Tukey HSD Test Research Articles

The Effects of Activated Carbon Toothpastes on Orthodontic Elastomeric Chains—An In Vitro Study

Objectives: Using toothpaste with activated carbon might increase the decay of orthodontic elastomeric chains’ (ECs) tensile strength, thereby compromising orthodontic treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of activated charcoal toothpaste on orthodontic ECs. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 180 EC segments from 3M Unitek®, Ormco® and Ortho Classic® brands were equally divided into 12 groups, each comprising 15 specimens. These pieces were kept in artificial saliva at 37 °C and brushed twice daily for 28 days, with three distinct types of toothpaste: Colgate® Total, Colgate® Max White, and Dr Organic® Extra Whitening Charcoal Toothpaste. The latter two toothpastes contain activated charcoal. Tensile strength, resistance to rupture and colour variation were evaluated at time zero and day 28. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were performed at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Toothpaste with and without activated carbon significantly reduced the tensile strength and resistance to rupture of the ECs, and altered EC colour (p < 0.0001). There was inconsistency in the effect of the activated carbon on EC characteristics, most probably due to the different compositions of the ECs and percentages of whitening agents in the toothpastes. Conclusions: The material composition of ECs contributes to their tensile strength decay, resistance to rupture and colour change over time. The variable percentage of activated carbon in a toothpaste likely underlies the different effects observed, depending on the EC brand. Clinical Relevance: It might be reasonable to advise patients wearing ECs to avoid using toothpaste with activated carbon until further evidence becomes available.

Effect of different weight initialization strategies on transfer learning for plant disease detection

AbstractThe weight initialization technique for transfer learning refers to the practice of using pretrained models that can be modified to solve new problems, instead of starting the training process from scratch. In this study, six different transfer learning weight initialization strategies were proposed for plant disease detection: scratch (i.e., random initialization), pretrained model on cross‐domain (ImageNet), model trained on related domain (ISIC 2019), model trained on related domain (ISIC 2019) with cross‐domain (ImageNet) weights, model trained on same domain (PlantVillage), and model trained on same domain (PlantVillage) with cross‐domain weights (ImageNet). Weights from each strategy were transferred to a target dataset (Plant Pathology 2021). These strategies were implemented using eight deep learning architectures. It was observed that transferring from any strategy led to an average acceleration of convergence ranging from 33.88% to 73.16% in mean loss and an improvement of 8.72%–42.12% in mean F1‐score compared to the scratch strategy. Moreover, although smaller and less comprehensive than ImageNet, transferring information from the same domain or related domain proved to be competitive compared to transferring from ImageNet. This indicates that ImageNet, which is widely favoured in the literature, may not necessarily represent the most optimal transfer source for the given context. In addition, to identify which strategies have significant differences, a post hoc analysis using Tukey's HSD test was conducted. Finally, the classifications made by the proposed models were visualized using Grad‐CAM to provide a qualitative understanding of how different weight initialization strategies affect the focus areas of the models.

Fracture Resistance of Space Maintainers Produced Using 3D Printable Materials.

This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of space maintainers (SMs) produced using 3D-printable materials (metal, resin and polyetheretherketone [PEEK]) after thermal aging and compare them with conventional space maintainers. A standardised typodont model for paediatric dentistry was utilised, and band and loop space maintainers were designed digitally using computer-aided design (CAD) technology. Four groups were established: Conventional, 3D printed metal, 3D printed resin, and 3D printed PEEK. Fracture resistance was assessed after 10,000 thermal cycles, simulating oral conditions. Fracture tests were conducted using a universal testing machine, applying vertical force to the band and loop junction until fracture. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (P<0.05). Although the fracture resistance values showed that metal, resin, and PEEK 3D printed band and loop space maintainers can be acceptable clinically, the permanent resin may be preferable to printable material because of their aesthetic properties.

