Highly Selective and Reversible Detection of Simulated Breath Hydrogen Sulfide Using Fe-Doped CuO Hollow Spheres: Enhanced Surface Redox Reaction by Multi-Valent Catalysts.

The precise and reversible detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) at high humidity condition, a malodorous and harmful volatile sulfur compound, is essential for the self-assessment of oral diseases, halitosis, and asthma. However, the selective and reversible detection of trace concentrations of H2 S (≈0.1 ppm) in high humidity conditions (exhaled breath) is challenging because of irreversible H2 S adsorption/desorption at the surface of chemiresistors. The study reports the synthesis of Fe-doped CuO hollow spheres as H2 S gas-sensing materials via spray pyrolysis. 4 at.% of Fe-doped CuO hollow spheres exhibit high selectivity (response ratio ≥ 34.4) over interference gas (ethanol, 1 ppm) and reversible sensing characteristics (100% recovery) to 0.1 ppm of H2 S under high humidity (relative humidity 80%) at 175 °C. The effect of multi-valent transition metal ion doping into CuO on sensor reversibility is confirmed through the enhancement of recovery kinetics by doping 4 at.% of Ti- or Nb ions into CuO sensors. Mechanistic details of these excellent H2 S sensing characteristics are also investigated by analyzing the redox reactions and the catalytic activity change of the Fe-doped CuO sensing materials. The selective and reversible detection of H2 S using the Fe-doped CuO sensor suggested in this work opens a new possibility for halitosis self-monitoring.

Relapse and failure rates between CAD/CAM and conventional fixed retainers: a 2-year follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Retention has been always considered a major challenge in orthodontics. Recently computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) fixed retainers (FRs) have been introduced as a marked development in retainer technology, offering potential advantages. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the differences in relapse and failure rates in patients treated with FRs using CAD/CAM technology, lab-based technique, and chairside method. TRIAL DESIGN: A double-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted over a 2-year period at a single centre. INTERVENTIONS: These patients were divided into three groups: CAD/CAM group with multistranded Stainless Steel wires (CAD/CAM, n = 14), lab group with the same multistranded wires (lab, n = 15), and a chairside group with Stainless Steel Ortho-FlexTech wires (chairside, n = 14). OUTCOMES: Inter-canine width (ICW) and Little's irregularity index were digitally measured from scans at the orthodontic debonding (T1), 6-month retention (T2), 1-year retention (T3), and 2-year retention (T4) visits. All forms of failure were documented and analyzed. RANDOMIZATION: Participants were randomly assigned to the three groups using online randomization software (randomization.com) by a statistician who was not involved in the study. BLINDING: Patients were blinded in terms of the FR group to which they were each randomly assigned. The principal investigator was blinded upon data analysis since patients' records were coded to minimize observer and measurement bias. RESULTS: Initially 81 patients were assessed for eligibility. Seventy-five patients were randomly allocated into the three study groups. After 2-year follow-up, 43 patients came back for the follow-up and were analyzed. The CAD/CAM group showed significantly less reduction in ICW compared to the chairside group at all time intervals (P < .05) and compared to the lab group at 6 months (P = .038). In terms of LII, the CAD/CAM group exhibited significantly less change than the chairside and lab groups at all time intervals (P < .05). The CAD/CAM group had the lowest failure rate (21.4%), followed by chairside group (28.6%) and then lab group (33.3%), however the differences were insignificant. No harms were observed in the current study. CONCLUSION: Within 2 years of fixed retention, CAD/CAM FRs showed significantly less relapse than lab-based and chairside FRs. However, there was no significant difference in failure rates among the groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05915273.

