Mm For Test Research Articles

Endoscopic Re-Instrumentation of Intrabony Defect-Associated Deep Residual Periodontal Pockets Is Non-Inferior to Papilla Preservation Flap Surgery: ARandomized Trial.

Clinical practice guidelines suggest access flap surgery for managing deep residual pockets after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Papilla-preservation flap surgery (PPFS) is the least invasive approach to access and instrument biofilm-contaminated root surfaces. Endoscopic-assisted subgingival debridement (EASD) may enhance the outcomes of repeated instrumentation and provide a minimally invasive non-surgical alternative. This was a single-blind, controlled, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority 12-month trial comparing EASD with PPFS. Male and female adults with generalized stage III periodontitis and persistent periodontal pockets associated with an intrabony defect after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy were recruited at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. Inter-group differences in clinical attachment level (CAL) changes at 12 months were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pocket resolution (no pocket > 5 mm and no pocket > 4 with bleeding on probing), radiographic bone changes, treatment time, early wound healing and quality-of-life measurements. Sixty-two subjects (30 EASD and 32 PPFS) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. CAL gains were 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.0 mm for test and controls, respectively. The 95% CI of the inter-group difference was -0.3 to 0.8 mm and within the stipulated 1-mm non-inferiority margin. No inter-group differences were observed (i) in pocket resolution, which was achieved in more than 87% of cases for all groups/time points, and (ii) in radiographic bone healing. The treatment time was significantly shorter for EASD than for PPFS. Better early wound healing index scores were observed for EASD. No inter-group differences in pain, quality of life or safety were detected. EASD was not inferior to PPFS for managing residual pockets associated with intrabony defects. The observed outcome profile supports additional developments and studies to validate EASD as an alternative to surgery for isolated persistent pockets (ChiCTR-INR-16008407).

Augmented reality technology shortens aneurysm surgery learning curve for residents

Objectives We aimed to prospectively investigate the benefit of using augmented reality (AR) for surgery residents learning aneurysm surgery. Materials and methods Eight residents were included, and divided into an AR group and a control group (4 in each group). Both groups were asked to locate an aneurysm with a blue circle on the same screenshot after their viewing of surgery videos from both AR and non-AR tests. Only the AR group was allowed to inspect and manipulate an AR holographic representation of the aneurysm in AR tests. The actual location of the aneurysm was defined by a yellow circle by an attending physician after each test. Localization deviation was determined by the distance between the blue and yellow circle. Results Localization deviation was lower in the AR group than in the control group in the last 2 tests (AR Test 2: 2.7 ± 1.0 mm vs. 5.8 ± 4.1 mm, p = 0.01, non-AR Test 2: 2.1 ± 0.8 mm vs. 5.9 ± 5.8 mm, p < 0.001). The mean deviation was lower in non-AR Test 2 as compared to non-AR Test 1 in both groups (AR: p < 0.001, control: p = 0.391). The localization deviation of the AR group decreased from 8.1 ± 3.8 mm in Test 2 to 2.7 ± 1.0 mm in AR Test 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusion AR technology provides an effective and interactive way for neurosurgery training, and shortens the learning curve for residents in aneurysm surgery.

Hard and soft tissue healing around implants with Ag coating: An experimental study in dogs

Introduction The purpose of this randomized controlled canine experimental study was to evaluate peri‑implant hard and soft tissue healing around implants with silver coating.Methods All mandibular premolars and molars of five male beagle dogs were extracted. 25 test and 25 control implants were randomly installed and connected with the healing abutments. After 2 and 4 month healing period, implants with soft and hard tissues were obtained for histologic and histomorphometric analysis.Results In mesio-distal sections, supracrestal tissue attachment dimensions were 4.03±0.48 mm and 4.25±0.66 mm for test and 4.34±0.6 mm and 5.21±0.72 mm for control implants at 2 and 4 month healing time. The respective crestal bone loss values were 1.10±0.69 mm and 0.74±0.67 mm for test and 1.13±0.48 mm and 1.49±0.65 mm for control implants. The differences were statistically significant only in the 4-month healing period. In buccolingual sections, supracrestal tissue attachment height at 2 and 4 month healing periods were 4.09±0.64 mm and 4.5±0.8 mm for test implants and 4.17±0.76 mm and 4.48±0.76 mm for control implants. The respective mean values for crestal bone loss were 1.31±0.6 mm and 1.02±0.58 mm for test implants, and 1.28±0.61 mm and 1.29±0.69 mm for control implants. No statistical significant differences were recorded, apart from the height of connective tissue at the 2 month healing group. No significant difference in terms of BIC between implants or healing periods was recorded.Conclusions The Ag implant coating resulted in smaller supracrestal tissue attachment dimensions and less bone loss. Within the limits of a canine study, prevention of crestal bone loss along with the effectiveness of Ag antimicrobial properties in dental implantology is demonstrated.

