Manual Scaling Research Articles

Technical Possibilities and Limitations of the DPS-4D Type of Digisonde in Individual Meteor Detections

During the peak days of the 2019 Leonids and Geminids (16–19 November and 10–16 December), two ionograms/minute and one Skymap/minute campaign measurements were carried out at the Sopron (47.63°N, 16.72°E) and Průhonice (50.00°N, 14.60°E) Digisonde stations. The stations used frequencies between 1 and 17 MHz for the ionograms, and the Skymaps were made at 2.5 MHz. A temporary optical camera was also installed at Sopron with a lower brightness limit of +1 visual magnitude. The manual scaling of ionograms for November and December 2019 to study the behavior of the regular sporadic E layer was also completed. Although the distributions of the stations were similar, there were interesting differences despite the relative proximity of the stations. The optical measurements detected 88 meteors. A total of 376 meteor-induced traces were found on the Digisonde ionograms at a most probable amplitude (MPA) threshold of 4 dB and of these, 40 cases could be linked to reflections on the Skymaps, too. Of the 88 optical detections, 31 could be identified on the ionograms. The success of detections depends on the sensitivity of the instruments and the noise-filtering. Geometrically, meteors above 80 km and with an altitude angle of 40° or higher can be detected using the Digisondes.

On the seasonal dependence of intermediate descending layer in low latitudes

Understanding the variable behavior of the IDL/Es system contributes significantly to our ability in characterizing and modeling the critical ionospheric dynamics across the globe. In this work we aim to improve the understanding of the IDL/Es system by analyzing the diurnal and seasonal variations in the altitude descent with reference to local time of the day, season, and solar activity. We apply the well-known height-time-intensity analysis method on measurements obtained from the Sharjah ionosonde station, located at the Arabian Peninsula (Sharjah: 25.28°N, 55.46°E) near the northern crest of the equatorial ionization anomaly. The measurements cover three years of the increasing phase of the solar cycle 25 from 2020 to 2022. Considering an oversimplified wind system based on windshear theory, we attempt to establish a relationship between IDL/Es periodicities with diurnal, semidiurnal, and terdiurnal tides without digging into the underlying mechanism. Results suggest a strong relation between semidiurnal and terdiurnal tides and the formation and transport of the IDL, particularly impacting lower E-region and sporadic-E layers during the afternoon and nighttime hours. The results of manual scaling of over eleven thousand ionograms is presented to quantify the behavior of the IDL/Es system's transport. Additionally, a connection between solar activity, descent rate, and initial descending height, with semidiurnal patterns consistently present across seasons and solar activity has been discussed. For different frequency bins used in this work, e.g. 3 MHz, 4 MHz, and 5 MHz, seasonal variations significantly influence descent patterns.

AST: An OpenSim-based tool for the automatic scaling of generic musculoskeletal models

Background and objectivesThe paper introduces a tool called Automatic Scaling Tool (AST) designed for improving and expediting musculoskeletal (MSK) simulations based on generic models in OpenSim. Scaling is a crucial initial step in MSK analyses, involving the correction of virtual marker locations on a model to align with actual experimental markers. MethodsThe AST automates this process by iteratively adjusting virtual markers using scaling and inverse kinematics on a static trial. It evaluates the root mean square error (RMSE) and maximum marker error, implementing corrective actions until achieving the desired accuracy level. The tool determines whether to scale a segment with a marker-based or constant scaling factor based on checks on RMSE and segment scaling factors. ResultsTesting on three generic MSK models demonstrated that the AST significantly outperformed manual scaling by an expert operator. The RMSE for static trials was one order of magnitude lower, and for gait tasks, it was five times lower (8.5 ± 0.76 mm vs. 44.5 ± 7.5 mm). The AST consistently achieved the desired level of accuracy in less than 100 iterations, providing reliable scaled MSK models within a relatively brief timeframe, ranging from minutes to hours depending on model complexity. ConclusionsThe paper concludes that AST can greatly benefit the biomechanical community by quickly and accurately scaling generic models, a critical first step in MSK analyses. Further validation through additional experimental datasets and generic models is proposed for future tests.

