Middle Third Research Articles

Intratubular Penetration Depth of Ultrasound Activated Bioceramic Sealant Cements at the Dentin-Radicular Cement Interface

To evaluate the intratubular penetration depth of ultrasound-activated bioceramic sealant cements into root dentin, specifically at the dentin-cement interface. This in vitro experimental study was conducted with samples that were randomly divided based on the type of sealer used and whether ultrasound activation was applied prior to obturation. This resulted in four experimental groups (n=40). Groups A1 and B1 utilized the Eighteeth Ultra X ultrasonic activator with a blue tip #20 featuring a 2% taper at low power for activation, while groups A2 and B2 did not employ any form of activation. The symbol (+) denotes groups with ultrasonic activation, while (-) represents groups without ultrasonic activation. In the middle third, it was observed that BioC Sealer (+) had a mean sealing value of 0.66±0.17, while MTA Fillapex (+) showed a mean value of 0.38±0.07. It was found that BioC Sealer (-) had a mean sealing value of 0.24±0.04 in the middle third, while MTA Fillapex (-) showed a mean value of 0.16±0.04. These differences were not statistically significant (p=0.569). In the apical third, the BioC Sealer (-) presented a mean sealing value of 0.44±0.17, while the MTA Fillapex (-) obtained a mean value of 0.30±0.04. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=0.0745), suggesting that both materials can provide a similar seal in the apical third. The results suggest that both BioC Sealer and MTA Fillapex provide a comparable seal in the middle and apical thirds of the root canal system, however, this was not statistically significant. This indicates their potential efficacy in both endodontic sealing procedures.

Comparative evaluation of two different dental age estimation methods using tooth pulp: A CBCT study.

To estimate the age of an individual based on 3D radiographic evaluation of pulp width of maxillary central incisor. This study included 185 CBCT images of individuals within age range of 14-64 years. Images were evaluated for maxillary central incisors and pulp width measurements were taken from cementoenamel junction and middle third of root. Obtained data was subjected to correlation and regression analysis from which the age of an individual was predicted. Results of the present study were compared with another study by the same authors. A negative linear relationship was obtained between age and pulp width. The standard error of estimate (SEE) in sagittal section was 11.36 years and that in coronal section was 11.23 years. The coefficient of determination for sagittal section was 0.107 and for coronal section was 0.127. An obtained regression formula was highly significant. Division of samples into various age groups reduced SEE drastically. It can be concluded that pulp width of maxillary central incisor is a reliable indicator of age estimation.

Evaluation of various obturation techniques with bioceramic sealers in 3D-printed C-shaped canals

This in vitro study compared various obturation techniques with bioceramic sealers for filling C-shaped 3D-printed replicas. A mandibular molar with a C-shaped root canal with a C1 configuration was obtained. After instrumenting with M3 Pro Gold files (United Dental, Shanghai, China) up to size #30/0.04, a CBCT scan of the tooth was taken. Sixty 3D-printed replicas of the tooth were created. The samples were obturated with EndoSeal TCS sealer (E. TCS; Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) or EndoSeal MTA (E. MTA; Maruchi, Wonju, Korea) (n = 30). The samples in each group were obturated with the following techniques (n = 10): (1) single-cone technique (SC), (2) SC with ultrasonic activation (UA), and (3) cold hydraulic compaction (CHC). Following incubation, the replicas’ apical, middle, and coronal thirds were inspected under a digital microscope, and the proportion of filling material and void were calculated. Also, the obturation time and sealer extrusion were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, LSD post-hoc, and the chi-square tests (α = 0.05). The results indicated that in the apical third, E. TCS-SC, E. TCS-UA, and E. MTA-UA had the lowest void percentage among groups (p < 0.05). In the middle thirds, samples obturated with E. TCS-UA showed a significantly lower void percentage among all groups (p < 0.05). However, in the coronal third, E. TCS-CHC showed the least void percentage (p < 0.05), followed by E. TCS-UA and E. MTA-CHC. The E. TCS-SC and E. TCS-UA were the least time-consuming methods (p < 0.05). Sealer extrusion significantly differed among the groups, with E. MTA-UA and E. TCS-UA showing higher incidence (p = 0.019). It was concluded that E. TCS-UA was the most convenient obturation technique. However, care must be taken when obturating the canals with high flow and ultrasonic activation near the vital anatomical landmarks.

