Artificial Intelligence Techniques for Automatic Detection of Peri-implant Marginal Bone Remodeling in Intraoral Radiographs.

Peri-implantitis can cause marginal bone remodeling around implants. The aim is to develop an automatic image processing approach based on two artificial intelligence (AI) techniques in intraoral (periapical and bitewing) radiographs to assist dentists in determining bone loss. The first is a deep learning (DL) object-detector (YOLOv3) to roughly identify (no exact localization is required) two objects: prosthesis (crown) and implant (screw). The second is an image understanding-based (IU) process to fine-tune lines on screw edges and to identify significant points (intensity bone changes, intersections between screw and crown). Distances between these points are used to compute bone loss. A total of 2920 radiographs were used for training (50%) and testing (50%) the DL process. The mAP@0.5 metric is used for performance evaluation of DL considering periapical/bitewing and screws/crowns in upper and lower jaws, with scores ranging from 0.537 to 0.898 (sufficient because DL only needs an approximation). The IU performance is assessed with 50% of the testing radiographs through the t test statistical method, obtaining p values of 0.0106 (line fitting) and 0.0213 (significant point detection). The IU performance is satisfactory, as these values are in accordance with the statistical average/standard deviation in pixels for line fitting (2.75/1.01) and for significant point detection (2.63/1.28) according to the expert criteria of dentists, who establish the ground-truth lines and significant points. In conclusion, AI methods have good prospects for automatic bone loss detection in intraoral radiographs to assist dental specialists in diagnosing peri-implantitis.

Cognitive Reserve Characteristics and Occupational Performance Implications in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

The Cognitive Reserve hypothesis suggests that there are individual differences in the ability to cope with the pathologic changes in Alzheimer's Disease. The proportion of elderly individuals has increased in recent years; this increase emphasizes the importance of early detection of mild cognitive impairment and the promotion of healthy ageing. The purpose of our study is to characterize cognitive reserve and occupational performance implications in people with mild cognitive impairment. 125 patients with mild cognitive impairment were enrolled. The Montreal Cognitive Assessments (MoCA) was used to evaluate cognitive status and the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq) as an indicator of cognitive reserve. Higher level of education was associated with higher MoCA scores (r = 0.290, p = 0.001). Positive significant correlations were observed between MoCA and total CRIq (r = 0.385, p < 0.001) as well as its three sub-domains, education (r = 0.231, p = 0.010), working activity (r = 0.237, p = 0.008) and leisure time (r = 0.319, p < 0.001). This study findings provide the importance of considering socio-behavioral factors in cognitive status. This research helps to describe the importance of engaging occupationally along the whole life-course as a potential protective factor in ageing, and includes a perspective of occupational therapy regarding the hypothesis of cognitive reserve.

Plasma Fatty Acids and Quantitative Ultrasound, DXA and pQCT Derived Parameters in Postmenopausal Spanish Women.

Different factors may contribute to the development of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Fatty acids are key nutrients for health, and a number of studies have reported an association between bone mineral density (BMD) and fatty acid intake. We aimed to investigate the relationships between serum levels of different fatty acids and bone parameters determined by quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in a sample of Spanish postmenopausal women. We enrolled a total of 301 postmenopausal women (median age 59 years; interquartile range (IQR) 7) in this study. All participants underwent full densitometric screening, including calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT), and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), as well as plasma fatty acid measurement. After adjustment for potential confounders, plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels correlated with BMD in the spine (r = 0.150; p = 0.014) and femoral neck (r = 0.143; p = 0.019). By multiple linear regression, an independent statistically significant positive relationship was observed between BMD in the spine and BMI (ß = 0.288; p = 0.001) as well as total plasma n-3 PUFAs (ß = 0.155; p = 0.009). The plasma n-3 PUFA level was also a significant and positive predictor of BMD at the femoral neck (ß = 0.146; p = 0.009). Independent risk factors for low BMD (T-score ≤ 1) were determined by logistic regression analysis, and a relatively high level of plasma n-3 PUFAs (OR = 0.751; 95% CI 0.587-0.960, p = 0.022) was identified as a protective factor against low bone mass. In this single-center sample of Spanish postmenopausal women, we reported a significant positive and statistically independent association between BMD and plasma levels of n-3 PUFAs.

Nursing Genetic Research: New Insights Linking Breast Cancer Genetics and Bone Density.

