Efficacy of a dual task protocol on neurophysiological and clinical outcomes in migraine: a randomized control trial.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a dual task protocol in people with episodic migraine with respect to both active exercises only and cognitive task only treatments, concerning some neurophysiological and clinical outcomes. A randomized control trial was adopted in people with episodic migraine without aura. Some neurophysiological and clinical outcomes were collected (t0): resting motor threshold (rMT), short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and facilitation (ICF), pressure pain threshold (PPT), trail making test (TMT), frontal assessment battery (FAB), headache-related disability (MIDAS) and headache parameters. Then, participants were randomized into three groups: active exercise only (n = 10), cognitive task only (n = 10) and dual task protocol (n = 10). After 3 months of each treatment and after 1-month follow-up the same neurophysiological and clinical outcomes were revaluated. A significant time x group effect was only found for the trapezius muscle (p = 0.012, pη2 = 0.210), suggesting that PPT increased significantly only in active exercise and dual task protocol groups. A significant time effect was found for rMT (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.473), MIDAS (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.426), TMT (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.338) and FAB (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.462). A repeated measures ANOVA for SICI at 3 ms highlighted a statistically significant time effect for the dual task group (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.629), but not for the active exercises group (p = 0.565, pη2 = 0.061), and for the cognitive training (p = 0.357, pη2 = 0.108). The dual task protocol seems to have a more evident effect on both habituation and sensitization outcomes than the two monotherapies taken alone in people with migraine.

Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases.

During recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis in its various forms and their interactions with the host. Furthermore, a number of reports have highlighted the importance of oral health and disease in systemic conditions, especially cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In this regard, research has attempted to explain the role of periodontitis in promoting alteration in distant sites and organs. Recently, DNA sequencing studies have revealed how oral infections can occur in distant sites such as the colon, reproductive tissues, metabolic diseases, and atheromas. The objective of this review is to describe and update the emerging evidence and knowledge regarding the association between periodontitis and systemic disease and to analyse the evidence that has reported periodontitis as a risk factor for the development of various forms of systemic diseases in order to provide a better understanding of the possible shared etiopathogenetic pathways between periodontitis and the different forms of systemic diseases.

The 3D emergence profile on implant-supported restorations: A method for evaluating restorative angles.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Emerging evidence indicates that the emergence profile and subsequent restorative angle play a crucial role in clinical outcomes and can potentially affect the development and progression of peri-implant diseases. However, the traditional evaluation of the emergence profile and angle has been limited to mesial and distal sites using periapical x-rays, without considering the buccal sites. PURPOSE: To describe a novel 3D method to estimate the emergence profile and restorative angles around single implant-supported crowns including buccal sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 implant-supported crowns (11 molars, 8 premolars, 8 central incisors and 1 canine) were extra-orally scanned using an intraoral scanner and the STL files produced were imported into a 3D software. The crown/abutment interface of each crown was delineated, and apico-coronal lines were automatically drawn following the shape of the crown. Three reference points were defined on the apico-coronal lines at the transition edge of the biological (BC) and the esthetic zone (EC) and the resulting angles were then calculated. The reliability of the measurements (2D and 3D) were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In anterior restorations, the mean angle of the esthetic zone amounted to 162 ± 14° at mesial sites, to 140 ± 10° at buccal sites and to 163 ± 11° at distal sites. The corresponding angles at the biological zones, amounted to 155 ± 13° at mesial sites, 139 ± 15° at buccal sites and 157 ± 5° at distal sites. In posterior restorations, the mean angle of the esthetic zone amounted to 162 ± 12° at mesial sites, to 157 ± 13 at buccal sites and to 162 ± 11 at distal sites. The corresponding angles at the biological zone, amounted to 158 ± 8 at mesial sites, 150 ± 15° at buccal sites and 156 ± 10 at distal sites. The ICC for all measurements ranged between 0.77 and 0.99 indicating a good intra-examiner reliability. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the 3D analysis seems to be a reliable and applicable method for the quantitative evaluation of the emergence profile in daily practice. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to assess whether a 3D analysis with the ensuing the emergence profile serves as a predictor for clinical outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The development and implementation of a 3D workflow will provide technicians and dentists with the ability to assess the restorative angle of implant-supported restorations during the provisional phase and the final restoration. This approach may help achieve an aesthetically pleasing restoration while minimizing potential clinical complications.

