Depth Level Research Articles

Investigation of the relationships between peri-implant diseases, periodontal diseases, and conditions: a cross-sectional study

Introduction Peri-implant and periodontal conditions share common underlying factors, including risk factors, microbiology, immunology, and treatment approaches. Aims This study aims to investigate the potential co-occurrence of peri-implant and periodontal conditions. Design One hundred twenty-three implants were divided into three groups: peri-implantitis (41 implants), peri-implant mucositis (41 implants), and peri-implant health (41 implants). Peri-implant and periodontal statuses were assessed using the 2017 AAP/EFP World Workshop on Classification of Periodontal and Peri-implant Diseases and Conditions. All measurements were performed by a single clinician (T.Ş.). One-way analysis of variance was used to compare the study groups according to the data. An assessment was conducted regarding the coexistence of periodontal and peri-implant conditions. Results Patients with peri-implant mucositis predominantly had gingivitis, whereas those with peri-implant health exhibited periodontal health. In contrast, patients with peri-implantitis mostly had gingivitis, with a lower occurrence of periodontitis. A significant difference was observed between the peri-implant and periodontal groups (p = 0.003). Significant differences were observed between peri-implant and periodontal evaluations for plaque indices, gingival indices, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (p = 0.001), (p = 0.006). Conclusions The findings of this study underscore the intricate influence of implant treatment on periodontal health. This observation emphasizes the importance of elucidating the underlying factors to improve clinical management and outcomes in patients with periodontal and peri-implant diseases, highlighting the relevance and potential impact of this research in the field.

Unraveling the link between worldwide adakite-like rocks and porphyry Cu deposits

Adakite-like rocks, as an important recorder of magmatic evolution in mantle and crust, are closely associated with major porphyry Cu deposits. However, the underlying mechanism connecting these associations remains insufficiently elucidated. This study compiles ca. 7000 whole-rock geochemical data from Phanerozoic adakite-like rock samples and from ore-forming porphyries in porphyry Cu deposits. Machine learning investigations are performed to characterize the geochemical variations of adakite-like rocks from various orogenic or cratonic systems and investigate any geochemical similarities with rocks associated with porphyry ore systems. Principal component analysis (PCA), along with t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE), highlights elemental distinctions between adakite-like rocks formed in mature and juvenile crust and the similarities of rocks from porphyry CuMo deposits with the former and rocks from porphyry CuAu deposits with the latter. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) analyses are applied to the original dataset and the PCA data derived from the dataset to discriminate adakite-like rocks from various geodynamic settings from each other and from rocks associated with porphyry ore deposits. Our models show that XGBoost and SVM can identify the tectonic regions of adakite-like rocks and rocks from porphyry copper systems with high efficiency and confidence e.g., accuracy = 0.88–0.94 and area under curve (AUC) = 0.69–0.86. The application of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values is employed to elucidate the parameters that discriminate the different environments, providing insight into the underlying petrogenetic processes, including diverse levels of formation depth and extent of mantle interaction. Additionally, when examining ore-forming porphyries and adakite-like rocks, the incorporation of heatmaps into taxonomic classification (HTC) provides significant distinguishing factors with substantial geological implications. These findings suggest potential geological processes (e.g., remelting of Cu-sulfide-bearing cumulates or flotation of Cu-sulfide phases attached to vapor bubbles) that may enrich the source magma of ore-forming porphyries beyond the conventional geological processes responsible for adakite-like rock formation, which could serve as an exploration indicator.