Mechanical properties of dual-polymerizing resin-core material, dual-polymerizing resin cement, and bulk-fill composite resin used for restoring endodontically treated teeth

How resin-based material and a light-activation protocol influence the mechanical properties of materials used to cement glass fiber post-and-cores in endodontically treated teeth is unclear. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the influence of immediate or 5-minute delayed light activation on the mechanical properties of dual-polymerizing resin cements and dual-polymerizing resin-core materials compared with bulk-fill composite resins. Nine resin-based materials were tested: 4 dual-polymerizing resin-core materials, (Allcem Core; FGM, LuxaCore Z; DMG, Rebilda DC; VOCO, and (Clearfil DC Core Plus; KURARAY), 3 dual-polymerizing resin cements, (RelyX Universal; 3M ESPE, RelyX U200; 3M ESPE, and Allcem Dual; FGM), and 2 bulk-fill composite resins, (Opus Bulk Fill APS; FGM, and Filtek One Bulk Fill; 3M ESPE). The dual-polymerizing materials were light activated using both protocols. The postgel shrinkage (Shr), flexural strength (FS), elastic modulus (E), Knoop hardness (KH), degree of conversion (DC), and depth of polymerization (DoP) were measured (n=10). The data for Shr, FS, E, and DoP were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA, and for KH and DC using 2-way repeated measurement ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α=.05). A 5-minute delay before light-activation significantly reduced Shr for all materials (P<.001). Increasing the depth significantly reduced the KH for all materials (P<.001). Bulk-fill composite resins and dual-polymerizing resin-core had higher KH values than dual-polymerizing resin cements (P<.001). Delayed 5-minute light-activation reduced postgel shrinkage and had no negative effect on mechanical properties. Dual-polymerizing resin-core materials exhibited higher KH values than dual-polymerizing resin cement and mechanical properties similar to those of bulk-fill composite resin.

Influence of Battery Levels in Cordless LED Light-curing Units on Properties of Resin Cement and Glass Fiber Post Retention.

This study aimed to assess the impact of battery levels in single-peak and multi-peak light-curing units (LCUs) on irradiance, and their effects on glass fiber post push-out bond strength to root dentin and the degree of conversion of dual-cure universal resin cement. Sixty bovine roots underwent endodontic treatment and were randomly distributed into 6 groups (n=10), formed by combining two LCUs (single-peak and multipeak) and three battery levels (100%, 50%, and 10%). A spectrophotometer measured irradiance (mW/ cm2) and spectral irradiance (mW/cm2/nm). Push-out bond strength (PBS) tests occurred at three root regions (cervical, middle, and apical), with optical and scanning electron microscopy for failure mode analysis. Degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated across the root regions. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test. The Fisher exact test verified failure modes (α=0.05). As multipeak LCU battery levels decreased, emitted irradiance also diminished, with notable PBS reductions in the apical thirds. Failure modes were influenced by different conditions, primarily exhibiting mixed modes. Battery levels significantly impacted DC in the multipeak LCU, particularly in the cervical region, while the single-peak LCU exhibited DC reduction at the 10% battery level in the cervical region. Emitted irradiance, resin cement DC, and glass fiber post bond strength to root dentin may be influenced by varying cordless LCUs and battery levels.

Estimation of shifted weibull distribution parameters using optimization algorithms for optimal investment decisions making

This study examines the estimation of parameters for the Shifted Weibull Distribution (SWD) using several robust metaheuristic algorithms, with a focus on enhancing precision and reliability in investment data analysis. Utilizing investment return data from the Malaysian property sector, we evaluate the performance of five metaheuristic models: Election Algorithm (EA), Artificial Dragonfly Algorithm (ADA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Differential Evolution (DE), and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO). The evaluation criteria include Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and accuracy. Results reveal that EA consistently outperforms other models, achieving the lowest BIC value of 147.2 and an impressive accuracy rate of 94.90% at a sample size of 1,000. The Genetic Algorithm (GA) shows the lowest RMSE of 0.99, indicating strong predictive performance. Tukey's HSD test highlights significant accuracy variations among the models, with EA and GA notably outperforming ACO and DE. However, RMSE and BIC metrics do not demonstrate clear variations among the models. These findings underscore the superior performance of the EA model in the context of SWD parameter estimation, making it the preferred choice for modeling investment return data. Future research should explore additional factors influencing model performance and validate these models with diverse real-world datasets to further enhance their applicability in financial decision-making.

