scholarly journals Reliability of qualitative occlusal tooth wear evaluation using an intraoral scanner: A pilot study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0249119
Author(s):  
Renata Travassos da Rosa Moreira Bastos ◽  
Priscila Teixeira da Silva ◽  
David Normando
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Slight Modification ◽  
Weighted Kappa ◽  
Tooth Wear ◽  
Systematic Errors ◽  
Intraoral Scanner ◽  
Intraoral Scanning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wear Evaluation ◽  
Examiner Agreement

Dental wear analysis through the use of an intraoral scanner is a reality of modern dentistry. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of qualitative tooth wear evaluation through three-dimensional images captured with an intraoral scanner and compared to clinical and photographic examinations. Eighteen adult volunteers of both genders (18 to 55 years old) were submitted to clinical exams, intraoral photographs and intraoral scanning protocol using an optical scanner (TRIOS® Pod, 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Occlusal tooth wear, from second to second premolars, was measured by two evaluators and reevaluated after 30 days, according to a slight modification of the method described by Mockers et al. Weighted Kappa was used to measure intra and inter-examiner agreement. The Friedman test was used to verify the differences among methods. Random and systematic errors were assessed using Bland-Altman plots. All statistical analysis was performed with p<0.05. There was a substantive agreement for clinical (K = 0.75) and photographic exams (K = 0.79) and a moderate agreement for intraoral scanner analysis (K = 0.60) for inter-examiner evaluation. A substantial intra-examiner agreement was obtained for both evaluators. No significant difference between the methods was observed (p = 0.7343 for examiner 1 and 0.8007 for examiner 2). The Bland-Altman plot confirmed no systematic errors between the methods and a random error of 0.25 with the scanner method when compared to clinical assessment. All three methods showed reliability in qualitative occlusal tooth wear evaluation. Intraoral scanning seems to be a sound and reliable tool to evaluate tooth wear when compared to traditional methods, considering the lower inter-examiner agreement and the inherent limitations of this pilot study. Further research will be necessary in order to achieve more robust evidence.

scholarly journals Telemedicine Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treatment during the Lockdown Period in Romania: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 3694
Author(s):  
Irina Paula Doica ◽  
Dan Nicolae Florescu ◽  
Carmen Nicoleta Oancea ◽  
Adina Turcu-Stiolica ◽  
Mihaela-Simona Subtirelu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Therapy Monitoring ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Hcv Therapy ◽  
Viral Hepatitis C ◽  
Significant Difference

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently delaying the process of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) eradication, since most of the chronic diseases are neglected. Thus, there is a need for alternative programs for HCV therapy implementation and disease monitoring. Our aim was to provide a multidisciplinary approach, so that HCV-infected patients from distant locations may benefit from HCV antivirals during the COVID-19 outbreak and within the lockdown period in Romania. Previously diagnosed HCV patients willing to participate in this telemedicine pilot study were included. Patient characteristics and medical adherence were assessed and compared to the year preceding the pandemic. We proposed a multidisciplinary approach by using a telemedicine program for HCV therapy monitoring. Patients also received a satisfaction questionnaire after delivering the sustained virologic response (SVR) result. A total of 41 patients agreed to participate in this study. The medication adherence was 100% for patients included in the telemedicine group, with a statistically significant difference from the medication adherence of the patients treated in 2019. The satisfaction item score was 4.92 out of 5 and our results (r = −0.94, p < 0.0001) suggested that older patients embraced the telemedicine program less, but with the same success in terms of SVR (100%) and medication adherence (100%). Our pilot study offers the first example of a telemedicine program in Romania for HCV therapeutic management. During the lockdown period, telemedicine has served as a reliable tool and novel alternative for conventional monitoring of patients treated with direct antiviral agents and should be further considered even following the pandemic.

Endoscopic prediction of submucosal invasion in Barrett’s cancer with the use of Artificial Intelligence: A pilot Study

Endoscopy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alanna Ebigbo ◽  
Robert Mendel ◽  
Tobias Rückert ◽  
Laurin Schuster ◽  
Andreas Probst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Deep Learning ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
White Light ◽  
Submucosal Invasion ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Endoscopic Images ◽  
Barrett’S Cancer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Background and aims: The accurate differentiation between T1a and T1b Barrett’s cancer has both therapeutic and prognostic implications but is challenging even for experienced physicians. We trained an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system on the basis of deep artificial neural networks (deep learning) to differentiate between T1a and T1b Barrett’s cancer white-light images. Methods: Endoscopic images from three tertiary care centres in Germany were collected retrospectively. A deep learning system was trained and tested using the principles of cross-validation. A total of 230 white-light endoscopic images (108 T1a and 122 T1b) was evaluated with the AI-system. For comparison, the images were also classified by experts specialized in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of Barrett’s cancer. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, F1 and accuracy of the AI-system in the differentiation between T1a and T1b cancer lesions was 0.77, 0.64, 0.73 and 0.71, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the performance of the AI-system and that of human experts with sensitivity, specificity, F1 and accuracy of 0.63, 0.78, 0.67 and 0.70 respectively. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrates the first multicenter application of an AI-based system in the prediction of submucosal invasion in endoscopic images of Barrett’s cancer. AI scored equal to international experts in the field, but more work is necessary to improve the system and apply it to video sequences and in a real-life setting. Nevertheless, the correct prediction of submucosal invasion in Barret´s cancer remains challenging for both experts and AI.