Fully automated preoperative liver volumetry incorporating the anatomical location of the central hepatic vein

The precise preoperative calculation of functional liver volumes is essential prior major liver resections, as well as for the evaluation of a suitable donor for living donor liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop a fully automated, reproducible, and quantitative 3D volumetry of the liver from standard CT examinations of the abdomen as part of routine clinical imaging. Therefore, an in-house dataset of 100 venous phase CT examinations for training and 30 venous phase ex-house CT examinations with a slice thickness of 5 mm for testing and validating were fully annotated with right and left liver lobe. Multi-Resolution U-Net 3D neural networks were employed for segmenting these liver regions. The Sørensen-Dice coefficient was greater than 0.9726 ± 0.0058, 0.9639 ± 0.0088, and 0.9223 ± 0.0187 and a mean volume difference of 32.12 ± 19.40 ml, 22.68 ± 21.67 ml, and 9.44 ± 27.08 ml compared to the standard of reference (SoR) liver, right lobe, and left lobe annotation was achieved. Our results show that fully automated 3D volumetry of the liver on routine CT imaging can provide reproducible, quantitative, fast and accurate results without needing any examiner in the preoperative work-up for hepatobiliary surgery and especially for living donor liver transplantation.

Clinical evaluation of Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis: Twelve-month results from a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of adjunctive Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy with scaling and root planing (SRP) as compared with SRP alone in the treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis. Fifteen adults (aged 27 to 65 years) with 90 nonadjacent sites probing ≥ 5mm were treated in split-mouth design with SRP and laser therapy versus SRP alone. Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque, and bleeding on probing were collected at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patient reported outcomes were measured to assess pain, sensitivity, and satisfaction. Clinical improvements were similar for test and control sites with no statistically significant difference. At 12 months, the average PPD reduced from 6.1 to 4.2mm for test and 6.2 to 4.3mm for control sites. GR increased by 0.4mm at test and control sites. CAL increased from 6.8 to 5.3mm for test and 6.9 to 5.5mm for control sites. Clinical outcomes were stratified by baseline PPD ( =5,=6 and ≥7mm) and analyzed for number of sites that reduced (≤4mm). No significant difference was observed when the baseline PPD was 5 or 6mm. Test sites with baseline PPD ≥7mm demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the percentage of reduced sites when compared with controls at nine (P=0.001) and 12 months (P=0.044). Adjunctive Er,Cr:YSGG laser therapy with SRP provides similar clinical improvement in the treatment of moderate-severe periodontitis as SRP alone and may offer some advantage for deeper (≥7mm) pockets.

Assessment of the effect of orthodontic treatment on the stability of pre-orthodontic recession coverage by connective tissue graft: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

To compare the changes in periodontal parameters after orthodontic treatment in patients having isolated gingival recession treated with and without pre-orthodontic gingival recession coverage. Thirty-six patients requiring orthodontic treatment with a facially positioned mandibular anterior tooth with labial recession were randomly allocated to either test group: root coverage by subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) followed by orthodontic treatment, or control group (orthodontic treatment only). Primary clinical parameters included recession depth, keratinized tissue width, root coverage, root esthetic score, and gingival phenotype. The patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Level of gingival margin attained in test group teeth after SCTG were maintained at end of orthodontic treatment (P = .727). Root coverage achieved was 69.33 ± 30.74% versus 22.36 ± 27.70% in test and control group, respectively (P = .000), and gain in keratinized tissue width was 1.59 ± 0.73 mm in test versus 0.41 ± 0.49 mm in control group (P = .000). The number of teeth with improved gingival phenotype and decreased hypersensitivity was also observed to be statistically significant in the test group (P = .049, P = .002). Root coverage procedure may be performed before the planned orthodontic treatment as graft stability is preserved throughout the course of orthodontic treatment.

