Artificial General Intelligence: challenges and future perspectives

openPer la prima volta nella storia esiste un'altra entità, oltre agli esseri umani, in grado di manipolare il linguaggio naturale con un certo grado di autonomia: i Large Language Models. Questa loro caratteristica fa sì che possano essere sottoposti a molti test per poter valutare quali capacità posseggano e in che grado. Tuttavia questi test si ispirano in gran parte alla letteratura psicologica, i cui strumenti di valutazione sono stati costruiti specificatamente per valutare le capacità cognitive umane. Sorge dunque una domanda: è giusto attribuire alle macchine costrutti come "intelligenza" e "comprensione"? Ci sono evidenze che suggeriscono il bisogno di creare nuovi strumenti di indagine specifici per modelli che fanno affidamento su correlazioni statistiche piuttosto che a meccanismi causali, come gli umani. Nell'ultima parte si procede a delineare i tre possibili percorsi per arrivare a costruire la Artificial General Intelligence, una tecnologia dotata di capacità non necessariamente uguali a quelle umane, ma funzionalmente allo stesso livello o superiori.For the first time in history, there is another entity besides humans that can manipulate natural language with a degree of autonomy: the Large Language Models. This characteristic of theirs means that they can be subjected to many tests in order to assess what capabilities they possess and to what degree. However, these tests are largely inspired by the psychological literature, whose assessment tools were built specifically to evaluate human cognitive abilities. A question thus arises: is it fair to attribute constructs such as "intelligence" and "understanding" to machines? There is evidence that suggests the need to create new evaluation tools specifically for models that rely on statistical correlations rather than causal mechanisms, as humans do. The third part proceeds to outline the three possible paths to Artificial General Intelligence, a technology endowed with capabilities not necessarily equal to those of humans, but functionally at the same level or higher

Normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats

IntroductionThe primary objective of this retrospective study was to document the normal variation of clinical mobility of the mandibular symphysis in cats and possible associations with bodyweight, age, sex, sexual status, breed and skull morphology. Secondarily, the radiographic appearance of the mandibular symphysis and possible associations with the analyzed data were evaluated.Materials and methodsTwo hundred and sixteen cats of 15 different breeds that underwent maxillofacial, oral and dental procedures from April 2015 to December 2021 were included. Clinical mobility was evaluated under general anesthesia using a 0 to 3 scale in lateromedial (LM) and dorsoventral (DV) directions. The symphysis was radiographically classified on the occlusal radiographic view of the rostral mandibles as fused or open, and with parallel or divergent margins.ResultsBodyweight ranged from 2.2 to 12.5 kg (median 4.0 kg), age from 4 months to 17 years and 4 months (median 6 years and 4 months). At the first evaluation DV symphyseal mobility was 0 in 177 cases (82%), 1 in 32 cases (14.8%) and 2 in 7 cases (3.2%), LM mobility was 0 in 61 cases (28.3%), 1 in 110 cases (50.9%) and 2 in 45 cases (20.8%). 81.1% of the radiographs were included in the statistical analysis. Three symphyses (1.6%) were classified as fused and 190 (98.4%) as open, 129 (68.8%) having divergent margins and 61 (31.6%) parallel. One hundred and forty-eight cases (76.7%) did not show the presence of odontoclastic replacement resorption on the canine teeth (TR subgroup 1), 23 (11.9%) showed stage ≤3 lesions (TR subgroup 2) and 22 (11.4%) stage 4 lesions (TR subgroup 3). Logistic regression models exploring factors that affected DV and LM mobility were statistically significant (p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) with an increase in LM mobility predicting an increase in DV mobility, and vice versa. An increase in DV mobility was associated with an increase in age and in having resorptive lesions. A decrease in LM symphyseal mobility was associated with being brachycephalic.ConclusionThe great majority of cases showed some degree of LM symphyseal mobility, and 18% showed DV mobility. Symphyseal bony fusion is rare but possible

Clinical, radiographic and histological findings of seven teeth from two California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) housed under professional care

Seven teeth extracted from two adult California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) due to pulp exposure and/or to gain access to the mandibular canine teeth were histologically evaluated, and the findings were compared with clinical and radiographic findings. Three teeth were diagnosed with pulp exposure, and two of these showed no radiographic signs of endodontic disease and were histologically vital with prominent coronal pulpitis and a pulp polyp. Another tooth with pulp exposure was showing clinical and radiographic signs of endodontic disease and was histologically confirmed with pulp necrosis. A discoloured incisor tooth was showing radiographic signs of endodontic disease and was also histologically non-vital. Two clinically and radiographically healthy mandibular first premolar teeth and one second incisor tooth had no evidence of pulpitis or pulp necrosis but had pulp canal obliteration. Regular clinical and radiographic follow-up for 5 months to 3 years after the procedures confirmed uneventful healing of the extraction sites, despite initial flap’s dehiscence. Although extractions of affected teeth in California sea lions are considered the most practical and beneficial therapy, these are associated with the risks of extensive trauma and anaesthesia and the need to perform these surgical procedures on-site under variable conditions. As California sea lions can be trained to allow conscious dental radiographic re-checks, monitoring teeth with clinical signs of pulp polyp formation and without radiographic signs of endodontic disease warrant further evaluation/reconsideration from previous recommendations. Endodontic treatment of abscessed teeth in California sea lions is reportedly unsuccessful and is discouraged. However, vital pulpectomy could be an alternative treatment to extraction in teeth with pulp polyps as it was found to be highly successful in humans, but the possibility of endodontic failure and need for further treatments should be weighted in the treatment choice