scholarly journals The Effect of Alcohol on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Evidence and a Pilot Study during Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 5038
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Roberta Magnano San Lio ◽  
Maria Clara La Rosa ◽  
Claudia La Mastra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Periconceptional Period ◽  
Using Data

Several studies—albeit with still inconclusive and limited findings—began to focus on the effect of drinking alcohol on telomere length (TL). Here, we present results from a systematic review of these epidemiological studies to investigate the potential association between alcohol consumption, alcohol-related disorders, and TL. The analysis of fourteen studies—selected from PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases—showed that people with alcohol-related disorders exhibited shorter TL, but also that alcohol consumption per se did not appear to affect TL in the absence of alcohol abuse or dependence. Our work also revealed a lack of studies in the periconceptional period, raising the need for evaluating this potential relationship during pregnancy. To fill this gap, we conducted a pilot study using data and samples form the Mamma & Bambino cohort. We compared five non-smoking but drinking women with ten non-smoking and non-drinking women, matched for maternal age, gestational age at recruitment, pregestational body mass index, and fetal sex. Interestingly, we detected a significant difference when analyzing relative TL of leukocyte DNA of cord blood samples from newborns. In particular, newborns from drinking women exhibited shorter relative TL than those born from non-drinking women (p = 0.024). Although these findings appeared promising, further research should be encouraged to test any dose–response relationship, to adjust for the effect of other exposures, and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved.

The Effect of Reflexology on Lactation in Women Who Had Cesarean Section: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Sevde Aksu ◽  
Pelin Palas Karaca
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Breast Pain ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Right ◽  
Documentation Tool ◽  
And Control

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The research was conducted as a randomized controlled pilot study to evaluate the effects of reflexology on lactation in mothers who delivered by cesarean section (CS). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A single-blind randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with a total of 60 postpartum women in the reflexology application (<i>n</i> = 30) and control groups (<i>n</i> = 30). After the CS, the mothers in the control group were given approximately 3-h routine nursing care after recovering from the effects of anesthesia; the introductory information form was applied, and the Breastfeeding Charting System and Documentation Tool (LATCH) and visual analog scale (VAS) for the signs of the onset of lactation were implemented on the first and second days. Reflexology was applied to the women in the intervention group after an average of 3 h following the mother’s condition had become stable and she had recovered from the effects of anesthesia. Reflexology was applied a total of 20 min – 10 min for the right foot, 10 min for the left foot – twice a day with 8-h intervals on the first and second days after CS. After the last reflexology application, the LATCH and VAS for the signs of the onset of lactation were applied. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of the women, 70% breastfed their babies within 60 min after delivery; 46.7% of the mothers received breastfeeding training and 81.7% needed support for breastfeeding after the CS. The LATCH breastfeeding scores of the women in the intervention group on both days were significantly higher compared to those of the women in the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). On the first day after the CS, apart from breast pain, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of breast heat and breast tension (<i>p</i> &#x3e; 0.05). On the second day after the CS, apart from breast tension, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of breast heat and breast pain (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). In the study, women in the intervention group were found to have higher scores in terms of all three symptoms compared to the control group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In the study, it was determined that LATCH scores and signs of the onset of breastfeeding increased in the mothers who received reflexology after CS.

scholarly journals 0588 Ring Pulse Oximeter for Screening of Moderate to Severe OSA: A Pilot Study

SLEEP ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A225-A225
Author(s):  
J Xue ◽  
R Zhao ◽  
J Li ◽  
L Zhao ◽  
B Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Pulse Oximeter ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve ◽  
Oxygen Desaturation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acceptance Range ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Two Parameters

