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The radiation hardness, the chemical resistance, and the capabilities to operate at high temperature conditions make diamond detectors a good option for carrying out fast neutron measurements on fusion plasma experiments or facilities using accelerator-driven neutron sources. A correct energy calibration of pulse-height spectra acquired through diamond detectors allows to perform fast neutron spectrometry. As a general rule, energy calibration of diamond detectors is performed using an alpha source, e.g. 239Pu, 241Am, 244Cm, whose characteristic emission energies are in the range from 5 to 6 MeV. Calibration at higher energies, such as those related to charged particles (about 8.4 MeV) produced by the 12C(n,alpha)9Be induced by fast neutrons coming from D-T fusion reaction, is traditionally extrapolated with the hypothesis of linearity for the energy calibration curve. In this work an evaluation of the diamond detector energy calibration based on alpha source emissions is performed at higher energies by means of a compact D-T neutron generator, able to produce neutrons within a broad energy range, by changing the accelerator voltage and the neutron emission angle. A relative deviation less than 2% between experimental and theoretical energies was observed, showing that the energy calibration through alpha sources could be still valid for fast neutrons coming from D-T fusion reactions.

Radiochemistry laboratories and nuclear power plants are required to install aerosol monitors for real-time detection of alpha-particle emitters in air. However, common radioactive aerosol monitors are unsuited for rapid emergency response, since they are neither portable nor easily deployable. Moreover, their spectrometric capabilities are usually limited, showing particularly poor performance of radioisotope identification, which makes it difficult to correctly assess the alpha-emitter concentration in air. We developed a rugged and compact radioactive aerosol monitor, fully battery powered, which can be quickly deployed in field, as well as used as a fixed station for routine monitoring. The monitor is equipped with a silicon detector, and the acquired alpha-particle spectra are analyzed employing a patented linear deconvolution algorithm. A prototype of this device was tested to evaluate its performance of radioisotope identification by using artificial alpha-emitters. Initial encouraging tests provide evidence for alpha-emitters identification with multi-line mixed-isotope alpha sources, and in energy-degraded low-countingstatistics conditions.

Cementitious materials are the most abundant building materials even nowadays. Similarly, in the nuclear industry, concrete is the most used material for the confinement of radioactive waste, it has favorable properties, both chemical and physical, making it a desirable matrix for the encapsulation of radioactive and toxic wastes. Cemented wastes are preferred for the storage of a large varieties of fission products, such as low and intermediate level radioactive waste e.g., β—emitter 90Sr. Anyway, because of the intrinsic fragility of ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) a lot of efforts have been spent to enhance his mechanical resistance. Graphene Oxide (GO) represent an opportunity to overcome this problem. In fact, there is much evidence that GO can influence the toughness and the strength of the cement composites by regulating the morphology of the cement hydration products. 90Sr, the main strontium isotope in radioactive waste, is a by-product of the fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear reactors. In this study we investigate the effects of strontium on mechanical properties of cement (OPC) and GO-reinforced cement. Different samples have been prepared with fixed concentration of GO. It has been observed that small quantities of GO, significantly [1] increases the compression strength of cement composites. The addition of Sr (65.0, 67.6 and 70.2 ppm) resulted in an increase of the compressive strength of 6.78%, 3.02% and 0.70% for those samples respectively, in comparison to OPC. Compression strength in samples of OPC with GO remained quite constant even in presence of Sr.

In the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, it is necessary to assess the radioactivity inventory for waste classification and management. For nuclear fusion experiments or accelerator-driven neutron sources, the main contribution to the radiological inventory comes from activation products and tritium. When water is used as coolant of components, it may be activated by neutrons with the consequent production of tritium, and short-lived oxygen and nitrogen isotopes. In most cases several chemical elements may be in solution or suspension in water, because of metallic pipes corrosion when occurring, or functional reasons, e.g. chemical conditioning, addition of antifreeze agent, etc. In this case other activation products could be present and need to be characterized. In this case study, a sample of the coolant of the ENEA Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) has been radiologically, chemically and physically characterized. In such a facility, during the operation, a beam of deuterons is accelerated up to 300 keV and impacts on a tritiated target for producing 14 MeV neutrons exploiting the fusion reaction T(d,n)α. To avoid overheating in the area around the target, a water-cooling loop is used. After several years of operation, a sample of the fluid has been extracted to undergo a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the radionuclides inventory. Gamma spectrometry has not shown any presence of gamma emitters. On the other hand, Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) has provided evidence of the presence of beta emitters. It is known that tritium is expected to occur in the sample because of releases from the tritiated titanium target. This work concerns the development of a method to discriminate the tritium contribution with respect to the total beta activity within the FNG coolant. Since it is known that an unspecified percentage of an unknown anticorrosive agent was added to the water coolant, vacuum distillation has been used to extract purified water (containing only tritium) from the coolant sample leaving any (activated) non-volatile compound in the undistilled fraction. After distillation, any fraction has been investigated by Raman spectroscopy, to determine: a) the chemical composition of the colored anticorrosive agent, b) the efficiency of the separation. Afterwards, both fractions have been analysed by means of LSC, and results showed that the main contribution to sample activity is due to tritium and the activity values are consistent with the theoretical H atomic concentration in both fractions.

The MICADO (Measurement and Instrumentation for Cleaning And Decommissioning Operations) Project of the H2020 Research and Innovation Programme aims to propose a cost-effective solution for non-destructive characterization of nuclear waste, implementing a digitization process that could become a referenced standard facilitating and harmonizing the methodology used for the in-field Waste Management and Dismantling & Decommissioning operations. It employs instruments based on different technologies: an active and passive neutron measurement system, a photo-fission facility, and the ‘Integrated Gamma Station’. Within the MICADO Project, an entire work package has been dedicated to the design and realization of the ‘Integrated Gamma Station’ obtained by combining different gamma detection technologies supporting each other to a comprehensive and effective non-destructive gamma characterization, able to accommodate Radioactive Waste Packages of different sizes. The techniques implemented are i) dosimetry measurements, count rate inspection and raw spectroscopy with the CAEN RadHAND, ii) gamma imaging in open geometry with the CEA Nanopix gamma camera, iii) high resolution gamma spectrometry with the ENEA Tomographic Gamma Scanner (TGS). The latter able to carry out different characterization methodologies, i.e., Open Geometry, Segmented Gamma Scanning, Angular Scanning, and Tomography. This paper describes the layout of the Integrated Gamma Station conceived, its features and detection capabilities, and part of the measurement campaign realized during the MICADO Project.