Microhardness and Pushout Bond Strength of Glass Fiber Post-to-Canal Dentin Irrigated with Boric Acid, Nd: YAP, AgNPs, and Curcumin Activated with Microbubble Emulsion. A SEM, EDX Analysis

This study aimed to assess the microhardness (MH) and push-out bond strength (PBS) of fiber post-to-canal dentin when boric acid (BA), Nd: YAP, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and microbubble emulsion (MBE) with curcumin were used as irrigants. Canal therapy was performed and the post space was prepared. Prior to glass fiber post (GFP) insertion, the post space was irrigated using 2.5% NaOCl+17% EDTA, 10% BA+EDTA, Nd: YAP laser+EDTA, AgNP+EDTA, and MBE (curcumin)+EDTA. Following disinfection, microhardness was evaluated. GFP was then inserted and PBS was assessed at the coronal, middle, and apical levels, along with the examination of debonded surfaces via stereomicroscope. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and a Post Hoc Tukey HSD test. The results showed that MH was highest in the group treated with AgNP+EDTA and lowest in the group treated with 10% BA+EDTA. Within the cervical region, the Nd: YAP laser+EDTA group showed the lowest PBS, while the highest PBS was observed in the group treated with MBE (curcumin)+EDTA. In the middle region, the GFP bonded to canal dentin disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl+EDTA was comparable to that treated with Nd: YAP laser+EDTA. In the apical region, the PBS of GFP was highest in the canal disinfected with MBE (curcumin)+EDTA. The study concluded that silver nanoparticles+EDTA and curcumin photosensitizer via microbubble emulsion+EDTA have the potential to be used as alternatives to conventional methods for improving the adhesion of glass fiber post-to-canal dentin, along with enhancing microhardness.

Plasma fibrinogen degradation products with salivary coagulopathy in OSMF among Indians.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) produces changes localized to oral cavity. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that saliva may have an important role in its etiology. This prospective case control study included 37 patients with OSMF which were compared with age and gender matched healthy controls. Salivary coagulopathy procedures as described by Chatuvedi et al. and quantification of plasma fibrinogen degradation products using a commercially available kit were carried out. The obtained data was analyzed using Chi-square tests and Tukey HSD test. The salivary coagulopathy was strongly indicated in saliva of OSMF patients and was dependent on the severity of disease. There were also increased levels of plasma fibrinogen degradation products compared to the controls and were found to have a statistically significant correlation with increasing clinical grades of oral submucous fibrosis (p≤ 0.05).

Exploring physical and mechanical properties of hydrothermally processed recycled non-sintered dental zirconia wastes

Background and aimThe present investigation explored the potential for recycling residual blocks obtained from the machining processes under hydrothermal conditions. Furthermore, the study examined the recycled samples’ various physical and mechanical properties to assess their viability for further use. Materials and methodsIn this in vitro study, Aman Girbach blocks were collected, half of which underwent a hydrothermal process, while the other half did not. The blocks were then subjected to ball milling. Uniaxial and isostatic pressed blocks were prepared, and 10 samples were obtained from each type of recycled block. These samples were compared to a commercial material, and four groups were formed based on the powder type and pressing method used. The quality control analysis of the recycled samples included assessing particle size distribution, identifying crystalline phases, analyzing color differences, examining microstructure, and evaluating mechanical properties. Statistical tests such as normal distribution calculations (k-s test), one-way ANOVA, Brown-Forsythe, Tukey HSD, and Games-Howell tests were used to compare the four groups and perform pairwise comparisons. ResultsThe flexural strength and density of the control commercial group were significantly higher than the other experimental groups (P = 0.000). Linear shrinkage of recycled isostatic pressed experimental bodies was significantly lower than that of others (P = 0.000). Qualitative evaluation of microstructure and crystalline phase by FESEM and XRD showed no significant difference in grain size and crystalline phase between different groups. ConclusionThe hydrothermal process is a promising way to recycle zirconia ceramic with lower energy consumption. Recycled waste demonstrates potential as a cost-effective and viable option for ceramic prostheses in situations with low to medium stress levels.

Effect of thermocycling on tensile bond strength of autopolymerized, heat-polymerized, milled, and 3D printed denture base materials bonded to 4 different denture liners: an in vitro study