THE USE OF TRANEXAMIC ACID MOUTHWASH IN THE GINGIVAL BLEEDING MANAGEMENT IN APLASTIC ANEMIA PATIENT

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the role of tranexamic acid mouthwash in the management of gingival bleeding in aplastic anemia patients.
 Methods: Complete subjective, objective, and supporting examinations were carried out to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments were given in collaboration between the departments of internal and oral medicine. Anamnesis and history taking were done, and it was revealed that a 21-year-old male patient came with the chief complaint of active anterior mandible gum bleeding, starting two weeks ago and accompanied by fever. Extra-oral examination revealed a hematoma on the lip. Intra-oral examination found spontaneous bleeding from the anterior mandible gingiva and hematomas on the labial mucosa and lateral of the tongue. Laboratory examination results showed hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets below the normal range, and the bone marrow morphology examination confirmed the diagnosis of aplastic anemia.
 Results: Treatment included a blood transfusion of 39 flasks for 14 d for the systemic condition. Tranexamic acid and chlorine dioxide mouthwash were given for intra-oral problems, and petroleum jelly to treat lip lesions. Gingival bleeding and hematomas resolved within 8 d.
 Conclusion: Tranexamic acid mouthwash, along with manual scaling of calculus, which is a predisposing factor for gingival bleeding, as well as blood transfusion, have an important role in the successful comprehensive management of gingival bleeding due to pancytopenia in patients with aplastic anemia.

Effectiveness of two photosensitizer-mediated photodynamic therapy for treating moderate peri-implant infections in type-II diabetes mellitus patients: A randomized clinical trial

PurposeThis study evaluated the impact of Fox Green (FG) against methylthioninium chloride (MTC)-facilitated photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive to manual scaling (MS) on the peri‑implant clinical and cytokine parameters in type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with peri‑implantitis. MethodsPatients were divided into group-A comprising 13 patients who received adjunctive FG-PDT using a diode laser (wavelength: 810 nm; irradiation power: 300 mW; irradiation time: 30 s; fluence: 56 Jcm−2), group-B comprising 12 patients who received adjunctive MTC-PDT using a diode laser (wavelength: 660 nm; irradiation power: 100 mW; irradiation time: 120 s/site; fluence: 30 Jcm−2), and group-C comprising 13 patients who received MS alone [control group]). After diagnosing the diabetics with peri‑implantitis (established on eligibility criteria), a structured questionnaire was used to gather the information of the participants. Plaque (PS) and bleeding scores (BS), along with peri‑implant probing scores (PPS) and peri‑implant bone loss (PIBL), together with immunological variables (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and advanced glycation end products [AGEs]) were measured in all study group participants at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. ResultsA significant reduction was observed for PS, BS, and PPS within all tested groups at each follow-up visits compared from their baseline values (p<0.05). However, a substantial decrease in PIBL was observed in all study group patients at 6-month follow-up as compared to 3-month follow-up (p<0.05). Regarding the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, a substantial reduction was observed in all study groups until 6-month from their baseline scores (p<0.05). However, no changes were observed in the levels of AGEs in any group at either visit (p>0.05). ConclusionIn DM patients with periimplantitis, adjunctive FG-PDT and MTC-PDT exhibited comparable outcomes in terms of peri‑implant clinical as well as pro-inflammatory characteristics than MS alone among peri‑implantitis patients with DM.

Effect of Different Scaling Methods on the Surface Topography of Different CAD/CAM Ceramic Compositions.

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasonic and manual scaling using different scaler materials on the surface topography of computer-aided designing and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramic compositions. After scaling with manual and ultrasonic scalers, the surface properties of four classes of CAD/CAM ceramic discs: lithium disilicate (IPE), leucite-reinforced (IPS), advanced lithium disilicate (CT), and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (CD) of 1.5 mm thickness were evaluated. Surface roughness was measured before and after treatment, and scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the surface topography following the performed scaling procedures. Two-way ANOVA was conducted to assess the association of the ceramic material and scaling method with the surface roughness. There was a significant difference in the surface roughness between the ceramic materials subjected to different scaling methods (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses revealed significant differences between all groups except for IPE and IPS where no significant differences were detected between them. CD showed the highest surface roughness values, while CT showed the lowest surface roughness values for the control specimens and after exposure to different scaling methods. Moreover, the specimens subjected to ultrasonic scaling displayed the highest roughness values, while the least surface roughness was noted with the plastic scaling method.

