Lesion Depth Research Articles

Enamel Matrix Derivative, 58S5 Bioactive Glass, and Fluoride Varnish for Enamel Remineralization: A Multi-analysis Approach.

This study aimed to evaluate the enamel remineralization efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), experimental bioactive glass (BAG), and fluoride varnish in vitro. Artificial initial caries lesions were developed on fifty human enamel specimens using demineralization solution (pH 4.5, 37°C, 96 hours). Specimens were randomly assigned to five groups (n=10): I-5% NaF varnish (Enamelast), II-experimental 58S5 BAG+37% phosphoric acid (PA), III-EMD (Emdogain) + Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), IV-EMD+37% PA, V-Control (untreated). All remineralization agents were applied with pH cycling for seven days. The specimens were scanned by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at baseline, at demineralization, and after pH cycling. Lesion depths were measured using image analysis software (ImageJ). Lesions were evaluated using surface microhardness (SMH) and two fluorescence methods (FluoreCam and DIAGNOdent Pen [DDPen]). The data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05). According to SD-OCT results, fluoride varnish was found to be the most effective agent in reducing lesion depth (p=0.005). All agents increased the SMH values after pH cycling. No significant difference was found among fluoride varnish, BAG, and EMD+PA groups. These SMH values were significantly higher than EMD+EDTA and control groups (p<0.001). All groups showed lower DDPen scores compared with the control group (p<0.001), however, no significant difference was found among the remineralization agents. In FluoreCam assessment, size and intensity values of all treated groups showed improvement. However, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups in terms of FluoreCam size measurements (p=0.186). 58S5 BAG and EMD+PA have remineralization capacity as effective as fluoride varnish. EMD+PA showed better SMH and lesion intensity results than EMD+EDTA.

Impact of Contact Force on Pulsed Field Ablation Outcomes Using Focal Point Catheter.

Conventional focal radiofrequency catheters may be modified to enable multiple energy modalities (radiofrequency or pulsed field [PF]) with the benefit of contact force (CF) feedback, providing greater flexibility in the treatment of arrhythmias. Information on the impact of CF on lesion formation in PF ablations remains limited. An in vivo study was performed with 8 swine using an investigational dual-energy CF focal catheter with local impedance. Experiment I: To evaluate atrial lesion formation, contiguity, and width, a point-by-point approach was used to create an intercaval line. The distance between the points was prespecified at 4±1 mm. Half of the line was created with radiofrequency energy, whereas the other half utilized PF (single 2.0 kV application with a proprietary waveform). Experiment II: To evaluate single application lesion dimensions with a proprietary waveform, discrete ventricular lesions were performed with PFA (single 2.0 kV application) with targeted levels of CF: low, 5 to 15 g; medium, 20 to 30 g; and high, 35 to 45 g. Following 1 week of survival, animals underwent endocardial/epicardial remapping, and euthanasia to enable histopathologic examination. Experiment I: Both energy modalities resulted in a complete intercaval line of transmural ablation. PF resulted in significantly wider lines than radiofrequency: minimum width, 14.9±2.3 versus 5.0±1.6 mm; maximum width, 21.8±3.4 versus 7.3±2.1 mm, respectively; P<0.01 for each. Histology confirmed transmural lesions with both modalities. Experiment II: With PF, lesion depth, width, and volume were larger with higher degrees of CF (depth: r=0.82, P<0.001; width: r=0.26, P=0.052; and volume: r=0.55, P<0.001), with depth increasing at a faster rate than width. The mean depths were as follows: low (n=17), 4.3±1.0 mm; medium (n=26), 6.4±1.2 mm; and high (n=14), 9.1±1.4 mm. Using the same focal point CF-sensing catheter, a novel PF ablation waveform with a single application resulted in transmural atrial lesions that were significantly wider than radiofrequency. Lesion depth showed a significant positive correlation with CF with depths of 6.4 mm at moderate CF.