BackgroundDigitally fabricated dentures may require relining due to continual alveolar ridge resorption. However, studies evaluating the tensile bond strength (TBS) of digitally fabricated dentures bonded to denture liners are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the TBS of autopolymerized, heat-polymerized, milled, and 3D printed denture base materials bonded to 2 acrylic-based and 2 silicone-based denture liners, both before and after thermocycling. Additionally, the impact of thermocycling on the TBS were also evaluated.MethodsThe TBS of 4 different denture base materials (Palapress (PL), Vertex Rapid Simplified (VR), Smile CAM total prosthesis (SC), and NextDent denture 3D+ (ND)) bonded to 2 acrylic-based (GC Soft-Liner (GC) and Tokuyama Rebase II (RB)) and 2 silicone-based (Ufi Gel P (UP) and Sofreliner Tough M (ST)) denture liners were tested. Specimens (n = 8) were divided into non-thermocycling and thermocycling groups. Non-thermocycling specimens were tested after 24-hours water immersion, while thermocycling specimens were underwent 5000 cycle and were immediately tested. Mode of failure was examined under a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05), and independent samples t test (α = 0.05) for TBS between non-thermocycling and thermocycling groups.ResultsFor the non-thermocycling groups, within the same denture liner material, no significant differences were found between denture base materials, except the ND + RB group, which had significantly lower TBS. For the thermocycling groups, within the same denture liner material, the TBS in the PL group exhibited the highest and the ND group exhibited the lowest. Within the same denture base material, in both non-thermocycling and thermocycling groups, the TBS in the ST group exhibited the highest; in contrast, that in the GC group exhibited the lowest. No significant differences were observed in TBS between non-thermocycling and thermocycling groups, except for denture base materials bonded to the ST group, SC + UP, and ND + UP groups.ConclusionsMilled denture base can be relined with acrylic-based or silicone-based denture liner. However, cautions should be exercised when relining 3D printed denture base. Thermocycling did not affect TBS between acrylic-based denture liners and denture bases. In contrast, it affected the bond between silicone-based denture liner and denture base.

Determination of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses Working in Surgical Intensive Care Units on the Use of Physical Restraint: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Research on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses working in surgical intensive care units regarding the use of physical restraints is limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding physical restraint use in surgical intensive care units (S-ICUs). Method: The research, a descriptive cross-sectional study, involved nurses from three hospitals’ surgical intensive care units between March 15th and June 15th, 2022, with a total of 73 voluntarily participating nurses (n=73). Data were gathered using the Physical Restraint Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Scale via face-to-face surveys. In the analysis of the data, independent t tests and one-way ANOVA were used. The post hoc Tukey HSD test was utilized to determine the variables contributing to the differences. A p-value of

Comparative Analysis of Accuracy, Readability, Sentiment, and Actionability: Artificial Intelligence Chatbots (ChatGPT and Google Gemini) versus Traditional Patient Information Leaflets for Local Anesthesia in Eye Surgery.

Eye surgeries often evoke strong negative emotions in patients, including fear and anxiety. Patient education material plays a crucial role in informing and empowering individuals. Traditional sources of medical information may not effectively address individual patient concerns or cater to varying levels of understanding. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the accuracy, completeness, readability, tone, and understandability of patient education material generated by AI chatbots versus traditional Patient Information Leaflets (PILs), focusing on local anesthesia in eye surgery. Expert reviewers evaluated responses generated by AI chatbots (ChatGPT and Google Gemini) and a traditional PIL (Royal College of Anaesthetists' PIL) based on accuracy, completeness, readability, sentiment, and understandability. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, were conducted to compare the performance of the sources. Readability analysis showed variations in complexity among the sources, with AI chatbots offering simplified language and PILs maintaining better overall readability and accessibility. Sentiment analysis revealed differences in emotional tone, with Google Gemini exhibiting the most positive sentiment. AI chatbots demonstrated superior understandability and actionability, while PILs excelled in completeness. Overall, ChatGPT showed slightly higher accuracy (scores expressed as mean ± standard deviation) (4.71 ± 0.5 vs 4.61 ± 0.62) and completeness (4.55 ± 0.58 vs 4.47 ± 0.58) compared to Google Gemini, but PILs performed best (4.84 ± 0.37 vs 4.88 ± 0.33) in terms of both accuracy and completeness (p-value for completeness <0.05). AI chatbots show promise as innovative tools for patient education, complementing traditional PILs. By leveraging the strengths of both AI-driven technologies and human expertise, healthcare providers can enhance patient education and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and medical care.

Are physical and mechanical properties of 3D resins dependent on the manufacturing method?