Current radiological characterization protocols applied in nuclear installations provide a valuable set of information used to assess level and distribution of radioactivity, which is a crucial information in the plant management. Nevertheless, typical routines may present limitations that novel technologies can alleviate. In this work, a new-generation 3D pixelated CdZnTe gamma imaging and spectrometer detector has been used at TRIGA RC-1 Research Reactor in ENEA Casaccia Research Centre to assess its performances in several possible tasks and effectively understand this technology readiness. In particular, three possible tasks have been considered: survey of potentially contaminated area (with determination of known and unknown hot spots), source identification and localization (including neutron sources via their gamma emissions), and quantification of isotope-specific activities in generic components thanks to the point-kernel-based algorithm the system is equipped with. The experience has demonstrated the capability to achieve reliable results in these tasks, with consequences that could impact not only the current characterization protocols but also the way some Nuclear Safeguards and Non-Proliferation operations are performed.

Background: Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumours, often considered hamartomas rather than true neoplasms. These mixed tumours consist of fully differentiated dental tissues, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Odontomas can be classified into compound and complex types. While typically asymptomatic, they are often discovered during routine radiographic examinations for delayed tooth eruption. The management of odontomas generally involves surgical removal, which is effective in resolving associated dental impactions., Case Report: We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old child who presented with the absence of the lower left deciduous canine (tooth 7.3) in the dental arch. Radiographic examination revealed multiple radiopaque masses indicative of a compound odontoma associated with the unerupted deciduous canine. Following detailed imaging and surgical planning, the odontoma was successfully enucleated under conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. The surgical procedure was performed without extracting the retained canine. Post-operative follow-up at two weeks showed excellent healing, and at seven months, partial eruption of the canine was observed, confirming the odontoma's role in impeding its eruption., Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management of odontomas to prevent potential impaction of associated teeth. The successful surgical removal of the odontoma facilitated the spontaneous eruption of the lower left deciduous canine, highlighting the effectiveness of early intervention. Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide proved to be a valuable tool in managing the young patient, ensuring cooperation and comfort during the procedure. Early identification and treatment of odontomas are crucial for promoting normal dental development and preventing future malocclusions.

Aim: The aim of this article is to compare the performance of ZeroExpander® realised using PEEK or PA12 for the expansion of the maxilla in paediatric patients, exploring a new concept for approaching maxillary expansion with a metal-free fixed automatic appliance, based on pre-programmed set-up and anchored on deciduous teeth., Materials: It is a retrospective comparative study with a sample of 40 children in early or mixed deciduous dentition and transversal maxillary deficit, 20 treated with ZeroExpander® in PEEK and 20 treated with ZeroExpander® in PA12 with a mean age of 7.3 years old. The intraoral scans at T0 and at the end of the expansion were all performed by the same operator to obtain digital models on which were performed measurements by two other different operators. A descriptive analysis was conducted using frequencies and percentages for nominal variables and means and standard deviations for continuous variables., Conclusion: In cases of allergy or hypersensitivity to metals or to specific chronic or acute pathological conditions, which may require periodic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it may not be possible to use traditional and metal fixed expansion devices. Moreover the concept of autonomous driving in paediatric orthodontics is not only possible, but it is and will be more real and very useful in the future. The "ortho-paediatric dentistry concept" will increase the range of benefits for children and their families which, in addition to care and thanks to technology, demand well-being, safety, comfort and quality of life beyond clinics.

Introduction: Autotransplantation is a surgical technique in which a tooth is repositioned after extraction. It is commonly used for impacted canines, which affect about 2% of the population and are more prevalent in females. These canines may remain embedded due to their late eruption. Treatment options include orthodontic appliances or autotransplantation, especially when canines are positioned too high or angled more than 45 degrees from the occlusal plane., Aim: To review the literature regarding the effects of autotransplantation on patient satisfaction, aesthetic outcomes, and the long-term stability of autotransplantation., Materials and Methods: This Systematic Review, registered with PROSPERO (CRD4202341), followed the PICO framework. Extensive searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, VHL Regional Portal, and Web of Science, covering literature up to April 1, 2023., Results: The review analyzed 11 studies involving the autotransplantation of 395 canine teeth, including two mandibular canines. Findings indicate higher success rates in younger patients, with a higher prevalence of transplantation in females (1 6 4) than males (1 0 5). The survival rate of transplanted canines was up to 67.9 % after 21 years, with some surviving up to 27.8 years. Success factors included young age, female gender, minimal extraoral time, proper root canal treatment, and effective post-operative care. Negative factors included ankylosis, root resorption, root fractures, infections, and periodontal issues. Complications included tooth darkening and the need for crowning. Patient satisfaction was rarely reported, with only three studies mentioning it and none addressing quality-of-life directly., Conclusion: Canine autotransplantation is viable for selected patients when other treatments are insufficient. Despite various influencing factors, consensus guidelines for procedural decisions still need to be improved, and reports on patient satisfaction and quality-of-life impacts should be more frequent., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 THE AUTHORS.)

Objective: A study analyzing perioperative outcomes related to a sudden switch from 3D to 2D-4K technology for laparoscopic sacral colpopexy by expert pelvic surgeons: are we addicted to technology?, Material and Methods: After a sudden transition from 3D to 2D-4K laparoscopic technology, a total of 115 consecutive pelvic prolapse patients who underwent sacral colpopexy from June 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively assessed from our database. Perioperative parameters, operative times (OT), and intraoperative difficulty scales were assessed. One-year follow-ups were analyzed for the study. Primary endpoints were OT; secondary endpoint was the evaluation of complications linked to this procedure., Results: We found statistical differences in OT and intraoperative difficulty scales between medians of the last 3D procedures and the first ten 2D-4K surgeries, without differences between operators. Only after more than 20 surgeries, we observed no significant differences between 3D and 2D-4K sacral colpopexy. We observed no statistical differences in terms of anatomic failure, PGI-I, and intra-postoperative complications., Conclusion: The transition of urogynecology from an exclusive vaginal approach to 2D-3D-4K laparoscopy significantly increased the level of technology necessary for surgical treatment of prolapse. This could, as a result, lead to pelvic surgeons becoming increasingly dependent on technology.