Influence of different pre-treatments on the resin infiltration depth into enamel of teeth affected by molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH)

ObjectivesThis in vitro pilot study aimed to evaluate whether different pre-treatments (demineralization, deproteinization, (chemo-)mechanical reduction of the surface layer) influence the penetration depth of a resin infiltrant into MIH-affected enamel compared to initial carious lesions. MethodsThirty extracted human permanent molars with non-cavitated initial carious lesions (n = 5) or MIH (n = 25) were chosen and randomly assigned to six experimental groups: IC: initial caries; M: MIH; MN: MIH, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite; MM: MIH, microabrasion; MA: MIH, air abrasion; MAN: MIH, air abrasion and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. A modified indirect dual fluorescence staining method was adopted to assess the penetration depth (PD) of the resin infiltrant and the lesion depth (LD) by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Exemplarily, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images were captured. The relationship between group assignment and penetration/lesion depth was estimated using a linear mixed model incorporating the tooth as random effect (two observations/tooth). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. ResultsFor MIH-affected molars, the mean PD (in µm; median, [minimum-maximum]) were M (178.2 [32.5–748.9]), MN (275.6 [105.3–1131.0]), MM (48.7 [0.0–334.4]), MA (287.7 [239.4–491.7]), and MAN (245.4 [76.1–313.5]). Despite the observed differences in PD between the groups, these could not be statistically verified (Bonferroni, p = 0.322). The percentage penetration was significantly higher for IC than for MIH groups (Bonferroni, p < 0.05). SignificanceCompared to IC, resin infiltration into MIH-affected enamel ist more variable. Different pre-treatments influence the resin penetration into developmentally hypomineralized enamel to a fluctuating level.

Revisiting the "Puffed Cheek" Technique: Advantages, Fallacies, and Potential Solutions.

The "puffed cheek" technique is routinely performed during CT neck studies in patients with suspected oral cavity cancers. The insufflation of air within the oral vestibule helps in the detection of small buccal mucosal lesions, with better delineation of lesion origin, depth, and extent of spread. The pitfalls associated with this technique are often underrecognized and poorly understood. They can mimic actual lesions, forfeiting the technique's primary purpose. This review provides an overview of the puffed cheek technique and its associated pitfalls. These pitfalls include pneumoparotid, soft palate elevation that resembles a nasopharyngeal mass, various tongue displacements or distortions that obscure tongue lesions or mimic them, sublingual gland herniation, an apparent exacerbation of the airway edema, vocal cord adduction that hinders glottic evaluation, and false indications of osteochondronecrosis in laryngeal cartilage. Most stem from a common underlying mechanism of unintentional Valsalva maneuver engaged in by the patient while trying to perform a puffed cheek, creating a closed air column under positive pressure with resultant surrounding soft-tissue displacement. These pitfalls can thus be avoided by instructing the patient to maintain continuous nasal breathing while puffing out their cheek during image acquisition, preventing the formation of the closed air column. Keywords: CT, Head/Neck © RSNA, 2024.

Enhancing precision in osteochondral lesions of the talus measurements and improving agreement in surgical decision-making using weight-bearing computed tomography and distance mapping.

Weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) enables the creation of a three-dimensional (3D) model that represents the ankle morphology in a standing position. Distance mapping (DM) is a complementary feature that uses color coding to represent the relative intraarticular distance and can be used to outline intraarticular defects. Consequently, DM offers a novel approach to delineating osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT), allowing for the quantification of its surface, volumeand depth. The reliability of DM for OLT measurements has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This study primarily aims to determine the reliability of DM in measuring the surface, depthand volume of OLT. A secondary objective is to ascertain whether measurements obtained through DM, when integrated with a predefined treatment algorithm, can facilitate consensus among surgeons regarding the optimal surgical intervention. This cohort comprised 36 patients with 40 OLTs evaluated using WBCT and DM. Two raters used DM to determine the lesion boundary (LB) and lesion fundus (LF) and calculate the lesion depth, surfaceand volume. The raters were asked to choose between bone marrow stimulation, autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesisand osteochondral transposition based on the measurement. Inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was measured. Interclass correlation of the lesion's depth surface produced an excellent inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of 0.90-0.94 p < 0.001. Cohen's κ agreement analysis of the preferable preoperative plan produced a κ = 0.834, p < 0.001, indicating a near-perfect agreement. WBCT-based 3D modules and DM can be used to measure the lesion'ssurface, depth and volume with excellent inter-rater and inter-rater agreement; using this measurement and a predetermined treatment algorithm, a near-perfect inter-rater agreement for the preoperative planning was reached. WBCT in conjunction with AI capabilities could help determine the type of surgery needed preoperatively, evaluate the hindfoot alignmentand assess if additional surgeries are needed. Level III.

