Laser Fluorescence

Aim and purpose: The knowledge of health professionals about the potential risks of using ionizing radiation plays an important role in protecting themselves and patients. The use of mobile radiography units poses several threats to workers such as radiation exposure, ergonomic injuries and musculoskeletal disorders from the constant use of lead feet and moving the portable radiography machine. The aim of the study is to highlight the knowledge background of healthcare professionals on radiation and radiation protection. Methodology: 72 questionnaires were distributed and 60 were returned with an overall response rate of 83%. The main sections addressed through the questionnaire were demographic data, knowledge background on radiation dose and radiation protection rules and measures. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS software. Results: From the results, the deficit of the knowledge background of health professionals on radiation and radiation protection is evident. It emerged that health professionals, especially medical doctors-radiologists have knowledge of the dose received by the

Background: There has been an increased incidence of dental caries in children due to recent changes in lifestyle. More sensitive and reproducible diagnostic tools for precise caries detection in children are needed because of the complex occlusal anatomy. Aim: To compare the clinical performance and accuracy of international caries detection and assessment system-II (ICDAS II) versus DIAGNOdent pen and digital bitewing radiograph in the detection of occlusal caries in the primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Fifty children aged 6-11 years were assessed of both gender (29 girls and 21 boys) and 377 occlusal surface of primary teeth were examined by visual ICDAS II, DIAGNOdent pen and digital bitewing radiographic examination at D0 (non caries lesions), D1 (lesions limited to enamel) and D2 (lesions limited to dentin) thresholds. Results: Sensitivity at D0 for ICADS II was 14.23% and 95.95% for DIAGNOdent pen and 87.85% for digital bitewing, radiographs while specificity for both IC...

Minimal Intervention Dentistry (MID), a concept that aims to minimize the interventional procedures applied on teeth affected by dental caries, emphasizes the importance of prevention and detection of lesions in early stage. The white spot lesion (WSL) is the first visible stage of the carious process, affecting the enamel. Their detection and treatment has been significantly improved in the last decade through new technology available. Our paper describes a non-invasive detection method, using a lighttransmission device (transillumination of the teeth using Diagnocam, by Kavo) , combined with a resin infiltration technique (using Icon, by DMG) of the WSL.

Background: The diagnosis of hidden caries extending deeply into dentine with intact enamel is based on digital radiograph (RVG) and is considered a difficult procedure, which needs more analysis of the affected teeth. Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine the accuracy of laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent) and the conventional method (bitewing radiograph) in identifying the depth of the proximal carious lesions in posterior teeth in vivo. Materials and methods: Forty proximal lesions were identified in 26 patients aged between 20-45 years old, who were recruited from the out clinic of Umm Al-Qura Dental Teaching Hospital. Following initial clinical examination, the patients were subjected to two diagnostic methods: The first one is a bitewing digital radiograph using GXS-700 Gendex with exposure time of 0.32 second and patients with scores from 1 to 3 were selected. The second method was carried out using the DIAGNOdent device to take the reading of demineralization existing in proximal surfaces. Only teeth with readings representing actual cavitation were included. Cavity preparations were performed to the selected carious lesions according to the extension of the caries, then axial cavity depths were measured, and teeth were restored using bonded resin composite restorations. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between DIAGNOdent and RVG (R= 0.868; p< 0.05). Also, there were positive correlation between cavity depth and DIAGNOdent (R= 0.998; p< 0.01) as well as between cavity depth and RVG (R= 0.798; p< 0.05). The strongest correlation was detected between cavity depths with DIAGNOdent compared to RVG. Conclusion: The current study suggests that the score of DIAGNOdent has higher correlation with the cavity depth and it could present a better sensitive and specific tool for the diagnosis of proximal caries. Further studies are needed to measure the sensitivity and specificity of laser florescence.

