Follow-up Interval Research Articles

Two-Year Results of Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy in Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy yielded a 45% reduction in intraocular pressure in primary congenital glaucoma, with a success rate of 86.6%. Hyphema was the most common complication. We did not encounter any vision-threatening complications. To assess the outcome of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and identify the potential prognostic factors for adverse outcomes. This prospective study included patients aged <14 years, presenting with PCG from November 2019 till November 2021. We excluded eyes with hazy cornea, secondary glaucoma, peripheral anterior synechiae ≥90 degrees, and eyes in which the extent of GATT was <270 degrees. Success was defined as a final intraocular pressure (IOP) <18mmHg with IOP reduction >20%. Primary outcomes were reduction in IOP and medications, secondary outcomes were complications and correlation of IOP reduction and surgical success with possible risk factors. We included 60 eyes of 50 patients aged 1-156 months (mean: 25.5±36.5). A 353±21 degrees incision was created, with 85% achieving a 360-degree incision. There was a significant reduction in IOP and medications at all follow-up intervals up to 2 years, with a mean of 45% IOP reduction. The final success rate was 86.6%, with 76.7% being controlled without medications. There was a significant positive correlation between the preoperative cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and failure rates ( P =0.03) and between the incision extent and the IOP reduction (r=0.4, P =0.001). Hyphema was the most common complication, affecting 33%, and resolved spontaneously in all cases. No vision-threatening complications occurred. GATT is a safe and effective procedure in eyes with PCG and clear cornea, including eyes that had previous failed glaucoma surgery. Circumferential GATT is associated with more favorable outcomes, while eyes with a larger CDR are at a higher risk for failure.

Distinct clinicopathological features of neuroendocrine liver metastases originating from the pancreas and rectum

IntroductionSurvival comparisons among patients with liver metastases from pancreatic and rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) were limited, and the efficacy of observation rules in patients undergoing hepatectomy for neuroendocrine liver metastases (NELMs) was unknown. This study aims to distinguish these characteristics and clarify the effects of the observation rules on NELMs.MethodsClinical data were separately collected from patients with pancreatic and rectal NELMs at medical centers in both Japan and China. The Japanese cohort followed the observation rules for the resection of NELMs. A comparative analysis was conducted on clinical characteristics and prognosis features such as overall survival time (OS) and disease-free survival interval (DFS-I).ResultsEnrollment included 47 and 34 patients from Japan and China, respectively. Of these, 69 and 12 patients had tumors originating from the pancreas and rectum, respectively. The OS time in patients undergoing primary tumor resection was significantly longer; however, the OS time between the patients undergoing and not undergoing radical resection of liver metastasis was the same. In asynchronous NELMs, patients with rectal (R)-NELMs showed a significantly higher proportion of type III NELMs. Additionally, the median DFS-I of asynchronous R-NELMs was longer than the recommended follow-up time, with 71.4% of them classified as G2. In the Japanese cohort, patients who adhered to the observation rules exhibited a longer median DFS after hepatectomy for NELMs compared with their counterparts.ConclusionAlthough curative surgery is crucial for primary lesions, personalized approaches are required to manage NELMs. Extended overall follow-ups and shortened follow-up intervals are recommended for G2 stage rectal NETs. The observation rules for NELMs require further validation with a larger sample size.

Assessment of Ulnar Carpal Translocation and Carpal Alignment After Volar Plate Fixation With Vascularized Bone Graft for Scaphoid Waist Fracture Nonunions