Effects of the whole-body vibration direction on the cognitive response of standing subjects.

This study aims to investigate the effect of whole-body vibration along different axes on the response time (RT) of standing subjects during a customised psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Twenty-five subjects were exposed to harmonic vibration with amplitude of 0.7 m/s2 RMS and frequencies between 1.5 Hz and 12.5 Hz. ANOVA was used to assess if the difference of RT with and without vibration had a statistical relevance. Results showed that the RT was statistically affected by the vibration only at frequencies below 2 Hz. The vibration at higher frequencies had a minor effect on the RT. The RTs during the vibration exposure was, on average, 15% higher than the RT post exposure. Practitioner summary: This study investigates the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) along different axes on the response time (RT). We measured the RTs to a psychomotor vigilance task of 25 standing subject exposed to WBV. The cognitive response was statistically affected by the WBV and, on average RT have increased of 15%.

Effects of single rinse with three different types of mouthwashes on VSCs levels in morning breath: Randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Morning breath is a temporary and unpleasant malodour sourced from the mouth, which occurs upon awakening. This double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the bad-breath suppression of three commercially available mouthwashes: Mentadent Professional® Chlorhexidine 0.05% with vitamin C (ChxC), Meridol Alito Sicuro® (SnF2 ) and CB12® (ZnChx) compared to a placebo (PbO) on morning halitosis. METHODS: Thirty-two subjects refraining from oral hygiene practices for 12 h before the evaluation, performed a 30-s rinse with 15 ml of mouthwash, followed by a 5-s gargle, in the evening before bedtime. In order to assess morning halitosis, visual inspection (Winkel Tongue Coating Index), organoleptic (Rosenberg index) and chromatographic measurements were used. Gas chromatography was carried out by means of a dedicated device, the Oral Chroma. The recorded measurements have to be considered solely after the rinse since no data about the pre-exposure were available. A washout period of 1 week passed between one administration and the next. RESULTS: The mean value of the organoleptic indices after administration of ChxC mouthwash is similar to ZnChx, SnF2 and PbO values. Thus, no statistically significant differences were recorded among the mouthwashes and PbO. Nevertheless, ChxC seems to be more efficient in comparison with the PbO regarding VSCs levels analysed with Oral Chroma, (CH3 SH; p = 0.0081) and [(CH3 )2 S; p = 0.0003]. CONCLUSION: Considering our limited sample, instrumental examination demonstrated that the use of the analysed mouthwashes can result in low VSCs levels after 12 h from a single rinse. Furthermore, the highest number of patients (n = 14) were proved to be free from bad smell after using a single administration of ChxC with respect to the other commercial products. The other tested mouthwashes did not show better performances with respect to the placebo after a single rinse.

Impact of Periodontitis on Glycemic Control and Metabolic Status in Diabetes Patients: Current Knowledge on Early Disease Markers and Therapeutic Perspectives.

Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are two of the most common chronic diseases affecting the world's population, and they are intimately linked. For several years, in fact, it has been known that there is an interdependent relationship between the two diseases: Diabetes promotes the destruction of periodontal tissues, and periodontal disease negatively affects glycemic control. In relation to the control of dental plaque and oral dysbiosis responsible for periodontal disease, both nonsurgical and surgical therapy associated with proper home hygiene procedures have emerged as essential for good glycemic control. Moreover, several evidences suggest the essential role played by the control of periodontal disease in preventing the onset of the most common complications of diabetes: cardiovascular diseases, retinopathies, and other systemic diseases. The aim of this study is to update the current knowledge on the bi-univocal relationship between diabetes and periodontitis and the impact of therapy in the optimal management of these two disorders. From the information found in the literature, it has emerged that the correct treatment of periodontal disease in diabetic patients represents one of the main mechanisms and means currently established and valid to control periodontal disease and glucose metabolism and prevent the onset or development of diabetic complications.