Optimal ablation settings of TactiFlex SE laser-cut irrigated-tip catheter: comparison with ThermoCool SmartTouch SurroundFlow porous irrigated-tip catheter.

The TactiFlex SE catheter (TFSE, Abbott) with a contact force (CF) sensor and a laser-cut irrigated-tip has recently become available but lacks a lesion quality marker. This study aimed to explore distinctions in lesion characteristics between the TFSE and the ThermoCool SmartTouch SurroundFlow catheter (STSF, Biosense Webster), which utilizes a porous irrigated tip, and to assess the most effective application settings for the TFSE. Lesions were generated using varying settings of radiofrequency power (30-50 W), CF (10-20 g), application duration (10-40 s), and catheter orientation (perpendicular or parallel) in an ex vivo porcine model. Comparative analysis between the TFSE and STSF was conducted for lesion characteristics and incidence of steam pops using predictive models in regression analyses. Among 720 applications, the TFSE exhibited a significantly lower incidence of steam pops compared to the STSF (0.6% vs. 36.8%, P < 0.001). Moreover, coefficients of determination (R2) for the TFSE were higher than those for the STSF concerning lesion depth (0.710 vs. 0.541) and volume (0.723 vs. 0.618). The lesion size generated with the TFSE was notably smaller than that with the STSF under identical application settings. Additionally, to achieve a lesion depth ≥ 4.0 mm, the TFSE required an application duration 8-12 s longer than the STSF under similar settings. The TFSE demonstrated a lower incidence of steam pops and superior predictability in lesion size compared to the STSF. However, the TFSE necessitated a longer application duration than the STSF to achieve an adequate lesion size.

Location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion in patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability

BackgroundIn patients with traumatic posterior shoulder instability, little is known about the precise location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion. MethodsForty-nine shoulders of 47 patients with traumatic posterior instability were included in this study based on the following inclusion criteria: 1) a primary or recurrent traumatic posterior shoulder dislocation, and 2) the initial event was caused by trauma. Patients were excluded if they had: 1) no history of trauma, 2) prior shoulder surgery, 3) no CT examination, or 4) seizure cases. Three-dimensional images of the humerus reconstructed from CT images were reviewed using an image analysis software. The location and size of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion were measured and described on a clock face on the humeral head. ResultsThe reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was observed in 25 of 49 shoulders (51%). The reverse Hill-Sachs lesions were located between 1:37 and 2:48. The depth of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion (mean ± SD) was 5.8 ± 2.2 mm. The extent of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was 35° ± 12°. The average orientation of the reverse Hill-Sachs lesion, represented by an angle measured from the 12 o'clock position, was 64° ± 12° and pointing towards 2:09 on a clock face. Length and width of reverse Hill-Sachs lesions were 9.7 ± 4.7 mm, 11.1 ± 3.6 mm, respectively. ConclusionThe reverse Hill-Sachs lesion was a semicircular compression fracture located on the anteromedial aspect of the humeral head. Compared with shoulders with anterior shoulder instability, the humeral defect was smaller and located more inferiorly in shoulders with posterior instability.

Evaluation of Penetration Depth and Caries Progression using Resin Infiltrant in Natural White Spot Lesions of Primary Molars.

Management of white spot lesions (WSLs) using resin infiltrants, like ICON®, is a novel technique that emphasizes the concept of minimally invasive dentistry. Evaluate penetration depth and its effect on caries progression of ICON® in natural WSLs of primary molars. A total of 30 human primary molars with natural WSLs were selected. A total of 15 samples each were randomly selected to evaluate penetration depth and caries progression. To evaluate penetration depth, lesion surfaces were sectioned into two halves, wherein one half served as control, while the other half received ICON® infiltration treatment. To evaluate the effect on caries progression, samples were sectioned into two halves, wherein one half served as a control to its experimental counterpart, which received ICON® infiltration. The initial depth of the subsurface lesion (baseline data) was measured, and all the sample subsets underwent pH cycling. Confocal laser fluorescence microscope (CFLM) evaluation was performed, and penetration depth was assessed using a laser scanning microscopy (LSM) image reader, while caries progression was evaluated using PhotoScape® software. ICON® resin infiltrant penetrated to significant depths into the WSLs (p < 0.001) and demonstrated significant inhibition of caries progression (p < 0.001). The novel technique using ICON® could be an invaluable tool in the management of WSLs in primary teeth. Babu G, Mallikarjun S, Vijayan V, et al. Evaluation of Penetration Depth and Caries Progression using Resin Infiltrant in Natural White Spot Lesions of Primary Molars. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):390-394.

