Effect of radiotherapy on the surface roughness and microhardness of contemporary bioactive restorative materials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on the surface microhardness and roughness of different bioactive restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60-disc specimens (5 mm × 2 mm) were performed in four groups (n = 15 each) from Equia Forte HT, Cention N, Activa Bioactive Restorative, and Beautifil II. Following the polishing procedure (600, 1000, 1200 grit silicon carbide papers), all specimens were irradiated at 2 Gy per fraction, five times a week for a total dose of 70 Gy in 30 fractions over 7 weeks. Before and after the irradiation, the specimens were analyzed regarding the surface roughness and microhardness. Surface morphology was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon test, and paired sample t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found after radiation with increased mean roughness of both Cention N (p = 0.001) and Beautifil II (p < 0.001) groups. In terms of microhardness, only the Beautifil II group showed significant differences with decreased values after radiation. There were statistically significant differences among the groups' roughness and microhardness data before and after radiotherapy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The effect of radiotherapy might differ according to the type of the restorative material. Although results may differ for other tested materials, giomer tends to exhibit worse behaviour in terms of both surface roughness and microhardness. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy, it should be taken into consideration that the treatment process may also have negative effects on the surface properties of anti-caries restorative materials.

Clinical comparison of diode laser- and LED-activated tooth bleaching: 9-month follow-up.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of diode laser- or LED-activated tooth bleaching on color change, tooth sensitivity(TS), temperature variation, and gingival irritation (GI) for 9 months. Thirty-five subjects having anterior teeth with a color of A2 or darker were enrolled in the study. In a split-mouth design, one side of each arch was activated by a diode laser (Epic X, Biolase), and the other side was activated by an LED (Radii Plus, SDI) in conjunction with a bleaching agent (35%, Whiteness HP). The color change was evaluated by subjective (VitaClassic/Vita3D Master Bleachguide) and objective (spectrophotometer, Vita Easyshade) methods for up to 9 months. TS and GI were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and gingival index, respectively, at the same recall periods. During the bleaching, the temperature variation was also recorded using a thermocouple. Statistical analyses were performed (p < 0.05). In the color evaluation, no statistically significant difference was found between diode laser and LED (p > 0.05), except for the 6-month spectrophotometric assessment (ΔE00, ΔEab), where higher values were obtained with the laser (p < 0.05). The temperature difference and maximum temperature with diode were found to be significantly higher than LED (p < 0.05). Higher values were obtained with LED when the mean temperatures were compared (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the two activation methods in terms of TS and GI at any of the recalls (p > 0.05). The bleaching activated either with diode laser or LED performed similar clinical performance in terms of effective color change, tooth sensitivity, and gingival irritation with minimum temperature variations.

Factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common and serious complication in preterm infants with very low birth weight and is known to lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in patients with moderate to severe BPD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 83 preterm infants born between 24- and 29-weeks' gestation who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and developed moderate/severe BPD between 2013 and 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Developmental assessment was performed at 18 to 24 months of corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (BSID-II). Patients with NDI (n=41) and without NDI (n=42) were compared. RESULTS: BSID-II Mental Development Index and Psychomotor Development Index scores were 87±11 and 83±8 in the non-NDI group and 57±12 and 52±8 in the NDI group, respectively (p<0.001). The NDI group had significantly lower birth weight (847±174 vs. 1012±192 g) and gestational age (26.1±1.3 and 27.6±1.6 weeks) compared to the non-NDI group (p<0.001). Intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, exposure to steroids, duration of respiratory support, and length of hospital stay were significantly higher in the NDI group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Many of the conditions in this study were found to be associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with BPD, such as prolonged respiratory support, prolonged hospitalization, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy, and steroid therapy, can be avoided or prevented with strict protocols and prevention strategies. Appropriate management of comorbid risk factors may help prevent poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The prevalence of non-vascular pulmonary manifestations in Takayasu's Arteritis patients: A Retrospective multi-centred Turkish cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a rare vasculitis characterized by inflammation of intermediate- to large-size arteries. Although pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) is an expected finding in some TAK patients, data on non-vascular pulmonary involvement (NVPI) are limited. We aimed to investigate the frequency of NVPI, including parenchymal infiltration, nodules/cavities, pleural effusion, and haemorrhage, in TAK. METHOD: We assembled a retrospective cohort of TAK patients from nine tertiary centres in Turkey. The demographics and clinical characteristics of patients were extracted from medical records and the imaging findings were evaluated for pulmonary manifestations. RESULTS: As of January 2021, 319 TAK patients (female/male 276/43; mean age 42.4 ± 13.5 years) were recruited. Eighty-two patients had cough and/or dyspnoea and four had haemoptysis as pulmonary symptoms. On computed tomography assessment, the overall frequency of NVPI was 7.2%; parenchymal infiltrations were present in 10 (3.1%), pleural effusion in eight (2.5%), nodules/cavities in six (1.9%), and pulmonary haemorrhage in four patients (1.3%). In the whole cohort, 10.3% of patients had pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and 5.6% had PAI. Among patients with PAH or PAI, the overall frequency of NVPI was significantly higher than in the rest of the group. CONCLUSIONS: In this TAK cohort from Turkey, we observed NVPI in 7.2% of patients, with parenchymal infiltrations being the most common, followed by pleural effusion. Notably, NVPI was more frequent in patients with PAH or PAI. Although not as common as PAI, NVPI should be kept in mind, especially in TAK patients with PAH or PAI.

Thermoluminescence properties of unique Rosso Levanto marble.