The vast and persistent Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill challenged response capabilities, which required accurate, quantitative oil assessment at synoptic and operational scales. Although experienced observers are a spill response's mainstay, few trained observers and confounding factors including weather, oil emulsification, and scene illumination geometry present challenges. DWH spill and impact monitoring was aided by extensive airborne and spaceborne passive and active remote sensing. Oil slick thickness and oil-to-water emulsion ratios are key spill response parameters for containment/cleanup and were derived quantitatively for thick (>0.1 mm) slicks from AVIRIS (Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer) data using a spectral library approach based on the shape and depth of near infrared spectral absorption features. MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite, visible-spectrum broadband data of surface-slick modulation of sunglint reflection allowed extrapolation to the total slick. A multispectral expert system used a neural network approach to provide Rapid Response thickness class maps. Airborne and satellite synthetic aperture radar (SAR) provides synoptic data under all-sky conditions; however, SAR generally cannot discriminate thick (> 100 μm) oil slicks from thin sheens (to 0.1 μm). The UAVSAR's (Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle SAR) significantly greater signal-to-noise ratio and finer spatial resolution allowed successful pattern discrimination related to a combination of oil slick thickness, fractional surface coverage, and emulsification. In situ burning and smoke plumes were studied with AVIRIS and corroborated spaceborne CALIPSO (Cloud Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation) observations of combustion aerosols. CALIPSO and bathymetry lidar data documented shallow subsurface oil, although ancillary data were required for confirmation. Airborne hyperspectral, thermal infrared data have nighttime and overcast collection advantages and were collected as well as MODIS thermal data. However, interpretation challenges and a lack of Rapid Response Products prevented significant use. Rapid Response Products were key to response utilization-data needs are time critical; thus, a high technological readiness level is critical to operational use of remote sensing products. DWH's experience demonstrated that development and operationalization of new spill response remote sensing tools must precede the next major oil spill.

The aim of this in vivo study was to test the diagnostic accuracy of a pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) device in detecting approximal caries lesions, in posterior permanent teeth, at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds, and compare it with that of digital bitewing radiography. Thirty patients (aged 18-37), who attended the Faculty of Dentistry at Damascus University for a dental examination, were consecutively screened. Ninety approximal surfaces of posterior permanent teeth without frank cavitations, enamel hypoplasia or restorations were selected and examined using the LFpen (DIAGNOdent pen) and digital bitewing radiography. The reference standard was the visual-tactile inspection, after performing temporary tooth separation, using orthodontic rubber rings, placed for 7 days. The status of included approximal surfaces was recorded as intact/sound, with white/brown spots or cavitated. One trained examiner performed all examinations. There were statistically significant differences in LFpen readings between the three types of approximal surface status (P < 0.001). The optimal cutoff values for detecting approximal caries lesions in posterior permanent teeth were >16 and 8 at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy (measured by the area under the receiveroperating characteristic curve) were 100, 85 and 95 and 92, 90 and 95% at the cavitation and non-cavitation thresholds respectively. The intra-class correlation coefficient for intraexaminer reliability was 0.95. The diagnostic accuracy of the LFpen was significantly higher than that of digital bitewing radiography (P < 0.001). The LFpen's diagnostic performance was accurate and significantly better than digital bitewing radiography in detecting approximal caries lesions, in posterior permanent teeth.

Coronaviruses are positive singlestranded RNA viruses which are spread and transmitted to both humans and animals all around the world. The virus that causes COVID-19 disease is in a family of viruses that is called Coronaviridae. Most people infected by this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory problems. Older people and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness and this virus is more dangerous to these patients. Until now there is no exact treatment for this disease. During the pandemic, one of the challenging parts for better clinical outcomes is the management of patients with comorbid cardiovascular diseases. Patients with previous or underlying cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk for developing severe symptoms if infected with SARSCoV-2. Several mechanisms can lead to cardiovascular complications in patients with COVID-19 such as the di...

Hypertensive patients deserve special attention, due to possible complications which may occur during invasive dental care. This manuscript has aimed at reviewing the literature regarding the following: a safe dental approach to hypertensive patients, local anesthetics indication, surgical risks, hypertensive crisis, drug interactions, and oral manifestations of antihypertensive drug use. The present study was developed by research in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL) – Bireme, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and the Capes database Journals. For a safe approach to the hypertensive patient, some precautions must be taken and respected, as follows: adequate anamnesis is crucial to evaluate other associated systemic alterations (cardiovascular, diabetes, renal failure), measure blood pressure at the beginning, and, in case of longer procedures, monitor blood pressure during the intervention, minimize chair time for the sake of the patient&#39;s anxiety. Medication regardin...