Deep Learning With Chest Radiographs for Making Prognoses in Patients With COVID-19: Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: An artificial intelligence (AI) model using chest radiography (CXR) may provide good performance in making prognoses for COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model using CXR based on an AI model and clinical variables to predict clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal study included patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at multiple COVID-19 medical centers between February 2020 and October 2020. Patients at Boramae Medical Center were randomly classified into training, validation, and internal testing sets (at a ratio of 8:1:1, respectively). An AI model using initial CXR images as input, a logistic regression model using clinical information, and a combined model using the output of the AI model (as CXR score) and clinical information were developed and trained to predict hospital length of stay (LOS) ≤2 weeks, need for oxygen supplementation, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The models were externally validated in the Korean Imaging Cohort of COVID-19 data set for discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: The AI model using CXR and the logistic regression model using clinical variables were suboptimal to predict hospital LOS ≤2 weeks or the need for oxygen supplementation but performed acceptably in the prediction of ARDS (AI model area under the curve [AUC] 0.782, 95% CI 0.720-0.845; logistic regression model AUC 0.878, 95% CI 0.838-0.919). The combined model performed better in predicting the need for oxygen supplementation (AUC 0.704, 95% CI 0.646-0.762) and ARDS (AUC 0.890, 95% CI 0.853-0.928) compared to the CXR score alone. Both the AI and combined models showed good calibration for predicting ARDS (P=.079 and P=.859). CONCLUSIONS: The combined prediction model, comprising the CXR score and clinical information, was externally validated as having acceptable performance in predicting severe illness and excellent performance in predicting ARDS in patients with COVID-19.

Correction: Deep Learning With Chest Radiographs for Making Prognoses in Patients With COVID-19: Retrospective Cohort Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/42717.].

Erratum: Correction of Affiliations in the Article "Establishment of a Nationwide Korean Imaging Cohort of Coronavirus Disease 2019".

This corrects the article on p. e413 in vol. 35, PMID: 33258333.

The effect of maxillary first and mandibular second premolar extractions on the posterior Bolton ratio.

INTRODUCTION: The anterior and overall Bolton ratios and their application in orthodontics are widely known. However, little has been reported about the posterior Bolton ratio, how it is affected by the extraction of posterior teeth, and its application in orthodontic treatment planning. This study aimed to investigate how extracting maxillary first and mandibular second premolars affects the posterior Bolton ratio. METHODS: The sample included 55 patients with Class I occlusion within 1 standard deviation of ideal anterior and overall Bolton ratios. The digitized models were subjected to virtual extraction of maxillary first premolars and mandibular second premolars and setup of posterior teeth in ideal occlusion. If space closure compromised occlusion, the teeth were moved to achieve ideal cusp-fossa or cusp-marginal ridge occlusion. The ideal setups were measured for residual interproximal spacing. Statistical analysis used R statistical software (version 2018; R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). RESULTS: The ideal nonextraction posterior Bolton ratio was determined from the sample to be 105.77 ± 1.99%. The ideal expected posterior Bolton ratio for maxillary first and mandibular second premolar extraction patients was 106.52 ± 2.52%. This significantly differed from the expected posterior Bolton ratio for the 4 first premolar extractions. Patients finished with an average of 1.28 mm net residual spacing between mandibular first premolars and first molars; 38.2% of patients finished with at least 1.5 mm of residual space, and 9.1% of patients finished with at least 2 mm of residual space. CONCLUSIONS: A patient with ideal anterior, posterior, and overall Bolton ratios treated with maxillary first and mandibular second premolar extractions to ideal occlusion will likely finish with some spacing in the mandibular dentition.

DLX6 and MSX1 from saliva samples as potential predictors of mandibular size: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Morphologic features of the mandible are influenced by the genes of each individual. Mandible size is important to orthodontists because the mandible is the mechanism by which the lower face influences facial esthetics and dental function. To date, no biological marker has been identified that indicates eventual mandible size. This study aimed to correlate the expression of DLX5, DLX6, EDN1, HAND2, PRRX1, and MSX1 to mandible size. METHODS: Fifty-nine orthodontic patients aged >6 years who had available cephalometric radiographs were studied. Patients were classified on the basis of condylion-to-gnathion measurements. Messenger RNA was isolated from saliva and subjected to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Threshold cycle values for subjects with small mandibles (>1 standard deviation [SD] from the mean) had the least expression of DLX6 and MSX1. Threshold cycle values for subjects with large mandibles (>1 SD) had less expression of DLX6 and MSX1 than subjects within 1 SD but more than those with small mandibles. CONCLUSIONS: DLX6 and MSX1 are related to mandible development and size. This finding could be used to improve treatment planning for medical and dental professionals seeking to understand the impact of genetics on bone growth.