Evaluation and Comparison of Flexural Strength and Diametral Tensile Strength of Four Commercially Available Resin Luting Cements Before and After Immersion in Artificial Saliva – An In vitro Study

Background: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare flexural strength and diametral tensile strength of four commercially available resin luting cements before and after immersion in artificial saliva. Methodology: For study purpose, stainless steel dies of dimensions 6 mm × 2 mm for testing indirect tensile strength and 25 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm for flexural strength testing were fabricated. The materials were grouped as A, B, C and D, with a total number of 40 specimens in each group. Of these, 20 specimens were tested for flexural strength and 20 for indirect tensile strength, where 10 specimens were control and remaining 10 were immersed for 24 hours in artificial saliva. All the luting cements were manipulated and filled into the cavities. The specimens were allowed to set and carefully removed. Results: Highest flexural and indirect tensile strengths were recorded for Group B and least for Group C. There was a significant decrease in the properties in all the tested cements after immersion in artificial saliva for 24 hours, except for flexural strength in Group A, which showed a small amount of increase. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that Estecem plus showed the highest flexural and indirect tensile strength, whereas Maxcem Elite showed the least among all the cements tested.

Debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda no tratamento da periodontite crônica severa em pacientes diabéticos: estudo preliminar

ABSTRACT Objective: The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the effect of one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of diabetic subjects with severe chronic periodontitis. Methods: Sixteen patients with uncontrolled diabetes (glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7%) and severe chronic periodontitis (at least 8 teeth with a probing depth and bleeding on probing were selected and randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups: control group (n=7) - quadrant-wise scaling and root planning; test group (n=9) - full-mouth ultrasonic debridement in one session of 45 minutes. The following outcomes were assessed: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival margin position. All parameters were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Probing depth, clinical attachment level and gingival margin position were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey test, and the other clinical parameters analysed with the Friedman and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: An improvement in probing depth, clinical attachment level was observed after treatment in both groups, but without statistically significant differences between them. After 3 months, in initially deep pockets, the PD decreased 1.6 mm and 1.7 mm in test and control group, respectively. Clinical attachment level gain ≥ 2 mm was statistically significant at sites in control (10.1%) and test (13,4%) groups in 3 months. Conclusions: One-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement promoted similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with the scaling and root planning in the treatment of diabetic subjects with severe chronic periodontitis.

Comparison of Different Pulse Modulation Modes for Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Lithotripsy Ablation in a Benchtop Model.

Introduction: Manipulation of Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet laser parameters such as pulse energy (PE), frequency, and duration can impact laser lithotripsy ablation efficiency. In 2017, Lumenis introduced Moses™ Technology, which uses pulse modulation to enhance the delivery of energy from fiber to stone as well as to minimize stone retropulsion. Since the introduction of Moses Technology, other companies have brought additional pulse modulation concepts to market. The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the pulse characteristics and stone ablation efficiency of Lumenis Moses Technology with Quanta's Vapor Tunnel™. Materials and Methods: Submerged BegoStone phantoms were systematically ablated using either the Lumenis Moses Pulse 120H or the Quanta Litho 100 clinical laser system. Two PEs (0.4 and 1 J), three fiber-stone standoff distances (SDs) (0.5, 1, 2 mm), and all available pulse duration and modulation modes for each laser were tested in combination. Fiber speed was adjusted to scan across the stone surface at either 1 or 10 pulses/mm to form single pulse craters or an ablation trough, respectively. Volumes of single craters and 1 mm trough segments were imaged and quantified using optical coherence tomography. Results: Ablation volumes decreased with decreasing PE and increasing SD. Statistically significant variability was seen between pulse types (PT) at every tested parameter set. Among pulse modulation modes, Moses Distance (MD) was superior at 0.5 mm in all testing and at 2 mm in trough testing. Vapor Tunnel (VT) was superior in 2 mm single crater testing. All modulated pulses performed similarly at 1 mm. Conclusions: In this benchtop model of laser lithotripsy, stone ablation was significantly impacted by PT. MD demonstrated superior or noninferior stone ablation at most tested parameters. VT maintained its efficacy the best as SD increased. Future work should focus on the mechanistic differences of these modes relative to other traditional laser pulse modes.

