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Ponticulus posticus (PP) is a bony protrusion located between the posterior portion of the superior articular process and the posterolateral portion of a posterior arch of the atlas vertebrae in the cervical spine. The aim of this study is to verify the presence of different types of PP in a Southern Italian pre-orthodontic cohort to understand its correlation with skeletal class and maturity.

Abstract Background Influenza represents a serious public health threat, especially for the management of severe cases and complications of the disease, requiring the implementation of control measures. We aimed to assess the acceptance and impact of qLAIV vaccination among a representative sample of family paediatricians (FPs) operating in Palermo Local Health Authority (LHA). To this end we evaluated vaccination coverage rates, comparing it with that observed in Sicilian context, while actively monitoring possible adverse reactions and their severity. Methods An observational descriptive non-controlled study was conducted in two phases, from September 2022 to June 2023. The first phase involved a formative and educational intervention with a pre-intervention questionnaire to assess the knowledge and attitudes of FPs on paediatric influenza vaccination. The second phase consisted of an active surveillance on qLAIV safety and acceptance among the paediatric population assisted by the participating FPs, from October 2022 to April 2023. Frequencies, chi-squared tests, and comparisons statistics were performed using Stata/MP 14.1. Results The overall coverage rate among the paediatric population involved in the intervention was 13.2%, with an I.M./qLAIV ratio of vaccine administered of 1/4.25. This coverage rate was significantly higher (p-value

Purpose: Augmented adiposity may negatively impact sexual sphere through its metabolic effects and its detrimental impact on reproductive hormones. Moreover, a dysregulated metabolic pathway may promote apoptosis among spermatogenic cells. Based on these premises, a relation between weights loss and ameliorate semen parameters seems beneficial. To investigate if physical activity may affect semen parameters and fertility rate, a systematic literature search on major dataset has been performed. Materials and Methods: The search terms included: “Assisted reproduction therapies,” “fertility,” “semen parameters,” “sperm parameters,” and “physical activity.” This analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines and it was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023384471). A total of 47 studies have been identified; 1 reference has been eliminated after duplication check. After preliminary screening 32 papers have been excluded. Considering the exclusion criteria, 15 full-text articles were evaluated for eligibility. After a full-text review, six studies published during a span of eight years (2014–2022) have been included in the meta-analysis. Semen parameters, pregnancy and birth rates were investigated. The revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (Rob2) has been used to check the risk of bias. Results: The number of patients enrolled in studies ranges from 17 to 521; in the end, a total of 1,637 patients have been enrolled in the study. Fertility parameters investigated were semen quality parameters and pregnancy rates and live births. A statistically significant relationship between physical exercise and sperm concentration (p=0.02), total sperm motility (p

Aim: This study investigates the collaborative efforts between speech language therapists and dentists to address the challenges faced by patients with concurrent dental and speech issues. It underscores the importance of understanding the complex interactions within the craniofacial system and its implications for both oral health and communication abilities. Methods: A questionnaire-based research was conducted involving speech language therapists and dentists, using Google Forms as the medium of data collection. This study was disseminated through professional networks, where practitioners provided information on their demographics, practices of collaboration, and the perceived advantages of such interdisciplinary work. All ethical standards were adhered to, ensuring the confidentiality and informed consent of the participants. Results: The findings indicate that dentists, often see first patient visits beyond recommended ages primarily for existing conditions, deviating from preventive norms. About half communicate monthly with speech language therapists, revealing gaps in early care and collaboration. Speech language therapists focus on language disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders (SMOF), with 37% collaborating frequently with dentists. This interaction highlights the potential for enhanced patient outcomes through interdisciplinary cooperation. Despite these challenges, both groups acknowledged the benefits of their collaborative efforts. Conclusions: The partnership between speech language therapists and dentists represents a vital area of healthcare, aimed at tackling the complex issues of oral health and communication through a multidisciplinary approach. Although obstacles in collaboration were identified, the positive outcomes observed from such partnerships emphasize the importance of developing a unified framework to improve integrated healthcare delivery in the future.

