OR'), a search strategy without a time frame setting was conducted on the following databases: Web of Science, ProQuest, PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Explore. The QUADAS-2 risk of bias assessment was then performed. RESULTS: From a total of 961 identified records screened, 8 articles were included for qualitative analysis: 4 studies showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 studies an unclear risk, and the remaining 2 studies a high risk. The most employed algorithms for periodontitis prediction were artificial neural networks, followed by support vector machines, decision trees, logistic regression, and random forest. The models showed good predictive performance for periodontitis according to different evaluation metrics, but the presented methods were heterogeneous. CONCLUSIONS: AI algorithms may improve in the future the accuracy and reliability of periodontitis prediction. However, to date, most of the studies had a retrospective design and did not consider the most modern deep learning networks. Although the available evidence is limited by a lack of standardized data collection and protocols, the potential benefits of using AI in periodontics are significant and warrant further research and development in this area. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The use of AI in periodontics can lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as improved patient education and engagement. Despite the current challenges and limitations of the available evidence, particularly the lack of standardized data collection and analysis protocols, the potential benefits of using AI in periodontics are significant and warrant further research and development in this area.

A possible unique ecosystem in the endoglacial hypersaline brines in Antarctica.

Here, we present the results related to a new unique terrestrial ecosystem found in an englacial hypersaline brine found in Northern Victoria Land (Antarctica). Both the geochemistry and microbial (prokaryotic and fungal) diversity revealed an unicity with respect to all the other known Antarctic brines and suggested a probable ancient origin mainly due a progressive cryoconcentration of seawater. The prokaryotic community presented some peculiarities, such as the occurrence of sequences of Patescibacteria (which can thrive in nutrient-limited water environments) or few Spirochaeta, and the presence of archaeal sequences of Methanomicrobia closely related to Methanoculleus, a methanogen commonly detected in marine and estuarine environments. The high percentage (35%) of unassigned fungal taxa suggested the presence of a high degree of undiscovered diversity within a structured fungal community (including both yeast and filamentous life forms) and reinforce the hypothesis of a high degree of biological uniqueness of the habitat under study.

Digital analysis of the occlusal changes and palatal morphology using elastodontic devices. A prospective clinical study including Class II subjects in mixed dentition.

AIM: The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastodontic appliance (EAs) in the treatment of subjects presenting Class II sagittal discrepancy in mixed dentition, and to evaluate palatal morphological development during treatment. MATERIALS: The study group, composed of 19 subjects, received treatment with EA for 1 year. The control group consisted of 17 untreated subjects. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age between 6 and 11 years, mixed deciduous dentition and skeletal and/or dental Class II malocclusion. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous orthodontic therapy, systemic diseases and signs of temporal dysfunction. Skeletal and dentoalveolar parameters were compared between T0 and T1. A 3D imaging technology was used to compare palatal morphology obtained from intra-oral digital scans between T0 (pre-treatment) and T1 (post-treatment). CONCLUSION: EAs can successfully mitigate early signs of malocclusion in Class II subjects as well as contribute to the harmonious development of the palate.

[The management of confirmed cases of Covid-19 infection in schools: the experience of the prevention Department of the Azienda Sanitaria Friuli occidentale in the Pordenone area]. / L'attività del Dipartimento di prevenzione ASFO nella gestione dei casi confermati di Covid-19 nelle scuole del territorio pordenonese.