Anatomical proposal of local anesthesia injection for median nerve block in treating hyperhidrosis with botulinum neurotoxin.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperhidrosis, causing excessive sweat, can be treated with Botulinum neurotoxin injection. Botulinum toxin, an effective and safe treatment for hyperhidrosis, unfortunately involves significant pain due to multiple injections. This study aims to propose a more efficient and less painful approach to nerve blocks for relief, by identifying optimal injection points to block the median nerve, thereby enhancing palmar hyperhidrosis treatment. METHODS: This study, involving 52 Korean cadaver arms (mean age 73.5 years), measured the location of the median nerve relative to the transverse line at the pisiform level to establish better nerve block injection sites. RESULTS: In between the extensor carpi radialis and palmaris longus, the median nerve was located at an average distance of 47.39 ± 6.43 mm and 29.39 ± 6.43 mm from the transverse line at the pisiform level. DISCUSSION: To minimize discomfort preceding the botulinum neurotoxin injection, we recommend the optimal injection site for local anesthesia to be located 4 cm distal to the transverse line of the pisiform, within the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscles.

Forces and moments generated during extrusion of a maxillary central incisor with clear aligners: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibility of extrusion of a maxillary central incisor with the use of buccal and lingual pressure columns in the absence of attachments, and to evaluate the forces and moments experienced by the teeth using both thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-axis force and moment sensor (Aidin Robotics, Anyang, South Korea) was used to measure the forces and moments during extrusion of an upper left central incisor (UL1) and any forces experienced by the upper right central incisor (UR1) using thermoformed aligners and 3D-printed aligners. For the thermoformed aligners, the materials used were ATMOS® (American Orthodontics, Sheboygan, WI) and Zendura FLX® (Bay Materials LLC, Fremont, CA). 3D-printed aligners were fabricated using TC-85 clear photocurable resin (Graphy Inc., Seoul, South Korea). For each material type, three conditions were tested: Group 1: No attachment or pressure columns (control); Group 2: Attachment only; and Group 3: Pressure columns only. Each group was planned for 0.5 mm of extrusion on the UL1. RESULTS: All force readings collected demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared by materials and when compared by groups, with a P value of < 0.001. In the absence of attachment or pressure columns (Group 1), ATMOS® and TC-85 groups exerted extrusive force on the UL1. However, significantly lower forces and moments were exerted by the TC-85 group in comparison to the ATMOS® and Zendura FLX® groups. In the presence of attachment (Group 2), all three ATMOS®, Zendura FLX® and TC-85 groups exerted extrusive force on the UL1, with the TA group showing different directions of faciolingual force, mesiodistal force and faciolingual inclination on the UR1 when compared to the other two thermoformed groups. Whereas in the presence of pressure columns (Group 3), only the TC-85 3D-printed aligner group exerted extrusive force. Thermoformed aligners generated significantly higher mean forces and moments than 3D-printed aligners. Significant levels of unintended forces and moments were present in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Force levels generated during extrusion with clear aligners are significantly lower with those 3D-printed using TC-85 than with those thermoformed using ATMOS® or Zendura FLX®. Attachments consistently generated extrusive forces, and may be an effective adjunct in achieving extrusion of incisors. Extrusion may be achieved without the use of attachments by utilizing pressure columns in 3D-printed aligners using TC-85. While different strategies can generate extrusive forces, there are significant unintended forces and moments.