Abstract Impairment of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is common amongst those with left heart disease and is associated with significant morbidity. Given that, in simple terms, the ventricle can only eject the volume with which it fills and that approximately one half of hospitalisations for heart failure (HF) are in those with normal/’preserved’ left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) (Bianco et al. in JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 13:258–271, 2020. 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.12.035), where abnormalities of ventricular filling are the cause of symptoms, it is clear that the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) is crucial for understanding global cardiac function and for identifying the wider effects of disease processes. Invasive methods of measuring LV relaxation and filling pressures are considered the gold-standard for investigating diastolic function. However, the high temporal resolution of trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) with widely validated and reproducible measures available at the patient’s bedside and without the need for invasive procedures involving ionising radiation have established echocardiography as the primary imaging modality. The comprehensive assessment of LVDF is therefore a fundamental element of the standard TTE (Robinson et al. in Echo Res Pract7:G59–G93, 2020. 10.1530/ERP-20-0026). However, the echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is complex. In the broadest and most basic terms, ventricular diastole comprises an early filling phase when blood is drawn, by suction, into the ventricle as it rapidly recoils and lengthens following the preceding systolic contraction and shortening. This is followed in late diastole by distension of the compliant LV when atrial contraction actively contributes to ventricular filling. When LVDF is normal, ventricular filling is achieved at low pressure both at rest and during exertion. However, this basic description merely summarises the complex physiology that enables the diastolic process and defines it according to the mechanical method by which the ventricles fill, overlooking the myocardial function, properties of chamber compliance and pressure differentials that determine the capacity for LV filling. Unlike ventricular systolic function where single parameters are utilised to define myocardial performance (LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)), the assessment of diastolic function relies on the interpretation of multiple myocardial and blood-flow velocity parameters, along with left atrial (LA) size and function, in order to diagnose the presence and degree of impairment. The echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is therefore multifaceted and complex, requiring an algorithmic approach that incorporates parameters of myocardial relaxation/recoil, chamber compliance and function under variable loading conditions and the intra-cavity pressures under which these processes occur. This guideline outlines a structured approach to the assessment of diastolic function and includes recommendations for the assessment of LV relaxation and filling pressures. Non-routine echocardiographic measures are described alongside guidance for application in specific circumstances. Provocative methods for revealing increased filling pressure on exertion are described and novel and emerging modalities considered. For rapid access to the core recommendations of the diastolic guideline, a quick-reference guide (additional file 1) accompanies the main guideline document. This describes in very brief detail the diastolic investigation in each patient group and includes all algorithms and core reference tables.

Objective: Smoking is the cause of numerous oral pathologies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of smoking traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heat-not-burn products on the content of salivary cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in healthy young adults.Design: Three groups of twenty-five smokers each as well as a control group matched in terms of age, gender, and oral status were enrolled in the study. In unstimulated saliva collected from study groups and participants from the control group, the concentrations of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors were assessed by Bio-Plex® Multiplex System.Results: We demonstrated that smoking traditional cigarettes is responsible for increasing the level of IFN-γ compared to non-smokers and new smoking devices users in unstimulated saliva in the initial period of addiction. Furthermore, e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products appear to have a similar mechanism of affecting the immune response system of unstimulated saliva, leading to inhibition of the local inflammatory response in the oral cavity.Conclusion: Smoking traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products is responsible for changes of the local immune response in saliva. Further research is necessary to fill the gap in knowledge on the effect of new smoking devices on the oral cavity immune system.

Background: The present case report serves as a proof of concept for the fabrication and effective clinical administration of a 3D-printed chin cup tailored to the patient’s anatomical characteristics. Methods: An 11-year-old male with a Class III malocclusion was treated using a chin cup appliance to intercept and control a Class III mandibular skeletal growing pattern early. Two tailored chin cup devices were designed using 3D face scanning and CBCT scanning and were produced with additive manufacturing techniques. The chin pads were digitally designed based on a 3D scan of the patient’s face. The 3D modeling of chin cup components was performed using 3Shape Appliance Designer and 3D printed with biocompatible resin. An analogic chin pad was also produced for the same patient. The treatment plan involved the patient wearing the chin cup for 13 h per day. The patient was instructed to use all three chin pads produced at intervals of 4 months. The patient’s experience was assessed by reporting the comfort experience via a VAS scale. The treatment strategy was effective in improving the skeletal Class III malocclusion. Additionally, the integration of 3D face scanning (or CBCT scanning), modeling, and printing enables the production of customized chin cups with superior fit and comfort, contributing to enhanced patient compliance and treatment efficacy.