A novel surgical method for treating fractures of the middle third of the clavicle.

The clavicle is recognized as the bone most vulnerable to fractures. Moreover, approximately 80% of fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle. Conservative treatment is associated with a higher rate of nonunion, while surgical treatment of fracture via internal fixation may have a variety of postoperative complications. Therefore, to improve patient satisfaction and reduce the complications related to internal fixation techniques, we modified the surgical approach to external fixation. The purpose of this study was to assess the modified intervention's prospects for clinical application. A total of 36patients with middle clavicle fractures were treated with screw-rod external fixation between April 2015 and October 2019. We observed the operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, and fracture healing time. The patients were followed up regularly, and the clinical efficacy of the modified intervention was evaluated. Finally, the patients' shoulder function was assessed based on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. For the screw-rod external fixation, the mean operative time was found to be 48.6 ± 6.8min, the intraoperative blood loss was 30.6 ± 17.2mL, the length of hospital stay was 4.5 ± 1.5days, and the fracture healing time was 2.8 ± 0.4months. Eventually, all the patients healed well, with the combined "excellent" and "good" rate of shoulder function being assessed to be as high as 94.44%. Furthermore, the DASH scores were all less than 10, with the average score being 4.65± 3.34. The screw-rod external fixation technique offers the advantages of convenience, reliability, and good aesthetics, suggesting that it could be used as an alternative treatment method for fractures of the middle third of the clavicle.

Objective Comparison of White Light and Narrow-Band Imaging for Detecting Scars, Sulci and Nodules.

Narrow-band imaging (NBI) can improve detection of lesions in the aerodigestive tract. However, its role in benign lesions of the larynx is unclear. This study aims to determine whether NBI improves the detection of scars, sulci, and nodules compared to panchromatic lighting using objective image analysis. In total, 120 vocal folds (VFs) were analyzed with and without NBI (21 normal, 15 scars, 16 sulci, and 45 nodules). Each VF image had anterior, middle, and posterior thirds analyzed for brightness using an area morphometry software (Optimas 5.1a). The middle-third with the lesion was analyzed against surrounding VF segments for average and standard deviation (SD) in absolute grayscale. The use of panchromatic light resulted in greater illumination and grayscale values than NBI. All lesions tended to be in the mid-membranous fold. Under panchromatic light, change in brightness when comparing anterior versus middle (A-M) was +6.1% for normal, versus 6.5%, 8.1%, and 7.1% for sulci, nodules, and scars, respectively. Under NBI, they were 9.0% (normal), 12.3% (sulci), 13.7% (nodules), and 13.1% (scars). A greater SD of luminescence was observed at pathology sites (p < 0.05) when using NBI. The change in absolute grayscale at all lesion sites was greater when using NBI than when using panchromatic light (p < 0.05). NBI significantly enhanced the area of pathology in patients with nodules, sulci, and scars. Greater SD values in grayscale at pathologic sites were observed compared at normal sites. Thus, NBI may improve the detection of phonotraumatic lesions compared to panchromatic light. N/A Laryngoscope, 2024.

Characteristics of Middle 1/3 Facture Fractures Assessed with the Facial Injury Severity Scale at the Oral Surgery Policy of Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital Bandung Period June 2019 - June 2021

Maxillofacial trauma is damage that affects the face and surrounding tissue, where traffic accidents are the main cause of trauma. The location of facial fractures can occur in the upper third, middle third and lower third of the face. The position of the maxilla which is located in the middle third of the face causes it to be protected by the prominent bones of the mandible, zygoma, nasalis and frontalis, so that maxillary fractures are rarely found compared to mandibular fractures. The prevalence of fractures in the middle third of the face is higher than fractures in other areas of the face (upper third and lower third). Keywords: MISS, FISS

Precision Rhinoplasty Cylindric Burrs - Sidewall Aesthetics.