Deep Learning-Based Automatic CT Quantification of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia: An International Collaborative Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop and validate the automatic quantification of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia on computed tomography (CT) images. METHODS: This retrospective study included 176 chest CT scans of 131 COVID-19 patients from 14 Korean and Chinese institutions from January 23 to March 15, 2020. Two experienced radiologists semiautomatically drew pneumonia masks on CT images to develop the 2D U-Net for segmenting pneumonia. External validation was performed using Japanese (n = 101), Italian (n = 99), Radiopaedia (n = 9), and Chinese data sets (n = 10). The primary measures for the system's performance were correlation coefficients for extent (%) and weight (g) of pneumonia in comparison with visual CT scores or human-derived segmentation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of the extent and weight with symptoms in the Japanese data set and composite outcome (respiratory failure and death) in the Spanish data set (n = 115). RESULTS: In the internal test data set, the intraclass correlation coefficients between U-Net outputs and references for the extent and weight were 0.990 and 0.993. In the Japanese data set, the Pearson correlation coefficients between U-Net outputs and visual CT scores were 0.908 and 0.899. In the other external data sets, intraclass correlation coefficients were between 0.949-0.965 (extent) and between 0.978-0.993 (weight). Extent and weight in the top quartile were independently associated with symptoms (odds ratio, 5.523 and 10.561; P = 0.041 and 0.016) and the composite outcome (odds ratio, 9.365 and 7.085; P = 0.021 and P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Automatically quantified CT extent and weight of COVID-19 pneumonia were well correlated with human-derived references and independently associated with symptoms and prognosis in multinational external data sets.

New Frontier in Advanced Dentistry: CBCT, Intraoral Scanner, Sensors, and Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry.

The advancement of science and technology has brought innovation in the dental field [...].

Cephalometric and model evaluations after molar distalization using modified C-palatal plates in patients with severe arch length discrepancy.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the dentoskeletal and soft-tissue changes after molar distalization using modified C-palatal plates in patients with severe maxillomandibular arch length discrepancies. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with Class I and II malocclusion (19.0 ± 7.3 years; 17 females and 8 males), who had severe maxillary crowding of >10 mm, and moderate mandibular crowding of >6 mm, underwent molar distalization using modified C-palatal plates and buccal miniscrews with approximately 300 g of force per side. Models were made, and cephalograms were taken before and after treatment. Cephalometric variables and arch dimensions were measured. Paired t test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the maxillary dentition, an average of 12.4 mm of crowding was resolved by molar distalization of 4.4 mm, interproximal stripping of 0.7 mm, and arch expansion. In the mandibular dentition, crowding of 6.7 mm was alleviated by molar distalization of 2.4 mm, an interproximal of 1.5 mm, and additional arch expansion. The incisor positions were maintained (SN-U1, 101.3°; IMPA, 88.8°), and soft-tissue profiles were improved (LL/E-line -1.1 mm; P < 0.001) after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary and mandibular tooth-size arch length discrepancy of 12.4 mm and 6.7 mm, respectively, were resolved by molar distalization, interproximal reduction, and arch expansion, whereas incisor positions were maintained, and soft-tissue profiles were improved. This could be a viable treatment option in patients with moderate-to-severe crowding.

Dimensional and morphologic characteristics of unilateral impacted maxillary central incisors.