Multiple fixation methods with or without vascularized graft have been described to treat scaphoid nonunions. This study aimed to assess the incidence of carpal malalignment and the degree of ulnar carpal translocation after scaphoid volar plate fixation with pedicled vascularized bone graft in scaphoid waist nonunions with humpback deformity. A retrospective cohort study of individuals with recalcitrant scaphoid fracture nonunion treated with volar scaphoid plating and vascularized bone graft was analyzed. All patients had radiographs with the wrist at neutral with clinical follow-up of at least 3 months after surgery. Ulnar subluxation of the carpus was assessed by the change in lunate uncovering and carpal-radial distance before and after surgery. Seventeen patients were included for analysis. Average age was 26 years with an average follow-up interval of 11.0 months. After surgery, 16 patients (94.1%) had fracture union. Between preoperative and initial postoperative imaging, there was an increase in lunate uncovering (mean difference: 8.8%; 95% confidence interval, 4.6% to 13.1%) and carpal-radial distance (mean difference: 3.3% ulnar shift; 95% confidence interval, 1.1% to 5.4%). After surgery, there was minimal change in lunate uncovering and carpal-radial distance from immediately after surgery to final follow-up. Preoperative lunate uncovering was lower than normal values, suggesting an abnormal radial shift of the carpus with a collapsed scaphoid. Postoperative lunate uncovering was similar to normal values, reflecting an ulnar shift of the carpus after operative intervention. Therapeutic IV.

Colonoscopy quality measures and adherence to follow-up guidelines among endoscopists participating in a U.S. endoscopy registry

Colonoscopy screening can substantially reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Colonoscopies may achieve maximum benefit when they are performed with high quality and accompanied by follow-up recommendations that adhere to clinical guidelines. This study aimed to determine to what extent endoscopists met targets for colonoscopy quality from 2016 through 2019 (the most recent years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic). We examined measures of colonoscopy quality and recommended follow-up intervals in the GI Quality Improvement Consortium, a large nationwide endoscopy registry. The analysis included over 2.5 million outpatient screening colonoscopies in average risk adults aged 50-75 years. At least 90% of endoscopists met performance targets for adequate bowel preparation, cecal intubation rate, and adenoma detection rate. However, nonadherence to guidelines for follow-up intervals was common. For patients with no colonoscopy findings, 12.0% received a follow-up interval recommendation of ≤5 years instead of the guideline-recommended 10 years. For patients with 1-2 small tubular adenomas, 13.5% received a follow-up interval recommendation of ≤3 years instead of the guideline-recommended 5-10 years. For patients with small sessile serrated polyps, 30.7% received a follow-up interval recommendation of ≤3 years instead of the guideline-recommended 5 years. Some patients with higher risk findings received a follow-up interval recommendation of ≥5 years instead of the guideline-recommended 3 years, including 18.2% of patients with advanced serrated lesions. Additional attention may be needed to achieve more consistent adherence to guidelines for colonoscopy follow-up recommendations.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) affects 17.6% of adults aged 50 to 79 years, particularly women. While exercise therapy and corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are common treatments, their limitations include inadequate pain control and potential tendon weakening. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an emerging alternative for GTPS. This systematic review assessed ESWT's efficacy in GTPS by evaluating pain and functional outcomes at different follow-up intervals. A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted comparing ESWT with other GTPS treatments up to March 1, 2024. Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessing study quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A random-effects pairwise meta-analysis compared ESWT with other treatments. Eight RCTs involving 754 patients (169 male, 585 female patients) were included. Seven RCTs were deemed high risk of bias, and 1 RCT had some concerns. Five RCTs investigated focused on focused ESWT, and 3 examined radial ESWT. ESWT provided significantly lower pain scores than other treatments at 2 to 4 months (standardized mean difference = -0.431; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.82 to -0.039; I2 = 83%). Functional improvement (Lower Extremity Functional Scale) was significantly higher at 6 months (weighted mean difference = 6.68; 95% CI, 3.11-10.25; I2 = 0%) but did not exceed the minimal clinically important difference. Focused ESWT provided greater pain reduction than radial ESWT. Three weekly ESWT sessions offer short-term pain relief at 2 to 4 months for patients with GTPS, especially with focused ESWT. Functional improvements at 6 months were notable but not clinically significant. These findings suggest ESWT may complement or serve as an alternative to CSIs and exercise. However, caution is needed when interpreting these results due to high risk of bias with the included RCTs and heterogeneity across the studies. Further high-quality trials are needed to confirm ESWT's long-term benefits over other treatments. Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Higher Revision Rates With In Situ Decompression as Compared to Ulnar Nerve Transposition for Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Meta-Regression Analysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of follow-up time on revision rates of in situ decompression and ulnar nerve transposition for the surgical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify prospective and retrospective primary comparison studies assessing the revision rates of in situ decompression and ulnar nerve transposition for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Meta-regression analyses were used to assess the effect of average study follow-up on the revision rates of both cubital tunnel syndrome treatments. Modeling results were then used to estimate revision rates between decompression and transposition at increasing follow-up times. Sixteen studies including 2,225 patients were included. Average study follow-up time was a statistically significant moderator of revision rates. Model predictions show that in situ decompression operations had an increased risk for revision as compared to ulnar transposition after 48 months of follow-up. In studies with follow-up time ≥48 months, revision rates for in situ decompression (11.9%) were significantly greater than in ulnar transposition (3.2%). In situ decompression for cubital tunnel syndrome is associated with an increased risk of revision surgery as compared to ulnar nerve transposition, particularly when assessed at longer follow-up intervals. The effect of follow-up duration on revision rates demonstrates the need for additional studies to compare outcomes of these operative approaches at follow-up times ≥48 months. This study provides evidence that ulnar nerve transposition may ultimately lead to lower revision rates and demonstrates the need for prospective, randomized trials to corroborate this effect.