This research analyzed the effect of the manufacturing method on the flexural strength and color stability of 3D-printed resins used for producing indirect restorations. For this, two dental restorative biocompatible resin materials, OnX (OnX, SprintRay) and CB (Crown and Bridge, Dentca), were divided into 2 groups according with manufacturing method (printed with a Pro95 3D printer - SprintRay; and not printed, with samples obtained with the fluid resin being poured on PVS molds for further light activation in the post-curing process), and subdivided into 2 groups according to the post-curing method: VG (Valo Grand, Ultradent Products) for 120s and PC (Procure 2, SprintRay). Bar-shaped samples were used to evaluate the flexural strength 24h after storage in distilled water at 37°C using a universal testing machine. Disk-shaped samples were used to evaluate the color stability with a spectrophotometer at baseline, after 1-7days in dark dry storage at 37°C, and after 1day of artificial aging in water at 60°C. Data were evaluated using 3-way ANOVA (flexural strength) and 4-way repeated measures ANOVA (color stability), followed by the Tukey's HSD test (α = .05). Flexural strength showed significant results for resin (p < .001), while manufacturing and post-curing methods were not significant (p > .05). The interaction effects between resin and manufacturing method (p = .978), and between resin, manufacturing method and post-curing method (p = .659) were not significant. In general, OnX showed higher flexural strength values than CB, regardless of manufacturing method or post-curing protocol. Color stability results showed significant results for resin (p < .001), time (p < .001), resin and time (p = .029), and resin and curing method (p < .001), but no differences considering resin and manufacturing mode (p = .87), or resin, manufacturing method and curing method (p = .35). In general, OnX showed a higher color change than CB, longer storage times resulted in increased color change for both materials, and CB cured with VG showed lower color alteration than CB cured with PC2. The manufacturing method (3D printed or not 3D printed) does not seem to influence the flexural strength and color stability of 3D printed resins. This may indicate that, at least from a physical-mechanical perspective, the final properties of the material are mainly dependent on the post-curing process.

The Efficacy of the RME II System Compared with a Herbst Appliance in the Treatment of Class II Skeletal Malocclusion in Growing Patients: A Retrospective Study.

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Rapid Maxillary Expander (RME) II System compared to a Herbst appliance and a control group in the treatment of class II skeletal malocclusions in growing patients. (2) Methods: A total of 30 class II patients treated using the RME II System (group R) were compared with 30 patients treated with a Herbst appliance (group H) and 30 untreated class II children (group C). Cephalograms were compared at the start (T0) and after 24 months (T1). Nine cephalometric parameters were analyzed: SN-MP, SN-PO, ANB, AR-GO-ME, AR-GO-N, N-GO-ME, SN-PP, LFH, CO-GN, 1+SN, IMPA, OVERJET, and OVERBITE. Since the variables failed the normality test, a Wilcoxon test was performed for a pairwise comparison of the cephalometric measurements taken at T0 (pre-treatment) and at T1 (post-treatment). ANOVA with Tukey post hoc correction was used to evaluate the differences among the groups. (3) Results: ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference for all analyzed variables except for AR-GO-ME, AR-GO-N, and N-GO-ME. Post hoc Tukey's HSD test showed the following difference: the SN-PO angle in group H was 3.59° greater than in group R; the LFH in group H was 4.13 mm greater than in group R. The mandibular length (CO-GN) in group H was 3.94 mm greater than in group R; IMPA in group H was 6.4° greater than in group R; and the ANB angle in group H was 1.47° greater than in group R. (4) Conclusions: The RME II System is an effective therapeutic device for class II skeletal malocclusion treatment in growing patients.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents from Kraków (Poland).

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the lifestyle and dietary habits of societies worldwide. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness in adolescents (aged 11-15) from Kraków during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2020 and 2022 (before and after the pandemic) involved 1662 adolescents from the Kraków population. Skinfold thickness measurements were taken. The trunk adiposity index, limbs-to-trunk fat ratio and limbs-to-total skinfold ratio were calculated. Statistical analysis employed a two-way ANOVA, Tukey's HSD test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, depending on the normality of the distribution. Higher skinfold thicknesses were observed in the majority of age groups in both sexes from the 2022 cohort in comparison with the 2020 cohort. Additionally, higher values of the trunk adiposity index and the limbs-to-total skinfold ratio in most age groups were observed. However, an inverse trend was observed in the limbs-to-trunk fat radio. The introduced restrictions such as lockdown, remote learning, reduced physical activity and changes in dietary habits could have influenced the distribution of fat tissue and skinfold thickness amongst adolescents from Kraków.