Evaluation of Comfort Levels of Patient and Ergonomics of the Dental Surgeon during Manual Scaling under Both Proprioceptive Derivative Concept and Conventional Approach: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The important components that contribute to successful dental care are maximum accessibility, visibility, comfort, and control over clinical processes. Dental practitioners are more prone to developing musculoskeletal disorders due to awkward working postures. To minimise all these risk factors, a new concept called Proprioceptive Derivative (PD) has come into existence. Aim: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the comfort levels of the patient and ergonomics of the dental professional in the PD approach and conventional approach. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which manual scaling was performed by 20 dentists on 120 patients using the PD concept and conventional concept. A 13-item questionnaire was distributed among the patients and clinicians to record their perceptions of comfort levels, clinicians’ treatment satisfaction levels, and the time needed to complete the procedure after mastering the PD concept. In indepedent sample t-test was use to compare the responses among the two groups. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The comfort levels of the clinician (q1) during treatment in the conventional approach, with a mean value of 2.96±0.69, were significantly lower than in the PD approach, with a mean value of 3.46±0.85 (p&lt;0.001). However, from the perspective of the patients, the mean comfort levels using the conventional strategy were 2.61±1.03, while using the PD approach, it was 2.85±1.11, which was not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The clinicians had more ergonomic benefits and improved time factors under the PD concept. By following the work postures according to the PD concept, clinicians can avoid musculoskeletal discomfort, which is beneficial to all clinicians and can increase the longevity of their clinical practice.

Aesthetic Anxiety in a Child with Cleidocranial Dysplasia

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare syndrome that affects the skeleton and teeth. It is characterized by absent or hypoplastic clavicles, mobile shoulder girdles, patent fontanelles, supernumerary teeth, retained deciduous and delayed permanent teeth. A 10 year old boy with CCD is reported with chief complaints of aesthetics and dental pain. The bullying and social agony at a tender age were alarming as the patient was highly distressed regarding his missing teeth. Juvenile aesthetic concerns and the psychosocial impact were emphasized in this case. He was treated with manual scaling, pulp therapy, restoration, and a prosthesis to speedily replace his missing teeth. Long-term orthodontic treatment was suggested. Due to the early diagnosis, a better prognosis exists for multidisciplinary treatment. Counselling was pivotal for dealing with his aesthetic anxiety and oral health. Special attention should be given to the aesthetics and psychosocial state of patients with syndromes in underdeveloped societies.

Turmeric as a Local Drug Delivery in Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease. Traditional methods like toothbrushing and manual scaling and root planing are the treatment of choice. However, these methods are time-consuming and not fully effective. To restore periodontal health systemic antibacterials are used as adjuncts, but due to side effect and inability to reach target areas, other alternative methods were devised. Various handicaps of systemic drugs such as side effects, resistance, and growth of opportunistic infection, local drug delivery agents (LDD) in periodontology have gained acceptance and popularity. Haldi/turmeric has been used in our country since time immemorial. It has vast array of therapeutic uses. This review attempts to shed light on the efficacy of curcumin as LDD agent in periodontal infections.

New Chung-Li Ionosonde in Taiwan: System Description and Preliminary Results

In spite of being interrupted several times in its long history of operation since 1950, the routine observation of the ionosphere with various ionosondes installed at the Chung-Li ionosphere station in Taiwan has been achieved successively for more than seven decades. In this article, the system characteristics of the latest Chung-Li ionosonde and algorithm developed by National Central University for ionogram scaling and true height analysis, which started to routinely operate in 2020, are introduced. The new Chung-Li ionosonde is a pulse radar that transmits a train of short pulses with respective carrier frequencies between 2 and 30 MHz at a frequency separation of 50 kHz. The duration of an entire frequency sweep is 294.13 s, which is divided into 561 frequency channels. The 16-bit complementary code is employed to increase the signal-to-noise of the reflected echoes. The observational range is from 70 to 1221 km with a range resolution of 3.84 km. We developed an algorithm for the Chung-Li ionosonde to automatically scale the ionogram such that the true height profile of the ionospheric electron density can be retrieved. The observed traces of the ordinary wave (O-wave) and extraordinary wave (X-wave) displayed on the ionogram were first identified and separated by using 2-dimensional autocorrelation analysis combined with the image projection method. The true height analysis used stepwise regression. With the help of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model and Quasi-Parabolic Segment (QPS) model, we carried out true height analysis to retrieve the ionospheric electron density profile based on the O-wave trace. An examination showed that the ionospheric parameters (i.e., foF2, h’F2) retrieved from the automatic scaling algorithm were essentially in good agreement with those obtained from manual scaling. The ionosonde-measured foF2 and hmF2 were also compared with the FORMOSAT-7 measurements made with the GPS radio occultation technique. The results show that the correlation coefficient, root mean squared deviation, and mean difference were, respectively, in ranges from 0.878 to 0.93, 0.73 to 1.06 MHz, and −0.43 to −0.26 MHz for foF2 and in ranges from 0.701 to 0.8, 22.39 to 28.45 km, and −9.28 to 11.06 km for hmF2.