Technological innovations of hidden champions: Evidence from patent data

AbstractThe hidden champion concept has received much interest in practice. As market leaders in niche markets, hidden champions represent the success of the (German) Mittelstand. Innovation is a key element of their strategy and their focus and niche market strategy are associated with specific technological capabilities. However, thus far, little quantitative empirical evidence exists about the innovation output of hidden champions. Drawing on a capability perspective and using patent data, the present study analyzes differences between hidden champions and comparable non‐hidden champion firms in their technological innovation. Our results show that hidden champions have a significantly larger technological innovation output but do not have a higher efficiency in their innovation creation compared to other firms from the same industry, size, and age. Moreover, the innovations produced by hidden champions show higher levels of technological depth and indicate lower levels of technological breadth. The sources of technological knowledge of hidden champions seem to be more inward oriented. Finally, innovations of hidden champions have similar technological impact, novelty and quality compared to those of other firms. Overall, our study supports many of the anecdotal beliefs about the innovation of hidden champions contributing to a better understanding of what makes hidden champions different from other Mittelstand firms. Practical implications for hidden champions and Mittelstand firms are discussed.

The Role of Underwater Soundscapes in Shaping the Distribution of Cobitidae Fish: Insights From Multiple Environmental Factors

ABSTRACTSound is critical in fish behaviours, including reproduction, feeding, predator avoidance and habitat selection. To investigate the impact of underwater soundscape on the distribution of Cobitidae fishes, we surveyed the status of Cobitidae fish resources and the underwater soundscape along with related environmental factors at 12 sampling sites downstream of the Songxin Hydropower Station in the Heishui River, a major tributary of the Jinsha River in China. Generalised additive models (GAMs) were employed to identify the primary environmental factors influencing the distribution of Cobitidae fishes and we analysed the correlation between the abundance of Cobitidae fish and primary environmental factors. The study revealed that the water depth, flow velocity, water temperature and sound pressure level (SPL) all had highly significant effects on the distribution of Cobitidae fishes (p < 0.001), with SPL showing the lowest relative importance among these factors. Water depth positively correlated with Cobitidae fish abundance, whereas water temperature, SPL and flow velocity showed negative correlations. This study preliminarily explored the response relationship between the distribution of Cobitidae fish and four main environmental factors, offering a technical foundation for predicting the distribution of Cobitidae fishes in rivers and for implementing conservation measures of fish such as suitable habitat creation.

Efficacy of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) mouthwash for managing periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, BOP, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, 0.000, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, 0.034, and 0.000 respectively). However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Inhabiting influence of digital finance on stock price synchronicity

We examine how digital finance can influence stock price synchronicity in China for the period of 2011–2021. Results suggest that the digital finance index, coverage breadth, usage depth, and digitalization level can significantly reduce stock price synchronicity. The possible channels of this linkage are information opacity and stock price crash risk. We find that digital finance is effective in reducing stock price synchronicity only in state-owned enterprises and large firms. The results are robust and immune to reverse causality and endogeneity and have important implications for investors and policymakers.

Relationship Marketing and Its Influence on Customer Loyalty in A Market in Piura

This research focused on the fulfillment of ODS 8, based on promoting decent work and economic growth, while the mein objective of the study was to evaluate the influence between relational marketing and customer loyalty in a market in the city of Piura 2024. Through a quantitative approach methodology, non-experimental and transversal design with a correlational depth level. A population of 187,926 in habitants was used with a sample of 383 potential clients, to whom a survey was applied. The results allowed to identify that 46.5% of clients gave importance to the development of relational marketing, and 38.1% highlighted the relevance of strengthening loyalty. Likewise, a highly significant relationship between the variables was verified, due to the Spearman's Rho coefficient of 0.638 with a p-value < 0.01 and R2 of 40.7%. It was concluded that stores seeking to increase customer loyalty in Piura should promote customer relationships through relational marketing.

Artificial intelligence with counseling on the treatment outcomes and quality of life in periodontitis patients.