Morphological and Biological Evaluations of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts in Contact with Different Bovine Bone Grafts Treated with Low-Temperature Deproteinisation Protocol.

Several types of deproteinised bovine bone mineral (DBBM) are available on the market, and each one is obtained with a thermic and chemical process that can differ, achieving different results. Currently, several protocols using low temperature are suggested to reduce the possible particle crystallisation during the production process. This study aimed to evaluate the biomorphological reaction of periodontal fibroblast cultures in contact with different DBBM particles treated with a low-temperature protocol (Thermagen®) and without exposure to sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Morphological evaluation was performed using light, confocal laser, and scanning electron microscopy, and the biological reaction in terms of proliferation was performed using an XTT proliferation assay at 24 h (T1), 72 h (T2), and 7 days (T3). The morphological analysis highlighted how the presence of the materials stimulated a change in the morphology of the cells into a polygonal shape, surface reactions with the thickening of the membrane, and expression of actin. In particular, the morphological changes were appreciable from T1, with a progressive increase in the considered morphological characteristics at T2 and T3 follow-ups. The proliferation assay showed a statistical significance between the different experimental materials and the negative control in T2 and T3 follow-ups. The post hoc analysis did not reveal any differences between the materials. In conclusion, the grafts obtained with the low-temperature extractions protocol and not exposed to NaOH solution showed positive morphological reactions with no differences in the sizes of particles.

Bio-Morphological Reaction of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts to Different Types of Dentinal Derivates: In Vitro Study.

Understanding the biological and morphological reactions of human cells towards different dentinal derivate grafting materials is fundamental for choosing the type of dentin for specific clinical situations. This study aimed to evaluate human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPLF) cells exposed to different dentinal derivates particles. The study design included the in vitro evaluation of mineralized dentine (SG), deproteinized and demineralized dentine (DDP), and demineralized dentine (TT) as test materials and of deproteinized bovine bone (BIOS) as the positive control material. The materials were kept with the hPLF cell line, and the evaluations were made after 24 h, 72 h, and 7 days of in vitro culture. The evaluated outcomes were proliferation by using XTT assays, the morphological characteristics by light microscopy (LM) and by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and adhesion by using confocal microscopy (CLSM). Overall, the experimental materials induced a positive response of the hPLFs in terms of proliferation and adhesion. The XTT assay showed the TT, and the SG induced significant growth compared to the negative control at 7 days follow-up. The morphological data supported the XTT assay: the LM observations showed the presence of densely packed cells with a modified shape; the SEM observations allowed the assessment of how fibroblasts exposed to DDP and TT presented cytoplasmatic extensions; and SG and BIOS also presented the thickening of the cellular membrane. The CLMS observations showed the expression of the proliferative marker, as well as and the expression of cytoskeletal elements involved in the adhesion process. In particular, the vinculin and integrin signals were stronger at 72 h, while the actin signal remained constantly expressed in all the follow-up of the sample exposed to SG material. The integrin signal was stronger at 72 h, and the vinculin and actin signals were stronger at 7 days follow-up in the sample exposed to DDP material. The vinculin and integrin signals were stronger at 72 h follow-up in the sample exposed to TT material; vinculin and integrin signals appear stronger at 24 h follow-up in the sample exposed to BIOS material. These data confirmed how dentinal derivates present satisfying biocompatibility and high conductivity and inductivity properties fundamental in the regenerative processes. Furthermore, the knowledge of the effects of the dentin's degree of mineralization on cellular behavior will help clinicians choose the type of dentine derivates material according to the required clinical situation.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Single and Multiple Coronally Advanced Flap for Type 1 Recession: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in addition to coronally advanced flap (CAF) for the treatment of both single and multiple gingival recessions (GRs) compared to the CAF alone and to the adjunct of connective tissue graft (CTG). Root coverage outcomes using platelet concentrates have gained increased interest. In particular, it has been suggested that adding L-PRF to CAF may provide further benefits in the treatment of GRs. Materials and Methods: An electronic and manual literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RTCs) investigating root coverage outcomes with CAF + L-PRF. The outcomes of interest included mean root coverage (mRC), recession reduction, keratinized tissue width (KTW) gain, gingival thickness (GT) gain, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROms) such as pain perception and discomfort. Results: A total of 275 patients and 611 surgical sites were analyzed. L-PRF in adjunct to single CAF seems to show statistically significant results regarding clinical attachment level (CAL) with a weighted means (WM) 0.43 95% CI (-0.04,0.91), p < 0.0001, GT (WM 0.17 95% CI (-0.02,0.36), p < 0.0001, and mRC (WM 13.95 95% CI (-1.99,29.88) p < 0.0001, compared to single CAF alone. Interesting results were obtained from the adjunct of PRF to multiple CAF with respect to multiple CAF alone with an increase in the mRC WM 0.07 95% CI (-30.22,30.35), p = 0.0001, and PPD change WM 0.26 95% CI (-0.06,0.58), p < 00001. On the other hand, no statistically significant data were obtained when L-PRF was added to single or multiple CAF combined with CTG according to the included outcomes such as mRC (p = 0.03 overall). Conclusions: L-PRF is a valid alternative to CAF alone. L-PRF compared to CTG in single and multiple CAF showed statistically significant results regarding pain perception and discomfort PROms (p < 0.0001). However, CTG remains the gold standard for treating gingival recession.