MP65-08 SOME PULSE TYPES ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS: A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT PULSE MODULATION MODES FOR HOLMIUM:YAG LASER LITHOTRIPSY ABLATION IN A BENCHTOP MODEL

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Surgical Therapy V (MP65)1 Sep 2021MP65-08 SOME PULSE TYPES ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS: A COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT PULSE MODULATION MODES FOR HOLMIUM:YAG LASER LITHOTRIPSY ABLATION IN A BENCHTOP MODEL Russell Terry, Gainesville FL, Derek Ho, Dominick Scialabba, Patrick Whelan, Robert Qi, Christian Tabib, Brian Ketterman, Christopher Kim, Glenn Preminger, Pei Zhong, and Michael Lipkin Russell TerryRussell Terry More articles by this author , Gainesville FLGainesville FL More articles by this author , Derek HoDerek Ho More articles by this author , Dominick ScialabbaDominick Scialabba More articles by this author , Patrick WhelanPatrick Whelan More articles by this author , Robert QiRobert Qi More articles by this author , Christian TabibChristian Tabib More articles by this author , Brian KettermanBrian Ketterman More articles by this author , Christopher KimChristopher Kim More articles by this author , Glenn PremingerGlenn Preminger More articles by this author , Pei ZhongPei Zhong More articles by this author , and Michael LipkinMichael Lipkin More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002105.08AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: It is widely recognized that varying Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser parameters such as pulse energy, frequency, and duration can impact laser lithotripsy ablation efficiency. In 2017, Lumenis introduced Moses™ Technology which uses pulse modulation to enhance the delivery of energy from fiber to stone and to minimize retropulsion. Since the introduction of Moses™ Technology, other companies have brought additional pulse modulation concepts to market. The purpose of this in vitro study is to compare the pulse characteristics and stone ablation efficiency of Lumenis' Moses™ Technology with Quanta’s Vapor Tunnel™. METHODS: Submerged BegoStone phantoms were systematically ablated using either the Lumenis MOSES™Pulse 120H or the Quanta Litho 100 clinical laser system. Two pulse energies (0.4 J and 1 J), three fiber-stone standoff distances (0.5, 1, 2 mm), and all available pulse duration and modulation modes for each laser were tested in combination. The fiber speed was adjusted to scan across the stone surface at either 1 pulse/mm or 10 pulses/mm to form single pulse craters or an ablation trough, respectively. Volumes of single craters and 1 mm trough segments were imaged and quantified using optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Ablation volumes increased with higher pulse energy and shorter standoff distance. Among pulse modulation modes, Moses Distance was superior at 0.5 mm in all testing and at 2 mm in trough testing. Vapor Tunnel was superior in 2 mm single crater testing and demonstrated similar crater depth at all distances. Quanta Long Pulse was the only modality at 0.4 J that had an ablation volume at 2 mm. All modulated pulses performed similarly at 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: In this benchtop model of laser lithotripsy, stone ablation was significantly impacted by pulse type. Moses Distance demonstrated superior or non-inferior stone ablation at all tested parameters. Vapor Tunnel maintained its efficacy the best as standoff distance increased. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e1121-e1122 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Russell Terry More articles by this author Gainesville FL More articles by this author Derek Ho More articles by this author Dominick Scialabba More articles by this author Patrick Whelan More articles by this author Robert Qi More articles by this author Christian Tabib More articles by this author Brian Ketterman More articles by this author Christopher Kim More articles by this author Glenn Preminger More articles by this author Pei Zhong More articles by this author Michael Lipkin More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Variable-Rate Irrigation Uniformity Model for Linear-Move Sprinkler Systems