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic that exploded in 2020 resulted in an exceptional school closure involving at least 188 countries worldwide, leaving more than 90% of children at home. This event excluded children and teenagers from the opportunity to learn, socialize, experiment and increased early school leaving. In light of these premises, during the summer months of 2020 the Azienda sanitaria Friuli Occidentale (AsFO) decided to set up a working group to accompany schools in the prevention and containment of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the course of the school year 2020-21, with the aim of guaranteeing the right to study and favoring teaching activities in presence in the highest conditions of health and safety. The school reality of the Pordenone area is made up of 40 Comprehensive Institutes for a total of about 206 school complexes of all levels (public, equal and private). In total, the local school population is about 33,000 pupils and 4,000 units of school staff (teachers, ATA, etc ...). The activities of the Schools Group were analyzed by monitoring all interventions with carrying out rapid antigen tests at school and by assessing the incidence of infections within schools. From September 2020 to June 2021, the AsFO Schools Group participated in about 35 teaching colleges and more than 10 dedicated meetings with the families of school pupils of all levels. In total, 170 interventions with rapid antigen tests were carried out at school, involving all the schools in the Pordenone area and a total of 206 classes. During the interventions at school, a total of 6,370 rapid antigen tests were carried out, of which 70% concerned pupils (4,458 total tests) and 30% concerned school staff (1,912 total tests). The antigen tests carried out at school found 173 total positivity (equal to 3% of all tests carried out at school). Out of 173 positives found, 121 are students (70% of the total) and 52 are school staff (30% of the total). During the observation period, the results of the interventions with rapid antigen tests carried out at school led to the continuation of the teaching activity in the presence (with respect to the hygiene and behavioral measures defined by the DP) in 69% of cases (118 interventions). In 9% of cases (15 interventions) the "cross" quarantine was carried out, while in 17% of cases (29 interventions) the quarantine was established for the entire class / section. In 7 circumstances, following the intervention at school, quarantine was established for several classes. Only in 4 circumstances was the institution of quarantine for all school staff, a situation that led to the interruption of all educational activities for the quarantine period.

The Evolution of the Cephalometric Superimposition Techniques from the Beginning to the Digital Era: A Brief Descriptive Review.

Superimposition of craniofacial structures from radiographic examination has been always used for assessing changes in the maxilla-mandibular complexes, especially for the evaluation of potential changes occurring during growth as well as after orthodontic treatment and/or maxillofacial surgery. However, the availability of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the recent advancement in 3D imaging have allowed the development of specific techniques for the registration and superimposition of virtual three-dimensional anatomical structures, improving the diagnosis and treatment plan strategies. In the present paper, it will be discussed the evolution of superimposition techniques from the beginning (2D) to the newest 3D approach, describing the most used methods and their main advantages and disadvantages, focusing primarily on accuracy and reproducibility of each technique.

Enhancing the diagnosis of maxillary transverse discrepancy through 3-D technology and surface-to-surface superimposition. Description of the digital workflow with a documented case report.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary transverse discrepancy is often diagnosed in childhood. The evaluation of morphological characteristics of the maxilla is crucial for appropriate treatment of this condition, however conventional diagnostic method is based on visual inspection and transversal linear parameters. In this paper, we described a user-friendly diagnostic digital workflow based on the surface-to-surface analysis. We also described a case report. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old female patient presenting mild transversal maxillary deficiency associated with functional posterior crossbite was treated by using maxillary removable appliance. In this respect, the appliance was designed in accordance to the morphological characteristics of the maxilla obtained by using the diagnostic digital work-flow and the maxillary surface-to-surface analysis. CONCLUSION: The present user-friendly diagnostic digital workflow based on surface-to-surface analysis helps clinicians to detect specific morphological characteristics of the maxilla, such as shape and area of asymmetry, in order to reach a comprehensive diagnosis and choose the correct biomechanics for treating the condition.

Bruma MAD: a new way of treating OSAS patients.

The aim of this study was to introduce a new adjustable device in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The new appliance has a different way to regulate and move the mandible through the presence of two occlusal lifts, that can leave an open posterior space, and the complex system formed by the peduncle and the steel plate that can easily move forward the mandible. This system guarantees a posterior space for the tongue but mostly for the passage of air. The principal aim of Bruma MAD is to contrast the pharyngeal collapsing and to prevent hypopnea or apnea. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm and to evaluate the predictability of this new device.

Low-level laser therapy protocols in dental movement acceleration and in pain management during orthodontic treatment.

In recent years various studies about the biostimulatory effects of the laser therapy in orthodontics have been carried out. This study investigates the potential advantages obtainable using the Low-level Laser Therapy during orthodontic treatment and the most efficient clinical protocols. Recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been obtained through a search on electronic databases (Cochrane Library and Pubmed). Clinical studies in humans in which Low-level Laser Therapy was applied during orthodontic treatment were included. In conclusion, 14 relevant clinical studies were identified. This study shows the possibility to obtain an increase in tooth movement between 31% and 100% depending on the laser therapy considered and the time interval for measuring the value. In addition, there is a potential impact in reducing orthodontic pain limited to the day following the application of laser therapy when orthodontic therapy includes canine retraction, and during a period not exceeding five days from the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances in the others clinical cases.Low-level Laser Therapy is considered effective both to increase the movement of the dental elements and to reduce pain during orthodontic therapy. Different clinical protocols have been identified depending on the orthodontic cases considered. Both an LED device and an AlGaAs diode device can be used. In the future paying more attention to the therapeutic possibilities offered by laser devices with greater power is recommended. A greater energy density directed to the target tissues has been proven to provoke more significant therapeutic effects.