Guidance for faecal occult blood testing: quantitative immunochemical method (FIT-HB) in colorectal cancer screening programmes. / Guida per la determinazione del sangue occulto fecale: metodo immunochimico quantitativo (FIT-HB) nei programmi di screening per il carcinoma colorettale

BACKGROUND: in Italy, colorectal cancer screening is included as part of the Italian National Health Service - SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) Essential Levels of Care - LEA (Livelli Essenziali Assistenziali) and the European Guidelines, which specify quantitative FIT-Hb testing as the best strategy for organised screening programmes. To ensure consistent operating standards in Member States, European regulations require the implementation of certification and accreditation requirements for diagnostic and care-related processes. The requirement, based on ISO 17021 accreditation standards, includes ISO 9001 certification for systems and ISO 15189:2012 accreditation for laboratories. METHODOLOGY: various phases of the analytical process (pre-test, test, post-test) were evaluated in detail and provided operational guidelines for adjusting analytical and managerial procedures using: (a) feedback from members of GISCoR screening labs; (b) performance data obtained via a systematic review of the literature and the Osservatorio Nazionale Screening (ONS) Survey; (c) recommendations for laboratory practice issued by the World Endoscopy Organization "FIT for Screening" Working Group; (d) selected guidelines from the National Guidelines Clearinghouse database; and (e) Canadian, Australian and European screening programme websites. With respect to ISO 15189:2012 standards for accreditation of medical laboratories, GISCoR's guidance has been re-evaluated and revised by auditors from the Italian certification body (ACCREDIA) to assess its compliance and completeness with the aim of finalising operating procedures. CONCLUSIONS: the implementation and maintenance of operational standards required by complex systems (e.g. screening programmes) involving constant interaction between facilities and the supporting organisational structure are not easy to achieve. The guide aims to provide laboratories with the necessary guidance for proper process management.

Mechanical Reliability Evaluation of an Oral Implant-Abutment System According to UNI EN ISO 14801 Fatigue Test Protocol.

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the mechanical reliability of a dental implant system by testing its maximum fracture load and mechanical performance under cyclic fatigue stress. METHODS: An experimental study according to the international standards (UNI EN ISO 14801: 2008) was performed using 13 implants (3.80 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length) with straight titanium abutments tightened to 30 N. Five samples were subjected to compression stress at break. Based on the mean fracture load value obtained in this test, the levels of dynamic loading range were set and were carried on at a frequency of 15 Hz for 5 × 10 cycles. RESULTS: The compression stress at break mean value of the tested implants was 430 N (SD ± 35.66 N). In the mechanical fatigue stress test, the fatigue limit for 5 × 10 load cycles was 172 N. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated implant system proved to withstand considerable mechanical loads under the "worst-case" loading situation performed according to UNI EN ISO 14801 standard. The reliability of this test protocol makes it suitable to be accomplished for understanding and comparing mechanical properties of implant systems.