Clinical utility of diffusion MRI-derived measures of cortical microstructure in a real-world memory clinic setting.

To investigate cortical microstructural measures from diffusion MRI as "neurodegeneration" markers that could improve prognostic accuracy in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The prognostic power of Amyloid/Tau/Neurodegeneration (ATN) biomarkers to predict progression from MCI to AD or non-AD dementia was investigated. Ninety patients underwent clinical evaluation (follow-up interval 32 ± 18 months), lumbar puncture, and MRI. Participants were grouped by clinical stage and cerebrospinal fluid Amyloid and Tau status. T1-structural and diffusion MRI scans were analyzed to calculate diffusion metrics related to cortical columnar structure (AngleR, ParlPD, PerpPD+), cortical mean diffusivity, and fractional anisotropy. Statistical tests were corrected for multiple comparisons. Prognostic power was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and related indices. A progressive increase of whole-brain cortical diffusion values was observed along the AD continuum, with all A+ groups showing significantly higher AngleR than A-T-. Investigating clinical progression to dementia, the AT biomarkers together showed good positive predictive value (with 90.91% of MCI A+T+ converting to dementia) but poor negative predictive value (with 40% of MCI A-T- progressing to a mix of AD and non-AD dementias). Adding whole-brain AngleR as an N marker, produced good differentiation between stable and converting MCI A-T- patients (0.8 area under ROC curve) and substantially improved negative predictive value (+21.25%). Results support the clinical utility of cortical microstructure to aid prognosis, especially in A-T- patients. Further work will investigate other complexities of the real-world clinical setting, including A-T+ groups. Diffusion MRI measures of neurodegeneration may complement fluid AT markers to support clinical decision-making.

Evaluation of the effect of adjunctive diode laser application on peri-implant crevicular fluid biomarker levels: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo assess both the clinical and immunological effectiveness of diode laser therapy when used as an adjunct to non-surgical mechanical therapy in managing peri-implantitis.Materials and methodsA cohort of 27 participants, comprising 21 females and 6 males, agreed to take part in this investigation. 37 dental implants with peri-implantitis diagnosis were randomly allocated to either the laser group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 18). Evaluation of peri-implant clinical parameters and collection peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples occurred at baseline, as well as at 3 and 6-month follow-up intervals. The level of various biomarkers (TWEAK, IL-1β, sclerostin, IL-17, RANKL, OPG and IL-10) within the PICF were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsSignificant time-dependent decreases in clinical and biochemical parameters were detected in both groups compared to the baseline. There were marked differences between the groups in terms of periodontal parameters, except probing depth, and IL-1β, IL-17, sclerostin levels in PICF at 3rd month follow-up. However, no statistically significant difference was detected at 6th month.ConclusionsDiode laser seems to be a reliable tool as an adjunct for supporting the nonsurgical mechanical treatment during the early stages of peri-implantitis. Furthermore, the findings suggest that IL-17, sclerostin and IL-1β may serve as promising biomarkers for assessing efficacy of peri-implantitis treatment.Clinical relevanceBased on these outcomes, clinicians may consider the application of adjunctive use of diode laser to non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment to achieve better clinical and immunological improvements than nonsurgical peri-implantitis therapy alone in just early healing period. However, it should be noted that there was no difference between the two methods in the long term.