A Method for Automatic Inversion of Oblique Ionograms

In this study, a method is proposed to carry out automatic inversion of oblique ionograms to extract the parameters and electron density profile of the ionosphere. The proposed method adopts the quasi-parabolic segments (QPS) model to represent the ionosphere. Firstly, numerous candidate electron density profiles and corresponding vertical traces were, respectively, calculated and synthesized by adjusting the parameters of the QPS model. Then, the candidate vertical traces were transformed to oblique traces by the secant theorem and Martyn’s equivalent path theorem. On the other hand, image processing technology and characteristics of oblique echoes were adopted to automatically scale the key parameters (the maximum observable frequency and minimum group path, etc.) from oblique ionograms. The synthesized oblique traces, whose parameters were close to autoscaled parameters, were selected as the candidate traces to produce a correlation with measured oblique ionograms. Lastly, the proposed algorithm searched the best-fit synthesized oblique trace by comparing the synthesized traces with oblique ionograms. To test its feasibility, oblique ionograms were automatically scaled by the proposed method and these autoscaled parameters were compared with manual scaling results. The preliminary results show that the accuracy of autoscaled maximum observable frequency and minimum group path of the ordinary trace of the F2 layer is, respectively, about 91.98% and 86.41%, which might be accurate enough for space weather specifications. It inspires us to improve the proposed method in future studies.

An Automatic CADI’s Ionogram Scaling Software Tool for Large Ionograms Data Analytics

Scale the ionosonde ionograms to produce accurate readings is a professional manual scaling technique. However, there is a high demand for auto-scaling software that can manage a large number of ionograms in order to avoid the time and effort involved in manual scaling as well as human errors. Noise-free, accurate trace identification and precise segmentation are required for the auto-scaling program to work. The Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde (CADI) ionograms are processed and auto-scaled using a new model on an open-source (Python) platform in this paper. Filtering the noise, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) based trace detection, layer-wise segmentation, and then extracting the ionospheric features are used to accomplish the scaling accuracy. The investigation uses raw ionogram files generated by the CADI system in Hyderabad, India (Lat: <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$17.47^{\circ }\text{N}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> , Long: <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$78.57^{\circ }\text{E}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> ) between 2014 and 2015. Raw ionograms in <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\ast $ </tex-math></inline-formula> .md4 or <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$^\ast $ </tex-math></inline-formula> .md2 file formats can be accepted by the suggested model (Individual or Hourly integrated). The proposed auto-scaling software tool’s individual block performance is examined with several classes of ionograms, and the overall performance is evaluated with a huge set of ionograms obtained during adverse space weather circumstances (16th to 18th March 2015). Univap Digital Ionosonde Data Analysis (UDIDA) software tool was considered for manual scaling. The results of manual scaling are compared with that of proposed scaling software. In fmin and h’f, respectively, the proposed model has a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.36 MHz and 11.72 km, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.7 MHz and 22.36 km.

Agreement and Reliability Analysis of Machine Learning Scaling and Wireless Monitoring in the Assessment of Acute Proximal Weakness by Experts and Non-Experts: A Feasibility Study.

Assessing the symptoms of proximal weakness caused by neurological deficits requires the knowledge and experience of neurologists. Recent advances in machine learning and the Internet of Things have resulted in the development of automated systems that emulate physicians’ assessments. The application of those systems requires not only accuracy in the classification but also reliability regardless of users’ proficiency in the real environment for the clinical point-of-care and the personalized health management. This study provides an agreement and reliability analysis of using a machine learning-based scaling of Medical Research Council (MRC) proximal scores to evaluate proximal weakness by experts and non-experts. The system trains an ensemble learning model using the signals from sensors attached to the limbs of patients in a neurological intensive care unit. For the agreement analysis, we investigated the percent agreement of MRC proximal scores and Bland-Altman plots of kinematic features between the expert- and non-expert scaling. We also analyzed the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of kinematic features and Krippendorff’s alpha of the observers’ scaling for the reliability analysis. The mean percent agreement between the expert- and the non-expert scaling was 0.542 for manual scaling and 0.708 for autonomous scaling. The ICCs of kinematic features measured using sensors ranged from 0.742 to 0.850, whereas the Krippendorff’s alpha of manual scaling for the three observers was 0.275. The autonomous assessment system can be utilized by the caregivers, paramedics, or other observers during an emergency to evaluate acute stroke patients.