[Exposure to hand-arm vibrations in orthopaedic plaster room: risk management]. / Esposizione a vibrazioni mano-braccio nel personale di sala gessi: risk management.

BACKGROUND: In hospitals, the use of vibrating tools, such as oscillating saws to cut plaster, can expose the staff to hand-arm vibrations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the exposure of workers to vibrations in the plaster room and then  identify the most appropriate  intervention for  prevention and protection to be implemented in order to minimize  exposure and  protect  workers' health, considering different individual hyper-susceptibility conditions. METHODS: Four different models of plaster saws were examined for the evaluation.  Various measurements were made in normal working conditions of the operators. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The values of acceleration and noise detected on the instruments  were  in line with those reported in the literature. The preventive measure adopted (replacing plaster saws currently used in the hospital with similar ones with lower vibration emission) was an adequate means of protection. Health surveillance activities  recorded a higher level of wellbeing, both environmentally and individually and, specifically, an increased protection level for the hyper-susceptibility conditions observed during health checks of exposed personnel  which will be monitored regularly by the Occupational Health Service.

Multi-Sensor Approach for the Monitoring of Halitosis Treatment via Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)-Containing Lozenges--A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate whether a recently described multi-sensor approach called BIONOTE(®) is accurate enough to verify the efficacy of treatment of patients with halitosis. A treatment with Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)-containing lozenges, compared with placebo was tested. The BIONOTE(®) was compared with traditional techniques used to detect halitosis: OralChroma™ and two calibrated odor judges enrolled for the organoleptic assessments. Twenty patients (10 treated and 10 placebo), suffering from active phase halitosis were included in the study. Treatment consisted of Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)-containing lozenges or placebo, 4 tablets/day for 14 days. t0 was before the beginning of the study; t1 was day 7 and t2 was day 14. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed through: (1) Rosenberg score; (2) Winkel tongue coating index (WTCI) anterior and posterior; (2) OralChroma™; (3) the new developed multi-sensor approach, called BIONOTE(®) (test technique). Only the WTCI anterior revealed statistically significant changes between t0 and t2 data (p = 0.014) in the treated group. Except for the WTCI anterior, all diagnostic methods revealed the lack of effectiveness for halitosis of a 14-days treatment with Lactobacillus brevis (CD2)-containing lozenges. The BIONOTE(®) multisensor system seems accurate in addition to OralChroma™ to assess the initial condition of halitosis and its mitigation during treatment.

Evaluation of an endosseous oral implant system according to UNI EN ISO 14801 fatigue test protocol.

PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the maximum fracture load and the mechanical performance to cyclic fatigue stress of a dental implant system. METHODS: An experimental study according to the international standards (UNI EN ISO 14801: 2008) was carried out using 15 implants (3.80 mm of diameter and 13 mm of length) with applied straight titanium abutment tightened to 30 N. Five samples were subjected to compression stress at break. Based on the mean fracture load value obtained in this test, the levels of dynamic loading range were set that were carried on at a frequency of 15 Hz for 5 × 10 cycles. RESULTS: The compression stress at break mean value of the tested implants was 499.40 N (SD ±50.1 N). In the mechanical fatigue stress test, the fatigue limit for 5 × 10 load cycles for all tested samples was 250 N. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated implant system proved to withstand considerable mechanical loads under the "worst-case" loading situation performed according to UNI EN ISO 14801 standard. The reliability of this test protocol makes it suitable to be accomplished for understanding and comparing mechanical properties of other implant systems.

Occupational exposure to physical agents: the new Italian database for risk assessment and control.