Relative contribution of contact force to lesion depth using high-power short-duration radiofrequency applications

Relative contribution of contact force to lesion depth using high-power short-duration radiofrequency applications

Evaluation of resin infiltration for inhibiting initial caries progression: An in vitro study using Micro-Computed Tomographic analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes in lesion depth and mineral density of resin infiltration-treated white spot lesions against asimulated oral environment using thermal and acidic challenges in vitro. Materials and methodsTwo enamel slabs were prepared from each buccal surface of permanent human premolars, for a total of 56 slabs. Artificial white spot lesions were induced. One specimen was treated with resin infiltration, while the other was used as an untreated control. A micro-CT was used to assess the lesion depth and mineral density of each specimen. Subsequently, all specimens were subjected to 10,000 cycles of thermocycling and pH cycling for 10 days before being re-evaluated using the micro-CT. Lesion depth and mineral density were examined and compared between before and after aging procedures within each group by the paired sample t-test. The independent samples t-test was utilized to compare lesion depth progression and percentage change of mineral density between groups. ResultsAfter aging, there was both a significant lesion depth progression and a mineral loss in the control and resin infiltration groups. Mean lesion depth progression was 132.88 ± 4.18 µm for the control group and 52.31 ± 4.16 µm for resin infiltration group. Percentage mineral density loss as a percentage for the control and resin infiltration groups were 16.1 ± 0.64 % and 8.83 ± 0.30 %, respectively. The resin infiltration group demonstrated a significantly lower mean lesion depth progression and percentage changes in mineral loss compared to the control group. ConclusionsThe lesion depth and mineral density changes in the resin infiltrated-treated group were lower than untreated white spot lesions after aging procedures using thermal and acidic challenges. Clinical significanceResin infiltration is a promising approach to inhibit the progression of white spot lesions related to the initial stage of dental caries.

Hemorrhage risk prediction after computed tomography-guided lung biopsy: Clinical parameters and quantitative pulmonary vascular analysis

Background/purposeWe evaluated the utility of combining quantitative pulmonary vasculature measures with clinical factors for predicting pulmonary hemorrhage after computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy. MethodsPatients who underwent CT-guided lung biopsy were retrospectively included in this study. Clinical and radiographic vasculature variables were evaluated as predictors of pulmonary hemorrhage. The radiographic pulmonary vascular analysis included vessel count, density, diameter, and area, and also blood volume in small vessels with a cross-sectional area ≤5 mm2 (BV5) and total blood vessel volume (TBV) in the lungs. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify the independent risk factors of higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage and establish the prediction model presented as a nomogram. ResultsThe study included 126 patients; discovery cohort n = 103, and validation cohort n = 23. All pulmonary hemorrhage, higher-grade (grade ≥2) pulmonary hemorrhage, and hemoptysis occurred in 42.9%, 15.9%, and 3.2% of patients who underwent CT-guided lung biopsies. In the discovery cohort, patients with larger lesion depth (p = 0.013), higher vessel density (p = 0.033), and higher BV5 (p = 0.039) were more likely to experience higher-grade hemorrhage. The nomogram prediction model for higher-grade hemorrhage built by the discovery cohort showed similar performance in the validation cohort. ConclusionsHigher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage may occur after CT-guided lung biopsy. Lesion depth, vessel density, and BV5 are independent risk factors for higher-grade pulmonary hemorrhage. Nomograms integrating clinical parameters and radiographic pulmonary vasculature measures offer enhanced capability for assessing hemorrhage risk following CT-guided lung biopsy, thereby facilitating improved patient clinical care.

Diagnostic advantages of transrectal ultrasound with gastrointestinal agent instillation for rectal adenoma and early-stage rectal cancer: comparison of conventional transrectal ultrasound techniques.