Background: Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) address challenges in traditional orthodontic anchorage like patient compliance and precision, showing significantly improved clinical outcomes, particularly for cases requiring maximum anchorage., Materials and Methods: A systematic electronic search was performed in five research databases, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2023. The ROBINS-I tool from the Cochrane Bias Methods Group assessed the risk of bias. Data analysis included categorical and numerical variables, with categorical variables analyzed using Cohen's method in a random effects model to account for variability. Sensitivity and heterogeneity were evaluated using a 'leave-one-out' approach and the I 2 statistic, respectively. At the same time, publication bias was checked using Egger's test, with findings presented through Forest and Funnel plots. Numerical variables were subjected to weighted regression analysis., Results: Examination of 15 studies involving 1981 patients and 3272 orthodontic mini-implants identified key factors affecting implant stability. Failure rates varied significantly, influenced by factors such as the characteristics and insertion site of the orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs), patient-specific variables, and operator experience. Notably, the insertion site and implant characteristics like size did not significantly affect failure rates, but there was a negative correlation between the magnitude of force applied and failure rates., Conclusion: The success of orthodontic mini-implants is broadly consistent across patient demographics and is not significantly impacted by gender or age, though failure rates were higher in males and when implants were placed in the maxilla. These findings suggest that higher applied forces might reduce failure rates., Clinical Significance: This review underlines mini-implant efficacy across varied patient demographics, emphasizing the importance of site selection, jaw location, and force application in enhancing success rates and guiding tailored treatment strategies.PROSPERO ID CRD42023411955., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 THE AUTHORS.)

Aim: To comparatively analyse the skeletal and dento-alveolar changes after treatment with Class III Bi-Maxillary Plates (BMPs) and FM appliances in growing patients with Class III skeletal malocclusion., Conclusion: BMPs with class III elastics provided a similar pattern of skeletal and dento-alveolar changes compared to FMs, however supported by slightly greater dentoalveolar effects that contribute to the correction of the class III malocclusion in growing subjects.

Leveraging the discrete skill and knowledge worker requirements of each occupation provided by O*NET, our empirical approach employs network-based tools from the Economic Complexity framework to characterize the US occupational network. This approach provides insights into the interplay between wages and the complexity or relatedness of the skill sets within each occupation, complementing conventional human capital frameworks. Our empirical strategy is threefold. First, we construct the Job and Skill Progression Networks, where nodes represent jobs (skills) and a link between two jobs (skills) indicates statistically significant co-occurrence of skills required to carry out those two jobs, that can be useful tools to identify job-switching paths and skill complementarities Second, by harnessing the Fitness and Complexity algorithm, we define a data-driven skill-based complexity measure of jobs that positively maps, but with interesting deviations, into wages and in the bottom-up and broad abstract/manual and routine/non-routine job characterisations, however providing a continuous and endogenous metric to assess the degree of complexity of each occupational skill-set. Third, building on relatedness and corporate coherence metrics, we introduce a measure of each job's skill coherence, that negatively maps into wages. Our findings may inform policymakers and employers on designing more effective labour market policies and training schemes, that, rather than fostering hyper-specialization, should favor the acquisition of complex and "uncoherent" skill sets, enabling workers to more easily move throughout the job and skill progression networks and make informed career choices decisions while unlocking higher wage opportunities., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Spondylodiscitis following sacral colpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) represents a rare complication with severe consequences. Authors performed a literature search, from 2000 to 2022, to set a narrative review of literature. Spondylodiscitis is an uncommon but dangerous side effect of a routine surgical treatment that needs to be identified and treated right away to prevent worsening clinical consequences. Suboptimal dissection of the sacral promontory and/or site infection are associated with spondylodiscitis. When spondylodiscitis is suspected, advanced imaging methods should be used, and surgical excision shouldn't be put off after a failed course of treatment. Authors presented a case-video of a 68-year-old woman who reported severe lower back pain 7 weeks after surgery, in which sacral spondylodiscitis was diagnosed and laparoscopically treated. In this case, a laparoscopic tack and mesh removal from promontory was carried out following the patient's continued lower back pain and the antibiotic therapy's incomplete radiological remission of spondylodiscitis. The patient's radiological findings and symptoms completely resolved two weeks following the procedure., Competing Interests: None., (IJCEP Copyright © 2024.)

Aim: The aim of this retrospective study is to explore the introduction of edible spread cream and small candies as tools to improve motivation and compliance in young children undergoing myofunctional therapy, with the purpose of optimizing oral functions, including swallowing., Methods: Six patients, one female and five males, between the ages of 7 and 14 years, presenting with atypical swallowing, were evaluated and treated at the clinic of the University of L'Aquila. The patients included in the study were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with two different treatment protocols: Group A: traditional myofunctional therapy and traditional tools; Group B: same exercises as group A, but with edible tools (spreadable cream and small candies)., Results: As expected, the two patients who used edible tools demonstrated increased motivation and collaboration during myofunctional therapy., Conclusions: Patient compliance, especially in very young patients, limits the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy; therefore, creative solutions are needed to achieve greater cooperation, and edible tools can play a significant part in retraining correct swallowing. Although the sample of this pilot study is small, the results suggest that using actual edible tools in myofunctional therapy could increase compliance and provide better results in myofunctional therapy.