Nursing research is expected to provide options for the primary prevention of disease and health promotion, regardless of pathology or disease. Nurses have the skills to develop and lead research that addresses the relationship between genetic factors and health. Increasing genetic knowledge and research capacity through interdisciplinary cooperation as well as the development of research resources, will accelerate the rate at which nurses contribute to the knowledge about genetics and health. There are currently different fields in which knowledge can be expanded by research developed from the nursing field. Here, we present an emerging field of research in which it is hypothesized that genetics may affect bone metabolism. Better insight of genetic factors that are contributing to metabolic bone diseases would allow for focused nursing care and preventive interventions.

Automatic computation of mandibular indices in dental panoramic radiographs for early osteoporosis detection.

AIM: A new automatic method for detecting specific points and lines (straight and curves) in dental panoramic radiographies (orthopantomographies) is proposed, where the human knowledge is mapped to the automatic system. The goal is to compute relevant mandibular indices (Mandibular Cortical Width, Panoramic Mandibular Index, Mandibular Ratio, Mandibular Cortical Index) in order to detect the thinning and deterioration of the mandibular bone. Data can be stored for posterior massive analysis. METHODS: Panoramic radiographies are intrinsically complex, including: artificial structures, unclear limits in bony structures, jawbones with irregular curvatures and intensity levels, irregular shapes and borders of the mental foramen, irregular teeth alignments or missing dental pieces. An intelligent sequence of linked imaging segmentation processes is proposed to cope with the above situations towards the design of the automatic segmentation, making the following contributions: (i) Fuzzy K-means classification for identifying artificial structures; (ii) adjust a tangent line to the lower border of the lower jawbone (lower cortex), based on texture analysis, grey scale dilation, binarization and labelling; (iii) identification of the mental foramen region and its centre, based on multi-thresholding, binarization, morphological operations and labelling; (iv) tracing a perpendicular line to the tangent passing through the centre of the mental foramen region and two parallel lines to the tangent, passing through borders on the mental foramen intersected by the perpendicular; (v) following the perpendicular line, a sweep is made moving up the tangent for detecting accumulation of binary points after applying adaptive filtering; (vi) detection of the lower mandible alveolar crest line based on the identification of inter-teeth gaps by saliency and interest points feature description. RESULTS: The performance of the proposed approach was quantitatively compared against the criteria of expert dentists, verifying also its validity with statistical studies based on the analysis of deterioration of bone structures with different levels of osteoporosis. All indices are computed inside two regions of interest, which tolerate flexibility in sizes and locations, making this process robust enough. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed approach provides an automatic procedure able to process with efficiency and reliability panoramic X-Ray images for early osteoporosis detection.

Preclinical assessment methodology using a dental simulator during dental students' first and third years.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the parameters recorded by the Simodont dental trainer and methacrylate block grades during preclinical practicums to validate whether manual skills can be assessed by both methodologies, over a period of two years and to obtain a preclinical evaluation methodology for all the parameters that measure Simodont performance in each of the prepared figures. To this end, the methacrylate block practice's criteria and evaluation scale were used as predictors. A total of 82 students who completed the first year of dentistry were followed for 2 years. Their performance on the same task (i.e., cavity preparation of three figures in the Simodont and methacrylate blocks) was then reevaluated in the third year. Manual skill improvement was detected in all the students. The parameters measured by the Simodont were used as predictors of the methacrylate block evaluation's results, performed by a professor. Multiple linear regression models for each of the figures and years evaluated in the study were proposed. The present study demonstrates that both methodologies can detect manual skill improvement in dental students. Additionally, the Simodont practice can be reliably evaluated.

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary intake is positively associated with bone mineral density in normal and osteopenic Spanish women.

The regular consumption of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCO3-PUFAs) results in general health benefits. The intake of LCO3-PUFAs has been reported to contribute to bone metabolism. We aimed to investigate the relationships between dietary intakes of LCO3-PUFAs and bone mineral density (BMD) in Spanish women aged 20-79 years old. A total of 1865 female subjects (20-79 years old) were enrolled, and lumbar (L2, L3, L3 and total spine), hip (femoral neck (FN), femoral trochanter (FT) and Ward's triangle (WT)) bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Dietary intakes of total energy, calcium, vitamin D, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and n-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA)) were assessed by a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Spearman's rank correlations between LCO3-PUFAs and BMD were estimated. Partial correlations controlling for age, weight, height, dietary calcium, vitamin D, menopausal status and energy were calculated. A multiple regression analysis was computed to assess significant associations with BMD in this population. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, there were positive correlations between ALA, EPA and DHA intake and BMD. According to the WHO diagnosis criteria for osteoporosis, in this population of normal and osteopenic women, the dietary intake of ALA was also significantly associated with BMD at the hip. In normal women, the dietary intake of DHA was also significantly associated with BMD at the lumbar spine. No significant associations between LCO3-PUFAs and BMD were detected in the lumbar spine of osteopenic or osteoporotic women. The dietary intake of LCO3-PUFAs was positively associated with BMD in Spanish women at both the hips and the lumbar spine. We highlight that the intake of LCO3-PUFAs is not significantly associated with BMD in osteoporotic women; however, the intake of LCO3-PUFAs seems to be positively associated with BMD at both the hips and the lumbar spine in normal and osteopenic women.

