Inference of Planck action constant by a classical fluctuative postulate holding for stable microscopic and macroscopic dynamical systems

The possibility is discussed of inferring or simulating some aspects of quantum dynamics by adding classical statistical fluctuations to classical mechanics. We introduce a general principle of mechanical stability and derive a necessary condition for classical chaotic fluctuations to affect confined dynamical systems, on any scale, ranging from microscopic to macroscopic domains. As a consequence we obtain, both for microscopic and macroscopic aggregates, dimensional relations defining the minimum unit of action of individual constituents, yielding in all cases Planck action constant.Comment: 14 pages, no figure

Oral health in two heterozygote female twins with congenital lactic acidosis

Introduction: Congenital lactic acidosis (CLA) is a rare disease caused by mutations in Mithocondrial DNA (mtDNA), which affects the ability of cells to use energy that causes accumulation of lactic acid in the body. No oral manifestations have been documented in these patients. Methods: We report the oral health status of two young adolescent heterozygote female twins, one of them being diagnosed at 8 weeks of life by muscle biopsy with a severe neonatal form of CLA. In order to avoid biopsy-related complications, the second twin did not undergo a diagnostic procedure and both girls were treated for CLA. They underwent clinical oral health examination at the age of 12, for caries evaluation (diagnostic threshold D1 - early enamel demineralization) by ICDAS II clinical assessment, photographic documentation and fluorescence intra-oral camera. Results: Among the two twins, the CLA-diagnosed one presented with severe enamel carious hypomineralizations on upper and lower vestibular smooth surfaces. Moreover, deep occlusal enamel carious lesions were detected by intra-oral fluorescence camera. The second twin had no obvious decay lesions, neither on pit and fissures nor on vestibular smooth surfaces. Conclusions: Congenital lactic acidosis might be associated with hypomineralized defects and caries susceptibility in young adolescents. Preventive measures and personalized caries risk assessment should be encouraged and implemented in these patients following current caries management systems protocols, as ICCMS (International Caries Classification and Management System)

Tailored Brushing Method (TBM): an innovative simple protocol to improve the oral care

Background. The objective of this study is to describe and assess the effectiveness and acceptability of a modern tailored protocol of oral hygiene, based on the concordance between professionals and patients, and based on the proper choice of best tools for oral hygiene regardless of the technique used. This new method has been called Tailored Brushing Method (TBM). Material and methods. Two groups of adult patients (n=200) were involved in this research, according to specific inclusion criteria. Test group followed the indications of the new Tailored Brushing Method, while control group was involved in a standard protocol of oral hygiene with the suggestions of a brushing technique and the typical approach based on the compliance. Plaque Index, bleeding on Probing index and patients' acceptability of the methods (Visual Analog Scale) were assessed at different time points. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. Results and conclusions. Test group had statistically lower Plaque Index and Bleeding on Probing after 30 days, in comparison with control group. Test group expressed a better acceptance of the new tailored method. This research suggests to use a tailored approach to oral hygiene, overcoming the need of patient's compliance, often affected by bias such as alteration of the protocols and wrong brushing maneuvers

Monitoring pit and fissures using transparent sealant and fluorescence intraoral camera, 12 months follow up

The aim of this in vivo study is to report on the combined use of a fluorescence intraoral camera and transparent sealant for the clinical monitoring of pits and fissures. 96 permanent molars with a ICDAS II code 0, 1, or 2, (in 48 patients aged 12–14) were registered at the First Observation Unit (Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences Department), Sapienza University, Rome. Clinically selected teeth were double-checked using a VistaCam iX Proof (Durr Dental AG) and sealed with a transparent sealant (ControlSeal, VOCO GmbH), following the established indications for use if a pit and fissure condition was confirmed within the camera’s internal cutoff point of 1.5 (“early enamel demineralization”). Clinical followup was performed using VistaCam at 6 and 12 months to assess sealant retention and any demineralization trend. At baseline, 57.4% of the registered teeth were sound, both visually and when using the fluorescence camera, 42.6% presented an early demineralization (<1.5 with VistaCam and ICDAS II 1- 2). Subsequent VistaCam assessment of surfaces underlying the transparent sealant totally confirmed initial evaluations. Complete sealant retention rated 95% at 6 months, and 91% at 12 months. No case of complete detachment was observed. At the 12-month follow-up, VistaCam measurements resulted stable in the whole sample, except for one permanent molar, which presented a demineralization increment and partial sealant retention. Visual and fluorescence assessments were consistent and feasible. Incomplete sealant retention occurred in 5% of cases at 6 months and 9% of cases at 12 months and was probably due to procedure imperfections. The combined use of transparent sealant and a fluorescence camera shows clinical effectiveness and diagnostic efficacy for occlusal surface monitoring

Preventive strategies in oral health for special needs patients

As regards to the most common oral disease in pediatric patients, intellectual disability is not a risk factor for caries disease itself, but it rather reduces the individual capability to self-care and therefore to his own oral care. Children suffering of systemic pathologies and/or with different stages of disability are to be considered at high risk for dental caries development. According to recent guidelines for oral health prevention in childhood, individual additional strategies for a preventive care should be applied for these patients. All the health providers, family and caregivers should be involved with the aim of being aware, motivated and informed on oral health issues, and a better access system to the dental care structure, both logistic, professional and economical should be assured

Evaluation of the esthetic properties of developmental defects of enamel: a spectrophotometric clinical study