The effect of ascorbic acid, QMix and other conditioning solutions on the bond strength of adhesively luted glass fiber-reinforced composite posts to root dentin, a laboratory study

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the effect of post space conditioning with different solutions on the bond strength of glass FRC posts and evaluate the mode of resin failure. MethodsSixty extracted human single rooted teeth were root filled using a resin sealer and suitable gutta-percha cones. Post spaces were prepared, and the teeth randomly allocated into 5 groups according to their irrigation regimens which included the following solutions: 17 % EDTA, 2 % CHX, 3 % NaOCl, 10 % ascorbic acid and QMix solutions. Post spaces were irrigated with 5 ml of the solution for 15 s and subsequently washed with distilled water and dried with paper points. Glass FRC posts were cemented into their spaces using a self-adhesive resin cement. The specimens were mounted in plexiglass molds using autopolymerizing acrylic resin. A universal testing machine was used to measure post retention at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05). Dislodged posts and post spaces were examined microscopically to evaluate retention failure. ResultsThe Ascorbic acid group exhibited the highest mean retentive strength value at 229 N, followed by QMix at 198 N, NaOCl at 186 N, CHX at 170 N, and EDTA at 124 N. The mean value of the ascorbic acid group was significantly higher than EDTA group, p = 0.012. The failure category was primarily mixed. ConclusionsRinsing post spaces with ascorbic acid exhibited significantly superior bond strength. The failure mode was mixed. Clinical significanceIrrigating post spaces with ascorbic acid solution before luting FRC posts significantly improves their bond strength compared to irrigation with EDTA solution. Irrigation with QMix solution produced the second highest retentive strength but showed no statistical significance when compared to using ascorbic acid, NaOCl, CHX, or EDTA solutions.

A Virtual Multi-institution Pediatric Radiology Peer Teaching Conference Improves Knowledge of Educators

Rationale and ObjectivesMedical education led by peers and near-peers has been shown to benefit both teachers and learners and can be successfully incorporated into radiology education. The authors created a virtual, multi-institution pediatric radiology conference employing peer and near-peer teaching with the goals of improving radiology knowledge and enhancing the educational experience of radiology trainees. Materials and MethodsTwo radiology residency programs implemented a common pediatric radiology curriculum and joint quarterly virtual peer teaching conference. Conferences featured short teaching sessions led by six to ten radiology trainees and were facilitated by attending pediatric radiologists. Knowledge assessments (KA) consisting of multiple-choice questions inspired by conference learning objectives were sent to peer educators before the conference (pre-conference), directly after the conference (immediate post-conference), and three months after the conference (delayed post-conference). Surveys were distributed to peer educators immediately after conferences to assess conference reception and solicit feedback. Quantitative data was analyzed using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post-hoc Tukey HSD test. ResultsFour conferences featured 33 peer educators consisting primarily of first-year (60.6 %), second-year (18.2 %), and third-year (15.2 %) radiology residents. Compared to pre-conference scores, immediate post-conference scores were significantly increased (HSD 13, p = 0.02) and delayed post-conference scores were increased without statistical significance (HSD 5.8, p = 0.29). Almost all survey respondents perceived the conferences as helpful, well-organized, and effective in teaching pediatric radiology. A majority of participants expressed interest in participating in future peer teaching radiology conferences. ConclusionA virtual pediatric radiology peer and near-peer teaching conference held between two radiology residencies improved short-term radiology knowledge of educators and was highly received.

Surface Modification of Feldspathic Ceramic Used for Minimally Invasive Restorations: Effect of Airborne Particle Type on the Surface Properties and Biaxial Flexural Strength.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of airborne particle abrasion with different particles on the surface free energy, roughness, and biaxial flexural strength of a feldspathic ceramic by comparing it with hydrofluoric acid etching, the standard surface treatment, and polishing. Square-shaped feldspathic ceramic specimens (12 mm × 12 mm × 1.2 mm) were divided into subgroups as airborne particles abraded with alumina (AO3a, AO3b, AO25, AO50a, AO50b, AO90, AO110a, AO110b, AO120a, and AO120b), silica (SO50a, SO50b, SO100, and SO100/200), or nutshell granule (NS100/200), hydrofluoric acid etched, and polished (n = 12). Surface free energy (n = 5), roughness (n = 5), biaxial flexural strength (n = 12), and Weibull moduli (n = 12) were investigated. Data were evaluated with 1-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests, and possible correlations were investigated with Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05). SO100/200 mostly had lower surface free energy (p ≤ 0.011), and polishing and etching led to higher surface free energy than AO3a, AO3b, and AO120a (p ≤ 0.031). Polished, SO100, and SO50b specimens mostly had lower roughness and AO125 had the highest roughness (p ≤ 0.029). SO100/200 mostly had lower biaxial flexural strength (p ≤ 0.041), and etched specimens had higher biaxial flexural strength than AO120a, AO120b, and SO50b (p ≤ 0.043). AO3b had the highest (33.56) and AO120b had the lowest (11.8) Weibull modulus. There was a weak positive correlation between the surface free energy and the biaxial flexural strength (r = 0.267, p = 0.011). A larger particle size mostly resulted in higher roughness, which was also affected by the particle shape. Most of the test groups had similar biaxial flexural strength to that of the hydrofluoric acid-etched group. Therefore, for tested feldspathic ceramic, airborne particle abrasion with tested parameters may be a suitable alternative without causing any further damage.