No Compliance Correction of Class II Malocclusion in Growing Patients Whit HERBST Appliance: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Class II malocclusion is the most common sagittal skeletal discrepancy, with a prevalent skeletal pattern of mandibular retrusion. The correction of mandibular retrusion with functional removable appliance needs a good patient's compliance; for this reason, some clinicians prefer to use no compliance apparatus. OBJECTIVE: Objective of the present therapy note is to demonstrate that the use of no compliance apparatus can provide a good correction of skeletal class II malocclusion. METHODS: In the present study, authors report a therapy note referred to a 10 years old patient, woman, affected by Class II, with mandibular retrusion and deep bite, treated in 2013 at the Dep. of Orthodontics of Messina University. An orthodontic treatment has been planned with the aim of stimulating mandibular growth; an Herbst appliance with a cantilever design, bonded on first maxillary and mandibular molars, has been used. After eleven months of functional therapy a bilateral molar class I have been obtained. RESULTS: In the therapy note proposed, authors obtained a resolution of mandibular retrusion, a correction of overjet, overbite and dental crowding in both arches, and a bilateral molar and canine class I has been achieved. CONCLUSION: Herbst appliance seems to be efficient in the correction of II Class Malocclusion, independently from patient's cooperation; moreover , early correction of Class II malocclusion with functional appliances produces several clinical advantages.

Standard and low-dose cone beam computer tomography protocol for orthognatodontic diagnosis: a comparative evaluation.

Considering the diagnostic capability offered by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), nowadays orthodontists often use this exam for treatment planning, especially in cases of impacted teeth, maxillary ipoplasia, orthognathic surgery etc. The aim of this study was to compare the radiation doses related to a conventional CBCT setting and that of a low dose protocol, usable in orthodontic practice. The absorbed organ doses were measured using an anthropomorphic phantom loaded with thermo-luminescent dosimeters related to sensitive organs (brain, bone marrow, salivary glands, thyroid, esophagus, oral mucosa, extrathoracic airways, lymph nodes). The device used was a MyRay Hyperion X9-11x5. The standard setting of the apparatus was 90 Kv, 36 mAs, CTDI/Vol 4.09 mGy, instead the low dose one was 90 Kv, 27 mAs, CTDI/Vol 2.89 mGy. Equivalent and effective doses have been calculated; the measurement of the effective doses was based on the ICRP recommendations. For the assessment of image quality, five readers, independent and experienced orthodontists, were asked to state if the images were sufficient enough to perform an orthodontic diagnosis. The lowest organ dose (5.01 microSv) was received by the esophagus during low dose CBCT acquisition. The highest mean organ dose instead (1227.67 microSv) was received by the salivary glands during conventional setting CBCT acquisition. Image quality has been considered sufficient for orthodontic diagnostic needs for both CBCT protocols. CBCT low dose setting should be preferred over the standard one in orthodontic practice, because it provides a significant lower radiation dose to the patients ensuring a good image quality. However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the opportunity of CBCT exams in orthodontic treatment planning.

Is static friction affected by aging and amount of elastomeric ligatures in orthodontic sliding mechanics? An in-vitro investigation.

In straight-wire mechanics, friction can significantly influence the forces expressed by wires. The aim of this study is to assess whether the aging and the sum of elastomeric ligatures affect the static friction during orthodontic space closure. A 0.017x 0.025-in SS was drawn throughout a 3-bracket experimental model and engaged with elastomeric ligatures. Before performing the test, the ligatures were soaked in artificial saliva for 48 hours (Group 1), 2 weeks (Group 2) and 4 weeks (Group 3); brand-new ligatures were also tested as control group (Group 4). The resistance to sliding (RS) was recorded at 3 different numerical configurations of ligatures using a customized testing machine and tests were repeated for ten times. Data of RS were statistically analysed by using two way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. RS was found to increase systematically when more elastomeric ligatures were included in the wire engaging system. At two weeks of immersion in artificial saliva elastomeric ligatures showed the lowest values of RS while they became significantly more frictional after immersion for 4 weeks. The results of this study showed that in multi-bracket orthodontic therapy, the RS increases with the number of elastomeric ligatures involved for arch-wire engagement. Differently from the frictional behavior of elastomeric modules, the aging of these ligatures does not influence their incremental effect of frictional forces.