Aim: This study examines the prevalence and severity of orofacial disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). The research assesses the correlation with the Fibromyalgia Assessment Status (FAS) index. The goal is to improve the clinical approaches to these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire focused on the correlation between FMS and orofacial problems. The research involved 107 rheumatology patients diagnosed with FMS. Statistical analyses, including Spearman’s correlation, were utilized to investigate the relationships between the FAS index scores and various orofacial symptoms. Results: Of the participants, 11.2% responded that they were aware of the correlation between fibromyalgia and oral health. The statistical analysis showed statistically significant correlations between the FAS index and symptoms such as gum bleeding, teeth grinding during the day, and neck pain (p < 0.05). The correlation between the FAS index and joint noise upon opening the mouth, as well as dissatisfaction with one’s smile, also proved to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The outcomes demonstrate that, as the FAS index increases, the likelihood of developing orofacial disorders also increases among FMS patients. This highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Objective: The management of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome type III (CP/CPPS) has been always considered complex due to several biopsychological factors underlying the disease. In this clinical study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment with Palmitoylethanolamide, Epilobium and Calendula extract in patients with CP/CPPS III. Materials and methods: From June 2023 to July 2023, we enrolled 45 consecutive patients affected by CP/CPPS type III in three different institution. We included patients aged between 18 and 75 years with symptoms of pelvic pain for 3 months or more before the study, a total National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score ≥ 12 point and diagnosed with NIH category III, according to 4-glass test Meares-Stamey test. Patients were then allocated to receive rectal suppositories of PEA, Epilobium and Calendula, 1 suppository/ die for 1 month. All patients have been tested with standard urinalysis in order to assess urinary leukocytes (U-WBC). The primary endpoint of the study was the reduction of NIHCPSI. The secondary outcomes were the change of peak flow, post-void residual (PVR), IIEF-5, VAS score, PSA and decrease of U-WBC. Results: A total of 45 patients concluded the study protocol. At baseline, the median age of all the patients included in the cohort was 49 years, the median PSA was 2.81 ng/mL, the median NIH-CPSI was 18.55, the median IIEF-5 was 18.27, the median U-WBC was 485.3/mmc, the median VAS score was 6.49, the median PVR was 26.5 mL and the median peak flow was 16.3 mL/s. After 1 month of therapy we observed a statistically significant improvement of NIH-CPSI, U-WBC, PSA, IIEF-5, peak flow, PVR and VAS. Conclusions: In this observational study, we showed the clinical efficacy of the treatment with PEA, Epilobium and Calendula, 1 suppository/die for 1 month, in patients with CP/CPPS III. The benefits of this treatment could be related to the reduction of inflammatory cells in the urine that could imply a reduction of inflammatory cytokines. These results should be confirmed in further studies with greater sample size.

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters.MethodsThis analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472124). We performed a search on PubMed using the following text terms: ((“sperm parameters” OR “sperm analysis” [Mesh]) AND (“sperm DNA fragmentation” OR “DNA fragmentation” [Mesh]) AND (“sexual abstinence” [Mesh] OR “abstinence”)) and an advanced search in Scopus using the terms (“sperm parameters” OR “sperm parameters” OR “DNA fragmentation”) AND (“abstinence”). The sperm parameters that were investigated were sperm volume, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A two-day cut-off as a “short” or “long” abstinence period has been defined.ResultsThirteen studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 2,315 patients, ranging from 6 to 836 from each cohort, were enrolled in the study. We showed that longer abstinence time was associated with greater sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]: 8.19; p