Objectives. Detailed clinical quantification of optical properties of developmental defect of enamel is possible with spectropho- tometric evaluation. Developmental defects of enamel (DDE) are daily encountered in clinical practice. DDE are an alteration in quality and quantity of the enamel, caused by disruption and/or damage to the enamel organ during amelogenesis. Methods. Several clinical indices have been developed to categorize enamel defects based on their nature, appearance, microscopic features, or cause. A sample of 39 permanent teeth presenting DDE on labial surface was examined using the DDE Modified Index and SpectroShade evaluation. The spectrophotometric approach quantifies L∗ (luminosity), a∗ (quantity of green-red), and b∗ (quantity of blue- yellow) of different DDE. Conclusions. SpectroShade evaluation of the optical properties of the enamel defect enhances clinical understanding of severity and extent of the defect and characterizes the enamel alteration in terms of color discrepancy and surface characterization

Evaluation of aesthetic integration between composite restorations and natural tooth in NCCL: a case report

NCCL (non carious cervical lesion) is defined as irreversible loss of dental hard tissue that does not involve bacteria. It consists of erosion, attrition, abrasion and abfraction that rarely occur alone. Dentinal hypersensitivity is an early symptom of NCCL. Preventive measures and restorative treatment can avoid the progress of NCCL. This paper reports a case of NCCL treatment with aesthetic purpose. The aesthetic evaluation was made by means of spectrophotometry as a standardized method. Spectrophotometric measurements such as International Commission on Illumination (CIE-Commission Internationale de l’Eclaraige) CIE L* a* b* and ΔE between the sound enamel and resin restoration, provide all the information about the outcome of the aesthetic restorative treatment

Oral hygiene management in patients with visual sensory disabilities

Aim: Oral hygiene maintenance is one of the most difficult tasks for visually impaired people. The aim of study was to investigate about knowledge on oral hygiene practices among patients with visual sensory disabilities by proposing an effective management in order to achieve and maintain oral health status of these patients. Methods:It was administered a questionnaire about oral health management to the patients with visual disabilities accessing to dental unit of “Mons. Di Liegro” Hospital of Gaeta. Results: The survey covered a sample of 49 patients, aged between 14 and 95 years. More than half (66%) was blind ( 65% of cases with primary blindness and the remain ing 35% with secondary blindness). Only 32.65% brushed their teeth 3 times a day; 68% of the surveyed patients limited home oral hygiene procedures to toothbrush and toothpaste; 79% used manual toothbrush; 49% of respondents report ed odontophobia (it was basically generated by pain) often due to bad experience during childhood. More than half declared a dental office attendance as needed. Conclusions: This study showed as, although starting from a compromised oral health and inadequate knowledge of oral hygiene practices, visual impaired/ blind patients were able to achieve and maintain a good level of oral hygiene, using the most appropriate techniques and instrument

The use of yoga to manage stress and burnout in healthcare workers: a systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review is to analyze and summarize the current knowledge regarding the use of yoga to manage and prevent stress and burnout in healthcare workers. In February 2017, a literature search was conducted using the databases Medline (PubMed) and Scopus. Studies that addressed this topic were included. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies were clinical trials that analyzed yoga interventions and evaluated effectiveness by gauging stress levels, sleep quality and quality of life. A study on Chinese nurses showed statistical improvement in stress levels following a six-month yoga program (χ2 = 16.449; p < 0.001). A population of medical students showed improvement in self-regulation values after an 11-week yoga program (from 3.49 to 3.58; p = 0.04) and in self-compassion values (from 2.88 to 3.25; p = 0.04). Four of the included articles were observational studies: They described the factors that cause stress in the work environment and highlighted that healthcare workers believe it is possible to benefit from improved physical, emotional and mental health related to yoga activity. According to the literature, yoga appears to be effective in the management of stress in healthcare workers, but it is necessary to implement methodologically relevant studies to attribute significance to such evidence

Effect of biofilm removal from the occlusal tooth surfaces on fluorescence measurements. A clinical study

Aim: Early diagnosis and monitoring of caries lesions are the most important issues of primary and secondary prevention policies.The intraoral VistaCamiX(DurrDental, Bietigheim‐Bissingen,Germany) uses the fluorescence phenomenon for a non‐invasive, quantitative caries diagnosis. In order to make a precise evaluation the tooth surface must be completely cleaned and without biofilm. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of biofilm removal, using air‐polishing device (Combi,MectronSpA) with glycine, on fluorescence VistaCam iX camera quantitative measurements of caries. Methods: Patients with complete permanent dentition without any kind of restorative treatments in the lateral and posterior section of upper and lower dental arches were enrolled. The occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars were photographed using the fluorescence terminal Proof of the intraoral camera VistaCam iX before and after air polishing glycine procedures, registering the highest value gained for each occlusal surface. Results:133cuspidate permanent teeth of patients aged between 13 and 25 were analyzed. Descriptive analysis showed an average of 0.82 (SD=0.65; Min=0.00; Max=1.80; Median=1.20) and of 0.93 (SD=0.60; Min=0.00; Max=1.70; Median=1.20) for values before and after treatment, respectively.The scores assigned by VistaCam iX Proof fluorescence based camera to the occlusal surfaces, after the air‐polishing treatment, are averagely higher than those before treatment, especially in the diagnosis of initial tooth decay. Conclusion: Biofilm removal with glycine air‐polishing improves the VistaCam camera accuracy in recognizing healthy tissue from the decayed one, due to the fact that air-polishing treatment increases the decayed tissue reaction to the fluorescence