The development of power instruments has led to great advances in Rhinoplasty. It has helped reduce operating time, minimize damage to the surrounding soft tissues and allow precision bony modification compared with the use of manual rasps. Burrs help ensure precise results by i) creating a smooth transition between the lateral nasal sidewall and the face, ii) treating bony asymmetries and iii) producing homogeneous upper and middle thirds that softy translate into the upper lateral cartilages. The aim of this paper is to show applications of cylindrical burrs in Rhinoplasty surgery to treat the dorsal upper and middle thirds as well as lateral sidewalls of the nose, regardless of whether the dorsal preservation or structure technique is used. This approach offers a safe, fast, and precise technique that can be used in conjunction with piezo osteotomy to obtain the optimal outcomes.

The Application of Shear Wave Elastography to Determine the Elasticity of the Levator Ani Muscle and Vaginal Tissue in Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

The changes of the extracellular matrix of the connective tissue have significantly contributed to the incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). It seems reasonable that sonoelastography could be a useful tool to evaluate the elasticity of pelvic floor tissue in patients with POP and compare it to those without POP. The main aim of this pilot study was to determine if there are differences in the elasticity of the levator ani muscle (LAM) and vaginal tissue between patients with and without POP. Prospective observation study, including 60 patients (30 with POP and 30 without POP). Sonoelastography was performed to evaluate the elasticity (in kilopascals, kPa) of the following regions of interest: vagina at the level of middle third of the urethra; vagina at the level of the bladder trigone; vagina in the anterior and posterior fornix; vagina at the level of middle third of the anorectal canal; posterior third of the LAM. A total of 60 patients completed the study (30 with POP, 30 without POP). In the POP group, 18/30 (60%) had an anterior vaginal wall prolapse, 3/30 (10%) a uterine prolapse, 15/30 (50%) a rectocele, and 6/30 (20%) a enterocele. Patients with POP had higher elasticity in all anatomical study areas, with statistically significant differences in the anterior fornix (13.6 vs 11.2 kPa; P: .012). A multiple regression (controlling age, menopausal stage, and parity) allowed to detect statistically significant differences in the elasticity of the middle third of the urethra (P: .03) and the middle third of the anorectal canal (P: .019). It is possible to evaluate the elasticity of the LAM and vaginal tissue using sonoelastography, detecting a higher elasticity in patients with POP than in those without POP.

Cleaning efficacy and debris extrusion of supplementary file systems XP-endo Finisher and XP-endo Finisher R in endodontic retreatment

Aim: To evaluate cleaning efficacy and debris extrusion of supplementary file systems XP Endo Finisher (XPEF) and XP Endo Finisher R (XPEFR) in endodontic retreatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty single-rooted teeth with single canals were selected, canal preparation done till file #30 6% and obturation completed using lateral condensation technique with AH Plus sealer. The samples were stored at 37°C in a 100% humidity incubator for 7 days. The samples were distributed across the three groups according to the method of retreatment (n = 10): Group I: Neo Endo retreatment (NER) files, Group II: NER files + XPEF, and Group III: NER files + XPEFR. Removal of gutta percha using each file system according to the distributed groups was performed. The extruded debris was collected in an Eppendorf tube, dried in a hot air oven, and weighed. Teeth were sliced longitudinally using carborundum discs. Coronal, middle, and apical thirds were assessed for cleaning efficacy under a stereomicroscope. Results were tabulated and subjected to the statistical analysis using the Kruskal–Wallis H-test followed by post hoc turkey HSD test. All statistical tests were carried out at significance level P &lt; 0.05. Results: It was seen that Group II (NER files + XPEF) exhibited better cleaning efficacy than Group III (NER files + XPEFR), although the results were not statistically significant. Greater debris extrusion was seen with Group III when compared to Group II. Conclusion: Supplementary files XPEF/XPEFR enhance the cleaning efficacy in endodontic retreatment, but the debris extrusion of XPEFR is more than XPEF.

Treatment and Outcome of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in Children Over 10 Years of Age at the Time of Injury: A Review of 60 Cases.