Abstract INTRODUCTION Initial dementia prevalence estimates have revealed a significant burden of the disease in Indigenous communities in Amazonas, Brazil. However, the need for culturally adapted cognitive tools poses a critical challenge when assessing cognitive performance in these communities. This study addressed this issue by culturally adapting and providing validity indicators for the Brazilian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (BRICA) tool in Manaus, Brazil's urban multiethnic Indigenous community. METHODS Using a three‐stage process and a stakeholder‐engaged approach, the BRICA tool was culturally adapted in an urban multiethnic Indigenous community from Manaus, Brazil. The content validity index (CVI) examined inter‐rater concordance between experts, while criterion and concurrent validity were performed using diagnostic consensus criteria in 141 Indigenous participants aged ≥ 50 years. RESULTS Findings showed evidence of content validity in terms of equivalence aspects (scale CVI [S‐CVI] 0.93) and relevance ratings (S‐CVI 0.85) between expert panels. The identified cut‐off score of ≤ 33/39 on the BRICA demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.4%, specificity of 99.2%, positive predictive value of 94.4%, and negative predictive value of 99.2% for dementia diagnosis. DISCUSSION Using a stakeholder‐engaged approach, we culturally adapted the BRICA tool for a Brazilian urban multiethnic Indigenous community. This comprehensive adaptation process resulted in favorable indicators of content, construct, and criteria validity for the BRICA tool. By addressing the existing bias in cognitive assessment within Indigenous communities, the BRICA tool represents a noteworthy breakthrough. Its implementation exhibits potential for improving the early detection and management of dementia among Indigenous groups. Highlights Culturally sensitive tools are essential to assess cognition in Indigenous populations. An expert panel and stakeholders’ perspectives were incorporated to design the Brazilian Indigenous Cognitive Assessment (BRICA) tool. A cognitive screening tool was adapted and validated using a stakeholder approach. BRICA is the first culturally sensitive cognitive tool for urban Brazilian Indigenous individuals.

Abstract Background Previous evidence would suggest that subjects affected by functional posterior cross-bite (FPXB) present an asymmetric morphology of the maxilla. However, no evidence is available concerning the morphology (symmetry/asymmetry) of the maxilla after treatment of FPXB. This study aimed to investigate the volumetric and morphological changes of the palate in FPXB subjects treated with maxillary expansion and to compare these data with an untreated control group. The study sample included 20 FPXB subjects (mean age 8.1 ± 0.9 years) who underwent maxillary expansion (MEG group) and 21 FPXB subjects (mean age 7.7 ± 1.2 years) as controls (CG group). Digital models were recorded at T0 (first observation) and T1 (12–18 months after first observation) and analyzed to assess palatal volume and symmetry. Deviation analysis and percentage matching calculation were also performed between original and mirrored palatal models for each patient. All data were statistically analyzed for intra-timing, inter-timing and inter-groups assessments. Results At T0, the cross-bite side (CBS) was significantly smaller than non-cross-bite side (non-CBS) in both groups (p 0.05). The matching percentage of the palatal models improved significantly at T1 in the MEG group (T0 = 74.02% ± 9.8; T1 = 89.95% ± 7.12) (p 0.05). Limitations The small sample size and the retrospective design of the study represent two limitations that should be overcome with further clinical trials. Conclusions Subjects with FPXB present an asymmetric development of the maxillary vault that improves after reestablishment of normal occlusion following maxillary expansion.

Abstract Background Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a highly debilitating neurodegenerative condition. Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ALS, there have been no significant improvements in therapeutic options for ALS patients in recent years. Currently, there is no cure for ALS, and the only approved treatment in Europe is riluzole, which has been shown to slow the disease progression and prolong survival by approximately 3 months. Recently, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) has emerged as a promising and effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases due to its neuroprotective activities. Methods The ongoing TUDCA-ALS study is a double-blinded, parallel arms, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter phase III trial with the aim to assess the efficacy and safety of TUDCA as add-on therapy to riluzole in patients with ALS. The primary outcome measure is the treatment response defined as a minimum of 20% improvement in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) slope during the randomized treatment period (18 months) compared to the lead-in period (3 months). Randomization will be stratified by country. Primary analysis will be conducted based on the intention-to-treat principle through an unadjusted logistic regression model. Patient recruitment commenced on February 22, 2019, and was closed on December 23, 2021. The database will be locked in September 2023. Discussion This paper provides a comprehensive description of the statistical analysis plan in order to ensure the reproducibility of the analysis and avoid selective reporting of outcomes and data-driven analysis. Sensitivity analyses have been included in the protocol to assess the impact of intercurrent events related to the coronavirus disease 2019. By focusing on clinically meaningful and robust outcomes, this trial aims to determine whether TUDCA can be effective in slowing the disease progression in patients with ALS. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800524 . Registered on January 11, 2019.