Indigenous peoples’ participation in public policy and planning is ascribed in numerous international and national legal instruments as essential to the realisation of their self-determination. This study examines how the Akwé: Kon guidelines (AK) can promote effective indigenous peoples participation in environmental management, especially during environmental impact assessment (EIA). Special focus is drawn on the Finnish context, home of the Sámi indigenous people. The study applies an effectiveness review package by Lee and Colley (1999), supplemented by interview and questionnaire surveys, to analyse how effective the AK have been. It was found that although they were useful in promoting further interaction of the Sámi with authorities, the AK did not address their most fundamental political and legal grievances. This leaves room for EIA policy and practice, in Finland and all other jurisdictions with indigenous peoples, to consider how they can more effectively harness the pote...

Coronaviruses are positive singlestranded RNA viruses which are spread and transmitted to both humans and animals all around the world. The virus that causes COVID-19 disease is in a family of viruses that is called Coronaviridae. Most people infected by this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory problems. Older people and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness and this virus is more dangerous to these patients. Until now there is no exact treatment for this disease. During the pandemic, one of the challenging parts for better clinical outcomes is the management of patients with comorbid cardiovascular diseases. Patients with previous or underlying cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk for developing severe symptoms if infected with SARSCoV-2. Several mechanisms can lead to cardiovascular complications in patients with COVID-19 such as the di...

On December 31, 2019, the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission (Hubei Province, China) reports a cluster of pneumonia cases in the city. Subsequently, it is determined that they are caused by a new coronavirus. In response and after arduous investigations, the World Health Organization (WHO) stipulates, in its evaluation of March 11, 2020, that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic due to the high lethality of SARS-CoV-2 and its rapid spread worldwide. Since then, the efforts of the scientific community have been aimed at determining, on the one hand, the origin of the virus that causes COVID-19 and, on the other, to explain the high disparity in infections and deaths in various geographical areas. One of the most current hypotheses in the field of epidemiology, in order to explain this disparity, refers to a possible cross-reaction in endemic areas or areas with incidence of malaria and/or dengue that could be developing immunities against COVID-19. The work has two objectives: 1. to present the clinical contextual and analytical panorama in which this hypothesis has become relevant 2. To test the hypothesis of cross-immunity in the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico, an entity that shares climatic and sanitary conditions with endo-epidemic regions of Africa and Latin America, where the pioneering studies on cross-immunity were carried out. Methodology: to achieve the first objective, a study was carried out based on a specialized bibliographical review; For the scope of the second, an observational and ecological methodology was followed to analyze the epidemiological trends of COVID AND DENGUE, using the official data available to the public on the epidemiological surveillance site of the State of Quintana Roo (www.sinave.gob.mx). All COVID cases notified and confirmed by tests (RT-PCR) and the accumulated cases of Dengue (DNG) and Non-severe Dengue (DNG) were included in the database. In 2019-2020 and graphs were prepared for the presentation of the results.

Hypertensive patients deserve special attention, due to possible complications which may occur during invasive dental care. This manuscript aimed at reviewing the literature as follows: a safe dental approach to hypertensive patients, local anesthetics indication, surgical risks, hypertensive crisis, drug interactions, and oral manifestations of antihypertensive drug use. The present study was developed by research in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (VHL)-Bireme, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, and the Capes database Journals. For a safe approach to the hypertensive patient,

This study aimed to create a scale to measure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the COVID 19 crisis. Based on the available studies, the Davidson PTSD scale dimensions were used in this online survey. Accordingly, a new scale was designed based on the clinical characteristics of the symptoms of the PTSD, so questions revolved around the possible psychological PTSD symptoms associated with COVID 19. Descriptive approach was used. The study involved 423 participants from the Sultanate of Oman, of whom, 219 were male and 204 were female. Statistical analyses of the scale were conducted using reliability, criterion-related validity, as well as exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The factor analysis revealed three factors to which 15 items of 17 items were loaded that reflect the clinical features of PTSD symptoms. Overall, the scale showed good internal consistency and stability, with relatively good correlations between the items within the factors. Th...