To assess the treatment and outcomes of supracondylar humeral fractures (SHFs) in children older than 10 years of age at the time of injury. The study analyzed clinical data from 60 patients who sustained SHF, all over the age of 10 years, were analyzed. The patients included 49 males and 11 females with a mean age of 10.9 ± 0.9 years (range, 10 to 14.5). All patients underwent surgical treatment under general anesthesia. Closed reduction (CR) and percutaneous fixation were the primary treatment, with open reduction and internal fixation being employed only in cases CR was unsuccessful. The study assessed the healing of fractures by measuring the radiographic angles, including the carrying angle (RCA), Baumann's angle (BA), and metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle (MDA) on anteroposterior radiographs of the elbow joint. In addition, the study evaluated whether the anterior humeral line (AHL) appropriately passed through the middle third of the capitellum. The final follow-up visit used the Mayo Elbow Performance Index score (MEPI) and Flynn's criteria to analyze the recovery of elbow function. There were 15 (25%) SHF type II, 17 (28.3%) type III and 28 (46.7%) type IV. Of the 60 patients, 56 (93.3%) underwent successful CR, whereas 4 (6.7%) required open reduction and internal fixation because of an unsuccessful CR. The final follow-up showed the average BA as 72° ± 5.3°, the average MDA as 88.3° ± 2.8°, and the average RCA as 9.6° ± 3.9°. The AHL bisected accurately the capitellum in 59 cases (98.3%). The average range of elbow flexion-extension was 146.6° ± 8.6°, whereas the average MEPI score was 99.9 ± 0.6; 98.3% (n=59) were rated as excellent and 1.7% (n=1) were rated as good. According to Flynn's criteria, 86.7% had an excellent outcome (n=52), 10% had a good outcome (n=6), and 3.3% had a poor outcome (n=2). Only 1 patient (1.7%) experienced redisplacement. Eight cases of nerve injury were reported, with 7 involving the radial nerve and 1 involving the ulnar nerve; all resolved spontaneously. CR and percutaneous fixation have been shown to be effective in treating SHF in 93.3% of children aged 10 years old and older at the time of injury, with favorable radiographic and functional outcomes and a low risk of secondary displacement. Open reduction should only be considered when CR is ineffective.

Micro-CT Imaging of Tracheal Development in Down Syndrome and Non-Down Syndrome Fetuses.

Down syndrome (DS) is associated with airway abnormalities including a narrowed trachea. It is uncertain whether this narrowed trachea in DS is a consequence of deviant fetal development or an acquired disorder following endotracheal intubation after birth. This study aimed to compare the tracheal morphology in DS and non-DS fetuses using microfocus computed tomography (micro-CT). Twenty fetal samples were obtained from the Dutch Fetal Biobank and divided into groups based on gestational age. Micro-CT images were processed to analyze tracheal length, volume, and cross-sectional area (CSA). Mean tracheal length and tracheal volume were similar in DS and non-DS fetuses for all gestational age groups. Mean, minimum, and maximal tracheal CSA were statistically significantly increased in the single DS fetus in the group of 21-24 weeks of gestation, but not in other gestational age groups. In 90% of all studied fetuses, the minimum tracheal CSA was located in the middle third of the trachea. Tracheal development in DS fetuses was similar to non-DS fetuses between 13 and 21 weeks of gestation. This suggests that the narrowed tracheal diameter in DS children may occur later in fetal development or results from postnatal intubation trauma. The narrowest part of the trachea is in majority of DS and non-DS fetuses the middle third. Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Innervation patterns of hamstring muscles, including morphological descriptions and clinical implication.

The hamstrings muscles are innervated by sciatic nerve branches. However, previous studies assessing which and how many branches innervate each muscle have yielded discrepant results. This study investigated the innervation patterns of hamstrings. Thirty-five cadaver limbs were investigated. The average age of subjects was 78.6 ± 17.2 years, with 48.6% male and 51.4% female, while 57.1% were right limbs and 42.9% left. The sciatic nerve, hamstrings and associated structures were dissected. The number of nerve branches for each muscle and the level where they penetrated the muscle were recorded. The sciatic nerve was connected by a fibrous band to the long head of the biceps femoris. This muscle was innervated by either one or two branches, which penetrated the muscle into its superior or middle third. The short head of the biceps femoris was innervated by a single nerve that usually penetrated its middle third, but sometimes inferiorly or, less commonly, superiorly. The semitendinosus was always innervated by two branches, the superior branch penetrating its upper third, the inferior mostly the middle third. The semimembranosus usually was innervated by a single nerve branch that penetrated the muscle at its middle or lower third. Four specimens revealed common nerves that innervated than one muscle. We have characterized hamstring innervation patterns, knowledge that is relevant to neurolysis, surgery of the thigh, and other procedures. Moreover, a mechanical connection between the sciatic nerve and biceps femoris long head was identified that could explain certain neuralgias.