Hydrops regression after vestibular denervation - longitudinal magnetic resonance study in patients with severe Meniere's disease treated with vestibular neurectomy.

The aim was to evaluate endolymphatic hydrops in patients with severe Ménière's disease (MD) before and after vestibular neurectomy to verify if vestibular denervation results in hydrops regression. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed after intravenous gadolinium injection in twenty patients with unilateral definite MD before and after the vestibular neurectomy. Clinical symptoms and audiovestibular tests were evaluated. Follow-up intervals ranged from 18 to 35 months after the surgery. Endolymphatic hydrops were visualized in all patients in the preoperative scans. After the vestibular neurectomy, all patients presented a complete resolution of vertigo episodes. Regression of the endolymphatic hydrops was observed in 35% and 15% of cases analyzing cochlea and vestibule, respectively. In 71.43% of patients with utricular herniation into the lateral semicircular canal, withdrawal of the hernia was visualized. Asymmetrical contrast enhancement in the cochlea regressed in 17.64% of cases. Analyzing all the parameters collectively, in 60% of patients, partial regression of at least one of the radiological signs was confirmed in the follow-up examination. No progression of the endolymphatic hydrops was visualized after the surgery in either the cochlea or the vestibule. Vestibular neurectomy is an effective treatment, eliminating vertigo attacks and improving the quality of life in patients with MD. Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear allows visualization of changes in endolymphatic hydrops degree after treatment. Regression of the endolymphatic hydrops after vestibular neurectomy suggests that vestibular denervation may effectively halt the progression of the endolymphatic space dilatation and result in hydrops regression.

A 12-month randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of revitalization of retreated mature incisors with periapical radiolucency in adolescents

The use of regenrative endodontics is restoring the health status of the root canals of retreated mature teeth is a novel approach. Therefore, the current trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) to non-surgical root canal retreatment (NS-RCR) in reducing periapical radiolucency over one year for the retreatment of mature incisors with periapical periodontitis. The secondary purpose was to assess clinical success and regain pulp sensibility. A parallel randomized controlled trial, 66 mature incisors with periapical radiolucencies were randomly divided into two equal groups and retreated with either REPs or NS-RCR. At baseline and after 6 and 12 months, teeth were assessed clinically and radiographically using a periapical index (PAI). The Mann–Whitney test was used to analyze nonparametric PAI scores. The Electric pulp test readings were analyzed using the repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). Over the follow-up intervals, there was no significant intergroup difference in the PAI medians, the majority of the teeth displayed a reduction in periapical radiolucency. At the end of the follow-up period, the clinical successes for the REP and NS-RCR groups were 93.9% and 97%, respectively (p = 0.555). Positive pulp sensibility was recorded in 54.54% of cases in the REPs after 12 months. Both approaches showed a comparable diminishing of periapical radiolucencies and equivalent clinical results. A conventional, non-surgical endodontic retreatment may not always be necessary.

Characterization of anti-seizure medication reduction and discontinuation rates following epilepsy surgery