Open-mouth jaw locking in cats:a literature review and use of CT in three cases

Case series summary This report summarises and reviews the published cases of open-mouth jaw locking in cats and describes three further cases. Case 1 was a 5-year-old, 5.3 kg male neutered domestic shorthair cat. CT identified changes consistent with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysplasia with osseous degenerative changes, and the cat subsequently underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. Case 2 was a 10-year-old, 6.0 kg male neutered Exotic Shorthair. Aside from a fracture of the left maxillary canine tooth crown and absence of the left maxillary fourth premolar tooth, no abnormalities were found on CT scan. The cat also underwent bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. The third case was a 1-year-old, 4.0 kg male neutered Persian cat. Changes on CT were consistent with bilateral TMJ dysplasia, and the cat underwent staged bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy. There was no recurrence of open-mouth jaw locking in any of the cases on long-term follow-up. Relevance and novel information Open-mouth jaw locking has been reported in cats of a wide range of ages, from 1–10 years. Cats with all skull types (brachycephalic, mesaticephalic and dolichocephalic) may be affected, but brachycephalic breeds seem to be over-represented. A CT scan with the jaw locked in place is recommended for diagnosis and surgical planning purposes; two of the cases reported here document the first cases of TMJ dysplasia in cats to be definitively diagnosed using CT. Trauma and symphyseal or TMJ laxity may also predispose to development of the condition. Partial coronoidectomy and partial zygomatic arch resection performed alone or in combination are generally successful at preventing recurrence. Bilateral partial zygomectomy with bilateral partial coronoidectomy has not previously been reported as a surgical treatment, and is recommended when open-mouth jaw locking occurs bilaterally. </jats:sec

Skull pathology in 10 cats with patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome

Case series summary: The aim of this case series is to describe the clinical and radiological features of mandibular and maxillary abnormalities in cats diagnosed with patellar fractures and dental anomalies, a condition that we have named ‘patellar fracture and dental anomaly syndrome’ (PADS), also known previously as ‘knees and teeth syndrome’. Where available, clinical records, skull and/or intraoral dental radiographs, head CT images, microbiology and histopathology reports were collected, and follow-up was obtained. Ten cats with mandibular or maxillary abnormalities were identified. Common clinical features included multiple persistent deciduous teeth, gingivitis and swellings of the jaw. Skull radiographs were available for 7/10 cats and head CT images were available for one cat. Findings included marked bony and periosteal proliferation, hypodontia, root resorption, root malformation and unerupted permanent teeth. Where available, microbiology and histopathology results were consistent with osteomyelitis. Relevance and novel information: Mandibular and maxillary abnormalities are an additional unreported clinical feature of the rare condition that we have termed PADS. Radiologically, these lesions can have an aggressive appearance, which can mimic neoplasia. Medical management with antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy improves clinical signs in the short term; however, surgical extraction of persistent deciduous and unerupted permanent teeth, and debridement of proliferative and necrotic bone appear to be necessary for an improved outcome. Additional information on long-term outcome is required

Análise comparativa do desgaste das interfaces titânio/titânio e titânio/zircónia dos conjuntos pilar/implante após envelhecimento

