The influence of a new clinical motion for endodontic instruments on the incidence of postoperative pain

Previous studies showed that motor motions play an important role in determining apical extrusion of debris. Therefore a new clinical motion (MIMERACI) has been proposed. The basic idea is to progress slowly (1mm advancement), and after each 1mm, to remove the instrument from the canal, clean flutes and irrigate. The aim of the study was to prove whether the clinical use of MIMERACI technique would influence or not postoperative pain.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 100 teeth requesting endodontic treatment were selected for the study and divided into two similar groups based on anatomy, pre-operative symptoms and vitality, presence or absence of periapical lesion. All teeth were shaped, cleaned and obturated by the same operator, using the same NiTi instruments. The only difference between the two groups was the instrumentation technique: tradional (group A) vs MIMERACI (group B). Assessment of postoperative pain was performed 3 days after treatment. Presence, absence and degree of pain were recorded with a visual analogue scale (VAS), validated in previous studies. Collected data statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: For VAS pain scores MIMERACI technique showed significantly better results than group A (p=0,031). Overall, both incidence and intensity of symptoms were significantly lower. Flare ups occurred in 3 patients, but none treated with the MIMERACI Technique. CONCLUSIONS: Since extruded debris can elicit more postoperative pain, results obtained by using MIMERACI technique are probably due to many factors: better mechanical removal and less production of debris and more efficient irrigation during instrumentation

For the last time: temporal sensitivity and perceived timing of the final stimulus in an isochronous sequence

An isochronous sequence is a series of repeating events with the same inter-onset-interval. A common finding is that as the length of a sequence increases, so does temporal sensitivity to irregularities - that is, the detection of deviations from isochrony is better with a longer sequence. Several theoretical accounts exist in the literature as to how the brain processes sequences for the detection of irregularities, yet there remains to be a systematic comparison of the predictions that such accounts make. To compare the predictions of these accounts, we asked participants to report whether the last stimulus of a regularly-timed sequence appeared ‘earlier’ or ‘later’ than expected. Such task allowed us to separately analyse bias and performance. Sequences lengths (3, 4, 5 or 6 beeps) were either randomly interleaved or presented in separate blocks. We replicate previous findings showing that temporal sensitivity increases with longer sequence in the interleaved condition but not in the blocked condition (where performance is higher overall). Results also indicate that there is a consistent bias in reporting whether the last stimulus is isochronous (irrespectively of how many stimuli the sequence is composed of). Such result is consistent with a perceptual acceleration of stimuli embedded in isochronous sequences. From the comparison of the models’ predictions we determine that the improvement in sensitivity is best captured by an averaging of successive estimates, but with an element that limits performance improvement below statistical optimality. None of the models considered, however, provides an exhaustive explanation for the pattern of results found

Seismic rehabilitation of cultural heritage masonry buildings with unbonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators (U-FREIs) \u2013 A case of study

In order to assess the structural behavior and to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of masonry structuresof relevant historical and artistic significance, which is a widespread building type in Italy and in the world,an historical masonry church is analyzed under earthquake loading. Linear and non-linear analyses areperformed on the finite element models of the structure. From these analyses it is pointed out that thestructure does not behave elastically in its existing condition even when subjected to the frequent designearthquake (81% probability of being exceeded over 50 years). Two traditional rehabilitation methods arestudied: the placement of a rigid diaphragm which connects the top of the masonry walls only enclosingthe church entrance area and the placement of a rigid diaphragm which connects the tops of all masonrywalls. None of the traditional method is sufficient for the structure to survive basic design earthquake(10% probability of being exceeded over 50 years). Hence an advanced seismic retrofit solution usinginnovative carbon fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators is proposed. The proposed intervention consistsin the installation of six Unbonded Fiber-Reinforced Elastomeric Isolators (U-FREI) and six Flat SurfaceSliders (FSS) as passive protective devices besides the placement of a rigid diaphragm which connects thetops of all masonry walls. The process of installation of the devices is illustrated. The use of the proposedsolution leads to a remarkable enhancement of the seismic response capacities of the structure; indeeda general elastic response under the Basic Design Earthquake (BDE) is attained

Time‐invariant portfolio strategies in structured products with guaranteed minimum equity exposure

We introduce a new exotic option to be used within structured products to address a key disadvantage of standard time-invariant portfolio protection: the well-known cash-lock risk. Our approach suggests enriching the framework by including a threshold in the allocation mechanism so that a guaranteed minimum equity exposure (GMEE) is ensured at any point in time. To be able to offer such a solution still with hard capital protection, we apply an option-based structure with a dynamic allocation logic as underlying. We provide an in-depth analysis of the prices of such new exotic options, assuming a Heston–Vasicek-type financial market model, and compare our results with other options used within structured products. Our approach represents an interesting alternative for investors aiming at downsizing protection via time-invariant portfolio protection strategies, meanwhile being also afraid to experience a cash-lock event triggered by market turmoils

Human Being Detection from UWB NLOS Signals: Accuracy and Generality of Advanced Machine Learning Models