ObjectiveMany patients pursue epilepsy surgery with the hope of reducing or stopping anti-seizure medications (ASMs), in addition to reducing their seizure frequency and severity. While ASM decrease is primarily driven by surgical outcomes and patient preferences, preoperative estimates of meaningful ASM reduction or discontinuation are uncertain, especially when accounting for the various forking paths possible following intracranial EEG (iEEG), including resection, neuromodulation, or even the absence of further surgery. Here, we characterize in detail the ASM reduction in a large cohort of patients who underwent iEEG, facilitating proactive, early counseling for a complicated cohort considering surgical treatment. MethodsWe identified a multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent iEEG between 2001 and 2022, with a minimum of two years follow-up. The total number of ASMs prescribed immediately prior to surgery, choice of investigation modality, and subsequent surgical treatment were extracted for each patient. Primary endpoints included decreases in ASM counts from preoperative baseline to various follow-up intervals. ResultsA total of 284 patients were followed for a median of 6.0 (range 2,22) years after iEEG surgery. Patients undergoing resection saw an average reduction of ∼ 0.5 ASMs. Patients undergoing neuromodulation saw no decrease and trended towards requiring increased ASM usage during long-term follow-up. Only patients undergoing resection were likely to completely discontinue all ASMs, with an increasing probability over time approaching ∼ 10 %. Up to half of resection patients saw ASM decreases, which was largely stable during long-term follow-up, whereas only a quarter of neuromodulation patients saw a reduction, though their ASM reduction decreased over time. ConclusionsWith the increasing use of stereotactic EEG and non-curative neuromodulation procedures, realistic estimates of ASM reduction and discontinuation should be considered preoperatively. Almost half of patients undergoing resective surgery can expect to reduce their ASMs, though only a tenth can expect to discontinue ASMs completely. If reduction is not seen early, it likely does not occur later during long-term follow-up. Less than a third of patients undergoing neuromodulation can expect ASM reduction, and instead most may require increased usage during long-term follow-up.

Towards automatic forecasting of lung nodule diameter with tabular data and CT imaging

Objective:This study aims to forecast the progression of lung cancer by estimating the future diameter of lung nodules. Methods:This approach uses as input the tabular data, axial images from tomography scans, and both data types, employing a ResNet50 model for image feature extraction and direct analysis of patient information for tabular data. The data are processed through a neural network before prediction. In the training phase, class weights are assigned based on the rarity of different types of nodules within the dataset, in alignment with nodule management guidelines. Results:Tabular data alone yielded the most accurate results, with a mean absolute deviation of 0.99 mm. For malignant nodules, the best performance, marked by a deviation of 2.82 mm, was achieved using tabular data applying Lung-RADS class weights during training. The tabular data results highlight the influence of using the initial nodule size as an input feature. These results surpass the literature reference of 348-day volume doubling time for malignant nodules. Conclusion:The developed predictive model is optimized for integration into a clinical workflow after detecting, segmenting, and classifying nodules. It provides accurate growth forecasts, establishing a more objective basis for determining follow-up intervals. Significance:With lung cancer’s low survival rates, the capacity for precise nodule growth prediction represents a significant breakthrough. This methodology promises to revolutionize patient care and management, enhancing the chances for early risk assessment and effective intervention.