Effect of material composition and thickness of orthodontic aligners on the transmission and distribution of forces: an in vitro study.

To investigate the effects of material type and thickness on force generation and distribution by aligners. Sixty aligners were divided into six groups (n = 10): one group with a thickness of 0.89mm using Zendura Viva (Multi-layer), four groups with a thickness of 0.75mm using Zendura FLX (Multi-layer), CA Pro (Multi-layer), Zendura (Single-layer), and Duran (Single-layer) sheets, and one group with a thickness of 0.50mm using Duran sheets. Force measurements were conducted using Fuji® pressure-sensitive films. The lowest force values, both active and passive, were recorded for the multi-layered sheets: CA Pro (83.1N, 50.5N), Zendura FLX (88.9N, 60.7N), and Zendura Viva (92.5N, 68.5N). Conversely, the highest values were recorded for the single-layered sheets: Duran (131.9N, 71.8N) and Zendura (149.7N, 89.8N). The highest force was recorded at the middle third of the aligner, followed by the incisal third, and then the cervical third. The net force between the incisal and cervical thirds (FI-FC) showed insignificant difference across different materials. However, when comparing the incisal and middle thirds, the net force (FI-FM) was higher with single-layered materials. Both overall force and net force (FI-FM) were significantly higher with 0.75mm compared to those with a thickness of 0.50mm. Multi-layered aligner materials exert lower forces compared to their single-layered counterparts. Additionally, increased thickness in aligners results in enhanced retention and greater force generation. For effective bodily tooth movement, thicker and single-layered rigid materials are preferred. This research provides valuable insights into the biomechanics of orthodontic aligners, which could have significant clinical implications for orthodontists. Orthodontists might use this information to more effectively tailor aligner treatments, considering the specific tooth movement required for each individual patient. In light of these findings, an exchangeable protocol for aligner treatment is suggested, which however needs to be proven clinically. This protocol proposes alternating between multi-layered and single-layered materials within the same treatment phase. This strategy is suggested to optimize treatment outcomes, particularly when planning for a bodily tooth movement.

Clinical and radiological aspects of the forearm in children with congenital radioulnar synostosis: a cohort study

Introduction The upper limb functional limitations in congenital radioulnar synostosis may significantly affect the daily activities of patients. Classifications of the condition are descriptive and have limited practical application.Purpose Determine a functionally significant quantitative criterion for anatomical changes in the forearm.Material and methods 92 children (136 forearms) with congenital radioulnar synostosis were examined for limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), health-related quality of life measured with PedsQL questionnaire; pronation of the forearm and radiographic parameters. A comparative and correlation analysis, ROC analysis were performed to determine the relationship between the forearm pronation and limitations of ADL.Results Statistically significant correlations were revealed between symptoms and the forearm alignment (p &lt; 0.01, rxy = 0.5); subluxation of the ulnar head and forearm alignment (p &lt; 0.001, rxy = 0.6); bowing deformity of the radius, forearm alignment and subluxation of the ulnar head and between the length of the forearm bones and bowing deformity of the radius (p &lt; 0.05, rxy = 0.4 and rxy = 0.5). A statistically significant inverse correlation was revealed between symptoms and PedsQL scores (p = 0.038, rxy = –0.4). Pronation of 45° was the threshold value of the forearm alignment with a high risk of ADL limitation. The area under the ROC curve corresponding to the relationship between symptoms and the forearm alignment was 0.955 ± 0.021 (95 % CI: 0.915–0.995). There was a statistically significant (p &lt; 0.01) decrease in the lumen of the medullary canal in the middle third of the ulnar shaft with the radius lumen being unchanged. Dorsal subluxation of the ulnar head was detected In 30 % of cases.Discussion The characteristics identified demonstrated changes in the forearm bones with functional impairments being correlated with the forearm pronation.Conclusion The correlation between the patient’s symptoms and the forearm alignment must be taken into account in the classification and when determining indications for surgical treatment distinguishing between functional (&lt; 45° pronation) and dysfunctional (≥ 45° pronation) options.

