In-vitro comparison of two different toothbrush bristles about peri-implant sulcus penetration

Objective: The aim of this preclinical study was to compare the ability of tapered and cylindrical bristles to penetrate the peri-implant sulcus. Methods: A full mandibular dental arch was reproduced in plaster cast. In site #3.6 a hollow glass cylinder was positioned simulating a 4 mm diameter implant and the gingival component was recreated by using dedicated silicone. A Bass brushing technique was performed from the vestibular side in humid environment. During it, the penetration of the bristles between the gum and the implant was recorded by mean of an optic fibre fixed inside the cylinder. The protocol included 5 toothbrushes per group and 10 tests per toothbrush, for a total of 50 assessments for each of the two groups. A scale of 5 grades for bristle penetration was defined: grade 0 (× < 2 mm), grade 1 (2 ≤ × < 3 mm), grade 2 (3 ≤ × < 4 mm), grade 3 (4 ≤ × < 5 mm) and grade 4 (5 ≤ × < 8 mm). From the video recordings the highest value of penetration was identified for each test. Results: The tapered bristles showed an 8 times greater penetration capacity (p = 0.001) in respect to the cylindrical bristles (multilevel analysis). The percentage of tests reaching depths ≥3 mm was 86% for tapered group and 28% for the cylindrical group. Conclusion: This preclinical study shows a clear and superior penetration capacity of the tapered bristles in respect to traditional cylindrical ones. For tapered bristles, a potentially greater hygienic efficacy around dental implants is suggested

A proposal for a CT driven classification of left colon acute diverticulitis

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most appropriate diagnostic tool to confirm suspected left colonic diverticulitis. However, the utility of CT imaging goes beyond accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis; the grade of severity on CT imaging may drive treatment planning of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis. The appropriate management of left colon acute diverticulitis remains still debated because of the vast spectrum of clinical presentations and different approaches to treatment proposed. The authors present a new simple classification system based on both CT scan results driving decisions making management of acute diverticulitis that may be universally accepted for day to day practice

Geological and geophysical characterization of the “duomo di orvieto” area, umbria region, central Italy

A multidisciplinary approach based on the integration of in situ geophysical and geological techniques was applied to investigate the Orvieto Cathedral (Umbria Region, Central Italy) and the subsurface. In particular, the electrical resistivity tomography and the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio analysis of single station ambient vibrations measurements were used. This paper reports the results obtained with the joint analysis of the in situ geophysical investigations, geological field survey and borehole data. The joint analysis of different data allowed us (1) to image the geological setting, (2) to highlight some resonance frequencies of the monumental building, and (3) to estimate the resonance frequency of the site

GPR and ERT investigations in urban areas: The case-study of Matera (Southern Italy)

This paper deals with a geophysical survey carried out in some critical urban areas of the historical city of Matera (Southern Italy). Matera has a very complex shallower stratigraphy characterized by both anthropic and natural "targets" and is affected by geological instability. Therefore, Matera represents an ideal and very challenging outdoor laboratory for testing novel approaches for near-surface explorations in urban areas. Here, we present the results of a near-surface survey carried out by jointly applying Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) methods. The survey was implemented in three different critical zones within the urban area of Matera (Piazza Duomo, Piazza San Giovanni, Villa dell'Unita d'Italia). These test sites are of great interest for archaeological and architectonical studies and are affected by ground instability phenomena due to the presence of voids, cavities and other anthropic structures. The effectiveness of the survey was enhanced by the exploitation of advanced 3D tomographic approaches, which allowed to achieve 3D representation of the investigated underground and obtain information in terms of both the location and the geometry of buried objects and structures and the characterization of shallow geological layers. The results of the surveys are now under study (or have attracted the interest) of the Municipality in order to support smart cities programs and activities for a better management of the underground space