Individualised prediction of longitudinal change in multimodal brain imaging

Abstract It remains largely unknown whether individualised longitudinal changes of brain imaging features can be predicted based only on the baseline brain images. This would be of great value, for example, for longitudinal data imputation, longitudinal brain-behaviour associations, and early prediction of brain-related diseases. We explore this possibility using longitudinal data of multiple modalities from UK Biobank brain imaging, with around 3,500 subjects. As baseline and follow-up images are generally similar in the case of short follow-up time intervals (e.g., 2 years), a simple copy of the baseline image may have a very good prediction performance. Therefore, for the first time, we propose a new mathematical framework for guiding the longitudinal prediction of brain images, providing answers to fundamental questions: (1) what is a suitable definition of longitudinal change; (2) how to detect the existence of changes; (3) what is the “null” prediction performance; and (4) can we distinguish longitudinal change prediction from simple data denoising. Building on these, we designed a deep U-Net based model for predicting longitudinal changes in multimodal brain images. Our results show that the proposed model can predict to a modest degree individualised longitudinal changes in almost all modalities, and outperforms other potential models. Furthermore, compared with the true longitudinal changes computed from real data, the predicted longitudinal changes have a similar or even improved accuracy in predicting subjects’ non-imaging phenotypes, and have a high between-subject discriminability. Our study contributes a new theoretical framework for longitudinal brain imaging studies, and our results show the potential for longitudinal data imputation, along with highlighting several caveats when performing longitudinal data analysis.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes Following Arthroscopic-Assisted Reduction and Fixation of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract Background: Intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs) are prevalent injuries that are usually difficult to treat and rehabilitate. These injuries may be associated with ligamentous injuries or intra-articular loose fragments. This study aims to assess the functional and radiological results of using arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation, which offers direct visualization of the joint surface, evaluation of intra-articular ligaments, and removal of loose fragments, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes. Patients and Methods: This quasi-experimental interventional study evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation for intra-articular DRFs. The study included 26 patients who met specific inclusion criteria, and data collection involved preoperative assessment, patient preparation, operative measures, postoperative care, and follow-up evaluations using various scoring systems. Results: The range of motion showed a significant (P &lt; 0.001) improvement over the study duration: flexion increased from 42.81° ± 11.81° at 6 weeks to 54.23° ± 14.95° at 12 months, and extension improved from 56.88° ± 13.28° to 68.38° ± 13.43°. In addition, there was a significant reduction in disability and wrist-related symptoms, as indicated by improvements in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (6 weeks: 25.80 ± 15.85 vs. 12 months: 5.27 ± 8.61; P &lt; 0.01) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores at the same follow-up intervals (6 weeks: 46.04 ± 22.49 vs. 12 months: 9.54 ± 12.03; P &lt; 0.001). Chronic illness and injuries like triangular fibrocartilage complex tears affected outcomes negatively. Age, ulnar variance, and palmar tilt were significantly correlated with DASH and PRWE scores. Conclusion: Arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation for intra-articular DRFs resulted in favorable outcomes regarding the range of motion, disability, and wrist-related symptoms. Further research and long-term follow-up studies are recommended to validate the positive outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted reduction and fixation for intra-articular DRFs, compare it with other surgical approaches, and assess its economic implications.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy in Periodontal Treatment: A Longitudinal Study

ABSTRACT Objective: The intention of this longstanding study was to assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as a complementary periodontal therapy method. Methods: Fifty patients with periodontal disease were recruited and randomly randomized to receive either PBM therapy (n = 50) or traditional periodontal management (n = 50) as the control group. Periodontal parameters were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after management, including gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. Statistical analysis was applied. Results: At follow-up intervals, both the PBM management group and the control group showed significant improvements in periodontal markers. The PBM therapy group confirmed a higher degree of improvement than the control group, with statistically significant variations between the groups at 3 and 6 months post management (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, PBM therapy outperforms traditional management techniques in terms of improving periodontal metrics. The incorporation of PBM therapy as an additional therapeutic method for the management of periodontal disease into clinical practice is supported by these findings. To improve management procedures and clarify the longstanding impacts of PBM therapy on periodontal tissue regeneration and clinical results, more investigation is necessary.

Evaluation of ozonated olive oil in the success of immediate dental implants placed into infected sockets

Abstract Purpose This prospective study was conducted to assess the clinical and radiographic influences of topical application of ozonated olive oil on immediate implants inserted into infected fresh extraction sockets. Patients and methods This study was implemented on 14 cases with infected nonrestorable teeth or remaining roots. All cases underwent two-stage implant surgery, stage I: extraction of the tooth, application of ozonated olive oil gel into the infected postextraction socket, and immediate insertion of dental implant fixture, and stage II: 4 months after stage I surgery, the abutment was installed onto the implant fixture. After soft tissue healing around the abutment, the implant was loaded with the final functional prosthesis. All the patients had regular follow-up intervals throughout the study period to evaluate soft tissue and bone healing and implant stability. Results Fourteen patients enrolled in this study, of which there were six (42.9%) males and eight (57.1%) females. The age of the patients ranged between 21 and 45 years with a mean of 33.21 ± 9.16 years. The clinical outcomes including visual analog scale, soft tissue dehiscence, infection, implant stability quotient, gingival index, and peri-implant probing depth all indicated uneventful postoperative healing and 100% survival rate of the implants throughout the follow-up intervals. Radiographic outcome included interpreting cone beam computed tomography measurement of alveolar bone height which showed marked significant positive difference between stage I and stage II surgeries indicating a potential enhancing effect of ozonated olive oil on osseointegration and tissue healing. Conclusion Based on the outcomes of this study, we concluded that topical administration of ozonated olive oil might potentially enhance healing and osseointegration of implants immediately inserted into infected fresh extraction sockets and could exhibit a significant influence on increasing the success rate and minimizing complications. However, further investigation employing a control group, larger sample size, and longer follow-up duration is required to confirm this influence.