Objectives: Due to its hardness, zirconia abutments may damage the titanium of the implant's connection during its clinical use. This study aimed to assess the wear of the seating platforms of externally hexed titanium implants when connected to zirconia abutments comparing to titanium abutments, after thermocycling and mechanical loading (TCML).Methods: Six BNT (R) S4 external connection implants (Phibo (R) Dental Solutions, Barcelona, Spain) were selected and divided into two groups (n=3): TiCE, screwed to titanium abutments and ZrCE, screwed to zirconia abutments. The samples underwent thermocycling (5000 cycles; 5-55 degrees C) and mechanical loading (1.2 x 106 cycles; 88.8 N; 4 Hz). Before and after TCML, the seating platforms of the implants were analyzed by 3D profilometry in two areas to measure their topography based on the superficial analysis parameters (Sa and Sz) parameters, and were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed by Mann-Whitney test (p 0.05 and p = 0.059). The abutment's material (titanium/zirconia) did not statistically significantly influence the Sa and Sz values after TCML (p = 0.886> 0.05 and p = 0.200, respectively). However, the SEM analysis reveals a mild wear in some vertices of the hex when connected to zirconia abutments.Conclusions: After simulating five years of clinical use, the externally hexed implants, analyzed by 3D profilometry, showed similar wear patterns in the corresponding seating platforms when connected to zirconia or titanium abutments. The SEM images showed zirconia particles being transferred to the implant, which requires further study. (C) 2016 Sociedade Portuguesa de Estomatologia e Medicina Dentaria.Objetivos Devido á sua dureza, os pilares de zircónia podem provocar danos sobre o titânio da conexão do implante durante a utilização clínica. O presente trabalho pretendeu avaliar o desgaste das plataformas protéticas de implantes de titânio com conexão hexágono externo quando conectados com pilares de zircónia em comparação com pilares de titânio, após carga cíclica e termociclagem (TCML). Métodos Foram selecionados 6 implantes de conexão externa BNT® S4 Phibo® Dental Solutions (Barcelona, Espanha), que foram divididos em 2 grupos (n = 3): TiCe aparafusados a pilares de titânio e ZrCe aparafusados a pilares de zircónio. As amostras foram submetidas a TCML (5.000 ciclos; 5–55 °C) e carga cíclica (1,2 × 106 ciclos; 88,8 N; 4 Hz). Antes e após TCML, as plataformas de assentamento de conexão dos implantes foram sujeitas a análise por perfilometria 3 D em 2 localizações para a medição da sua topografia com utilização dos parâmetros de análise superficial (Sa e Sz) e examinadas por microscopia eletrónica de varrimento(MEV). Análise estatística: Mann-Whitney test (p < 0,05). Resultados Não se observaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos valores de Sa e de Sz entre os implantes no estado inicial e após TCML (p = 0,573 > 0,05 e p = 0,059). O material do pilar (titânio/zircónia) não exerceu influência estatisticamente significativa nos valores de Sa e Sz após TCML (teste U p = 0,886 > 0,05 e p = 0,200, respetivamente). No entanto, a análise por MEV revelou ligeiro desgaste em alguns vértices do hexágono quando conectados com pilares de zircónia. Conclusões Após uma simulação de 5 anos de utilização clínica, os implantes com hexágono externo, analisados por perfilometria 3 D, apresentaram padrões de desgaste das plataformas de assentamento equivalentes quando conectados a pilares de zircónia ou de titânio. As imagens de MEV mostram a passagem de partículas de zircónia para o implante, aspeto que merece investigação suplementar.Authors gratefully acknowledge the funding of Project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000022 - SciTech - Science and Technology for Competitive and Sustainable Industries, cofinanced by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (NORTE2020), through Fundo Europeu de Desenvolvimento Regional (FEDER)

Vertical mandibular range of motion in anesthetized dogs and cats

The main movement of the temporomandibular joint of dogs and cats is in vertical dimensions (opening and closing the mouth). An objective evaluation of the vertical mandibular range of motion (vmROM) may favor early diagnosis of a number of conditions affecting the joint mobility. vmROM, corresponding to the maximum interincisal opening, was measured in 260 dogs and 127 cats anesthetized between June 2011 and April 2015 because of oral or maxillofacial problems and procedures. Animals with a known history of or having current diseases considered to hamper mandibular extension were excluded from the study. Dogs were divided into four subgroups, based on body weight: subgroup 1 (≤5.0 kg, 51 dogs), subgroup 2 (5.1-10.0 kg, 56 dogs), subgroup 3 (10.1-25 kg, 66 dogs), and subgroup 4 (>25.1 kg, 87 dogs). The mean vmROM of all dogs was 107 ± 30 mm (median 109, range 40-180); in subgroup 1 was 67 ± 15 mm (median 67, range 40-100), in subgroup 2 was 93 ± 15 mm (median 93, range 53-128), in subgroup 3 was 115 ± 19 mm (median 116, range 59-154), and in subgroup 4 was 134 ± 19 mm (median 135, range 93-180). The mean vmROM of the cats was 62 ± 8 mm (median 63, range 41-84). Correlations between vmROM, age, sex, and body weight were evaluated. In dogs, vmROM did not correlate with age, and in cats a weak positive correlation was found. vmROM and body weight were positively correlated in both populations, except dog subgroup 2. Overall, mean vmROM and body weight were significantly higher in male than in female, both in dogs and in cats. However, vmROM did not differ between sexes in any of the canine subgroups, and only in subgroup 4 male dogs were significantly heavier than females. Evaluation of vmROM should be incorporated into every diagnostic examination as it may be valuable in showing changes over time for every single patient