HighlightsUsing different nozzle sizes on a linear-move sprinkler irrigation system is a simple method for implementing VRI.This study established a variable-rate sprinkler irrigation model for a linear-move system with different nozzles.Uniformity parameters were predicted for different tests, and prediction accuracy ranged from 1.6% to 13.0%.The simulation model can be applied to other sprinkler systems with variable-rate irrigation.Abstract. Variable-rate irrigation (VRI) can vary the application rate by either changing the amount of water flowing through sprinkler nozzles (zone control) or varying the speed of a moving irrigation system across parts of a field, referred to as speed/sector control. The uniformity of sprinkler irrigation in each management zone under VRI directly affects crop growth and yield. The use of different nozzle diameters on a linear-move sprinkler irrigation system is a simple and affordable method for achieving VRI. There are few studies on modeling the uniformity of VRI on linear-move sprinkler irrigation systems. In this study, a cubic spline difference-value model was used to simulate the variable-rate water distribution and uniformity of a linear-move system. Nine tests were designed to evaluate VRI uniformity with different nozzle diameters. A simulation and corresponding field experiments were carried out. The application rate of the simulation model was higher than the experimental values because of wind drift. The uniformity coefficients of the simulation with nozzle diameters of 1.98, 2.97, and 4.17 mm in tests 1, 2, and 3 were 86.56%, 85.24%, and 79.94%, respectively. The uniformity coefficients of the VRI simulations with combinations of nozzle diameters in tests 4 through 9 were 76.89%, 80.70%, 76.67%, 69.58%, 76.64%, and 81.87%, respectively. The smallest error between the simulation and experiment was 1.6%, and the largest error was 13.0%. The simulation model and prediction method can be applied to other sprinkler irrigation systems. Keywords: Linear move, Simulation model, Sprinkler irrigation, Uniformity, VRI.

Optimal prediction of process parameters by GWO-KNN in stirring-squeeze casting of AA2219 reinforced metal matrix composites

Abstract Rapid globalization and demand for the advanced material, hybrid materials are possessing an up marketed strategy in the field of material research. Due to the demand for lightweight and strong nature of materials, aluminium is considered as largely utilized material for manufacturing components in industrial and other manufacturing sectors. However, aluminium materials are being researched through the decades for improvising the mechanical properties. Therefore, hybrid matrix composites are introduced to improve the mechanical properties by the addition of reinforcements. One of the recent advancements in hybrid metal composites is the introduction of nanoparticles in the composition mixture. In this research work, an aluminium hybrid metal matrix composite is prepared by the nano reinforcement particles. Aluminium is considered to be an efficient element for manufacturing and numerous level of hybridization is carried out in the metal processing. In this current research work, aluminium alloy 2219 is hybridized with nanoparticles of Titanium Carbide, Aluminium Oxide and Silicon Nitride with the proportion of 94% of the primary material with 6% of reinforcement material. The reinforcements are fabricated by the conventional processing of advanced method of casting process namely stirring-squeeze casting process for manufacturing the proposed reinforced material. The advantage of this squeeze casting process, it can limit the defects than conventional casting process. The fabrication process develops eight sets of cylindrical specimens of dimension 50 × 150 mm for testing under varied melt and die temperatures which are maintained at 800 °C and 400 °C and squeeze pressure of 100 Mpa during each level of fabrication. Mechanical testing is carried out after the fabrication process and tested the properties of prepared specimens under loading conditions. Tensile testing and hardness of the material are tested on universal testing machine and Brinell hardness with intender ball of 5 mm diameter under 250 kg loading condition. The statistical method of analysis is one of the easiest way analysis the error rate of the result obtained in the experimentation through machine learning process. Therefore, this research develops a statistical analysis method for optimizing the process parameters for better improvement in mechanical properties. The K-nearest neighbour (KNN) and grey wolf optimization (GWO) are proposed for optimizing the process parameters of stirring-squeeze casting process. Conclusively, the result concludes with a comparative study of experimental and predicted outcomes. From the result of comparison, the proposed composition of material has highest level of mechanical properties for manufacturing components in a real-time scenario respectively.