To evaluate the effects of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted dental monitoring (DM) with and without health counseling on the treatment outcomes and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis were randomly assigned to either an AI group (AI group, n=28), an AI and health counseling group (AIHC group, n=27), or a control group (n=27). All patients underwent nonsurgical periodontal treatment. Patients in the AI and AIHC groups underwent additional AI-assisted DM and AI-assisted DM with oral health counseling, respectively, for 6 months. Data on OHRQoL and periodontal measures were collected at baseline and follow-ups. At 3 months of follow-up, the AI and AIHC groups exhibited a significantly greater reduction in probing pocket depth (mean diff: -0.5 and -0.7) and clinical attachment level (mean diff: -0.5 and -0.6) compared with the control group. At 6 months of follow-up, the AI and AIHC groups exhibited a significantly greater improvement in OHRQoL (mean diff: -4.5 and -4.7) compared with the control group. At 3-month follow-up, the AIHC group exhibited a greater improvement in plaque index (mean diff: -0.2) and OHRQoL (mean diff: -4.3) compared with the AI group. AI-assisted DM can be used to remind patients with periodontitis of their oral hygiene at home and effectively improve their periodontal measures and long-term OHRQoL. Gum disease is a common problem, but new technology could help. In this study, researchers looked at how AI affects gum health and quality of life (QoL). The researchers divided participants into 3 groups. One group used an AI system to monitor their gums at home. Another used AI plus got health advice. The third did not use any special technology. After 3 and 6 months, the AI groups had healthier gums, with less deep pockets and better gum attachment, compared to the group without AI. The group that also got health advice saw even greater improvements, like cleaner teeth and a bigger boost to their QoL. This is exciting because gum disease is tricky to manage alone. The AI system seems to help by reminding people to care for their teeth and gums. With expert guidance, the AI becomes an even more powerful tool for improving long-term oral health and well-being. This study shows how new technologies like AI could transform how we approach common health problems. By providing personalized support, AI can empower people to better manage their own health, leading to better outcomes.

The Efficacy of Ozonated Water in One-stage Full-mouth Disinfection amongst Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Randomised Control Trial

Abstract Introduction: Periodontal disease, causing tooth-supporting structure damage due to bacterial build-up, is linked to various risk factors. Traditional treatment involved scheduled scaling and root planing. Full-mouth disinfection (FMD), introduced in 1995, involves comprehensive cleaning and chlorhexidine (CHX) application within 24 h to prevent bacterial spread. CHX, a potent antimicrobial, is widely used in FMD, but concerns about emerging resistance have led to the exploration of alternatives like ozonated water, which has shown promising antimicrobial properties and the potential to improve periodontal health. Materials and Methods: This is a randomised controlled trial involving 40 participants with Stage II or III periodontitis who were randomly grouped into two groups. Group A was advised to use 0.2% CHX solution, and Group B used a 10 μg concentration of ozonated water. Both the groups cleaned their dorsum of the tongue, rinsed their mouth, had a pharyngeal spray and had periodontal pockets irrigated using the respective solutions. Plaque index, papillary bleeding index, gingival index, relative attachment level and probing depth were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Results: Significant differences were found at baseline, 3-month and 6-month values of periodontal index, papillary bleeding index, probing depth, gingival index and relative attachment level amongst Group A and B participants. Differences were noted in between Groups A and B in the periodontal index at 6 months between CHX and ozonated water and between 3 and 6 months for probing depth. Around 68%, 70%, 66%, 68% and 63% improvements were noted in the periodontal index, probing depth, gingival index, papillary bleeding index and relative attachment loss amongst Group B. Conclusion: Ozonated water represents a promising adjunctive therapy for chronic periodontitis, demonstrating significant clinical efficacy in one-stage FMD protocols.