Prokaryotic assemblages in the maritime Antarctic Lake Limnopolar (Byers Peninsula, South Shetland Islands).

The potentially metabolically active components within the prokaryotic assemblages inhabiting the Antarctic Lake Limnopolar (Byers Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica) were investigated by a polyphasic approach which included culture-dependent and culture-independent methods (based on RNA molecules). Results support previous observations on the Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes dominance, followed by Actinobacteria, in Antarctic lakes. In particular, Alpha-, Betaproteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were mainly detected by CARD-FISH and cDNA cloning, whereas Gammaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated within the cultivable fraction. Overall, this study demonstrates the survival potential and physiological heterogeneity of the prokaryotic community in the Lake Limnopolar. The microbial community composition in the lake is affected by external influences (such as marine environment by sea spray and seabird dropping, and microbial mats and mosses of the catchment). However, most external bacteria would be inactive, whereas typical polar taxa dominate the potentially active fraction and are subsidized by external nutrient sources, thus assuming the main biogeochemical roles within the lake.

Effects of rapid vs slow maxillary expansion on nasal cavity dimensions in growing subjects: a methodological and reproducibility study.

AIM: To evaluate the methodological feasibility of a RCT comparing skeletal changes of nasal cavity size obtained with RME and SME, assessed via CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Caucasian children with a mean age of 10.4 years were recruited and allocated to receive RME (10 subjects, mean age 10.4 years) or SME (10 subjects, mean age 10.5 years). INCLUSION CRITERIA: constricted maxillary arch, upper and lower first molars erupted, unilateral or bilateral posterior crossbite. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: age above 15 years, history of previous orthodontic treatment, periodontal disease, systemic disease affecting craniofacial growth, or craniofacial congenital syndrome. CBCT examinations were performed before treatment (T0) and 7 months after expander removal (T1). Changes of nasal width (NW), palatal width (PW) and total nasal volume (TNV) were assessed; palatal and nasal expansion was also calculated as a percentage of the increase of intermolar width IMW (PW% and NW%). RESULTS: The correlation between the first and the second readings ranged from 0.991 to 0.995 for linear measurements and was of 0.915 for volumetric measurements. The method error, as described by the value of ?, was in general less than 0.3 mm for linear measurements and 0.372 cm³ for volumetric measurements. All linear transverse skeletal and dental measurements and the nasal volume increased with both RME and SME protocols. CONCLUSION: The reported methodology can be reasonably used to investigate the transverse dimension of nasal cavity. The PW% and NW% parameters more accurately described the efficacy of the two expansion protocols as compared to their corresponding absolute measurement (PW and NW).

Low-level laser therapy and invisible removal aligners.

It seems that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) stimulates orthodontic tooth movements, increasing the alveolar bone turnover. The aim of this study is to evaluate how LLLT can influence the orthodontic treatment with invisible removal aligner. A sample of 21 subjects was divided into two groups, a laser group (10 patients) and a control group (11 patients). All subjects were instructed to wear each aligner 12 hours a day for 2 weeks. Laser external bio-stimulation was given in the laser group every second week. The laser group successfully finished the treatment, while at 3rd – 5th aligner the control group did not finish the treatment. Laser treatment seemed to be better than treatment without laser. LLLT combined with aligners is able to favour, in 12 hours, the same tooth movement obtained by wearing the aligner 22 hours a day, according to the traditional protocol. This aspect could be useful for those patients who prefer not to use the aligners during the day. LLLT makes invisible removal aligner treatment more comfortable also because during the day the patients have to wear the aligners less hours than the treatment without laser.

Diversity and antibacterial activity of the bacterial communities associated with two Mediterranean sea pens, Pennatula phosphorea and Pteroeides spinosum (Anthozoa: Octocorallia).

