Prevalence of the different maxillary central incisor shapes in individuals with natural normal occlusion

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of crown shape in maxillary central incisors of individuals with natural normal occlusion. Methods: The sample consisted of 51 Caucasian individuals with natural normal occlusion, no history of previous orthodontic treatment, and at least four of Andrews′ six keys to normal occlusion. The images of the maxillary incisors generated from model scans were evaluated by 12 orthodontists. The Kappa test was applied to verify inter-examiner agreement with regard to classification of the central incisor shape. Results: The results of the Kappa test showed significant agreement for tooth shape. The following prevalences were observed: ovoid (47.06%), square (31.37%) and triangular (21.57%). Conclusions: The choice and use of one of these three shapes when selecting teeth for prosthetic rehabilitation (total and partial dentures) can contribute significantly to obtaining an improved facial harmony and balance. Ovoid-shaped teeth should be "stocked" in greater quantities than other tooth shapes

Prevalence of the different maxillary central incisor shapes in individuals with natural normal occlusion

investigate the prevalence of crown shape in maxillary central incisors of individuals with natural normal occlusion. Methods: The sample consisted of 51 Caucasian individuals with natural normal occlusion, no history of previous orthodontic treatment, and at least four of Andrews six keys to normal occlusion. The images of the maxillary incisors generated from model scans were evaluated by 12 orthodontists. The Kappa test was applied to verify inter-examiner agreement with regard to classification of the central incisor shape. Results: The results of the Kappa test showed significant agreement for tooth shape. The following prevalences were observed: ovoid (47.06%), square (31.37%) and triangular (21.57%). Conclusions: The choice and use of one of these three shapes when selecting teeth for prosthetic rehabilitation (total and partial dentures) can contribute significantly to obtaining an improved facial harmony and balance. Ovoid-shaped teeth should be stocked in greater quantities than other tooth shapes

Global attitudes in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 pandemic: ACIE Appy Study

Background: Surgical strategies are being adapted to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations on the management of acute appendicitis have been based on expert opinion, but very little evidence is available. This study addressed that dearth with a snapshot of worldwide approaches to appendicitis. Methods: The Association of Italian Surgeons in Europe designed an online survey to assess the current attitude of surgeons globally regarding the management of patients with acute appendicitis during the pandemic. Questions were divided into baseline information, hospital organization and screening, personal protective equipment, management and surgical approach, and patient presentation before versus during the pandemic. Results: Of 744 answers, 709 (from 66 countries) were complete and were included in the analysis. Most hospitals were treating both patients with and those without COVID. There was variation in screening indications and modality used, with chest X-ray plus molecular testing (PCR) being the commonest (19\ub78 per cent). Conservative management of complicated and uncomplicated appendicitis was used by 6\ub76 and 2\ub74 per cent respectively before, but 23\ub77 and 5\ub73 per cent, during the pandemic (both P < 0\ub7001). One-third changed their approach from laparoscopic to open surgery owing to the popular (but evidence-lacking) advice from expert groups during the initial phase of the pandemic. No agreement on how to filter surgical smoke plume during laparoscopy was identified. There was an overall reduction in the number of patients admitted with appendicitis and one-third felt that patients who did present had more severe appendicitis than they usually observe. Conclusion: Conservative management of mild appendicitis has been possible during the pandemic. The fact that some surgeons switched to open appendicectomy may reflect the poor guidelines that emanated in the early phase of SARS-CoV-2