Dietary Intake of Cadmium, Lead and Mercury and Its Association with Bone Health in Healthy Premenopausal Women.

The bone is one of the relevant target organs of heavy metals, and heavy metal toxicity is associated with several degenerative processes, such osteoporosis and bone mineral alterations, that could lead to fractures. We aimed to study a presumed relationship between bone density, evaluated by quantitative bone ultrasound (QUS), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and the dietary intake of cadmium, lead and mercury in healthy premenopausal women. A total of 158 healthy, non-smoking, premenopausal women were incorporated into the study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to assess intake during the preceding seven days. The median predicted dietary cadmium intake among the 158 women studied was 25.29 µg/day (18.62-35.00) and 2.74 µg/kg body weight/week (b.w./w) (1.92-3.83). Dietary lead intake was 43.85 µg/day (35.09-51.45) and 4.82 µg/kg b.w./w (3.67-6.13). The observed dietary mercury intake was 9.55 µg/day (7.18-13.57) and 1.02 µg/kg b.w./w (0.71-1.48). Comparisons, in terms of heavy metal intake, showed no significant results after further adjusting for energy intake. No statistically significant correlations between heavy metal intake and the QUS, DXA and pQCT parameters were observed. Levels of dietary exposure of cadmium, lead and mercury were mostly within the recommendations. We did not find associations between the QUS, DXA and pQCT parameters and the dietary intake of the studied heavy metals in healthy premenopausal women.

Evaluation of the Dietary Intake of Cadmium, Lead and Mercury and Its Relationship with Bone Health among Postmenopausal Women in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, are absorbed through contaminated food sources and water. Few studies have investigated the extent to which dietary heavy metals are associated with low bone mineral density. AIMS: We aimed to characterize the dietary intake of the heavy metals lead, cadmium and mercury among healthy, non-smoking postmenopausal women in Spain. Furthermore, we sought to establish a putative relationship between bone health and the intake of these heavy metals in this population. STUDY DESIGN: The daily intake of the heavy metals considered for the different food groups was calculated by accounting for food content and consumption in 281 postmenopausal women. Bone measurements were performed using a Quantitative Bone Ultrasound (QUS), a Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and a Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography (pQCT). RESULTS: The average estimated dietary cadmium exposure among the 281 women studied was 29.87 µg/day (20.41-41.04) and 3.03 µg/kg body weight (b.w.; 2.17-4.40). Dietary lead exposure was 46.24 µg/day (38.11-54.77) and 4.87 µg/kg b.w. (4.00-6.14). The estimated dietary mercury exposure was 11.64 µg/day and 1.19 µg/kg b.w. (0.82-1.76). Participants were classified according to their heavy metal intake (above or below the respective medians). After further adjustment for potential confounding factors, no significant differences were found in all the measured parameters (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find associations between bone health and the dietary intake of three heavy metals in postmenopausal women. Dietary intake of the measured heavy metals were within the recommended values.

Long-Term Implant Survival After 100 Maxillary Sinus Augmentations Using Plasma Rich in Growth Factors.

PURPOSE: To identify determinants of long-term implant survival after sinus augmentation procedure (SAP) using a combination of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) and graft material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were included in this retrospective study if they underwent SAP through a lateral wall approach using PRGF in combination with mainly xenograft, and received implants restored for at least 1 year. Sociodemographic, behavioral and implant characteristics (clinical factors, implant details, surgical details, prosthesis details, and complications) were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients received 217 implants in 100 augmented sinuses. The mean follow-up was 7.2 years. Overall, 22 implants failed in 15 patients (90% cumulative implant survival). Multivariable models showed greater implant survival with implants placed with ≥5 mm of residual crestal bone height (RBH) compared with those placed with <3 mm of RBH. There was also an improvement in survival comparing implant lengths. In addition, immediate loading of implants significantly increased the risk of implant failure. CONCLUSION: The use of PRGFs for maxillary sinus grafting may be an effective and safe treatment option for the rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous posterior maxillae. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Antiproliferative Properties of Oleuropein in Human Osteosarcoma Cells.