Despite being a major focus of medical research for decades, rectal cancer remains a major threat to human health. This study aimed to compare and analyze the diagnostic value of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) for rectal adenoma and early-stage rectal cancer before and after gastrointestinal agent instillation. In this prospective study, patients diagnosed with rectal adenomas and early-stage rectal cancer by ultrasound were randomly selected for inclusion. All patients underwent ultrasound examination at the Outpatient Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University and underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Patients with a lesion located 13 cm or more from the edge of the anus, or history of surgery, and a history of radiation and chemotherapy were excluded. A gastrointestinal agent was directly instilled into the rectal cavity during conventional TRUS to compare and analyze the display of rectal lesions before and after such instillation and to evaluate the infiltration depth of rectal lesions. These findings were compared to the pathological findings to determine the diagnostic efficacy. Both the conventional TRUS and TRUS with gastrointestinal agent instillation were able to show the rectal wall structure and rectal lesions; the detection rate of rectal lesions of the former was 75.0%, and that of the latter was 97.1% (P<0.001). Of the 27 rectal adenomas, conventional TRUS detected 10, and TRUS with gastrointestinal agent instillation detected 25 lesions. The accuracy [90.54%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 81.48-96.11%; P=1.05E-08], specificity (87.88%; 95% CI: 71.80-96.60%; P=1.09E-05), and sensitivity (92.68%; 95% CI: 80.08-98.47%; P=1.05E-08) of TRUS in diagnosing early-stage rectal cancer were consistent with the pathological findings (P<0.001). The accuracy (95.95%, 95% CI: 88.61-99.16%; P=3.82E-11), specificity (93.94%, 95% CI: 79.77-99.26%; P=1.31E-07), and sensitivity (97.56%, 95% CI: 87.15-99.94%; P=3.82E-11) of TRUS after gastrointestinal agent infusion in diagnosing early-stage rectal cancer were consistent with the pathological findings (P<0.001). The specificity (87.88%; 95% CI: 71.80-96.60%; P=1.09E-05) of TRUS in diagnosing rectal adenomas was consistent with the pathological finding (P<0.001), but the accuracy (65%; 95% CI: 51.60-76.87%; P=0.25) and sensitivity (37.04%, 95% CI: 19.40-57.63%; P=0.25) were not (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the accuracy (93.33%; 95% CI: 83.80-98.15%; P=5.65E-06), specificity (93.94; 95% CI: 79.77-99.26%; P=1.31E-07), and sensitivity (92.59%; 95% CI: 75.71-99.09%; P=5.65E-06) of TRUS after gastrointestinal agent infusion in diagnosing rectal adenomas were consistent with the pathological findings (P<0.001). TRUS with gastrointestinal agent instillation had significantly improved accuracy in diagnosing early-stage rectal cancer and detecting intrarectal adenomatoid lesions.

A method for teaching depth of corneal lesions using a portable slit lamp (biomicroscope).

A novel, simple, and inexpensive model for teaching depth of lesions within the cornea using slit lamp biomicroscopy to veterinary students, ophthalmology residents, and general clinicians with access to a slit lamp biomicroscope is described. Using common laboratory items, this method can be created in any clinic and can be used to teach and quiz students through independent study with objective self-testing achieved.

Pulsed Field Ablation Index-Guided Ablation for Lesion Formation: Impact of Contact Force and Number of Applications in the Ventricular Model.

The effect of contact force (CF) on lesion formation is not clear during pulsed field ablation (PFA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CF, PFA, and their interplay through the PFA index (PF index) formula on the ventricular lesion size in swine. PFA was delivered through the CF-sensing OMNYPULSE catheter. Predefined PFA applications (×3, ×6, ×9, and ×12) were delivered maintaining low (5-25 g), high (26-50 g), and very high (51-80 g) CFs. First, PFA lesions were evaluated on necropsy in 11 swine to investigate the impact of CF/PFA-and their integration in the PF index equation-on lesion size (study characterization). Then, 3 different PF index thresholds-300, 450, and 600-were tested in 6 swine to appraise the PF index accuracy to predict the ventricular lesion depth (study validation). In the study characterization data set, 111 PFA lesions were analyzed. CF was 32±17 g. The average lesion depth and width were 3.5±1.2 and 12.0±3.5 mm, respectively. More than CF and PFA dose alone, it was their combined effect to impact lesion depth through an asymptotically increasing relationship. Likewise, not only was the PF index related to lesion depth in the study validation data set (r2=0.66; P<0.001) but it also provided a prediction accuracy of the observed depth of ±2 mm in 69/73 lesions (95%). CF and PFA applications play a key role in lesion formation during PFA. Further studies are required to evaluate the best PFA ablation settings to achieve transmural lesions.