Background: Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy (LSC) is the gold standard treatment for women with apical/anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP). For isolated posterior vaginal prolapse, instead, the literature suggests fascial native tissue repair. This is a retrospective 2-year quality-of-life follow-up study after laparoscopic posterior plication (LPP) combined with LSC in patients with anterior/apical prolapse combined with severe posterior colpocele. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the subjective outcomes quality of life (QoL), sexual function, and patient satisfaction rate. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate perioperative and anatomical outcomes at the 2-year follow-up., Methods: A total of 139 consecutive patients with anterior and/or apical prolapse (POP-Q stage ≥ II) and severe posterior vaginal prolapse (posterior POP-Q stage ≥ III) were retrospectively selected from our database among women who underwent, from November 2018 to February 2021, a "two-meshes" LSC. The patients were classified into Group A (81 patients; LSC plus LPP) and Group B (67 patients; LSC alone). The primary endpoint was evaluated using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory-6 (POPDI-6), the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), and the EuroQol (EQ-5D). The secondary endpoint was studied using the POP-Q study and an intra-, peri-, and post-operative complications assessment. Two-year follow-up data were analyzed for the study., Results: At 2 years, all women showed a statistically significant amelioration of their symptoms on the QoL questionnaires. We found a statistical difference in favor of posterior plication in terms of the PGI-I successful outcome rate (Group A versus B: 85.3% versus 67.1%), FSDS (median 11 versus 21), and PISQ-12 (median 89 versus 62) ( p < 0.05 for all comparisons). A significant improvement of all EQ-5D values was observed from baseline to 2-year follow-up, and only for the "pain/discomfort" domains did we observe a significant improvement in LSC plus LPP patients versus LSC alone ( p < 0.05). LSC plus LPP women showed, at 2 years, a significant amelioration of their Ap and GH POP-Q points. We observed no statistical differences in terms of intra-post-operative complications or anatomic failure rate between groups., Conclusions: Our LPP approach to LSC appears to be a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse with a significant impact on the patient's general health and sexual quality of life. Adding laparoscopic posterior vaginal plication to "two-meshes" sacral colpopexy is recommended in patients with apical/anterior prolapse and concomitant severe posterior colpocele. This surgical approach, in addition to improving the anatomical results of these patients, is associated with a significant improvement in sexual and quality of life indexes.

Background: Mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida Type (MFDGA; OMIM#610536) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in the EFTUD2 gene. Mandibulofacial dysostoses are characterised by the core triad malar hypoplasia, maxillary hypoplasia and dysplastic ears, all derived by the impaired development of the first and second branchial arches. Differential diagnosis is often challenging. The early genetic diagnosis is extremely useful, not only for the correct management of cranial malformations, but also for the early diagnosis and treatment of the comorbidities associated to the disease, which greatly benefit from early treatment.

This is a frequently asked question. The answer depends on various factors, with cooperation being among the most essential. As a parent, you must ask yourself if you can rely on your child to wear aligners correctly for most of the day. If the answer to this question is yes, then clear aligners may be a better choice than traditional braces. There are three major benefits of clear aligners in children: 1. Greater comfort, aligners are less voluminous than traditional braces and more likely to prevent irritation, mouth ulcers and other discomfort that derives from the movement of the orthodontic wire or braces. 2. Better hygiene, as their removal during meals and tooth cleaning manoeuvres makes home oral hygiene easier. 3. Better aesthetics, thanks to the transparency of the plastic replacing the metal. However, a certain degree of caution is advised to those who are considering this treatment option. Although aligners allow us to start resolving certain tooth malpositions (which can cause periodontal and aesthetic problems or increase the severity of damage in the event of trauma), and to improve alignment and minor crowding at an early age, it must not be forgotten that the intervening period for changing the definitive position of individual teeth is still the period of permanent teeth. It is important to consider whether a child has a dental or skeletal problem. In cases where a child's problem is exclusively dental, the aligner may be one of the tools used. In cases of skeletal problems, the literature advises against the aligner, as it is not the right instrument at this stage of development. The literature in some cases refers to aligners as the universal remedy, valid for every malocclusion, presenting them as a panacea for all orthodontic problems of very young patients. It is necessary to remain open to the innovations that the market offers us and that can improve our daily clinic, and aligners can be a valid support in this regard, but, as dentists, we should always keep a critical and open eye on treatments with an evidence-based rationale. As with all other orthodontic appliances, aligners must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, keeping in mind that they are one of the tools in the hands of the clinician. When the clinical situation makes it possible and when both the child's requirements and the parent's expectations are fulfilled, it is certainly worth considering clear aligners as a viable route in the family-child's orthodontic treatment, making it as simple and convenient as possible. Lastly, we should remember the concept of efficiency regarding an orthodontic treatment, which depends on its cost/benefit ratio, with the former being understood in a biological sense and in terms of its impact on the life of the patient and their family with respect to duration, cooperation required, discomfort induced by the equipment used and frequency of check-ups. The latter should obviously be considered in terms of results obtained in relation to the pre-established treatment goals. A consideration that we should always keep in mind: let us never forget that is the orthodontist who treats the patient, not the appliance!

A central role in shaping the experience of users online is played by recommendation algorithms. On the one hand they help retrieving content that best suits users taste, but on the other hand they may give rise to the so-called "filter bubble" effect, favoring the rise of polarization. In the present paper we study how a user-user collaborative-filtering algorithm affects the behavior of a group of agents repeatedly exposed to it. By means of analytical and numerical techniques we show how the system stationary state depends on the strength of the similarity and popularity biases, quantifying respectively the weight given to the most similar users and to the best rated items. In particular, we derive a phase diagram of the model, where we observe three distinct phases: disorder, consensus, and polarization. In the last users spontaneously split into different groups, each focused on a single item. We identify, at the boundary between the disorder and polarization phases, a region where recommendations are nontrivially personalized without leading to filter bubbles. Finally, we show that our model well reproduces the behavior of users on the online music platform last.fm. This analysis paves the way to a systematic analysis of recommendation algorithms by means of statistical physics methods and opens the possibility of devising less polarizing recommendation algorithms.