INTRODUCTION: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the crown and root characteristics of impacted central incisors compared with spontaneously erupted contralateral incisors and the influence of etiologic and local factors on their dimensions. METHODS: Forty-five patients (22 boys, 23 girls) who underwent orthodontic treatment for unilateral impaction of maxillary central incisors were referred for cone-beam imaging. Dimensions of the impacted and contralateral incisors were assessed using Dolphin 3D software (Dolphin Imaging & Management Solutions, Chatsworth, Calif). Paired t test and linear regression were used to compare the characteristics of the impacted and contralateral teeth. RESULTS: Contralateral and impacted central incisors showed statistically significant differences for root length (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32-3.46; P <0.001), mesiodistal crown-root angulation (95% CI, 4.09-15.95; P = 0.001), and labiolingual crown-root angulation (95% CI, -18.69 to -4.70; P = 0.002). Etiologic factors did not alter the dimensions of incisors (95% CI, -1.17 to 0.76; P = 0.672). According to the multiple linear regression the independent variables associated with root length of contralateral and impacted incisors were sex (ß = -0.904; 95% CI, -1.62 to - 0.19; P = 0.014) and the presence of impaction (ß = -2.87; 95% CI, -3.67 to -2.07; P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of their etiology, the impacted incisors showed roots that were 2.89 mm shorter than the contralateral incisors and had greater angulation in the mesiodistal and labiolingual directions. Girls showed a reduction of 0.904 mm (7.6%) on the lengths of roots of both impacted and contralateral central incisors. The presence of impaction led to a reduction of 25% in incisor root lengths. Approximately 30% of the impacted teeth showed crown-root angulations >20° resulting in an increased distal and labial angulation of the root apical portion.

Trend of Disease Burden of North Korean Defectors in South Korea Using Disability-adjusted Life Years from 2010 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the disease burden of North Korean defectors in South Korea by sex, age, and disease from 2000 to 2018 and to study the changes in the disease burden over time. METHODS: Based on the incidence-based disability-adjusted life year (DALY) developed in a Korean National Burden of Disease (KNBD) study, we calculated the years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD), and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for approximately 22,753 North Korean defectors in South Korea whose claims data were available from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). RESULTS: In 2018, the rates of YLL, YLD, and DALY for North Korean defectors per 100,000 population was 3,763 (male 8,491; female 2,404), 37,683 (male 27,742; female 40,539), and 41,446 (male 36,233; female 42,943), respectively. Major depressive disorders constituted the highest DALY, followed by cirrhosis of the liver and low back pain. The disease burden of North Korean defectors consistently decreased from 2010 to 2018. The decrease in YLD contributed to the overall decline in DALY per 100,000 population in 2018, which decreased by 25.2% compared to that in 2010. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to measure the disease burden of North Korean defectors in South Korea. Given the decreasing or substantially increasing trends in disease burden, it is necessary to establish appropriate public health policies in a timely manner, and the results of this study provide a basis for the development of customized public health and healthcare policies for North Korean defectors in South Korea.

The effect of 4 first premolar extractions on the posterior Bolton ratio.

INTRODUCTION: Overall and anterior Bolton ratios have been well covered in the orthodontic literature; however, little has been reported on posterior Bolton ratios. Considering the frequency of premolar extractions in the specialty, it would be relevant to know how the posterior occlusion is affected by premolar extractions. This study aimed to investigate how the posterior Bolton ratio is affected by the extraction of the 4 first premolars. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with Class I occlusion within 1 standard deviation of ideal anterior and overall Bolton ratios models were selected and digitized. Tooth widths were measured. Virtual extractions of 4 first premolars were performed, and a digital setup of anterior and remaining posterior teeth observing ideal occlusion relationships was executed. When space closure compromised the occlusion, preference was given to the latter. Residual interproximal spacing was digitally measured on the setups. Analysis of variance and linear regression tests were used to identify factors contributing to interproximal spacing. RESULTS: An average of 1.1 mm of net residual spacing between mandibular second premolars and first molars was observed. In 27% of the sample, at least 1.5 mm of residual space was found. In addition, 16% showed at least 2 mm of residual space. The ratio of the maxillary second premolars to the mandibular second premolars and the width of the maxillary second premolars best explain residual space (r = 0.554; r2 = 0.307). A regression equation for predicting residual space is offered. CONCLUSIONS: Ideal anterior, posterior, and overall Bolton ratios treated with extraction of 4 first premolars and ideal occlusion will likely finish with some spacing in the mandible.

Class II malocclusion correction with Invisalign: Is it possible?