JUSITFICATION OF DRY CHEMICAL POWDERS TESTING PROCEDURE

The analysis of the problem of extinguishing fires of magnesium and its alloys is carried out. The urgency of studying the problem is confirmed by the fact that during the extinguishing of class D fires there are factors that can complicate the quenching process. Often, these metals actively react with water, which leads to an even greater spread of the fire and even an explosion. Therefore, special fire extinguishers, which have passed the proper test, are more effective in locating the fire and prevent the burning of the powder to form the "tongues" of the flame. In Ukraine, there is no method for testing the effectiveness of fire extinguishants of special purpose for the extinguishing of class D fires. The normative documents have been analyzed, which specify the procedures for testing extinguishing fire-extinguishing special-purpose fire extinguishing class D. Specifically: the methods are described in the international standard ISO 7165: 2017 «Fire fighting – Portable fire extinguishers – Performance and construction» and GOST 53280.5-2009 Fire fighting systems automatic. Extinguishing agents.&#x0D; Both methods have a number of shortcomings that need to be addressed when creating a Ukrainian fire test method for extinguishing fire extinguishing class D, namely: the dimensions of the metal frame made of sheet steel with a side (500 ± 10) mm, height (150 ± 5) mm for testing with magnesium chips are small; Not specified quantity of gasoline necessary for the rise of magnesium; The gas or oxygen torch used to dissolve magnesium does not provide full-value combustion throughout the area, but only creates separate cells of ignition.&#x0D; A draft methodology has been developed that determines the fire-extinguishing efficiency of powdered powders used in Ukraine. The required amount of fuel for burning magnesium and its alloys is determined. It was ascertained that for the firing of magnesium chips it is necessary to use at least 127 grams of gasoline of the mark A 92.&#x0D; Key words: test method, fire extinguishers of special purpose, extinguishing of fires of magnesium alloys

Evaluation of Platelet Rich Fibrin in the Management of Gingival Recession Type I/II by Miller: A Randomized Clinical Split Mouth Study

Introduction: The ultimate goal of mucogingival plastic surgery is to obtain complete root coverage and an optimal appearance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with coronally advanced flap (CAF) compared to connective tissue graft (CTG) with CAF in the treatment of gingival recession (GR). Material and Methods: A total of 20 patients were included in this randomized clinical study, presenting 40 GR Miller type I/II. The GR sides of patients were assigned randomly into test group (PRF + CAF) and control group (CTG + CAF). Clinical parameters, such as GR, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), were evaluated at baseline and 12 months later. Root coverage (RC %) and complete root coverage (CRC %) were assessed at 12 months post surgically. Statistical analysis was performed using paired, independent t-test and Mann–Whitney U test. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: At 12 months the mean (SD) GR was 0.20 ± 0.50 mm for test group and 0.05 ± 0.15 mm for control group, whereas the mean RC% was 95.32 ± 11.92 for PRF + CAF and 98.61 ± 4.37 for CTG + CAF. CRC was obtained in CTG + CAF with 90% and with 80% in PRF + CAF. CAL gain was 2.80 ± 0.28 mm and 2.49 ± 0.55 mm in test and control sites, respectively. The gain of WKG was 1.31 ± 0.45 mm and 1.85 ± 0.25 mm in test and control sites, respectively. All the values were not significantly different (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Using of PRF + CAF in the treatment of GR is a successful and effective treatment option and could serve as an alternative to CTGs.

The Role of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Increasing the Gingival Thickness and Modifying the Thin Gingival Biotype: A Comparative Clinical Split Mouth Study

Introduction: Thin gingival biotype (GBT) is of clinical relevance in orthodontic and periodontic treatment, so thick biotype is a requisite for good periodontal health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) with tunnel flap compared to connective tissue graft (CTG) with tunnel flap in increasing gingival thickness (GTH). Material and Methods: Twenty orthodontic patients presenting thin GBTs were included in this study. Treatment sites were divided into test group (PRF) and control group (CTG). Clinical parameters as GTH, GBT, and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) were assessed at baseline and 6 months post-surgically. Statistical analysis was performed using independent T-test for intergroup comparison. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: The mean GTH at 6 months was 1.57 mm for test group and 1.64 mm for control group. The gain of WKG was 1.57 and 2.08 mm in test and control sites, respectively. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, using PRF in modifying thin GBT is a successful treatment option and could serve as an alternative to connective tissue grafts (CTGs).