In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative activity on two human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63 and Saos2) of oleuropein, an olive oil compound traditionally found in the Mediterranean diet. Oleuropein exhibited obvious cytotoxic effects on human osteosarcoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Statistical analysis of IC50 by the Probit regression method suggested that oleuropein had similar toxic effects on both cell lines tested (IC50 range from 247.4-475.0 µM for MG63 cells and from 798.7-359.9 µM for Saos2 cells).

Retreatment Predictions in Odontology by means of CBR Systems.

The field of odontology requires an appropriate adjustment of treatments according to the circumstances of each patient. A follow-up treatment for a patient experiencing problems from a previous procedure such as endodontic therapy, for example, may not necessarily preclude the possibility of extraction. It is therefore necessary to investigate new solutions aimed at analyzing data and, with regard to the given values, determine whether dental retreatment is required. In this work, we present a decision support system which applies the case-based reasoning (CBR) paradigm, specifically designed to predict the practicality of performing or not performing a retreatment. Thus, the system uses previous experiences to provide new predictions, which is completely innovative in the field of odontology. The proposed prediction technique includes an innovative combination of methods that minimizes false negatives to the greatest possible extent. False negatives refer to a prediction favoring a retreatment when in fact it would be ineffective. The combination of methods is performed by applying an optimization problem to reduce incorrect classifications and takes into account different parameters, such as precision, recall, and statistical probabilities. The proposed system was tested in a real environment and the results obtained are promising.

Lack of Influence of Vitamin D Receptor BsmI (rs1544410) Polymorphism on the Rate of Bone Loss in a Cohort of Postmenopausal Spanish Women Affected by Osteoporosis and Followed for Five Years.

A longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the relation between a polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and quantitative ultrasound of the phalanges (QUS) over a five-year period. The subjects were 456 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis undergoing treatment, aged 59.95±7.97 years (mean±standard deviation [SD]) at baseline. BMD was measured at the hips and lumbar spine by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and QUS was measured by means of amplitude-dependent speed of sound (Ad-SoS) at the phalanges. Lifestyle information was obtained via a questionnaire. The genotype frequencies of the BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism were 29.4%, 47.1%, and 23.5% for bb, Bb, and BB, respectively. After five years, BMD (annual change in %/year) at the femoral neck (FN) showed a significant modification based on the rs1544410 genotype (BB vs Bb); there was an overall decrease in bone mass (-0.70±2.79%/year; P = 0.025). An analysis of covariance with adjustments for age, weight, height, percentage of weight change per year, baseline BMD and calcium intake showed that the observed associations were no longer significant (P = 0.429). No significant associations were found between the QUS measurements and the rs1544410 genotype after the five-year period. Our study limitations includes lack of information about type and length of duration of the osteoporosis treatment. Our results indicate that rs1544410 polymorphisms do not account significantly for the changes in bone mass in Spanish women with osteoporosis undergoing treatment.

Common allelic variants of the vitamin receptor D gene rs7975232 (ApaI) do not influence bone mineral density figures in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

This study examined the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and the rs7975232 (ApaI) polymorphism of the vitamin receptor D (VDR) gene. The polymorphism was detected using the real-time PCR TaqMan method. The rs7975232 genotype was determined in 274 postmenopausal osteoporotic Spanish women who were 60.53±8.02 years old. The observed genotype frequencies were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ(2)=1.85, P=0.1736). There were no significant differences in the rs7975232 genotype groups in our total sample of osteoporotic women regarding age, years since menopause, height, weight, and BMD at femoral neck, femoral trochanter and lumbar spine. Significant differences were found in menarche age (aa vs Aa; P=0.008) and BMI (aa vs AA; P=0.029). We conclude that the VDR gene rs7975232 polymorphism is not related to figures of bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic Spanish women.

Modelling the longevity of dental restorations by means of a CBR system.

The lifespan of dental restorations is limited. Longevity depends on the material used and the different characteristics of the dental piece. However, it is not always the case that the best and longest lasting material is used since patients may prefer different treatments according to how noticeable the material is. Over the last 100 years, the most commonly used material has been silver amalgam, which, while very durable, is somewhat aesthetically displeasing. Our study is based on the collection of data from the charts, notes, and radiographic information of restorative treatments performed by Dr. Vera in 1993, the analysis of the information by computer artificial intelligence to determine the most appropriate restoration, and the monitoring of the evolution of the dental restoration. The data will be treated confidentially according to the Organic Law 15/1999 on 13 December on the Protection of Personal Data. This paper also presents a clustering technique capable of identifying the most significant cases with which to instantiate the case-base. In order to classify the cases, a mixture of experts is used which incorporates a Bayesian network and a multilayer perceptron; the combination of both classifiers is performed with a neural network.