Exploring the Link between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Conditions: Implications for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Rheumatoid Arthritis

ABSTRACT Background: There is a growing correlation between periodontal disease, a common inflammatory disorder that affects the tissues supporting the teeth, and several systemic diseases. Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients from a tertiary care hospital, ages 50–75, participated in this cross-sectional research. The subjects were split up into four groups: 50 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, 50 with Alzheimer’s disease, 50 with Parkinson’s disease, and 50 with periodontal disease. To evaluate periodontal condition, including clinical attachment loss and pocket depth, thorough oral exams were performed. Measurements were made of serum biomarkers for inflammation, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Multivariate regression models were used to examine correlations between the severity of periodontal disease and the underlying systemic diseases. Results: In all groups, there were significant relationships between higher levels of indicators of systemic inflammation and the severity of periodontal disease. In comparison to healthy controls (CRP mean value: 2.1 mg/L; IL-6 mean value: 6.4 pg/mL), participants with periodontal disease had higher mean levels of CRP (5.6 mg/L) and IL-6 (mean value: 12.8 pg/mL). Furthermore, compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis, those with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorders showed higher levels of pocket depth and periodontal attachment loss. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results point to a possible connection between systemic diseases such rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Impact of Data Particle Divide Depth Level on Effectiveness of Hypergeometrical Divide Classifier

Gravitational classifiers belong to the supervised machine learning area, and the basic element that they process is a data particle. So far, many algorithms have been presented in the world literature. They focus on creating a data particle and determining its two important parameters - a centroid and a mass. Hypergeometrical Divide is one of the latest algorithms in this group, which focuses on reducing the amount of processing data and keeping relevant information. A proportion of data to information depends on the data particle divide depth level. Its properties and application potential have been researched, and this article is the next step of the work. The aim of the research described in this article was to determine relation of the depth level value of data particle divide to the effectiveness of the Hypergeometrical Divide algorithm. The research was conducted on 7 real data sets with different characteristics, applying methods and measures of evaluating artificial intelligence algorithms described in the literature. 63 measurements were performed. As a result, the effectiveness of the Hypergeometrical Divide method was defined at each of available data particle divide depth levels for each of used databases.

One-way reflection waveform inversion with depth-dependent gradient preconditioning

Summary Reflection Waveform Inversion (RWI) is a technique that uses pure reflection data to estimate subsurface background velocity, relying on evolving seismic images. Conventional RWI operates in a cyclic workflow, with two key components in each cycle—migration and reflection tomography. Conventional RWI may result in suboptimal background velocity estimation, partly due to limited or unresolved resolution within each component in each cycle. While gradient preconditioning with the reciprocal of Hessian information helps resolve this issue in both components of RWI, it becomes impractical for a large number of model parameters. One-way reflection waveform inversion (ORWI) is a reflection waveform inversion technique in which the forward modeling scheme operates in one direction (downward and then upward) via virtual parallel depth levels within the medium. Leveraging the ORWI framework, we decompose and reduce the linear Hessian operator (also known as the approximate Hessian or Gauss-Newton Hessian) into multiple smaller sub-operators. In particular, the diagonal blocks of the mono-frequency approximate Hessian operators, each corresponding to a single depth level within the medium, are extracted and inverted to precondition the corresponding mono-frequency gradients in both the migration and reflection tomography components of ORWI. This depth-dependent gradient preconditioning transforms standard ORWI into a high-resolution, yet computationally feasible version aimed at addressing suboptimal velocity estimation, referred to as high-resolution ORWI (HR-ORWI). The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through successful applications to synthetic data examples.

The inverted U-effect of digital financial inclusion on household food carbon footprint in China: The moderating roles of environmental concern and future expectations

Digital financial inclusion (DFI) is an enabler for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality. We use China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data spanning 2014 to 2020 to investigate the impact of DFI on household food carbon footprint (HFCF) in China. We find that (1) DFI has an inverted U-shaped effect on HFCF, changing from promotion to suppression; (2) The impact of DFI on HFCF demonstrates multidimensional heterogeneity. The impact of DFI on HFCF demonstrates multidimensional heterogeneity. The inverted U-shaped relationship is more pronounced in non-agricultural households, households with high-educated head, high-income households, households with unhealthy lifestyle heads, low-status households, households without the Internet, and households in the eastern, central, low-industrialization, high-urbanization and low-environmental regulation region; (3) Environmental concern and future expectations significantly moderate the inverted U-shaped relationship between DFI and HFCF, where environmental concern strengthens and future expectations weaken the effect; (4) Considering the dimensions of DFI, usage depth and digitization level of DFI have nonlinear effects on HFCF, while coverage breadth consistently exerts a positive influence. Policy implications are derived from the research results.