This article presents the new Italian database of physical agents, which is available at http://www.portaleagentifisici.it. It supports in risk assessment employers who have to comply with Italy's Legislative Decree 81/2008 (transposing into law European Union Directives 2003/10/EC, 2002/44/EC, 2004/40/EC and 2006/25/EC). The database currently contains measurements and declared European Community (EC) values from over 2540 machines; in particular, the database hosts data on mechanical vibration from over 1430 hand-held power tools (e.g., pneumatic and electric hammers, chainsaws, grinders, drills, sanders and saws) and from over 1020 whole-body machines (e.g., buses, fork lifts and wheel tractors). The database is continuously updated as soon as new experimental and declared data are acquired.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Urinary Biomarkers in Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Biomarkers can be measured in various biological samples. Urine is among the most useful biofluids for routine testing, and several experimental and clinical studies support its role as a tool for the diagnosis and prevention of various diseases. The present systematic review aimed to examine periodontitis-specific urine biomarkers that could have a diagnostic relevance and to provide a qualitative assessment of the current literature. Materials and Methods: Relevant studies identified from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were examined to answer the following PECO question: "Could the concentration of specific metabolites in the urine be related to periodontal health and what is their diagnostic accuracy?". Quality of included studies was rated using ROBINS-I tool. Meta-analysis was conducted on available quantitative data. Results: After the screening of 768 titles, five studies were included in qualitative synthesis. The studies included referred to the evaluation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and neopterin. Meta-analysis was conducted for neopterin concentration on data available in four studies involving 129 participants. Higher concentrations of neopterin were found in periodontitis-affected patients compared to controls and patients treated for periodontitis. Conclusions: The literature appears controversial in attributing a role to neopterin and 8-OHdG as periodontal biomarkers, highlighting the need for further clinical studies on this topic. While some studies report variations in 8-OHdG and neopterin levels in periodontally affected patients versus either controls or periodontally treated patients, the level of evidence appears still limited to draw firm conclusions (PROSPERO CRD42020222681).

Uncovering of transplanted connective tissue graft: Clinical and histological evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal plastic surgery aims to restore recessions and dehiscence around teeth and implants. Several techniques, such as subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), were proposed with the main outcome of improving volume and root coverage. Nevertheless, this surgery might not improve the keratinized tissue width. Thus, the primary aim of this case report was to describe the possible increase in keratinized tissue after a subepithelial CTG and simultaneously use the previously harvested graft as a source for covering an adjacent tooth. METHODS: A 38-year-old patient presented brushing discomfort 2 years after undergoing periodontal plastic surgery with a CTG from the palate to cover a recession. Despite the increased thickness of the soft tissue, brushing discomfort was not reduced because the tissue quality remained unchanged. Therefore, a surgical procedure in the area of teeth 3.2-3.4 was performed to remove the more superficial masticatory mucosa and to induce keratinization of the previously grafted connective tissue. RESULTS: After 6 months, the epithelium appears to be clinically and histologically keratinized, with characteristics comparable to those of the original tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The connective tissue grafted maintains the potential to induce keratinization over time, if it is exposed. KEY POINTS: Why is this case new information? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature with a histological evaluation in a human of the tissue grafted exposed after 2 years. What are the keys to successful management of this case? The graft covered by the alveolar mucosa did not induce keratinization of the epithelium of the overlying mucosa. What are the primary limitations to success in this case? The main limitation of this study is that it is a singular case report.

3D surface defect map for assessing buccolingual profile of single tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation.