Background: Intraoral orthodontic elastics (IOE), typically referred to as rubber bands, are important tools for correcting malocclusion, and they are classified into latex and synthetic (elastomeric-based) elastics. They have different strengths and sizes, depending on their intended use, that provide clinicians with the ability to correct both anteroposterior and vertical discrepancies. Clinical use, together with saliva, alters the physical characteristics of both latex and synthetic elastics, causing declines in strength over time., Aim: The aim of the study was to assess, through a systematic review of in vitro studies, the properties of intraoral elastics. The primary goal was to evaluate how IOEs behave in terms of tension strength and duration. The secondary goal was to investigate the force loss during the first hours of wear. The tertiary goal was to assess how these forces decayed., Materials and Methods: The following electronic databases were searched from December 2020 to April 2021: Medline Full Text, PubMed, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register, Science Direct, and Literature Review. Out of 8505 initial articles, 10 were selected for the systematic review., Results: The force-degradation property was found in all types of IOEs. The loss of strength was directly proportional to time, with the highest value during the first 3 h after extension, regardless of the elastic band size and manufacturer. The forces generated by the latex bands were higher than in those of the elastomeric-based elastics, but they did not consistently correspond to the loads specified by the manufacturers. The retention forces in the latex IOEs were significantly higher than those in the nonlatex bands, suggesting that elastomeric-based bands need to be changed more frequently and at regular intervals throughout a 24 h period., Conclusion: This systematic review indicates that intraoral orthodontic elastics have the greatest loss of force during the first 3 h, that latex rubber bands have the highest strength during the first hour, that the forces generated are not always consistent with the manufacturer's specifications, and that nonlatex (elastomeric-based) IOEs need to be changed frequently and regularly during a 24-h cycle.

Introduction: Teledentistry is a specialized area within telemedicine employs digital technology and telecommunications to remotely manage dental patients, offering care, advice, education, and treatment. The significance of teledentistry escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic., Objective: This study presents a bibliometric analysis of teledentistry, based on a retrospective search of the Scopus database., Materials and Methods: The research utilized Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software., Results: Publications on teledentistry have shown a recent surge, particularly since 2020, attributed to the pandemic. Out of 369 articles, just 28 (7.5%) were single-authored, while most involved collaborative efforts. These articles were dispersed across 160 journals, with the Journal Of Telemedicine And Telecare, International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, and Telemedicine And E-Health each publishing over 15 articles. Remarkably, 66% of the journals featured open-access content. The University of Western Australia emerged as the most prolific institution, with 12 publications, while the United States, Chile, and Brazil led in the number of published documents., Conclusions: The growing interest in teledentistry, mainly fueled by the pandemic, has promising implications for dental practice. Despite the existing limitations, it holds potential. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the field and offers valuable quantitative insights for shaping future research and funding strategies, especially concerning protocol development and digital risk assessment., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background: Proper development of deciduous and mixed dentition is essential to the oral health of growing patients, and early interceptive orthopedic or orthodontic treatments are indicated in specific clinical situations. Nowadays, orthodontists are subjected to a lot of pressure from growing patients and their parents about the orthodontic appliances that should be used. The aim of this article is to indicate how, when and why it is possible to effectively use aligners in growing patients., Case Report: Two case reports are illustrated, one with a Cl.II subdivision, mono lateral cross-bite and vertical growth, and the other with a skeletal and dental Cl.II, vertical skeletal pattern, proclined and fractured upper incisors. The efficacy/efficiency ratio of aligners is analyzed in order to evaluate the suitability of this appliance for the treatment. Limits and advantages of aligners are widely discussed., Conclusion: Aligner treatment in growing patients shall be carefully studied to reach an optimal result. At present, a hybrid treatment strategy represents the best solution in growing patients with a complex clinical situation.

Objective: Local anesthesia for single incision slings has shown a good objective and subjective cure rate in women with stress urinary incontinence. The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia during Altis ® single incision placement., Material and Methods: One hundred sixty-six consecutive patients (83 patients for each group: local resp. spinal anesthesia) were selected from our database for this retrospective study among women who underwent an Altis ® implantation for SUI from September 2016 to June 2021, after unsuccessful previous conservative treatment. Primary endpoints were objective and subjective cure rates; secondary endpoint was the evaluation of complications linked to this procedure., Results: A total of 155 included patients completed our 12 months follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Operative time (percentage difference of 50%; p < 0.05 ) and the Intraoperative Difficulty Scale resulted lower in spinal patients. No differences were found between populations in terms of objective (cough stress test and urodynamics) and subjective (PGI-I and FSDS questionnaires) cure rate and postoperative complications., Conclusion: Local anesthesia for Altis ® implantation could be considered a safe alternative to spinal anesthesia and an effective opportunity to avoid general anesthesia, increasing the possibility of outpatient implantation of this sling system.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the maxillary arch expansion obtained in growing patients treated with Class III early treatment protocol (the modified SEC III protocol), or rapid maxillary expansion (RME)., Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients in the mixed dentition with maxillary constriction and/ or dental crowding. The first group consisted of 30 patients (11 males and 19 females, mean age 9.4 ±1.7 years) with dentoskeletal Class III malocclusion treated with the modified SEC III protocol. The second group of 30 patients (14 males and 16 females, mean age 9.3 ±1.5 years) with Class I or II malocclusion was treated with a Hyrax-type expander applied to bands on the first upper molars. For each subject, initial (T0) and post expansion (T1) digital dental casts were collected. The intermolar and intercanine widths, the arch lengths at both cusp and gingival levels, the anteroposterior length and the palatal depth were measured at T0 and T1., Results: At T1 there were statistically significant differences for 3-3 occlusal (OC) (P < 0.009), arch-length OC (P <0.030), anteroposterior arch-length (AP) (P <0.003), Depth (P <0.030) and Ap (P <0.000). No statistically significant T0-T1 changes were found between the modified SEC III and Hyrax groups except for Depth (P <0.011) with a mean difference of 2.3 mm between the two groups., Conclusions: Both bonded and banded expanders, used in the modified SEC III protocol and RME treatment respectively, produced similar changes in the upper arch. The different initial dentoskeletal malocclusions of the two sample groups were not relevant to the post-expansion arch changes.