Abstract Four glass beads from a Scythian burial on the island of Khortytsia (Southern Ukraine) were subjected to 3D imaging using micro-CT and photogrammetry. The aim was to reconstruct the process used to produce and decorate the beads by detecting and interpreting the traces left by the technological processes on the bead surface and in the glass body. It turned out that all the beads were obtained by winding hot glass around the mandrel. The distribution, size and shape of the bubbles in the glass matrix revealed by the micro-CT scans and the features observed during a thorough examination of the photogrammetric models allowed us to follow the movements of the bead maker during the formation of the bead body and its decoration, highlighting several details of the production processes such as the number of the superimposed layers and the direction of the rotation of the mandrel during both the formation of the body and the decoration of the bead. Some information about the tools also emerged, with particular reference to the shape of the mandrel, the possible use of a releasing agent and how tools were used to decorate the surface or to remove the beads from the mandrel. According to the archaeological classification, the beads considered here belong to three different types, that are considered chronological indicators of the fourth century BCE and are found in archaeological sites spread over an area extending for several thousand kilometers from the Black Sea coast to the Ural Mountains. This work enriches the knowledge of the micromorphology of beads found in Eastern Europe, which is rarely discussed in the scientific literature on the archaeological glass beads.

Background/Objectives: Lithium taken during pregnancy was linked in the past with increased risk for foetal/newborn malformations, but clinicians believe that it is worse for newborn children not to treat the mothers’ underlying psychiatric illness. We set to review the available evidence of adverse foetal outcomes in women who received lithium treatment for some time during their pregnancy. Methods: We searched four databases and a register to seek papers reporting neonatal outcomes of women who took lithium during their pregnancy by using the appropriate terms. We adopted the PRISMA statement and used Delphi rounds among all the authors to assess eligibility and the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool to evaluate the RoB of the included studies. Results: We found 28 eligible studies, 10 of which met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The studies regarded 1402 newborn babies and 2595 women exposed to lithium. Overall, the systematic review found slightly increased adverse pregnancy outcomes for women taking lithium for both the first trimester only and any time during pregnancy, while the meta-analysis found increased odds for cardiac or other malformations, preterm birth, and a large size for gestational age with lithium at any time during pregnancy. Conclusions: Women with BD planning a pregnancy should consider discontinuing lithium when euthymic; lithium use during the first trimester and at any time during pregnancy increases the odds for some adverse pregnancy outcomes. Once the pregnancy has started, there is no reason for discontinuing lithium; close foetal monitoring and regular blood lithium levels may obviate some disadvantages of lithium administration during pregnancy.

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of probiotics in patients with halitosis and to assess whether probiotics can also be implemented as a preventative tool in oral health. Secondary objectives included the effect of probiotics on oral-health-related quality of life, as well as their safety. Materials and methods: An electronic literature search in Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library was carried out for the identification and selection of relevant randomized controlled trials. Eligibility was based on inclusion criteria, which included RCTs published after 2013, and the outcome variables were volatile sulfur compound (VSC) levels, organoleptic scores, plaque, or saliva samples to assess cariogenic bacteria counts and/or pH levels. Results: Out of 192 identified records, 16 randomized controlled trials were included. Ten of those studied the effects of probiotics on halitosis and the other six analyzed the effect of probiotics on oral health parameters, such as cariogenic bacteria counts, pH levels, and salivary flow and quality. A total of 921 patients were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool version 2. Conclusions: Probiotics exhibit the potential for oral health management by reducing VSC levels, improving saliva quality, and enhancing oral-health-related quality of life. Combining probiotics with tongue scraping may sustain VSC reduction, while symbiotics show potential in reducing tongue coating. However, different bacterial strains have been used in the included studies; hence, the conclusions cannot be generalized, being one of the main limitations of this review. Future research should explore the probiotics’ potential to persist in the oral cavity post-treatment and employ standardized methodologies for conclusive efficacy assessment.