INTRODUCTION: This research aimed to determine whether Class II malocclusion can be treated with clear aligners after completing treatment with the initial set of aligners. METHODS: A sample of 80 adult patients were divided into Group 1 with Class I molar malocclusions (n = 40 [11 men and 29 women]; 38.70 ± 15.90 years) and Group 2 with Class II molar malocclusions (n = 40 [11 men and 29 women]; 35.25 ± 15.21 years). All patients had finished treatment with the initial set of Invisalign aligners (Align Technology, Santa Jose, Calif) without known centric occlusion-centric relation discrepancies, issues of compliance, or overcorrection. The 7 measurements using the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Model Grading System and millimetric measurements for anteroposterior (AP) and vertical dimensions were assessed and compared between the 2 groups at pretreatment, posttreatment ClinCheck (Align Technology) prediction, and posttreatment. RESULTS: No improvements were observed in the AP correction. The amount of AP correction in patients with Class II malocclusion was 6.8% of the predicted amount. The amount of overbite correction achieved was 28.8% and 38.9% of the predicted amounts in patients with Class I and Class II malocclusion, respectively. Significant improvements in alignment and interproximal contact scores were observed, with only slight improvements in total ABO scores. An increase in mean occlusal contacts score was observed after treatment. No patient with Class II malocclusions would meet the ABO standards after Invisalign treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The Invisalign system successfully achieves certain tooth movements but fails to achieve other movements predictably. No significant Class II correction or overjet reduction was observed with elastics for an average of 7-month duration in the adult population. Additional refinements may be necessary to address problems created during treatment, as evidenced by a posterior open bite incidence.

Years of Life Lost Attributable to COVID-19 in High-incidence Countries.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health problem of international concern. It is important to estimate its impact of COVID-19 for health policy decision-making. We estimated the years of life lost (YLLs) due to COVID-19 in high-incidence countries. METHODS: We collected the YLLs due to COVID-19 in 30 high-incidence countries as of April 13, 2020 and followed up as of July 14, 2020. Incidence and mortality were collected using each country's formal reports, articles, and other electronic sources. The life expectancy of Japanese females by age and the UN population data were used to calculate YLLs in total and per 100,000. RESULTS: As of April 22, 2020, there were 1,699,574 YLLs due to COVID-19 in 30 high-incidence countries. On July 14, 2020, this increased to 4,072,325. Both on April 22 and July 14, the total YLLs due to COVID-19 was highest in the USA (April 22, 534,481 YLLs; July 14, 1,199,510 YLLs), and the YLLs per 100,000 population was highest in Belgium (April 22, 868.12 YLLs/100,000; July 14, 1,593.72 YLLs/100,000). YLLs due to COVID-19 were higher among males than among females and higher in those aged ≥ 60 years than in younger individuals. Belgium had the highest proportion of YLLs attributable to COVID-19 as a proportion of the total YLLs and the highest disability-adjusted life years per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION: This study estimated YLLs due to COVID-19 in 30 countries. COVID-19 is a high burden in the USA and Belgium, among males and the elderly. The YLLs are very closely related with the incidence as well as the mortality. This highlights the importance of the early detection of incident case that minimizes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 fatality.

Establishment of a Nationwide Korean Imaging Cohort of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

BACKGROUND: The Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology (KSTR) recently constructed a nation-wide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) database and imaging repository, referred to the Korean imaging cohort of COVID-19 (KICC-19) based on the collaborative efforts of its members. The purpose of this study was to provide a summary of the clinico-epidemiological data and imaging data of the KICC-19. METHODS: The KSTR members at 17 COVID-19 referral centers retrospectively collected imaging data and clinical information of consecutive patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-proven COVID-19 in respiratory specimens from February 2020 through May 2020 who underwent diagnostic chest computed tomography (CT) or radiograph in each participating hospital. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 239 men and 283 women (mean age, 52.3 years; age range, 11-97 years). Of the 522 subjects, 201 (38.5%) had an underlying disease. The most common symptoms were fever (n = 292) and cough (n = 245). The 151 patients (28.9%) had lymphocytopenia, 86 had (16.5%) thrombocytopenia, and 227 patients (43.5%) had an elevated CRP at admission. The 121 (23.4%) needed nasal oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation (n = 38; 7.3%), and 49 patients (9.4%) were admitted to an intensive care unit. Although most patients had cured, 21 patients (4.0%) died. The 465 (89.1%) subjects underwent a low to standard-dose chest CT scan at least once during hospitalization, resulting in a total of 658 CT scans. The 497 subjects (95.2%) underwent chest radiography at least once during hospitalization, which resulted in a total of 1,475 chest radiographs. CONCLUSION: The KICC-19 was successfully established and comprised of 658 CT scans and 1,475 chest radiographs of 522 hospitalized Korean COVID-19 patients. The KICC-19 will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and radiologic characteristics of patients with COVID-19.