During the clinical examination of subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), the dentist sometimes must evaluate the cervical spine, due to the anatomical and functional connections between the cervical portion of the spine and the stomatognathic apparatus. The accelerometer is a device that evaluates the Range of Motion (ROM) of the main movements of the head on the neck. To date, only a few studies have investigated the repeatability of the use of the accelerometer in the assessment of cervical ROM. Therefore, the present longitudinal observational study analyzed the repeatability of acquired cervical movements on a sample of volunteer subjects who underwent accelerometer testing. A sample of 32 subjects was tested twice within 14 days to assess cervical ROM using a standardized protocol based on a review of existing literature. The results show that the examination is reliable for all the positions of the jaw, except for the parameters regarding the asymmetries of rotation and bending. In conclusion, the accelerometer can be considered a reliable tool for evaluating the active cervical ROM. However, further studies will be necessary to make better evaluations.

Chess is a centuries-old game that continues to be widely played worldwide. Opening Theory is one of the pillars of chess and requires years of study to be mastered. In this paper, we use the games played in an online chess platform to exploit the "wisdom of the crowd" and answer questions traditionally tackled only by chess experts. We first define a relatedness network of chess openings that quantifies how similar two openings are to play. Using this network, we identify communities of nodes corresponding to the most common opening choices and their mutual relationships. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the relatedness network can be used to forecast future openings players will start to play, with back-tested predictions outperforming a random predictor. We then apply the Economic Fitness and Complexity algorithm to measure the difficulty of openings and players' skill levels. Our study not only provides a new perspective on chess analysis but also opens the possibility of suggesting personalized opening recommendations using complex network theory., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: New methods for biofilm removal are being investigated. A recent new one involves the use of the electric field for biofilm removal. In particular, electrolytic cleaning works on the adhesion forces of the biofilm on the surfaces, with few studies showing promising results in decontamination and implant re-integration in the bone. This study aims at assessing the effect of a new decontamination device that implies the electric field for implant-biofilm removal., Materials and Methods: Three implants affected by peri-implantitis were selected for the study. After the treatment, the implants were observed by the Scanning Electron Microscopy., Results: All three samples showed no microbial biofilm in the application area, while the rest of the surface observed was covered with microbial biofilm, with an intensely thickened bacterial population., Conclusions: Peri-mucositis and peri-implantitis prevention and early treatments are essential for implant maintenance, thus saving the surrounding hard and soft tissues. The technological innovation is providing electrolytic devices which act not only on the microbial population but on the biofilm adhesion to the implant surface, with promising results for a new and valid therapeutic option.

Clear orthodontic aligners have recently seen increasing popularity. The thermoplastic materials present several advantages, even if it is known that all plastic products can be subjected to environmental and mechanical degradation, leading to the release of microplastics (MPs). Their ingestion could cause oxidative stress and inflammatory lesions. This study aims to evaluate the potential detachment of MPs by clear aligners due to mechanical friction simulated with a 7-day protocol in artificial saliva. The study was performed on orthodontic clear aligners from different manufacturers: Alleo (AL); FlexiLigner (FL); F22 Aligner (F22); Invisalign® (INV); Lineo (LIN); Arc Angel (ARC), and Ortobel Aligner (OR). For each group, two aligners were immersed in artificial saliva for 7 days and stirred for 5 h/day, simulating the physiological teeth mechanical friction. After 7 days, the artificial saliva was filtered; then, filters were analyzed by Raman Microspectroscopy (RMS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively to chemically identify the polymeric matrix and to measure the number and size of the detected MPs. RMS spectra revealed that AL, FL, LIN, ARC, and OR aligners were composed by polyethylene terephthalate, while F22 and INV ones by polyurethane. SEM analysis showed that the highest number of MPs was found in ARC and the lowest in INV (p < 0.05). As regards MPs' size, no statistically significant difference was found among groups, with most MPs ranging from 5 to 20 μm. Noteworthy, a highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was highlighted between the distribution of MPs size and the different typologies of aligners. This in vitro study highlighted for the first time the detachment of MPs from clear aligners due to mechanical friction. This evidence may represent a great concern in the clinical practice since it could impact human general health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interest or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this study. Authors confirm that the submitted work, including images, is original and the journal policies have been reviewed. There are no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to compare the positional information transfer accuracy of palatal temporary anchorage devices (TADs) of two different brands of transfer caps: PSM and Leone. Thirty plaster casts of maxillary dental arches were chosen for master models. A couple of Leone TADs were inserted in each master model. For each master model, two analysis models were created: using two transfer caps, Leone and PSM, the impressions were taken, the analogues were connected on the transfer caps, and the casts were poured. Using digital methods and equipment, such as a 3D scanner, a 3D analysis and a comparison of the accuracy of the two transfer caps in transferring the positional information of the TADs was then made. The data obtained were anal yz ed using the Mann-Whitney U-test at a significance level of α = 0.05. PSM transfer caps showed higher error frequency in almost all measurements. Only two measurements had a larger error in the analysis models made with Leone transfer caps. The Mann-Whitney U-test found a significant difference between the error levels of TADs found in the analysis models created with PSM transfer caps. Leone transfer caps showed greater reliability in TADs positional information transmission.

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in palate dimension and morphology after treatment of functional posterior crossbite (FPXB) with elastodontic devices (EAs)., Methods: The treatment group (TG) consisted of 25 subjects (mean age 7.3 ± 0.9 years) who received treatment with EA for one year. The control group (CG) comprised 14 untreated subjects (mean age 6.8 ± 0.7 years)., Inclusion Criteria: intra-oral scan registered before (T0) and after treatment (T1), FPXB with a mandibular shift towards the crossbite site of ≥ 2 mm, class I molar relationship., Exclusion Criteria: missing teeth, anterior crossbite, temporomandibular disorders, previous orthodontic treatment, carious lesions, mobility of deciduous posterior teeth, craniofacial deformities. Digital models were analyzed to assess the inter-canine (ICW) and inter-molar widths (IMW) and the corresponding emi-lateral measurements (eICW and eIMW) using the median palatine plane as reference. According to a specific 3D imaging technology, the morphology and symmetry of the palate was investigated by analysing the 3D deviation between the two specular models of the palate., Results: At T0, both groups showed a significantly narrower dimension of eICW and eIMW at the crossbite side compared to the non-crossbite side (p < 0.05). Also, the 3D deviation analysis demonstrates a limited matching percentage of the original/mirrored models in both TG (81.12%) and CG (79.36%), confirming the asymmetry of the palate. The area of mis-matching was located at the alveolar bone level. At T1, subjects in the TG showed a significant increment of ICW and IMW (p < 0.05), a reduction of the differences of eICW and eIMW between both sides (p < 0.05) and an increment of the percentage matching (TG = 92.32%) (p < 0.05), suggesting a significant recovery of the palatal asymmetry. No significant changes were found between T0 and T1 in the CG (p > 0.05)., Conclusions: EAs could be successfully used to correct FPXB in mixed dentition and could restore the harmonious development of the palate in children., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Aim: The aim of this paper was to enlighten the peculiar findings of the Pierre Robin sequence, a rare congenital anomaly with important afterbirth comorbidities. The management of this pathology requires highly specialised centers and highly qualified specialists in order to offer the best therapeutic strategy to the affected child. Early diagnosis and parental counseling play a key role in the managing of PRS: an earlier activation of the treatment path helps to yield better outcomes and to prevent complications. A case of a newborn affected by PRS is presented, showing the steps of the treatment strategy and the final outcome.