Abstract Introduction To evaluate the utility of the ring pulse oximeter for screening of OSA in adults. Methods 87 adults were monitored by a ring pulse oximeter and PSG simultaneously during a nocturnal in-lab sleep testing. 3% oxygen desaturation index (ODI3); Mean oxygen saturation(MSpO2), Saturation impair time below 90% (SIT90) derived from an automated algorithm of the ring pulse oximeter. Meanwhile, the parameters of PSG were scored manually according to the AASM Manual. Correlation and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis were used to measure the accuracy of ring pulse oximeter and its diagnostic value for moderate to severe OSA (AHI≥15). Results Among the 87 participants, 18 cases were AHI&lt;5, 17 cases were diagnosed with mild OSA (AHI:5-14.9), 25 cases were diagnosed with moderate OSA (AHI:15-29.9) and 27 cases were diagnosed with severe OSA (AHI≥30). There was no significant difference between PSG and ring pulse oximeter in regard to ODI3 (23.4±23.5 vs 24.7 ± 21.7), and SIT90 (1.54%, range 0.14%-8.99% vs. 3.20%, range 0.60%, 12.30%) (P&gt;0.05], Further analysis indicated that two parameters from the oximeter correlated well with that derived from PSG (r=0.889, 0.567, respectively, both p&lt;0.05). Although MSpO2 correlated significantly (r=0.448, P&lt;0.05), the difference was remarkable [95.9%, range 94.0% to 97.0% vs. 94.5%, range 93.3% to 95.7%, p&lt;0.05]. Bland-Altman plots showed that the agreement of these three parameters was within the clinical acceptance range. The ROC curve showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the ring pulse oximeter when the oximeter derived ODI3 ≥12.5 in the diagnosis of moderate to severe OSA were 82.7% and 74.3%, respectively. Conclusion The pilot study indicated that ring pulse oximeter can detect oxygen desaturation events accurately, therefore to be used as a screening tool for moderate to severe OSA. Support The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81420108002 and NO. 81570083).

scholarly journals Evaluation of Respiratory Resistance as a Predictor for Oral Appliance Treatment Response in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1255
Author(s):  
Hiroyuki Ishiyama ◽  
Masayuki Hideshima ◽  
Shusuke Inukai ◽  
Meiyo Tamaoka ◽  
Akira Nishiyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Obstructive Sleep Apnea ◽  
Sleep Apnea ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Oral Appliance ◽  
Respiratory Resistance ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Respiratory Event ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Treatment Responses

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of respiratory resistance as a predictor of oral appliance (OA) response in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Twenty-seven patients with OSA (mean respiratory event index (REI): 17.5 ± 6.5 events/h) were recruited. At baseline, the respiratory resistance (R20) was measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS) with a fitted nasal mask in the supine position, and cephalometric radiographs were obtained to analyze the pharyngeal airway space (SPAS: superior posterior airway space, MAS: middle airway space, IAS: inferior airway space). The R20 and radiographs after the OA treatment were evaluated, and the changes from the baseline were analyzed. A sleep test with OA was carried out using a portable device. The subjects were divided into Responders and Non-responders based on an REI improvement ≥ 50% from the baseline, or REI < 5 after treatment, and the R20 reduction rate between the two groups were compared. The subjects comprised 20 responders and 7 non-responders. The R20 reduction rate with OA in responders was significantly greater than it was in non-responders (14.4 ± 7.9 % versus 2.4 ± 9.8 %, p < 0.05). In responders, SPAS, MAS, and IAS were significantly widened and R20 was significantly decreased with OA (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in non-responders (p > 0.05). A logistic multiple regression analysis showed that the R20 reduction rate was predictive for OA treatment responses (2% incremental odds ratio (OR), 24.5; 95% CI, 21.5–28.0; p = 0.018). This pilot study confirmed that respiratory resistance may have significant clinical utility in predicting OA treatment responses.

Digital Impression taking for Maxillary Full-Arch Restoration with Immediate Loading. A Case Report.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús Peláez Rico ◽  
Jorge Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann ◽  
María Carrión Martín ◽  
Mabel Albanchez González ◽  
Celia Tobar Arribas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acrylic Resin ◽  
Digital Impression ◽  
Immediate Loading ◽  
Clinical Report ◽  
Intraoral Scanner ◽  
Intraoral Scanning ◽  
Digital Impressions ◽  
Removable Prosthesis ◽  
And Function

The aim of this clinical report is to describe a maxillary full-arch implant supported restoration with immediate loading performed by means of an entirely digital workflow with photogrammetric system and intraoral scanning. A female patient with an edentulous maxillary arch attended the dental clinic seeking a maxillary fixed restoration. After treatment planning, six implants were placed using a surgical splint fabricated digitally by intraoral scanning of her previous removable prosthesis. Multi-unit abutments were fitted and two digital impressions were taken, one with a photogrammetric system for determining implant positions, and the other with an intraoral scanner for soft tissue registration. The acrylic resin structure of the immediate prosthesis was milled and placed within 8 hours of implant surgery. This provisional structure fitted correctly and provided adequate esthetics and function. Radiographic and clinical follow-up after 24 months observed adequate implant evolution.