Can digital financial inclusion promote the nighttime economy? - New evidence from Chinese counties’ nighttime lighting data and threshold model

In the post-pandemic era, the relative weakness of the economy is reflected not only in the macro data but also in the nighttime economy. Based on the threshold model and unbalanced panel data of 1772 county-level administrative units in China from 2014 to 2020, this paper deeply explores the relationship between digital inclusive finance and night economy and draws the following conclusions. (1) When digital financial inclusion exceeds certain thresholds, its beneficial influence on promoting the nighttime economy increases from 8.13% to 26.59% and 87.71%. (2) Digital financial inclusion promotes the nighttime economy by increasing employment in the secondary industry and promoting technological innovation. However, digital financial inclusion hinders the nighttime economy by reducing entrepreneurial activity in the accommodation and catering sectors. (3) Coverage breadth first inhibits, then promotes, and inhibits the nighttime economy in different intervals; the effect of usage depth and digital level on the nighttime economy in intervals shows an increasing trend. (4) In the Yangtze River Economic Belt region, digital financial inclusion initially inhibits the nighttime economy but turns into promotion as it develops; after the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy in 2017, digital financial inclusion can more positively and significantly promote the nighttime economy.

Separation of iron and copper in skarn deposits from the Yueshan ore field, eastern China: The control of magma physicochemical conditions

Iron and copper mineralization in the Yueshan ore field is intricately linked to the Cretaceous Yueshan diorite intrusions, yet they frequently materialize as distinct deposits. Despite this, the key factors dictating the segregation of these metals remain poorly understood. To gain insights into the role of magma physicochemical conditions in this segregation, we conduct a comparative analysis of the U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and mineral chemistry of the newly uncovered Zhuchong skarn iron deposit (Fe:Cu ratio = 197) and the Anqing skarn copper deposit (Fe:Cu ratio = 35), both situated within the Yueshan ore field of the Middle Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt (MLYB) in eastern China. The garnet U-Pb dating of the Zhuchong and Anqing deposits are 138.3 Ma and 137.2 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the zircon U-Pb dating (138.3 Ma) of diorites from the Zhuchong and Anqing deposit. The emplacement of diorite intrusions and Fe-Cu mineralization occurred at 137 – 139 Ma, consistent with the Cu-polymetallic mineralization epoch (145 – 137 Ma) in the MLYB. The diorite samples from the Yueshan intrusion and the Zhuchong and the Anqing deposits exhibit typical characteristics of adakites, such as high Sr/Y (28 – 174) and (La/Yb)N (26 – 40), along with similar and enriched Sr-Nd (εNd(t) = − 7.95 ∼ − 7.33) and zircon Hf isotope (−14.9 ∼ − 6.4) compositions. This suggests that the magma source regions for the diorites from the three locations were all likely derived from the melting of sediment-rich subducted oceanic crust with the potential of copper mineralization. However, chemical compositions of zircon, apatite, and amphibole from diorites reveal that diorites in the Zhuchong and Anqing deposits were emplaced at different depth levels and physicochemical conditions. Specially, the diorite in the Zhuchong Fe deposit was emplaced at shallower levels (1.9 km), with higher oxygen fugacity (mean = ΔNNO + 1.9) and fluorine concentration (2096 ppm), water deficiency (3.3 ± 0.4 wt%), sulfur-poor conditions (avg = 494 ppm), lower pressure (49.2 MPa), temperature (746 ℃), and chlorine (945 ppm) concentration relative to the Anqing Cu deposit (Emplacement depth: 2.53 km; oxygen fugacity: ΔNNO + 1.5; F: 1720 ppm; H2Omelt: 3.9 ± 0.4 wt%; S: 816 ppm; P: 66.9 MPa; T: 778 ℃; Cl: 945 ppm).It is proposed that a shallower emplacement depth may have promoted extensive exsolution of magmatic fluids, leading to the outward migration of water, S, Cl, and Cu elements, which resulted in the high iron-copper ratio observed at the Zhuchong Fe deposit. This process could have led to the relative Cl-poor nature and smaller Cu size at the Zhuchong Fe deposit, as well as the widespread development of vein-type copper ore bodies in the region.