Background: An early approach to Class III malocclusions is crucial. From diagnosis to treatment, the aim is be to correct and harmonise maxillary and mandibular growth as quickly as possible., Case Report: A new treatment protocol for the early treatment of Class III malocclusions to be used in children in deciduous teething and/or early mixed teething was proposed. Ten children, 6 females and 4 males, with an overall average age of 6.5 years (6 years and 6 months) at time T0 were included in this experimental study. Twelve months orthopaedic interceptive therapy using two protraction facemasks (Delaire and Petit mask) and two types of extraoral elastic bands (8 and 16 oz) were given. Parents/guardians were involved as much as possible to increase compliance with the treatment., Conclusion: The orthopaedic-interceptive treatment for Class III malocclusion intends to provide a potential improvement of the growth response so that significant results can be achieved quickly. The motivational role of the parent can positively influence the child's treatment cooperation. The clinician should then try to make parents understand the importance of early treatment of Class III malocclusion thus obtaining a full cooperation with the parent/ guardian and a good compliance from the child.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children needs a multidisciplinary approach. Even if the first-line treatment of pediatric OSA is adenotonsillectomy, nowadays rapid palatal expansion (RPE) is considered a valid additional treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate cephalometric changes in upper airways dimensions after rapid palatal expansion (RPE) in children suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). A total of 37 children (range age 4-10 years) with diagnosis of OSA referred to Dentistry Unit of Bambino Gesù Children's Research Hospital IRCCS (Rome, Italy) were included in this pre-post study and underwent lateral radiographs at the start (T0) and at the end (T1) of a RPE treatment. Inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of OSA confirmed by cardiorespiratory polygraphy (AHI > 1) or pulse oximetry (McGill = >2), skeletal maxillary contraction evaluated by presence of posterior crossbite. A control group of 39 untreated patients (range age 4-11 years), in good general health, was set up. A paired T-test was used to investigate the statistical differences between T0 and T1 values in both groups. The results showed a statistically significant increase of nasopharyngeal width in the treated group after RPE treatment. Moreover, the angle that identifies mandibular divergence compared to palatal plane (PP-MP°) was significantly reduced. In the control group, no statistically significant differences were observed. The present study showed that RPE treatment determines a significant sagittal space increase in the upper airways space and a counterclockwise mandibular growth in children with OSA compared to a control group. These results suggest that a widening of the nasal cavities induced by RPE may support a return to physiological nasal breathing and promote a counterclockwise mandibular growth in children. This evidence confirms the crucial role of the orthodontist in the management of OSA in pediatric patients.