Biofilm disruption and bactericidal activity of aqueous ozone coupled with ultrasonic dental scaling

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the awareness of a common hazard encountered in the dental clinic: aerosol transmission of pathogens. Treatment of sources of infection before or during dental procedures is one means of decreasing pathogen load and aerosol transmission. MethodsAn ultrasonic scaler supplied with aqueous ozone was used to examine the effect of its viability on planktonic cultures and biofilms formed by 2 model bacteria: Rothia mucilaginosa and Escherichia coli. ResultsBoth organisms showed susceptibility to aqueous ozone alone (97% and 99.5% lethality, respectively). When combined with manual scaling using an ultrasonic scaler, a greater than 99% reduction in colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL could be reached with an aqueous ozone concentration of approximately 2 mg/L (R. mucilaginosa) or 0.75 mg/L (E. coli) after 5 through 6 seconds of scaling. ConclusionsAqueous ozone coupled with ultrasonic scaling exhibited a higher efficiency of microbial kill than either method used alone. Both gram-positive and gram-negative species were affected by this treatment. Studies on other oral microbiota constituents, including fungi and viruses, will provide information on the efficacy of this method on a greater biological scale. Studies to verify concomitant reduction of microbial load in dispersed aerosols in clinical settings should be completed to support practical applications of this treatment.

Blood clot stabilization after different mechanical and chemical root treatments: a morphological evaluation using scanning electron microscopy.

PurposeThis in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different debridement techniques and conditioning procedures on root surface morphology and blood clot stabilization.MethodsTwo debridement techniques (curette [CU] vs. high-speed ultrasound [US]) and 2 conditioning procedures (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA] and phosphoric acid [PA]) were used for the study. Seven experimental groups were tested on root surfaces: 1) no treatment (C); 2) CU; 3) US; 4) CU+EDTA; 5) US+EDTA; 6) CU+PA; and 7) US+PA. Three specimens per group were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface characterization. Additional root slices received a blood drop, and clot formation was graded according to the blood element adhesion index by a single operator. Data were statistically analyzed, using a threshold of P<0.05 for statistical significance.ResultsThe C group displayed the most irregular surface among the tested groups with the complete absence of blood traces. The highest frequency of blood component adhesion was shown in the CU+EDTA group (P<0.05), while no differences were detected between the CU, US+EDTA, and CU+PA groups (P<0.05), which performed better than the US and US+PA groups (P<0.05).ConclusionsIn this SEM analysis, EDTA and conventional manual scaling were the most efficient procedures for enhancing smear layer removal, collagen fiber exposure, and clot stabilization on the root surface. This technique is imperative in periodontal healing and regenerative procedures.

Influence of non-surgical periodontal therapy on the glycemic control of type 2 diabetic patients: case reports

Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus present a bidirectional relationship in which one condition may influence the other. It is assumed that non-surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planning) could decrease the pro-inflammatory mediators, restoring periodontal health and the balance of glycemic control. Objective: To report the glycemic control of two type-2 diabetes patients with periodontal disease, who received non-surgical periodontal therapy and supportive periodontal therapy. Case report: Both patients were initially evaluated, and the delineated treatment plan included prophylaxis, manual scaling and root planning sessions and oral hygiene instructions. The patients were evaluated at baseline and after 30- and 60-days post-treatment, for the clinical parameters (visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing and dental mobility) and 90-days post treatment for the glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose. Results: The results showed a significant improvement in periodontal clinical parameters in both patients, as well as a decrease in their glycemic indices. Conclusion: Non-surgical periodontal therapy promoted improvement of periodontal parameters and also systemic health of individuals.

First ICON-FUV Nighttime NmF2 and hmF2 Comparison to Ground and Space-Based Measurements.

The Far Ultra Violet (FUV) ultraviolet imager onboard the NASA-ICON mission is dedicated to the observation and study of the ionosphere dynamics at mid and low latitudes. We compare O+ density profiles provided by the ICON FUV instrument during nighttime with electron density profiles measured by the COSMIC-2 constellation (C2) and ground-based ionosondes. Co-located simultaneous observations are compared, covering the period from November 2019 to July 2020, which produces several thousands of coincidences. Manual scaling of ionogram sequences ensures the reliability of the ionosonde profiles, while C2 data are carefully selected using an automatic quality control algorithm. Photoelectron contribution coming from the magnetically conjugated hemisphere is clearly visible in FUV data around solstices and has been filtered out from our analysis. We find that the FUV observations are consistent with the C2 and ionosonde measurements, with an average positive bias lower than 1 × 1011 e/m3. When restricting the analysis to cases having an NmF2 value larger than 5 × 1011 e/m3, FUV provides the peak electron density with a mean difference with C2 of 10%. The peak altitude, also determined from FUV observations, is found to be 15 km above that obtained from C2, and 38 km above the ionosonde value on average.