Large adenomatoid odontogenic tumor: Case report

The adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is an uncommon, benign neoplasm of odontogenic epithelial origin, believed to have originated from two remnants of the dental lamina or enamel organ, representing 2-7% of all odontogenic tumors. Clinically, they are slow growing, asymptomatic and rarely exceed 3.0 cm in diameter. TOA presented three different clinicopathological variants without relevant clinical and radiographic differences: intraosseous follicular (associated with dental impaction, generally comprising 70% of the two cases); extra-follicular intraosseous (present between erupted teeth, representing 25% of the two cases); and peripheral (extra-osseous, 5% two cases). The aim of this paper is to report a case of a large and aggressive adenomatoid odontogenic tumor. Patient, male, 13 years old, undergoing direct increase in maxillary volume with evolution of 01 month. Upon physical examination, an increase in volume in the middle third of the face was observed, directly causing facial asymmetry. normal appearance, absence of unit, tooth 13, stable dental occlusion, poor mouth opening, poor oral hygiene. On imaging (face tomography) there was a hypodense image in the maxillary region directly, osteolytic, well circumscribed, with a radiopaque halo, causing expansion of the cortical bones without breaking them, associated with the impacted and included dental unit 13. Enucleation and complete healing of the lesion and associated extraction of unit 13 were performed, with a lesion presenting a fibrous capsule in the non-transoperative period. The patient is being followed up by a team, weeks of recurrence at the moment. In this way, a rapid and aggressive evolution appears, being clinically perceptible and confused with the behavior of an amelolastoma, however, the histopathological diagnosis of TOA was confirmed, although the lesion responded to a conservative surgical technique through enucleation and dressing, presenting a excellent result.

Diagnostic value of Achilles tendon shear wave elastography in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A case-control study.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can cause peripheral arthritis, tendinitis, enthesitis, and axial skeletal involvement. This study aims to determine early tendon damage by shear wave elastography (SWE) for the Achilles tendon in AS patients. 48 AS patients and 48 asymptomatic individuals were included in the study. Participants were systematically examined with B-mode, power Doppler, and SWE using a high-resolution linear 6-15 MHz probe. Bilateral Achilles tendon stiffness, thickness, and vascularity were evaluated. Measurements were taken from the middle third of the Achilles tendon in the sagittal plane. Difference between the two groups was evaluated with statistical methods. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to test the diagnostic performance of Achilles tendon stiffness. Additionally, the Spearman correlation test examined the relationship between Achilles tendon stiffness and disease duration. The difference between the two groups regarding Achilles tendon stiffness was statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was observed that Achilles tendon stiffness decreased in the patient group compared with the control group. The diagnostic value of Achilles tendon stiffness measured by SWE was found to be high. A negative correlation was detected between disease duration and tendon stiffness (p < 0.05). In patients diagnosed with AS, deterioration in the Achilles tendon structure was observed, and a significant decrease in tendon stiffness compared with the healthy population. It has been determined that these changes in the Achilles tendon are related to the duration of the disease.

Identification of the Ideal Reference Site and Pain Threshold Values for the Placement of Electric Pulp Testers in Permanent Upper and Lower Anterior Teeth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Electric pulp testers (EPTs) are widely used diagnostic tools for diagnosing traumatized teeth. Several factors can affect the result of an electric pulp test. One such factor that will affect the diagnosis is the electrode tip placement. Hence, the current study aims to identify the most painful site and response time threshold in healthy anterior teeth. A total of 90 individuals, 48 male and 42 female, aged 19 to 25 years,were recruited. An EPT was placed on three different sites: the cervical, middle, and incisal third of the labial surface of both upper and lower anterior teeth (central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine) with an appropriate electrolyte as a conducting medium. Later, the threshold values were recorded, and pain assessment was done using the Memojis pain scale (MPS). Finally, the data was analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test. Mean and standard deviation values of reaction time were collected from 540 EPT readings (three sites from 180 teeth).Among the three sites tested, the difference between the upper and lower central incisors was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Similarly, when upper and lower lateral incisors and canines were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed among the three sites (p<0.05). There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in the pain scores only on the incisal and cervical thirds of the upper and lower central incisors. Only the incisal third showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the pain scores in the upper and lateral incisors. At the same time, a statistically significant difference in the pain scores was observed among the three tested sites between the upper and lower canines (p<0.05). Conclusion: Lower threshold values were appreciated at the incisal third of all the upper and lower anterior teeth for placing the EPT. Most individuals have experienced a score of 2 (hurts little bit) for the perceived pain using EPTs for both the upper and lower anterior teeth.