A description of the bacterial communities associated with the Mediterranean pennatulids (sea pens) Pennatula phosphorea and Pteroeides spinosum from the Straits of Messina (Italy) is reported. The automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis showed a marked difference between coral (tissues and mucus) and non-coral (underlying sediment and surrounding water) habitats. The diversity of the coral-associated communities was more deeply analysed by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes of bacterial clones. P. phosphorea and P. spinosum harbour distinct bacterial communities, indicating the occurrence of species-specific coral-associated bacteria. In addition, only few phylotypes were shared between mucus and tissues of the same pennatulid species, suggesting that there might be a sort of microhabitat partitioning between the associated microbial communities. The predominance of Alphaproteobacteria was observed for the communities associated with both tissues and mucus of P. phosphorea (84 and 58.2 % of total sequences, respectively). Conversely, the bacterial community in the mucus layer of P. spinosum was dominated by Alphaproteobacteria (74.2 %) as opposed to the tissue library that was dominated by the Gammaproteobacteria and Mollicutes (40.6 and 35.4 %, respectively). The antibacterial activity of 78 bacterial isolates against indicator organisms was assayed. Active isolates (15.4 %), which predominantly affiliated to Vibrio spp., were mainly obtained from coral mucus. Results from the present study enlarge our knowledge on the composition and antibacterial activity of coral-associated bacterial communities.

Phylogenetic characterization of the heterotrophic bacterial communities inhabiting a marine recirculating aquaculture system.

AIMS: The aim of the present work was to characterize the heterotrophic bacterial community of a marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). METHODS AND RESULTS: An experimental RAS was sampled for the rearing water (RW) and inside the biofilter. Samples were analysed for bacterial abundances, community structure and composition by using a combination of culture-dependent and -independent techniques. The most represented species detected among biofilter clones was Pseudomonas stutzeri, while Ruegeria spp. and Roseobacter spp. were more abundant among isolates. In comparison, the genera Roseobacter and Ruegeria were well represented in both the biofilter and the RW samples. A variety of possible bacterial pathogens (e.g. Vibrio spp., Erwinia spp. and Coxiella spp.) were also identified in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Results revealed that the bacterial community in the RW was quite different to that associated with the biofilter. Moreover, data obtained suggest that the whole bacterial community can be involved in maintaining an effective and a stable rearing environment (shelter effect). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Improving the reliability and the sustainability of RAS depends on the correct management of the bacterial populations inside it. This study furnishes more accurate information on the bacterial populations and better clarifies the existing relationships between the bacterial flora in the RW and that associated with the biofilter.

Lipolytic activity of Antarctic cold-adapted marine bacteria (Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the lipolytic activity of cold-adapted Antarctic marine bacteria and, furthermore, the combined effect of some environmental factors on this enzymatic process. METHODS AND RESULTS: Strains were assayed for lipolytic activity on a basal medium amended with seven individual fatty acid esters. A significant activity was observed for 148 isolates (95.5% of the total screened). The interactive effect of pH, temperature and NaCl concentration on the substrates was tested for six representative isolates, identified as Pseudoalteromonas, Psychrobacter and Vibrio. Differences between strains according to NaCl and pH tolerances were observed. Only one strain degraded the substrate more efficiently at 4 degrees C than at 15 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that the lipolytic activity of Antarctic marine bacteria is rather variable, depending on culture conditions, and occurs in a wide range of salt concentration and pH. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Isolation and characterization of bacteria that are able to efficiently remove lipids at low temperatures will provide insight into the possibility to use cold-adapted bacteria as a source of exploitable enzymes. Moreover, research on the interactive effects of salt concentration, pH and temperature will be useful to understand the true enzyme potentialities for industrial applications.

[Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in an adolescent]. / Pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa en un adolescente.

One case of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis diagnosed following nephrectomy is described, considering its outstanding characteristics such as male adolescent, right kidney, involvement with normal function and without pathological history for which there is no explanation to date. This disease usually occurs in women 60 years or older, suggesting a renal tumor. In 50% of the cases, urine cultures are positive for Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis; in accordance with different reports renal tissue cultures are positive in more than 90%. Malnutrition, calcification, urolithiasis and renal failure with hydronephrosis are common findings. The left kidney is more frequently involved. The etiology is unclear: many hypotheses are discussed, with malnutrition and peroxidase deficit as important causes.