Comparative Study of Lesions Obtained through Radiofrequency between the Irrigated Ablation Catheter with a Flexible Tip and the Non-Irrigated Catheter in Ex Vivo Porcine Hearts.

At the same conditions of delivered power and contact force, open-irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheters are believed to create deeper lesions, while non-irrigated ones produce shallower lesions. This ex vivo study aims to directly compare the lesion dimensions and characteristics of an irrigated ablation catheter with a flexible tip and a non-irrigated solid-tip catheter. Radiofrequency lesions were induced on porcine myocardial slabs using both open-tip irrigated and non-irrigated standard 4 mm catheters at three power settings (20 W, 30 W, and 40 W), maintaining a fixed contact force of 10 gr. A lesion assessment was conducted including the lesion depth, depth at the maximum diameter, and lesion surface diameters, with the subsequent calculation of the lesion volume and area being undertaken. Irrigated catheters produced lesions with significantly higher superficial widths at all power levels (3.8 vs. 4.4 mm at 20 W; 3.9 mm vs. 4.4 mm at 30 W; 3.8 mm vs. 4.5 mm at 40 W; p = 0.001, p = 0.019, p = 0.003, respectively). Non-irrigated catheters resulted in significantly higher superficial areas at all power levels (23 mm2 vs. 18 mm2 at 20 W; 25 mm2 vs. 19 mm2 at 30 W; 26 mm2 vs. 19 mm2 at 40 W; p = 0.001, p = 0.005, p = 0.001, respectively). Irrigated catheters showed significantly higher values of lesion maximum depth at 40 W (4.6 mm vs. 5.5 mm; p = 0.007), while non-irrigated catheters had a significantly higher calculated volume at 20 W (202 µL vs. 134 µL; p = 0.002). Radiofrequency ablation using an irrigated catheter with a flexible tip has the potential to generate smaller superficial lesion areas compared with those obtained using a non-irrigated catheter.

The Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Caries Preventive Agent on Permanent Teeth: A Scoping Review.

Dental caries is a chronic condition that affects people of all ages and has a high prevalence in Indonesia. Applying silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a topical fluoridation agent is one of the approaches to prevent bacterial interactions that lead to the development of carious lesions. This study aims to determine the efficacy of SDF as a caries preventive agent on permanent teeth. Article searches were conducted using the keywords "silver diamine fluoride" AND "permanent tooth OR permanent teeth" AND "caries OR dental caries" AND "remineralize" through digital databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Articles with randomized controlled trial or nonrandomized controlled trial designs, articles written in Indonesian or English, publications published within the last 5 years (2016-2021), and aligned with the PCC (population, concept, and context) framework were included. Articles that were not accessible in full text or in a paid format, those that were of the meta-analysis or systematic review study type, and those that did not evaluate the use of SDF as a caries preventive agent were excluded from consideration. This scoping review refers to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extensions for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A total of 8 articles were reviewed, encompassing various locations, designs, and samples, which demonstrated the use of SDF resulted in a high percentage of fluoride release with a high degree of remineralization efficacy. The deposition of crystals or minerals into fissures and crevices caused by demineralization indicated a reduction in lesion depth and influenced the microhardness of enamel. SDF can stimulate the rehardening of tooth structures rich in calcium and phosphate. The solution of SDF has the potential to serve as an alternative substance for preventing caries in permanent teeth because it enhances mineral precipitation and mineral density, promotes the remineralization of hydroxyapatite in enamel by increasing fluoride, and increases tooth structure resistance to acid attack.