This paper studies the problem of detecting human beings in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions using an ultra-wideband radar. We perform an extensive measurement campaign in realistic environments, considering different body orientations, the obstacles’ materials, and radar– obstacle distances. We examine two main scenarios according to the radar position: (i) placed on top of a mobile cart; (ii) handheld at different heights. We empirically analyze and compare several input representations and machine learning (ML) methods—supervised and unsupervised, symbolic and non-symbolic—according to both their accuracy in detecting NLOS human beings and their adaptability to unseen cases. Our study proves the effectiveness and flexibility of modern ML techniques, avoiding environment-specific configurations and benefiting from knowledge transference. Unlike traditional TLC approaches, ML allows for generalization, overcoming limits due to unknown or only partially known observation models and insufficient labeled data, which usually occur in emergencies or in the presence of time/cost constraints

INTEGRATED SURVEY AND SMART NAVIGATION OF COMPLEX TERRITORIAL MODELS

Abstract. The study examines the numerous medieval fortified sites that are in ruins throughout the Sicilian territory. Their landscape and historical value is significant, but they are unfortunately abandoned, not in stable conditions and often no metrically reliable graphic representation exists.The methodology we chose required a combined 3D survey campaign and data processing aimed at obtaining 2D and 3D drawings, as well as a virtual reality application to provide knowledge and virtual fruition of the sites.The entire experimental procedure was optimised to provide multi-scalar readings of the sites under investigation, that include their details, the location, territory, and landscape.The article presents the results of a case study carried out on the Maletto Castle in Sicily (Italy)

Use of Quetiapine as a Coadjuvant to Benzodiazepines in General Anxiety Disorder in Patients Aged Over 20 Years at Hospital Naval Guayaquil

Generalized anxiety disorder is the most prevalent mental disorder worldwide. The use of quetiapine + benzodiazepines has been shown to reduce symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder who do not respond adequately to the exclusive use of benzodiazepines. Despite the benefits shown in Ecuador, there are no published studies about its effectiveness. This is a prevalent, retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study carried out at the Hospital Naval de Guayaquil, in patients aged over 20 years diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and had undergone treatment with quetiapine, benzodiazepines, or both during the years 2017–2020. The average age of diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is 45.12 years. It prevails in married male patients diagnosed at 39.95 years. Benzodiazepine is the drug that produces clinical improvement in 38% of patients. However, it does not present great variation before quetiapine + benzodiazepine, which produced an improvement in 27% of patients. The treatment time according to the type of drug used is shorter with quetiapine, lasting 4.32 months. However, the Kruskal-Wallis test established that the treatment time is shorter using the combination of quetiapine as a coadjuvant to benzodiazepine with a significance of >0.05. The improvement of the sleep disorder stood out with the use of benzodiazepine in 38.57%. The benzodiazepine produces clinical improvement in 38% and in turn improves the sleep disorder in 38.57%. The use of quetiapine as a coadjuvant to benzodiazepines decreases the treatment time. Keywords: Ecuador, anxiety disorder, benzodiazepines, quetiapine. Resumen El trastorno de ansiedad generalizada es el desorden mental más prevalente a nivel mundial. El uso de quetiapina + benzodiacepinas, ha demostrado disminuir la sintomatología en pacientes sin mejoría con el uso exclusivo de benzodiacepinas. Sin embargo, pese al beneficio demostrado en Ecuador, no existen estudios publicados sobre su efectividad. Materiales y métodos. Estudio de prevalencia, retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y analítico realizado en el Hospital Naval de Guayaquil, en pacientes mayores de 20 años que acudieron con diagnóstico de trastorno de ansiedad generalizada y que fueron sometidos a tratamiento con quetiapina , benzodiacepinas o ambas durante los años 2017-2020. Resultados. El trastorno de ansiedad generalizada se diagnostica a la edad promedio 45,12 años. Prevalece en los pacientes casados de sexo masculino diagnosticados a los 39,95 años. La benzodiacepina es el fármaco que produce mejoría clínica en un 38% de los pacientes. Sin embargo, no presenta gran variación ante la quetiapina + benzodiacepina que produjo la mejoría de 27% de los pacientes. El tiempo de tratamiento de acuerdo al tipo de fármaco utilizado es menor con quetiapina durando 4,32 meses. Sin embargo, el test de Kruskal-Wallis estableció que el tiempo de tratamiento es menor utilizando la combinacion de quetiapina mas benzodiacepina con una significacia menor que 0.05. La mejoría del trastorno del sueño destacó con el uso de benzodiacepina en 38,57%. Conclusión. La benzodiacepina produce mejoría clínica en un 38%, mejorando además el trastorno del sueño en un 38,57%. El uso de quetiapina más benzodiacepina disminye el tiempo de tratamiento. Palabras Clave: Ecuador,trastorno de ansiedad, benzodiacepinas, quetiapina

I resti scheletrici della grotta di S. Teodoro presso il Museo Gemmellaro di Palermo: il nuovo restauro conservativo di ST2

The work describes the restoration of the cranium ST2 of the Epipalaeolithic site of S. Teodoro, Sicily. This restoration has been conducted in accordance to modern criteria of conservation limiting the integrative and reconstructive interpretation to the minimum. After the restauration ST2 has been morphologically described and measured. The fortuitous recovery of a left incus bone allowed its morphological and metrical description