Impact of Cryotreated and Warm Sodium Hypochlorite on Postoperative Pain in Teeth With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of cryotreated and warm sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on postoperative pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis. MethodsSixty-six individuals with preoperative pain scores of ≥54 mm on the Heft Parker Visual Analogue Pain Scale (HP-VAS) diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis as per the American Association of Endodontists guidelines in mandibular molars were included. The preparation of the access and the root canals was instrumented and irrigated in accordance with a standard protocol. Based on the temperature of the final irrigant, the root canals were then randomly assigned to 3 groups and 3% NaOCl was irrigated: control (at 25°C), cold NaOCl (2°C), and warm NaOCl (60°C) (n = 22/group). Root canal treatment was completed at the same visit. Pre- and postoperative pain assessment at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours was conducted using the HP-VAS, and analgesic consumption was noted. Suitable statistical tests were used to analyze the data. ResultsIn comparison with the other 2 groups, the cold NaOCl group had a lower HP-VAS score at all follow-up intervals. Between groups, there was a statistically significant difference in postoperative pain scores at 6 and 72 hours (P < .05). None of the subjects experienced any postoperative discomfort at 72 hours in the control and cold NaOCl groups. ConclusionPatients treated with cold NaOCl as the final irrigant experienced significantly less postoperative pain at 6 hours when compared with room temperature and warm NaOCl.

Time-Related Outcome Following Palliative Spatially Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy (Lattice) of Large Tumors – A Case Series

Lattice radiation therapy (LRT), a form of spatially fractionated radiation therapy, holds promise for treating large tumors. Despite its introduction in clinical practice around 2010, there remains limited information on its time-related outcomes despite consistently high response rates and tolerability. We assessed the time-related outcome of our palliative LRT cohort. We conducted an analysis of our LRT program, which involved 45 palliative patients with 56 lesions larger than 7 cm, treated between January 2022 and November 2023. Prospectively defined treatment protocols included delivering 20 to 25 Gy/5 fractions to the tumor with a stereotactic simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) of 60 to 65 Gy to lattice vertices (n = 45/56) or, mainly in preirradiated lesions, single fraction stereotaxy with 1 × 15 to 20 Gy to vertices only (n = 11/56). Follow-up (FU) intervals were determined based on clinical considerations, considering the mostly highly palliative situation of included patients. Outcome assessments focused on subjective benefit and objective radiologic FU response. The mean/median FU was 5.5/4.0 months (0.3-21 months). A total of 25/45 (56%) patients died after a mean/median of 3.9/2.0 months (0.3-14 months). Fourteen of 56 lesions (25%) were previously irradiated, with a mean/median of 18/13 months (4-72 months) prior to LRT. The mean/median gross tumor volume (GTV) measured 797/415 cc (54-4027 cc) and 14/13 cm (7-28 cm). Subjective statements at LRT completion were available from 37 symptomatic patients: 32/37 (87%) reported fast symptom relief, and 5/37 felt no change under LRT or at LRT completion. Early tolerance was excellent (G0-1). FU imaging was available from 40/56 lesions (71%): progression in 3/40 at first exam one at 1.5 and 4 months post-LRT, and stable disease (±10%) in 5/40 assessed at 2, 3, 3, and 4 months post-LRT. First measure shrinkage of 48%/30% (10%-100%) was found in 32/40 lesions (80%) after a mean/median of 2.8/3 months (0.3-7 months). Maximum shrinkage over time based on 21 cases with at least 1 FU imaging measured a mean/median of 62%/60% after 6.2/5.5 months. The duration of radiologic response was a mean/median of 7.4/7.0 months (1-21 months). Short-course LRT emerged as an effective and well-tolerated palliative option for very large lesions, whether treatment-naïve or previously irradiated. Nearly 90% of symptomatic patients reported significant subjective benefit, and 80% of assessed lesions demonstrated tumor shrinkage ≥10%, with a mean response duration of >6 months.