Effect of the timing of primary endodontic treatment and dosage of radiation therapy on the filling material removal.

This study investigated the effect of the timing of primary endodontic treatment and dosage of radiotherapy on the remaining filling material (RFM) during endodontic reintervention. 60 single-rooted human mandibular premolars were distributed into five groups (n = 12), according to the timing and dosage of radiation (55Gy or 70Gy): NegativeCG-non-irradiated teeth; Endo-pre-RT55/70-obturation before irradiation (55Gy or 70Gy); Endo-post-RT55/70-obturation and reintervention after irradiation (55Gy or 70Gy). Roots were cleaved and analysed under stereomicroscope and Scanning Electron Microscope to quantify (%) the RFM. Experimental groups had a significantly greater amount (p < 0.05) of RFM in the middle and apical thirds than the control group, except for Endo-pre-RT55 in the middle third (p < 0.0001). The apical third had greater amount of RFM (p < 0.05). Radiation therapy, before and after primary endodontic treatment, increased the amount of RFM, regardless of the dose delivered. When necessary, reintervention preferably must be performed before radiation therapy.

Is Using a Ring External Fixator in the Treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia Associated With Better Results or Using a Locking Plate?

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare disease. CPT is often unilateral and occurs between the middle and distal third of the tibia. Concurrent involvement of the fibula is present in more than half of cases. histologic studies indicate the presence of fibrous hamartoma tissue and a sick periosteum, which leads to recalcitrant bone fracture and, eventually, pseudoarthrosis. Although there are various surgical techniques, we intend to compare the 2 methods of external fixation versus internal plating. Demographic data were collected from 26 patients with frank pseudoarthrosis. After exclusion criteria, patients were compared in groups A (12 patients) and B (11 patients). Resection of hamartoma and sclerotic bone, intramedullary rodding and autologous bone, and periosteal grafting were performed for all patients. In group A, we used a ring external fixator for compression and rotational stability, but in group B, a locking plate was used for these purposes. Plating takes less time to use during surgery. In group A, the primary bony union was obtained in 67% of patients, while in group B, 82% of patients had a primary union. Meanwhile, the average time till the final union in group A was 6 months, while in group B, this time was 3.5 months. Positive union mass was obtained in 58% of the patients in group A and 82% of group B. In addition, plating prevented ankle valgus deformity in group B. Permanent intramedullary rodding is a surgical requirement for correction of deformity and refracture prevention, but additional stability can be achieved with the use of a ring external fixator or internal plate. Cross union and positive union mass are 2 important factors in the treatment of pseudoarthrosis; these results are achieved to a greater extent and in a shorter period of time using the plate. level IV - case series.

An in-vitro study on effects of laser activation on dye penetration in human root dentin.

To evaluate the penetration of a dye in root dentin after activation with different laser wavelengths. Palatal roots of 38 human molars were enlarged and disinfected. Irrigation activation was performed with an Er:YAG laser: @50 mJ, 15 Hz (Er:YAG); a 9.3 µm CO2 laser: @40% power (CO2); diode lasers 455 nm/970 nm: @0.8 W, 15 Hz (D455, D970) and 808/980 nm: @1 W (D808, D980) and compared to positive control: etching with 35% H3PO4 (POS); negative control: water (NEG) and conventional needle irrigation: NaOCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (CONV). Methylene blue solution was introduced in the canal and laser-activated or left untouched for 100 s before the roots were dried and cut into horizontal slices. Dye penetration was automatically calculated by color recognition of two samples per root third (n = 8 per group in each coronal, middle and apical root thirds). The presence and absence of a smear layer was checked in two additional samples of the negative and positive control under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Full-depth infiltration was not achieved in any group. Dye penetration in CONV was significantly less than in Er:YAG, CO2, POS, D455, D970, D808 and similar to NEG and D980 when results of different root thirds were pooled. Laser activation using certain parameters enhanced dye penetration compared to conventional needle irrigation with NaOCl and EDTA (CONV).