Evaluating the Remineralizing Effects of Calcium Sucrose Phosphate and Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Toothpastes on Artificial Carious Lesions Using Micro-computed Tomography: An In Vitro Investigation.

Background White spot lesions (WSLs) are common early indicators of enamel demineralization, particularly in pediatric orthodontic patients. Effective remineralization of these lesions is crucial for preventing further dental decay. This study aimed to evaluate the three-dimensional remineralization efficacy of two commercial toothpastes, calcium sucrose phosphate (CaSP) and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Objectives To compare the remineralization efficacy of CaSP and CPP-ACP on artificially created WSLs in human premolar enamel using micro-CT assessment. Materials and methods Freshly extracted, caries-free human premolars were used for the purpose of the study. Teeth with any defects, including caries, non-carious lesions, fractures, or hypocalcifications, were excluded. Teeth were stored in a saline solution with 0.1% thymol at +4°C until experimentation. Enamel slabs (N = 18) of 3 x 3 x 1.5 mm were prepared from the buccal surfaces of the premolars and polished to a mirror-like finish. The slabs were divided into three groups (n=6 each): control, CaSP, and CPP-ACP. Specimens were demineralized in a demineralization solution for 72 hours and then treated with the respective toothpastes or remineralizing solutions for 13 days. Micro-CT scanning was performed to assess changes in enamel volume and mineral density. Statistical analysis included Shapiro-Wilk tests, paired t-tests, and one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's HSD tests. Results Enamel volume changes were significant between groups (p<0.01), with the CaSP group showing the largest remineralization effect. Enamel mineral density changes were also significant (p=0.004), with the CPP-ACP group showing the greatest improvement in mineral density. Conclusions CaSPand CPP-ACPare both effective in remineralizing artificial enamel lesions. While CaSP shows comparable efficacy to CPP-ACP, further research is needed to confirm these findings in clinical settings. CaSP pastecan be considered a viable, cost-effective alternative for enamel remineralization.

Effect of Laser Treatment of Root Dentine on Retention of Dental Fiber Post in Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: The most common causes of fiber post-failure are inadequate restorations and dislodgement. This study aimed to evaluate fiber post-bond strength to dentin following Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation. Methods: A total of 65 human mandibular premolars with single roots were included. The 14 mm root length was instrumented with the rotary system using the crown-down technique. Gutta-percha was used for obturation, followed by conventional post space preparation. The samples were divided into two major groups: control (A) and Er,Cr:YSGG (2780 nm) laser group (B). The laser group was subdivided into (B1) 1.25 W, (B2) 1.5 W, and (B3) 1.75 W. All laser groups were set at 20 Hz, 10% and 30% water/air ratio. Fiber posts were cemented with selfadhesive cement. Each sample was divided horizontally into two slices, coronal and apical. The universal testing equipment was used to conduct a push-out test. All groups were examined by SEM and temperature changes. The statistical analysis was performed by using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Results: SEM images of all laser groups revealed the elimination of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, which was particularly noticeable in the apical region with no thermal risk to the periodontal tissue. In the push-out test, all laser groups had highly significant (P<0.001) increases in the bond strength of fiber post to dentin. The failure mode of the control group was a predominantly adhesive failure, whereas the laser groups were a predominantly mixed type. Conclusion: The three laser protocols can be used safely in the surface treatment of the fiber post space of endodontically treated teeth. Laser help to increase the bond strength of fiber post to dentin, especially in the apical area.