A comparative, randomized, prospective, two-center clinical study to evaluate the clinical and esthetic outcomes of two different bone grafting techniques in early implant placement.

Early implant placement combined with simultaneous contour augmentation was able to rebuild stable facial hard-tissue and soft-tissue contours that were esthetically pleasing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical esthetic outcome, when two different bone grafting materials were used. Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned into two groups. In the control group, autogenous bone was used to cover the exposed implant surface then a layer of deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) was added. This graft combination was then combined with a collagen membrane. In the test group, the exposed implant surface was covered with a layer of freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in combination with the collagen membrane. Modified plaque index (mPI), modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), keratinized mucosa (KM), implant crown length (IC), distance from the implant shoulder radiographic bone-to-implant contact (DIB), pink esthetic score (PES), and white esthetic score (WES) were measured at 12-months post implant loading. All 48 implants were clinically successful, and no significant differences were observed in mPI, mSBI, PD, KM, IC, DIB, PES, and WES at 1-year implant loading. The mean mucosal recessions of test and control group were unchanged, 0 and -0.02mm, respectively. The mean DIB were -0.32 and -0.21mm in test and control implants, respectively. The mean totals of PES/WES were 15.29 and 15.33 for the test and control groups, respectively, with no significant difference between groups. This study demonstrated that autogenous bone plus DBBM and FDBA each combined with a collagen membrane both resulted in stable clinical and esthetic outcomes in early implant placement with contour augmentation after 1 year.

Immediate Loading of Implant-Supported Single Crowns after Conventional and Ultrasonic Implant Site Preparation: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim To compare implant survival rate and marginal bone loss (MBL) of immediately loaded single implants inserted by using ultrasonic implant site preparation (UISP) (test) and conventional rotary instrumentation (control). Methods Two single implants were inserted for each patient: after randomization, test site was prepared by using an ultrasonic device (Piezosurgery Touch, Mectron, Italy) and control site was prepared by using the drills of the selected implant system (Premium AZT, Sweden & Martina, Italy), until reaching a final diameter of 3 mm in both groups. Identical implants (3.8x11.5 mm) were inserted in all sites at crestal level. Impressions were taken and screwed resin single crowns with platform-switched provisional abutments were delivered with 48 hours. Periapical radiographs were taken at provisional crown insertion (T0), 6 months (T1) and one year (T2) after prosthetic loading to measure MBL. All data were tested for normality and subsequently analyzed by paired samples t-test and forward multiple linear regression. Results Forty-eight patients were treated in six centers with the insertion of ninety-six implants (48 test; 48 control). Four implants in four patients failed within the first six months of healing (two in test group; two in control group; no difference between groups). Forty patients (age 60.1±10.7 years; 22 female, 18 male) were included in the final analysis. Mean MBL after six months of loading was 1.39±1.03 mm in the test group and 1.42±1.16 mm in the control group (p>0.05) and after one year was 1.92±1.14 mm and 2.14±1.55 mm in test and control, respectively (p>0.05). Conclusions No differences in survival rate and MBL were demonstrated between UISP and conventional site preparation with rotary instruments in immediately loaded dental implants: UISP, with its characteristics of enhanced surgical control and safety in proximity of delicate structures, may be used as a reliable alternative to the traditional drilling systems.

Influence of autogenous platelet concentrate on combined GTR/graft therapy in intra-bony defects: A 13-year follow-up of a randomized controlled clinical split-mouth study.

To investigate the clinical long-term outcomes 13years following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in deep intra-bony defects with and without additional application of autogenous platelet concentrate (APC). In 25 patients, two deep contra-lateral intra-bony defects were treated according to GTR using β-TCP and bio-resorbable membranes. In test defects, APC was applied additionally. After 13years, clinical healing results were assessed and compared to results at baseline and after 1year. Furthermore, a tooth survival analysis was carried out. After 13years, 22 patients were available for tooth survival analysis showing 81.8% of test and 86.4% of control teeth still in situ. Based on the 15 patients still available for split-mouth analysis, median CAL was 10.0mm in test and 12.0mm in control sites at baseline. After 1year, both groups revealed significant CAL gains of 5.0mm, followed by a new CAL loss of 1.0mm in the following 12years. There were no significant differences between test and control sites. Within the limits of this study, the data show that most of the CAL gain following GTR can be maintained over 13years. The additional use of APC had no positive influence on the long-term stability.