Oral melanomas are the most common oral malignancies in dogs and are characterized by an aggressive nature, invasiveness, and poor prognosis. With biological and genetic similarities to human oral melanomas, they serve as a valuable spontaneous comparative model. Primary cell cultures are widely used in human medicine and, more recently, in veterinary medicine to study tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and innovative therapeutic approaches. This study aims to establish two- and three-dimensional primary cell lines from oral canine melanomas using fine-needle aspiration as a minimally invasive sampling method. For this study, samples were collected from six dogs, represented by four primary oral melanomas and five lymph nodal metastases. The cells were digested to obtain single-cell suspensions, seeded in flasks, or processed with Matrigel® to form organoids. The cell cultures were characterized through flow cytometry using antibodies against Melan-A, PNL2, and Sox-10. This technique offers a minimally invasive means to obtain cell samples, particularly beneficial for patients that are ineligible for surgical procedures, and enables the establishment of in vitro models crucial for comparative studies in mucosal melanoma oncology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work establishing neoplastic primary cell cultures via fine-needle aspiration in dogs.

IntroductionAntarctic Porifera have gained increasing interest as hosts of diversified associated microbial communities that could provide interesting insights on the holobiome system and its relation with environmental parameters.MethodsThe Antarctic demosponge species Haliclona dancoi and Haliclona scotti were targeted for the determination of persistent organic pollutant (i. e., polychlorobiphenyls, PCBs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) and trace metal concentrations, along with the characterization of the associated prokaryotic communities by the 16S rRNA next generation sequencing, to evaluate possible relationships between pollutant accumulation (e.g., as a stress factor) and prokaryotic community composition in Antarctic sponges. To the best of our knowledge, this approach has been never applied before.ResultsNotably, both chemical and microbiological data on H. scotti (a quite rare species in the Ross Sea) are here reported for the first time, as well as the determination of PAHs in Antarctic Porifera. Both sponge species generally contained higher amounts of pollutants than the surrounding sediment and seawater, thus demonstrating their accumulation capability. The structure of the associated prokaryotic communities, even if differing at order and genus levels between the two sponge species, was dominated by Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota (with Archaea abundances that were negligible) and appeared in sharp contrast to communities inhabiting the bulk environment.DiscussionsResults suggested that some bacterial groups associated with H. dancoi and H. scotti were significantly (positively or negatively) correlated to the occurrence of certain contaminants.

This case report describes the treatment of an adult female patient with a history of periodontitis (Stage 3 -Grade B) and presenting significant crowding in both maxillary and mandibular arches. After periodontal stabilization, the patient underwent orthodontic treatment with clear aligners (CAT) for less than one year. CAT provided an effective quantitative and qualitative control of the forces applied to resolve the malocclusion. This case report provides a detailed description of the clinical strategy and features associated with the clear aligners system which were considered ideal tools for treating periodontal patients during the decisional workflow. The orthodontic treatment goals have been successfully achieved considering functional, periodontal, and aesthetic expectations. Several characteristics of clear aligners could support the recurrence of this orthodontic system for treating patients with a history of periodontitis or at risk of periodontal damage.

Background: In the past, dentistry heavily relied on manual image analysis and diagnostic procedures, which could be time-consuming and prone to human error. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought transformative potential to the field, promising enhanced accuracy and efficiency in various dental imaging tasks. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the applications of AI in dental imaging modalities, focusing on in-vitro studies. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted, in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The following databases were systematically searched: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), and Google Scholar. The meta-analysis employed fixed-effects models to assess AI accuracy, calculating odds ratios (OR) for true positive rate (TPR), true negative rate (TNR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity and overall effect tests were applied to ensure the reliability of the findings. Results: 9 studies were selected that encompassed various objectives, such as tooth segmentation and classification, caries detection, maxillofacial bone segmentation, and 3D surface model creation. AI techniques included convolutional neural networks (CNNs), deep learning algorithms, and AI-driven tools. Imaging parameters assessed in these studies were specific to the respective dental tasks. The analysis of combined ORs indicated higher odds of accurate dental image assessments, highlighting the potential for AI to improve TPR, TNR, PPV, and NPV. The studies collectively revealed a statistically significant overall effect in favor of AI in dental imaging applications. Conclusion: In summary, this systematic review and meta-analysis underscore the transformative impact of AI on dental imaging. AI has the potential to revolutionize the field by enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and time savings in various dental tasks. While further research in clinical settings is needed to validate these findings and address study limitations, the future implications of integrating AI into dental practice hold great promise for advancing patient care and the field of dentistry.