Modulation of cardiac autonomic activity across consciousness states and levels of sleep depth in individuals with sleep complaints and bipolar disorder or unipolar depressive disorders

ObjectiveAutonomic nervous system dysfunction and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) often co-exist with mood disorders, a phenomenon likely influenced by sleep disturbances. This study investigated heart rate (HR) and HRV across wake, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and non-REM (NREM) sleep in individuals with sleep complaints and bipolar or unipolar depressive disorder. MethodsPolysomnographic data was retrospectively collated for 120 adult patients with sleep complaints and depressive symptoms [60 diagnosed with bipolar disorder, 60 diagnosed with a unipolar depressive disorder], and 60 healthy controls. HR and time-based HRV variables were computed on 30-s segments and averaged across the night for wake, NREM and REM sleep. ResultsSignificant group by consciousness state interactions showed that the unipolar and bipolar groups had lower standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals root mean square of successive R-R interval differences compared to controls during NREM and REM sleep, but not during wake (SDNN: F(4, 330) = 3.0, p = .021, np2 = 0.035; RMSSD: F(4, 332) = 5.8, p < .001, np2 = 0.065). The magnitude of these group differences did not vary significantly between NREM 1, NREM 2 and NREM 3 sleep. These interactions persisted after excluding individuals taking 3rd generation antipsychotic, lithium, anticonvulsant, and cardiovascular medications. ConclusionAlthough further work is required to account for the impact of psychotropic and cardiac medications, as well as manic and euthymic states, these findings suggest that the sleep-based autonomic signature of depressive states differs across different types of mood disorders and could potentially inform the development of biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The vital role of melatonin in the intestinal mucosal barrier integrity in chick

BackgroundThe intestinal tract, as the main place for nutrient digestion and absorption, is closely related to the health of livestock and poultry. Melatonin secreted by the pineal gland acts as an endocrine transport signaling molecule to regulate intestinal function. However, the effect on intestinal function after pineal removal is unclear. MethodsWe raised 24 chicks under 400-700 nm white light with or without pinealectomy for 21 days. We used electron microscopy, HE staining, PAS staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining and western blot to detect intestinal physical and to explore the effect of melatonin secreted by the pineal gland on the intestinal mucosa barrier function. ResultsThe results showed that after pineal gland removal, the structure of the intestinal villi is severely damaged. Moreover, there was an obviously down-regulation in the villi length, the number of goblet cells and and its secretion of MUC2 protein, the expression level of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) and lysozyme secreted by paneth cells, number of PCNA positive cells and macrophage, and an up-regualtion in crypt depth and apoptosis level after pinealectomy, suggesting pinealectomy-mediated melatonin level decrease damaged the intestinal physical, chemical and immune barriers. ConclusionOur findings provide new theoretical support for the future use of melatonin in intestinal development and new ideas about the relationship between endocrine hormone and intestinal physiology.