Abstract 221: Use of Statins in Patients with Coronary Artery Aneurysms: A Pilot Study from the North American Kawasaki Disease Registry

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Khoury ◽  
Michael A Portman ◽  
Cedric Manlhiot ◽  
Anne Fournier ◽  
Rejane F Dillenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Linear Regression ◽  
North American ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Disease Registry ◽  
Coronary Artery Aneurysms ◽  
The North ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Statins have been considered as therapy for children with coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) after Kawasaki disease (KD), due to potential beneficial pleiotropic effects which might influence chronic vascular processes and inflammation. Methods: The North American Kawasaki Disease Registry was queried to identify patients who have received statins in the first 6 months following the convalescent phase of KD. Each identified patient was matched by age, gender and CAA z score to 3 patients who were statin-naïve (controls). Linear regression models adjusted for repeated measures and maximum coronary involvement were used to determine an association of statin use with longitudinal changes in coronary artery diameter z-score. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare freedom from angiographically-confirmed stenosis or interventions. Results: Of 29 patients with KD and CAA (maximum coronary artery z-score >10) who received statins at any time (of n=621, 5%), 10 (9 males) patients were started within 6 months of the acute KD episode. The mean age at KD was 6.3±3.4 years (5.4±3.5 for controls, p=0.57). Mean maximum CAA z-score was 36±14 (vs. 29±16, p=0.20); 90% of statin patients and 87% of matched controls had CAAs in 3 or more branches. Linear regression analysis of 442 serial echocardiograms showed that maximum CAA z-score decreased by -1.5 (95%CI: -2.7; -0.4) SD/year (p=0.008) for control patients compared to -2.9 (95%CI: -4.4; -1.4) SD/year (p<0.001) for statin treated patients. The difference between the rate of change of CAA z-score for statin vs. control patients did not reach statistical significance (controls vs. statins: +1.4 SD/year, 95%CI: -0.6; +3.4, p=0.18). n=7 patients (3 on statin, 4 controls) developed stenosis or had revascularization, with no significant difference between groups (HR for statin group: 2.2 (0.4-11.4), p=0.41). Conclusions: This underpowered pilot study suggests that equipoise likely exists with regards to statin therapy in children with KD and CAA, and that a formal registry-nested trial might be considered.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Nicotine Oral Soluble Film, Lozenge and Gum in Relief of Acute Smoking Cue-provoked Craving for Cigarette in Low Dependence Smokers

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Du ◽  
James Borders ◽  
Alex Selmani ◽  
William Waverczak
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Early Time ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Nicotine Gum ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Smoking Cues ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nicotine Lozenge

Introduction: A new nicotine film that releases nicotine quickly may lead to faster craving relief.Aims: This study compares the efficacy of 2.5 mg nicotine film with 2 mg nicotine lozenge and 2 mg nicotine gum on relieving provoked craving in low dependence smokers.Methods: A randomised, open-label, active comparators controlled study was conducted in 120 subjects. Subjects were abstinent from smoking for 4 hours prior to being provoked with smoking cues. After post-provocation craving assessment, subjects were administered one dose of the 3 treatments: nicotine film, lozenge, or gum. Craving intensity was then assessed at 50 seconds, 3, 5, 7, 15, 20, 25 and 30 minutes after administration.Results/Findings: Three treatments reduced craving with similar maximum effects. The effect was maintained up to 30 minutes. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge at 50 seconds, 3 and 5 minutes. It also significantly reduced more craving than gum at 50 seconds and 3 minutes. There was no significant difference between lozenge and gum.Conclusions: Nicotine film, lozenge and gum have similar maximum craving relief. Nicotine film significantly reduced more craving than lozenge and gum at early time points. Nicotine film may be particularly useful to provide acute craving relief.

scholarly journals Aromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot study

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Rizzo Gnatta ◽  
Patricia Petrone Piason ◽  
Cristiane de Lion Botero Couto Lopes ◽  
Noemi Marisa Brunet Rogenski ◽  
Maria Júlia Paes da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Temperature Method ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Perception Of Self ◽  
Cutaneous Application

Objective: To verify if the use of ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application or inhalation alters the anxiety and self-esteem perception and physiological parameters as blood pressure and temperature. Method : A pilot study with 34 professionals from a nursing group randomized in three groups: one received the ylang ylang essential oil by cutaneous application, the second received through inhalation and the third (placebo) received the ylang ylang essence through cutaneous application. The assessment was done by an Anxiety Inventory (IDATE) and the Dela Coleta self-esteem scale, applied on baseline, after 30, 60 and 90 days and after 15 days post-intervention (follow up). Results : In the pre and post-intervention intergroup analysis, there was a significant difference in self-esteem for the three groups (p values: G1=0.014; G2=0.016; G3=0.038). There were no differences in the analysis between groups for anxiety or for physiological parameters. Conclusion : It was found significant alterations only to the intergroup perception of self-esteem for the three groups.


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