AIM: A new, non-invasive approach suggests using single intraoral optical scanning to analyze the ridge profile of single-tooth gaps following alveolar ridge preservation in the absence of a baseline scan. This method involves creating a three-dimensional (3D) surface map to identify and assess contour changes and ridge profiles based on the adjacent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional pilot analysis on a convenience sample of patients undergoing alveolar ridge preservation. Intraoral optical scans were taken on 23 patients, capturing data from 30 edentulous sites. The digital models were then imported into an image analysis software for a 3D surface defect map analysis performed by one examiner. This analysis characterized the buccolingual profile of the single tooth gap relative to the adjacent teeth. 10 linear divergence points, spaced 0.5 mm apart in a corona-apical direction, were identified at the midfacial aspect of the sites. Based on these points the sites were plotted and grouped in three different buccolingual profiles (linear, concave, and convex). Clinical parameters including Keratinized mucosa Width (KMW), and soft tissue phenotype with Colorvue biotype probes were also recorded. RESULTS: Three different buccolingual patterns (linear, convex, and concave) were identified. Seven sites exhibited a linear profile, 10 sites displayed a concave shape, and 13 showed a convex profile. The linear profile had surface discrepancies similar to the neighboring teeth. In contrast, the convex profile revealed mid-buccal discrepancy localized only at the crestal aspect, while the concave had an extended divergence ranging from 1 to 5 mm below the soft tissue margin. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses did not reveal any statistically significant variables influencing profilometric analysis; however, when combining phenotype and KMW, thick phenotypes demonstrated a higher proportion of concavity (OR = 4.83) compared to thin ones, suggesting a significant trend. With every 1 mm of increase in KMW, the probability of showing a concavity decreased (p = 0.057). CONCLUSION: A 3D surface defect map represents a useful tool for objectively quantifying ridge defects and profiles by assessing profilometric and surface differences compared to adjacent dentition using a single intraoral scan. This method also indicates that KMW may play a critical role in preventing concavity defects. The 3D defect map can guide decision-making during soft tissue augmentation procedures by emphasizing the specific location of the defect and providing more detailed insights into its localization. These parameters can enable the tailoring of flap management and soft tissue grafting strategies to address the patient's individual needs.

In Vitro Study of the Proliferation of MG63 Cells Cultured on Five Different Titanium Surfaces.

The use of dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation in dentistry is based on the concept of osteointegration. This concept enables the clinical stability of the implants and a total absence of inflammatory tissue between the implant surface and the bone tissue. For this reason, it is essential to understand the role of the titanium surface in promoting and maintaining or not maintaining contact between the bone matrix and the surface of the titanium implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five types of titanium discs placed in contact with osteoblast cultures of osteosarcomas were studied. The materials had different roughness. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos were taken before the in vitro culture to analyze the surfaces, and at the end of the culturing time, the different gene expressions of a broad pattern of proteins were evaluated to analyze the osteoblast response, as indicated in the scientific literature. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that the responses of the osteoblasts were different in the five cultures in contact with the five titanium discs with different surfaces; in particular, the response in the production of some proteins was statistically significant. DISCUSSION: The key role of titanium surfaces underlines how it is still possible to carry out increasingly accurate and targeted studies in the search for new surfaces capable of stimulating a better osteoblastic response and the long-term maintenance of osteointegration.

Effects of mediolateral whole-body vibration during gait with additional cognitive load.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) may increase musculoskeletal disorder risk among workers standing on vibrating surfaces for prolonged periods. Limited studies were conducted to comprehend WBV impact on individuals engaged in dynamic activities. This study explored the effects of different horizontal WBV frequencies on gait parameters, lower limb kinematics, and the cognitive response of healthy subjects. Forty participants walked at constant speed on a treadmill mounted on a horizontal shaker providing harmonic vibration with an amplitude of 1 m/s2 and frequencies 2-10 Hz, with inversely proportional amplitudes. A Psychomotor Vigilance Test measured reaction time while a motion capture system recorded walking kinematics. ANOVA results revealed no significant impact of vibration frequencies on the reaction time. At 2 Hz, alterations in gait spatiotemporal parameters were significant, with reduced stride length, stride time, step length, and stance time and increased step width and cadence. Similarly, gait variability measured by standard deviation and coefficient of variation significantly increased at 2 Hz compared to the other conditions. Comparably, kinematic time series analyzed through statistical parametric mapping showed significant adjustments in different portions of the gait cycle at 2 Hz, including increased hip abduction and flexion, greater knee flexion around the heel strike, and augmented ankle dorsiflexion. Participants exhibited gait kinematic variations, mainly at 2 Hz, where the associated mediolateral displacement was higher, as a plausible strategy to maintain stability and postural control during perturbed locomotion. These findings highlight individuals' complex biomechanical adaptations in response to horizontal WBV, especially at lower frequencies, under dual-task conditions.