Aim: A randomized clinical trial proposing a new laparoscopic prosthetic and fascial approach to severe posterior vaginal prolapse. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the objective and subjective outcomes of our laparoscopic posterior plication (LPP) combined to "two-mesh" sacral colpopexy (laparoscopic sacral colpopexy [LSC]) in severe posterior vaginal prolapse, with a 1-year follow-up. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the safety of this surgical procedure., Methods: This is single-center prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial. A total of 130 consecutive patients with anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (POP-Q stage ≥II) and severe posterior vaginal prolapse (posterior POP-Q stage ≥III) were prospectively assessed for inclusion into the study from November 2018 to January 2020. Patients underwent "two-meshes" LSC and were randomized in Group A (LSC plus LPP) and Group A (LSC alone). Of the 130 included subjects, 8 were excluded, not meeting inclusion criteria. Cure rate was evaluated objectively, using POP-Q study, and subjectively using PGI-I, POPDI-6, and FSDS questionnaires. Complications were assessed intra-, peri-, and postoperatively. Twelve-month follow-ups were analyzed for the study., Results: We found in LSC plus LPP Group a significant improvement of Ap and genital hiatus POP-Q points. Our subjective study showed, at 12 months, a statistical difference in PGI-I successful outcomes rate in favor of LPP. Also the FSDS resulted significantly much more improved in Group A. We observed no statistical differences in terms of postoperative complications., Conclusions: Our LPP approach to LSC could be considered an effective and safe technique to POP patients with severe posterior prolapse., (© 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) plus sacral colpopexy (LSC) is a high-complexity surgical procedure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new approach to rectal-mesh fixation during LVR with continuous locked suture., Methods: This is a prospective randomized double-blinded clinical trial enrolling 80 patients with severe POP and obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) from November 2016 to January 2021. Patients underwent a "two-meshes" LSC plus LVR and were randomized, regarding rectal mesh fixation, in Group A (extracorporeal interrupted 0 delayed absorbable sutures) and Group B ("U-shaped" running locked 0 delayed absorbable suture). Our primary endpoints were the operative times (OT); the secondary endpoints were the incidence of anatomical failures, vaginal mesh erosions and surgical complications., Results: A total of 75 patients completed the study. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. Overall OT (156 vs 138 min; p < 0.05; treatment reduction of 11.5%) and LVR mesh fixation time (29 vs 16 min; p < 0.05; treatment reduction of 44%), resulted in significantly lower in Group B. No differences were found in terms of anatomic failure, vaginal mesh erosion or intra- or post-operative complications. PGI-I, FSDS and Wexner questionnaires resulted significantly improved after surgery, without statistical differences between the studied surgical procedures., Conclusion: Laparoscopic continuous locked 0 absorbable suture for LVR mesh fixation guaranteed a faster and effective alternative to multiple interrupted sutures. The significant OT reduction linked to this technique should be considered even more helpful when performing a highly complex surgery such as LVR., Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05254860 (13/02/2017)., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Pleural empyema (PE) is a frequent disease, associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Surgical approach is the standard of care for most patients with II-III stage PE. In the last years, the minimally invasive surgical revolution involved also thoracic surgery allowing the same outcomes in terms of safety and effectiveness combined to better pain management and early discharge. The aim of this study is to demonstrate through our experience on uniportal-video-assisted thoracoscopy (u-VATS) the effectiveness and safety of its approach in treatment of stage II PE. As secondary endpoint, we will evaluate the different pattern of indication of u-VATS in adult and elderly patients with literature review., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected database of u-VATS procedures from November 2018 to February 2022, in our regional referral center for Thoracic Surgery of Regione Molise General Surgery Unit of "A. Cardarelli" Hospital, in Campobasso, Molise, Italy., Results: A total of 29 patients underwent u-VATS for II stage PE. Fifteen (51.72%) patients were younger than 70 years old, identified as "adults," 14 (48.28%) patients were older than 70 years old, identified as "elderly." No mortality was found. Mean operative time was 104.68 ± 39.01 min in the total population. The elderly group showed a longer operative time (115 ± 53.15 min) (p = 0.369). Chest tube was removed earlier in adults than in elderly group (5.56 ± 2.06 vs. 10.14 ± 5.58 p = 0.038). The Length of Stay (LOS) was shorter in the adults group (6.44 ± 2.35 vs. 12.29 ± 6.96 p = 0.033). Patients evaluated through Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale returned to normal activities of daily living after surgery., Conclusion: In addition, the u-VATS approach seems to be safe and effective ensuring a risk reduction of progression to stage III PE with a lower recurrence risk and septic complications also in elderly patients. Further comparative multicenter analysis are advocated to set the role of u-VATS approach in the treatment of PE in adults and elderly patients., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Importance: This article is a long-term follow-up study on the Altis adjustable single incision sling (Coloplast Corp.) in patients with isolated intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD)., Objectives: The primary end-points were to evaluate the subjective and objective outcomes of the Altis for the treatment of ISD, with a 3-year follow-up. The secondary end-point was to evaluate the safety of this surgical procedure., Study Design: This is a retrospective single-arm study. A total of 123 consecutive patients with ISD were selected from our database among women who underwent an Altis implantation for ISD from March 2015 to June 2017, after unsuccessful previous conservative treatment. Of the 123 included patients, 16 were excluded, not meeting inclusion criteria. Cure rate was evaluated objectively, using a standardized cough stress test and urodynamics, and subjectively using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement. Complications were assessed intraoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively. Six, 12, and 36 months of follow-ups were analyzed for the study., Results: The 3-year objective cure rate was 86.9%, and the subjective cure rate was 81.5%. We observed no intraoperative complications. No women were obstructed. Ten patients reported postoperative complications, although most of them were Clavien-Dindo grade I and self-limited., Conclusions: Altis system could be considered an effective and safe alternative to traditional midurethral slings as treatment for women with ISD., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 American Urogynecologic Society. All rights reserved.)

Blockchains are among the most relevant emerging technologies of recent times and, according to many, they will have a central role in shaping the future of our society. Since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, the first notorious blockchain system bound to a cryptocurrency, the blockchain ecosystem has experienced a huge growth, driven by innovations both in conceptual and algorithmic terms, and in the creation of a large number of new cryptocoins. New blockchains and their associated cryptocoins, emerge mostly as the result of forking already existing projects. Here, we show that the appearance of new cryptocoins can be well described by a sub-linear power-law (Heaps' law) of the total crypto-market capitalization. At the same time, we propose a model that well reproduces the evolution of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Our model suggests that each cryptocurrency triggers, on average, the creation of ca. 1.58 novel cryptocoins, a result confirmed by the analysis of the Bitcoin historical forking tree. Moreover, we deduce that the largest cryptocurrency, nowadays Bitcoin, will comprise around the 50% of the whole crypto-market and that this fraction is going to stabilize in the near future, provided that the present fundamental macro-economic conditions do not change radically., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background. Coronavirus disease has subjected the whole of humanity to two years of social isolation and a series of restrictions. These circumstances have led to the use of information technology in an increasingly widespread manner. Even in the dental field, telematic means have been used to respond to emergencies. The aim of this systematic review of the literature is to evaluate the types of orthodontic emergency that occurred most often and how they were managed by teleorthodontics during the COVID-19 pandemic. The secondary aim is that clinicians will use teleorthodontics not only during pandemics but as an additional tool to manage orthodontics. Materials and Methods. Out of 1695 articles available on PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane and SciELO, eight articles were selected for this systematic literature review. Google Scholar was used as a secondary source to confirm that there were no additional articles. The screened papers comprised editorials, clinical studies, cross-sectional studies and retrospective studies in Italian, English or Spanish language. Results. The articles showed that the means by which patients most often communicated with their orthodontists were voice calls and smartphone applications such as WhatsApp ® Messenger. Through these media, patients communicated their orthodontic emergencies. These mainly involved fixed multibracket appliances and the most common issues were discomfort and pain, fracture or loss of the appliance, protruding distal ends of archwires, brackets, tubes and bands or retainer detachment. Through teleorthodontics, patients could solve these issues by using orthodontic relief wax, cutting the protruding distal ends of the archwire with a nail clipper or a stronger cutter and removing or replacing detached bands, brackets, tubes or metallic ligature with a clean tweezer. Conclusions. In situations where personal contact is limited, teleorthodontics represents a valuable aid for professionals and patients facing orthodontic emergencies. The hope is that it may continue to represent a valuable aid for patients with difficulties in planning an in-office visit.