Coronaviruses are positive singlestranded RNA viruses which are spread and transmitted to both humans and animals all around the world. The virus that causes COVID-19 disease is in a family of viruses that is called Coronaviridae. Most people infected by this virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory problems. Older people and those with underlying medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness and this virus is more dangerous to these patients. Until now there is no exact treatment for this disease. During the pandemic, one of the challenging parts for better clinical outcomes is the management of patients with comorbid cardiovascular diseases. Patients with previous or underlying cardiovascular diseases are at higher risk for developing severe symptoms if infected with SARSCoV-2. Several mechanisms can lead to cardiovascular complications in patients with COVID-19 such as the di...

Background: There has been an increased incidence of dental caries in children due to recent changes in lifestyle. More sensitive and reproducible diagnostic tools for precise caries detection in children are needed because of the complex occlusal anatomy. Aim: To compare the clinical performance and accuracy of international caries detection and assessment system-II (ICDAS II) versus DIAGNOdent pen and digital bitewing radiograph in the detection of occlusal caries in the primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Fifty children aged 6-11 years were assessed of both gender (29 girls and 21 boys) and 377 occlusal surface of primary teeth were examined by visual ICDAS II, DIAGNOdent pen and digital bitewing radiographic examination at D0 (non caries lesions), D1 (lesions limited to enamel) and D2 (lesions limited to dentin) thresholds. Results: Sensitivity at D0 for ICADS II was 14.23% and 95.95% for DIAGNOdent pen and 87.85% for digital bitewing, radiographs while specificity for both ICADS II and bitewing radiographs were 99.23% but 73.85% for DIAGNOdent pen. At D1, threshold sensitivity of ICADS II and digital bitewing radiographs were higher than DIAGNOdent pen but specificity for bitewing radiographs and DIAGNOdent pen 90.69% - 87.99%. were highly significant than ICADS II At D2, threshold specificity for all diagnostic methods was almost similar with better sensitivity for ICADS II and digital bitewing radiographs. Conclusion: This study showed that ICDAS II, Diagnodent pen, and bitewing radiography are effective for the detection of occlusal caries for primary molars. Digital bitewing radiography correlated stronger with ICDASII than Diagnodent pen and proved to be the best method to detect occlusal lesions within the dentin in primary molars while Diagnodent pen and bitewing radiography are better for detecting enamel caries lesion. In addition, the clinical performance of three diagnostic methods was insufficient to detect occlusal caries lesions separately. Consequently, it is advisable to use a combination of diagnostic methods, especially in unclear cases, as well as in cases of initial lesions and their monitoring.

The aim of the research is to evidence the potential role of lactoferrin (LF) and heparin in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Moreover, we discuss and underline the mechanisms involved in this possible association. Methods: PubMed and Scopus databases were used to conduct the literature search. Findings and Conclusion: Studies have widely proven the principal activity of LF, in the inflammatory process, as an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory glycoprotein. Evidence shows that LF has important antibacterial and antiviral effects against human and animal pathogens. Heparin and LF could reduce viral entry by preventing the attachment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a result of competitive binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Clinical studies are necessary to specify LF and heparin mechanisms of action and the therapeutical dose in patient affected with COVID-19.

An impact sprinkler with a newly designed nozzle-dispersion device and R33 sprinkler were introduced in this study. Comparative experiments and analyses on uniformity patterns of impinging water jet from both sprinklers were investigated by using high-speed photographic technique to visualize the spray. A mathematical model of the spray was developed and applied in MatLab to determine the spray angles at different axial distances. Results showed that the impact sprinkler with the nozzle-dispersion device combination gave the largest spray range of 12.6% larger than the R33 sprinkler. Combined effect of the nozzle-dispersion device for the impact sprinkler had a strong effect on the spray angle which increased with increasing pressure. Spray characteristics for the impact sprinkler were similar to those produced by the R33 sprinkler. The number of droplets increased with increasing spray angle due to early breakup of the jet, which is beneficial for greater water dispersion and uniformity. It was found that a low working pressure of 150 kPa leads to lower degree of non-uniformities for the sprinklers, and the variation coefficient were less than 10%. Obtained mathematical models of the changes in the variation coefficient was dependent upon working pressure and can be a good basis for easy management of the parameters necessary for the uniform spray distribution. Hence, the impact sprinkler with the nozzle-dispersion device can offer superior advantage of a larger spray range for better overlap and disperse more droplets for better