Multiple Upward Residual Gravity and Magnetic Maps to Estimate the Deep Crustal Layers and Moho Discontinuity in Eastern Iraq

The upward continuation technique was applied to the gravity and magnetic data to obtain the residual anomalies maps in eastern Iraq. A new processing method is introduced to calculate the crustal layers depending on the relation between the total range of the residual anomalies of gravity, magnetic data and the upward continuation, with multi-elevations. The significant relationship shows slope variations, which may reflect the maximum contrast in the physical properties (density and/or susceptibility) and the intersection point representing the depth of layer contacts. This method was applied to the eastern central part of Iraq, adjacent to the Iranian borders. It is found that the average depth range to the Jurassic formations, top basement rocks, transition layer (Curie point), and Moho discontinuity are 3.1- 4.8 km, 8-12.9 km, 20.9-22.4 km and 43.6 km, respectively. The Sedimentary cover in the study area ranges from 8 to 13 km. The maximum depth to the Moho discontinuity obtained by gravity data in the study area is 43.6 km. The radially average power spectrum technique was applied in the study area to calculate the gravity depth and magnetic sources' depth. Three depth levels of sources from gravity and magnetic data were obtained. These depths are shallow sources, average basement rock and deep sources (Moho) at 3km, 13.2-12.1 km, and 32.2-34km, respectively. The obtained results concerning the main layers in the crust were compared between the two methods, and the new method shows more reliable results. The detected depth levels refer to top Jurassic, basement rocks, and Moho discontinuity. The new method is believed to be used to detect the crustal layers depth with good results.

The Influence of Smoking on Peri-Implantitis Treatment Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Evaluation of Adjunctive Therapies

Background: Peri-implantitis is a significant complication in implant dentistry, characterized by the progressive loss of bone support around implants, often exacerbated by heavy bacterial colonization in dental plaque. Smoking, a known risk factor for periodontal disease, may adversely affect peri-implant tissue health and treatment outcomes. Objective: This systematic review aims to analyze the impact of smoking on the clinical treatment outcomes of peri-implantitis in adult patients, focusing on key clinical parameters and the effectiveness of various treatment modalities. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across several databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using keywords related to smoking and peri-implantitis treatment to identify relevant articles published in English language without any restriction for the time of publication until 30th September 2024. Studies were included on the eligibility criteria, emphasizing adult smokers with diagnosed peri-implantitis undergoing various treatments. Data extraction focused on clinical parameters outcomes including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and bone levels. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, highlighting that smokers exhibited higher PI, BOP, and PD at baseline compared to non-smokers. Adjunctive therapies, particularly antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), significantly improved clinical parameters in smokers. However, smokers demonstrated less favorable outcomes in gingival recession and bone levels post-treatment. Conclusion: Smoking negatively impacts the treatment outcomes of peri-implantitis, with smokers showing heightened inflammatory responses and less improvement in clinical parameters. Clinicians should consider smoking status when planning treatment protocols for peri-implantitis to optimize patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to develop targeted interventions for this vulnerable population.

The influence of depth of sedation on motor evoked potentials monitoring in youth from 4 to 23 years old: preliminary data from a prospective observational study.

The influence of various levels of sedation depth on motor evoked potentials (MEP) reproducibility in youth is still unclear because of a lack of data. We tested the hypothesis that a deeper level of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) [bispectral index (BIS) 40 ± 5 compared to 60 ± 5] can affect surgeon-directed MEP and their interpretation in youths. All patients received TIVA combined with propofol and remifentanil. TIVA was initially maintained at a BIS level of 60 ± 5. The sedation anesthesia was deepened to BIS level 40 ± 5 before the skin incision. MEP were recorded and interpreted at both BIS levels. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the effect of the depth of sedation on the MEP reproducibility directed and interpreted by the surgical team in each patient separately. The secondary endpoint was to compare the relativized MEP parameters (amplitude and latency) in percentage at various levels of sedation in each patient separately. We planned to enroll 150 patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to analyze the results of the first 50 patients. The surgical team successfully recorded and interpreted MEP in all 50 enrolled patients in both levels of sedation depth without any clinical doubts. The MEP parameters at BIS level 40 ± 5, proportionally compared with the baseline, were latency 104% (97-110%) and the MEP amplitudes 84.5% (51-109%). Preliminary data predict that deeper sedation (BIS 40 ± 5) does not affect the surgical team's interpretation of MEP in youth patients. These results support that surgeon-directed MEP may be an alternative when neurophysiologists are unavailable.