Resin Nano-Ceramic Material Surface Roughness, Color Stability, and Bacterial Adhesion Evaluation After Different Scaling Methods

Objectives: The study evaluated in vitro the changes in roughness, color stability, and bacterial count of a CAD/CAM Resin Nano-Ceramic material surface treated by various scaling procedures. Material and Methods: 70 disks (5mm diameter, 0.5 mm thickness) of Resin Nano-Ceramic (Lava ™Ultimate, 3M, ESPE) material were cemented in standardized cavities prepared in bovine teeth. A custom-made scaling apparatus of a double pan balance was used for different scaling methods, simulating standard clinical conditions. The specimens were assigned to three main groups: no scaling(C), ultrasonic scaling (U), and manual scaling (M). Each group was then divided into three subgroups according to scaling tip material; stainless steel tip (St), plastic tip (P), and titanium tip (Ti). The surface texture was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively with a tactile profilometer and atomic force microscopy. A spectrophotometer was used for color measurement. Streptococcus mutans were counted in a colony counter. All the data were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: Two-way ANOVA was used to study the effect while One-way ANOVA was performed to compare between study groups. The significance level was set at p 0.05. The ultrasonic titanium tip(UTi) revealed the significant highest mean value of alterations (p &lt; 0.001). The integrity of the material surface was altered in the form of deep scratches on the ultrasonically scaled surfaces and numerous smaller scratches on the hand-scaled surfaces. Conclusion: The plastic instrument would appear to be the instrument of choice during a routine maintenance procedure for Resin Nano-Ceramic materials. Keywords Bacterial biofilm; Dental ceramics; Color stability; Scaling; Surface roughness.

Effect of Oral Health Educational Program on Awareness and Oral Health Status of Children with Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Oral health education is a powerful tool in improving the oral hygiene knowledge and gingival health. Objective: Assess the effect of oral health educational program on the oral health awareness and oral health status of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus children in Cairo, Egypt. Patients and methods: 44 Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Egyptian children aged 6-14 years old were enrolled. The eligible children were randomized using random number generation computer program into two groups, Intervention group (22) and Control group (22). Manual scaling and the oral health educational program were conducted for the intervention group. Follow up visits were every month for three successive months, to collect OHI-s for both groups. Results: Average knowledge of intervention group was 72.2% before the program, which became 80.9% after it. The median OHI-s decreased statistically significant (p= .028) from baseline (1.94) to the fourth visit (1.42) in the intervention group. Conclusion: The oral health knowledge among T1DM parents and children was satisfactory but their knowledge about the daily practice was deficient. Significant improvement in OHI-s records after implementation of the program.

In Vitro Comparison of Root Surface Treatment Effect between Root Scaling with Ultrasonic Inserts and Gracey Curette and Polishing with Different Cleaning Pastes

The aim of this study was the morphological evaluation of root surfaces subjected to manual (curette) and ultrasonic (conventional and diamond tips) scaling. The surface was then polished with a rubber cup and three medium-sized pastes. Ninety teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 30 and subjected to three different root instrumentation: (1) manual instrumentation with a Gracey® curette; (2) ultrasonic instrumentation with a standard steel tip (Universal Perio S-SERIES: USU, Hu-Friedy, Chicago, IL, USA) at a power equal to 50%; and (3) with a diamond tip (Punta Piezo Serie E Scaling, Hu-Friedy, Chicago, IL, USA) at a power of 20%. Each group of the instrumented teeth was then divided in three subgroups of 10 and subjected to 30 s of rubber polishing with three different polishing pastes with medium grain sizes in single-dose cups: (1) Ultrapro Tx cool mint medium®; (2) Stomyprox media®; and (3) Nupro medium orange®. Polyether root surface replicas were then taken from all 90 samples and analyzed by SEM to evaluate surface morphology after scaling and polishing procedures. All scaling techniques caused an alteration of the root surface without statistically significant difference, whereas polishing resulted in maintenance or improvement of the surface texture.