Bdellovibrio and like organisms promoted growth and survival of juvenile abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino and modulated bacterial community structures in its gut

In this study, Bdellovibrio and like organisms (BALOs) strain BDH12 that possessed a wide lysis spectrum was tested in coldwater abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) juvenile rearing, and its effect on survival and growth and on gut bacterial communities was investigated. A 90-day rearing experiment at the production level was performed. At the end, juvenile abalone grew from the initial shell length of 4.0 ± 1.0 to 12.63 ± 2.12 mm in control and 14.89 ± 1.27 mm in test (p < 0.05). With the addition of BDH12, abalone survival rate, percentage weight gain, shell length gain, and average daily growth in test reached 63.3 ± 1.87%, 6834 ± 39%, 272 ± 15%, and 4.56 ± 1.18 mg day−1, respectively, significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those in control, viz., 41.8 ± 3.36%, 4168 ± 47%, 216 ± 17%, and 2.78 ± 1.37 mg day−1, respectively. Total cultivable Vibrio counts (TCVC) and bacterial counts (TCBC) were enumerated by conventional culturing. Compared to control, TCVC and TCBC in test were reduced by 2.39 and 4.07 log colony forming units·mL−1, respectively, in rearing water (p < 0.05), and by 3.54 and 4.11 log CFU·g−1, respectively, in abalone guts (p < 0.05). Strong negative correlations were found between abalone shell length/weight with TCBC/TCVC in rearing water/guts (p < 0.01). Additionally, 16S rDNA-PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles revealed that of the 27 species/strains sequenced, 51.85% (14) were shared by both control and test and 22.22% (6) reduced, of which 33.33% (2) were Vibrio. The results of this study demonstrated that BDH12 can be beneficially applied in coldwater abalone rearing.

Modeling the triaxial behavior of riverbed and blasted quarried rockfill materials using hardening soil model

Riverbed modeled rockfill material from Noa Dehing dam project, Arunachal Pradesh, India and blasted quarried modeled rockfill material from Kol dam project, Himachal Pradesh, India were considered for this research. Riverbed rockfill material is rounded to sub-rounded and quarried rockfill material is angular to sub-angular in shape. Prototype rockfill materials were modeled into maximum particle size (dmax) of 4.75 mm, 10 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 50 mm and 80 mm for testing in the laboratory. Consolidated drained triaxial tests were conducted on modeled rockfill materials with a specimen size of 381 mm in diameter and 813 mm in height to study the stress–strain–volume change behavior for both rockfill materials. Index properties, i.e. uncompacted void content (UVC) and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), were determined for both rockfill materials in association with material parameters. An elastoplastic hardening soil (HS) constitutive model was used to predict the behavior of modeled rockfill materials. Comparing the predicted and observed stress–strain–volume change behavior, it is found that both observed and predicted behaviors match closely. The procedures were developed to predict the shear strength and elastic parameters of rockfill materials using the index properties, i.e. UCS, UVC and relative density (RD), and predictions were made satisfactorily. Comparing the predicted and experimentally determined shear strengths and elastic parameters, it is observed that both values match closely. Then these procedures were used to predict the elastic and shear strength parameters of large-size prototype rockfill materials. Correlations were also developed between index properties and material strength parameters (dilatancy angle, ψ, and initial void ratio, einit, required for HS model) of modeled rockfill materials and the same correlations were used to predict the strength parameters for the prototype rockfill materials. Using the predicted material parameters, the stress–strain–volume change behavior of prototype rockfill material was predicted using elastoplastic HS constitutive model. The advantage of the proposed methods is that only index properties, i.e. UCS, UVC, RD, modulus of elasticity of intact rock, Eir, and Poisson's ratio of intact rock, νir, are required to determine the angle of shearing resistance, ϕ, modulus of elasticity, E50ref, and Poisson's ratio, ν, of rockfill materials, and there is no need of triaxial testing. It is believed that the proposed methods are more realistic, economical, and can be used where large-size triaxial testing facilities are not available.