Enamel thickness of maxillary canines evaluated with microcomputed tomography scans.

INTRODUCTION: Enameloplasty of maxillary canines is often needed for aesthetic substitution in patients with congenitally missing lateral incisors. The exact enamel thicknesses for the various canine surfaces are unknown because previous studies failed to employ accurate measurement tools to report and compare detailed enamel thicknesses for each surface at various crown heights. METHODS: Thirty-two extracted maxillary canines were collected and scanned in a microcomputed tomography scanner. The scans were imported into a custom-written MATLAB software (version 9.2; MathWorks, Natick, Mass) and the enamel thickness on the mesial, distal, labial, fossa, cingulum, and incisal edge of each tooth was computed, obtaining the mean value from slices at 0.1 mm intervals. The overall mean enamel thickness for each surface was also calculated, and these values were compared using paired t tests. Incisal wear stage and incisal enamel thickness that was measured were compared using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean enamel thickness was significantly thinner at the gingival level when compared with the incisal for all surfaces that were analyzed (1-tailed, P <0.001). The mean enamel coverage at the mesial was significantly thinner than the distal when measured gingival to the widest mesiodistal area. The mean enamel coverage of the cingulum was particularly thin and therefore requires extreme care in reshaping it. Incisal edge enamel thickness was highly negatively correlated with the wear stage of the scoring system that was used (1-tailed, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The enamel coverage of the maxillary canine varies depending on the tooth surface and the incisogingival measurement location.

Esthetic perception of clear aligner therapy attachments using eye-tracking technology.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research was to assess and compare esthetic perceptions of clear aligner therapy with attachments and esthetic brackets by measuring differences in eye fixations using eye-tracking technology. METHODS: The sample involved 250 adult subjects. The subjects gave verbal consent, then viewed photographs showing 4 variations of orthodontic appliances: clear aligner control with minimal attachments, clear aligner with anterior and posterior attachments, esthetic brackets, and clear aligner with posterior attachments. Images were displayed for 6 seconds each on a computer monitor. Location and time to first fixation, total fixation duration, and total visit count and duration for each type of appliance were measured. Subjects were then asked to complete an online survey. RESULTS: Participants spent the least amount of time looking at the photograph of the control, followed by those of the ceramic brackets, posterior attachments, and anterior and/or posterior attachments. The anterior and/or posterior image had the least number of visits but garnered the longest visit duration (1.32 visits averaging 0.74 seconds per visit). This was followed by the images of the posterior attachments (1.40 visits, 0.70 seconds per visit), ceramic brackets (1.43 visits, 0.65 seconds per visit), and minimal attachments control (1.45 visits, 0.61 seconds per visit). The hierarchy of most preferred appliances across all 250 respondents was as follows: minimal attachments control, ceramic brackets, posterior attachments, and anterior and/or posterior attachments. Overall, 88.4% of subjects would compromise appliance esthetics during treatment for a better outcome (n = 221). CONCLUSIONS: Eye-tracking data show that time to the first fixation was negatively correlated with its survey ranking and that an increase in attachments led to an increase in total fixation duration. There is a general desire for clear aligners without attachments and ceramic brackets over clear aligners with multiple attachments. Survey data suggest that although respondents viewed appliance esthetics as highly important, nearly all would compromise appliance esthetics during treatment if it resulted in a better outcome.