Assessing the impact of nodule features and software algorithm on pulmonary nodule measurement uncertainty for nodules sized 20 mm or less.

Measurements are not exact, so that if a measurement is repeated, one would get a different value each time. The spread of these values is the measurement uncertainty. Understanding measurement uncertainty of pulmonary nodules is important for proper interpretation of size and growth measurements. Larger amounts of measurement uncertainty may require longer follow-up intervals to be confident that any observed growth is due to actual growth rather than measurement uncertainty. We examined the influence of nodule features and software algorithm on measurement uncertainty of small, solid pulmonary nodules. Volumes of 107 nodules were measured on 4-6 repeated computed tomography (CT) scans (Siemens Somatom AS, 100 kVp, 120 mA, 1.0 mm slice thickness reconstruction) prospectively obtained during CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy between 2015-2021 at Department of Diagnostic, Molecular, and Interventional Radiology in Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, using two different automated volumetric algorithms. For each, the coefficient of variation (standard deviation divided by the mean) of nodule volume measurements was determined. The following features were considered: diameter, location, vessel and pleural attachments, nodule surface area, and extent of the nodule in the three acquisition dimensions of the scanner. Median volume of 107 nodules was 515.23 and 535.53 mm3 for algorithm #1 and #2, respectively with excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.98). Median coefficient of variation of nodule volume was low for the two algorithms, but significantly different (4.6% vs. 8.7%, P<0.001). Both algorithms had a trend of decreasing coefficient of variation of nodule volume with increasing nodule diameter, though only significant for algorithm #2. Coefficient of variation of nodule volume was significantly associated with nodule volume (P=0.02), attachment to blood vessels (P=0.02), and nodule surface area (P=0.001) for algorithm #2 using a multiple linear regression model. Correlation between the coefficient of variation (CoV) of nodule volume and the CoV of the x, y, z measurements for algorithm #1 were 0.29 (P=0.0021), 0.25 (P=0.009), and 0.80 (P<0.001) respectively, and for algorithm #2, 0.46 (P<0.001), 0.52 (P<0.001), and 0.58 (P<0.001), respectively. Even in the best-case scenario represented in this study, using the same measurement algorithm, scanner, and scanning protocol, considerable measurement uncertainty exists in nodule volume measurement for nodules sized 20 mm or less. We found that measurement uncertainty was affected by interactions between nodule volume, algorithm, and shape complexity.

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Diode and Er,Cr:YSGG Lasers as an Alternative to Formocresol and Sodium Hypochlorite for Pulpotomy Techniques in Primary Molars: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Background Pulpotomy treatment is one of the vital pulp therapies that can play a major role in the preservation of primary teeth until their natural exfoliation. The objective of this current clinical trial was to assess the clinical and radiographical success of diode and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers as a viable alternative to formocresol (FC) and sodium hypochlorite in the primary molar pulpotomies. Materials and methods Sixty primary molars were selected and randomly allocated to four groups. All treatment groups followed the same clinical protocol, except for the techniques used for hemostasis of the pulpotomy sites. In group A, hemostasis was achieved by applying a 1:5 dilution of FC solution, whereas in group B, 3% sodium hypochlorite was applied to achieve hemostasis. In group C, exposure to a diode laser of 940 nm was performed, whereas for group D, erbium laser irradiation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser of 2,780 nm was employed to achieve hemostasis. Radicular pulp stamps were covered with a 2 mm layer of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) paste. Stainless steel crowns were utilized for the final restorations of the primary teeth. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at the six- and 12-month follow-up intervals. The investigation was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol and Registration System (ID: NCT06002646). Results The overall clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy were 92.3% for FC, 89% for sodium hypochlorite, 98.3% for a diode laser, and 98.7% for Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. There were no statistically significant differences among the four groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Both the diode and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers showed outcomes comparable to those of FC and sodium hypochlorite. Therefore, they could be promising alternatives to primary tooth pulpotomies.