Bipolar endo-epicardial RF ablation: Animal feasibility study

BackgroundBipolar radiofrequency ablation (B-RFA) is a method used to treat the arrhythmia substrate resistant to unipolar ablation. Few studies have addressed endo-epicardial B-RFA. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate chronic lesions resulting from endo-epicardial B-RFA and to determine optimal settings for such procedures in an animal model. MethodsIn 7 pigs, up to 5 radiofrequency applications per animal were performed with 2 electrodes placed on both sides of the left ventricular free wall. Current was delivered for 60 seconds by a generator dedicated for B-RFA with power settings of 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50 W. ResultsAt 12 weeks after ablation, 31 lesions were assessed. Their maximal cross-sectional area ranged from 7.2 to 68 mm2 and correlated with total power delivered (r = 0.53), with temperature increment at the endocardial catheter (r = 0.65), and inversely with temperature decrement at the epicardial catheter (r = 0.54). For power values between 30 and 40 W, the lesion area did not differ significantly (P = .92). Lesion depth ranged from 1.9 to 11 mm and correlated with impedance decrement (r = 0.5). Lesions were transmural in 8 cases. Lesion depth/wall thickness ratio was on average 0.6 ± 0.3, with the smallest value for 25 W (0.5 ± 0.3) and the largest for 50 W (0.8 ± 0.3). Steam pops occurred at a power range of 30–50 W, with an incidence of 1 in 5 applications, with 1 case of fatal tamponade at 40 W. Impedance decrement, endocardial catheter temperature increment, and endocardial electrogram amplitude decrement were greater during applications with steam pops. ConclusionChronic lesions resulting from endo-epicardial B-RFA appear smaller and less often transmural compared with acute lesions described in the literature. The incidence of steam pops during endo-epicardial B-RFA is relatively high even at low powers.

Diagnostic Imaging of Agminated Blue Lesions and Blue Lesions with Satellitosis: Case Series with a Concise Review of the Current Literature

Background: Agmination and/or satellitosis in pigmented blue lesions is a phenomenon rarely mentioned in the literature and not well known. This phenomenon can be expressed by several benign and malignant pigmented blue lesions, such as blue nevi, Spitz nevi, melanocytoma and melanoma. On this spectrum, dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dynamic Optical coherence tomography (D-OCT) represent non-invasive imaging technologies, which may help clinicians in the diagnosis of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in daily clinical practice. Methods: Currently, in the literature there is a lack of new data about agminated blue lesions and blues lesions with satellitosis, as well as the lack of a recent and updated review of the literature about this topic. Therefore, considering that clinicians must be confident with the diagnosis of these rare skin lesions, we decided to carry out this work. Results: In this paper, four new cases of agminated pigmented cutaneous lesions were described. Moreover, a review of the current literature on this topic was performed. Conclusions: A clinical–pathological correlation is often needed to reach a correct diagnosis; currently, dermoscopy and non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography, due to the depth of these skin lesions in the dermis, can only make a partial and limited contribution.

The Inhibitory Effect of CW CO2 Laser on Carieslike Lesion Initiation on Sound Enamel: an In Vitro Study

Although CO2 laser irradiation can decrease enamel demineralization, it has still not been clarified which laser wavelength and which irradiation conditions represent the optimum parameters for application as preventive treatment. One of the important applications of the laser is as a caries inhibition treatment of the sound dental tissues. This study aimed to assess the caries preventive potential of various CW CO2 laser parameters, and to explore the effect of laser power density, and the exposure time on the caries inhibition activity. Eighty one extracted human premolar teeth were irradiated with three output power: (1, 2, and 4) W, three spot diameter: (2, 2.83, and 4) mm, and three exposure times: (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8) sec of 10.6µm CW CO2 laser. Three teeth were used as a control group. All teeth were subjected to carieslike lesion formation by 3.5 pH lactic acid solution for 21 days. The teeth after that were sectioned into ground cross sections and the lesion depths were measured under polarizing microscope. The lesion depths of experimental samples were compared with those of the control samples. A single exposure to CW CO2 las er irradiation was found to be resulted in reduction of the carieslik e lesion depths. These reductions were up to 61%. The inhibition activity was related directly to the power density and inversely to the exposure time of CW CO2 laser radiation. The optimal parameters were 33W/cm2 power density and 0.2 exposure time. These finding should be reinforced with more laboratory, animal, and human studies with and without fluoride before clinical applications.

Effects of Irradiation of Continuous Wave Carbon Dioxide Laser on Caries Resistance of Deciduous Teeth

The objective of this st udy aimed to assess the caries-preventive potential of various CW CO2 laser parameters, and to explore the effect of the laser power density on the caries inhibition activity.Extracted human deciduous molars were irradiated with three various power dens ities, by changing the output power, the exposure time, and the spot diameter. The CO2 laser system emitted laser with 10.6µm in wavelength. All teeth were subjected to carieslike lesion form ation by 3.5 pH lactic acid for 21 days. The teeth after that were sectioned into ground cross sections and the lesion depths were measured under a polarizing microscope.CW CO2 laser preventive treatments inhibited carieslike lesion progres sion up to 82%. This effect was improved with increasing power d ensity within the limits of the examined laser parameters.