This marble extracted from deposits in Elazig in Turkey resembles red meat in appearance and is only found in Elazig. This type of marble has been widely used in the most famous architectural structures and buildings. In this study, the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of a unique marble that originated from Turkey, named Rosso Levanto, were investigated. Two distinct TL peaks were observed at 160°C and around 375°C. Particle size experiments showed that best TL intensity was seen at 200 µm particle size and therefore dose-response, heating rate, cycle of measurement and fading experiments were carried out on powdered samples with a particle size of 200 µm. The findings revealed good linearity in dose-response, observed up to 0.5 kGy. The reproducibility experiment gave good results, but peak intensity decreased by about 40% in first 6 h of storage in a dark room.

In Vitro Evaluation of Different Protocols for Preventing Microleakage of Fissure Sealants Placed Following Saliva Contamination.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of different enamel conditioning protocols and their re-application on the microleakage of fissure sealants placed following saliva contamination. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 156 human third molars in 16 subgroups (2×4×2) under two main groups (sealant type): Group A- hydrophobic resin sealant, 3M Clinpro™ Sealant; Group B- hydrophilic resin sealant, Ultraseal XT Hydro. Each group was then divided according to the type of surface conditioning; 1- Er,Cr:YSSG laser etching, 2- acid-etching, 3- acid-etching+etch-and-rinse adhesive (Prime&Bond® One Select) and 4- self-etching adhesive (Clearfil™ SE Bond). After contaminating the conditioned occlusal enamel surfaces with artificial saliva, fissure sealant was applied in half of the specimens (a), whereas in the other half, (b) the respective surface conditioning was repeated and then fissure sealant was placed. Following thermocycling, the samples were immersed in basic fuchsin, sectioned, and dye penetration was quantitatively assessed with ImageJ. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were used for statistical analyses (p<0.05). RESULTS: The least microleakage was observed in A3b and A3a, whereas B4b and B4a were the subgroups with the highest microleakage. Following saliva contamination, when surface conditioning was not re-applied, the effects of fissure sealant types and surface conditioning were significant (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively). However, their interaction was insignificant (p=0.173). When surface conditioning was re-applied after saliva contamination, the effects of type of fissure sealant and surface conditioning (p=0.000, for both) and their interaction (p=0.004) were significant. CONCLUSIONS: 3M Clinpro™ Sealant was superior to Ultraseal XT Hydro. Re-application of Er,Cr:YSSG laser and the self-etching adhesive did not affect the microleakage of both fissure sealants. Without re-application, acid-etching+etch-and-rinse adhesive was superior to acid-etching only. However, both of them were similarly successful when they were re-applied following saliva contamination.

24-Month Clinical Evaluation of Different Bulk-Fill Restorative Resins in Class II Restorations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the 24-month clinical performance of three different bulk-fill restorative resin materials in class II restorations. Forty patients with at least three approximal lesions in premolar and molar teeth participated in the study. A total of 120 class II cavities were restored using Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (n=40), SureFil SDR flow + Ceram.X mono (n=40), and everX Posterior + G-aenial Posterior (n=40) with their respective adhesives according to the manufacturers' instructions. All restorations were placed by one operator. The restorations were evaluated at baseline and at six, 12, 18, and 24 months using modified US Public Health Service criteria by one examiner. The restoration groups for each category were compared using the Pearson chi-square test, while the Cochran Q-test was used to compare the changes across different time points within each restorative material (p<0.05). At the end of 24 months, 94 restorations were evaluated in 33 patients, with a recall rate of 82.5%. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of retention (p>0.05). At the 24-month recall, two restorations from the SureFil SDR flow + Ceram.X mono group and four from the everX Posterior + G-aenial Posterior group showed slight marginal discoloration and were rated as bravo. No marginal discoloration was observed in any of the Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill restorations. Six restorations from the Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill group, six from the SureFil SDR flow + Ceram.X mono group, and 12 from the everX Posterior + G-aenial Posterior group received bravo scores in terms of marginal adaptation. No difference was found among the three groups for any of the evaluation criteria tested (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the baseline and 24-month recall in the everX Posterior + G-aenial Posterior group in terms of marginal discoloration (p<0.05). For marginal adaptation, a significant difference was observed between baseline and 24 months for all the restorative resins (p<0.05). All the restorative resins tested performed similarly and showed acceptable clinical performance during the 24-month evaluation.

The correlation of computed tomography in the evaluation of septoplasty patients.

BACKGROUND: Septoplasty is one of the frequently applied nasal surgical procedures. There is still no gold standart objective method to evaluate the patients whom suffers from nasal blockage. To evaluate the septoplasty candidate with a Paranasal Computerised Tomography (PNCT) is one of the most discussed topic in the otorhinolaryngology surgical philosophy. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aim to interpret the value of nasal valve areas measured by PNCT for both septoplasty candidates and the control population. We believe that this information could be useful for the evaluation of patients before undergoing a septoplasty procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 600 coronal and axial tomography sections performed between May 2014 and February 2018 at the University Of Gaziantep Radiology Dept. were assessed. These tomography sections were divided into two groups called the septoplasty and the control. The septoplasty group was made up of three hundred paranasal sinus tomography images scanned before patients' septoplasty operations. The control group was created by screening 300 maxillofacial tomography's which were taken due to the suspicion of trauma at the University Of Gaziantep Emergency Clinic between May 2014 and January 2018. RESULTS: There were 192 (64%) patients with left nasal septal deviation and 108 (36%) patients with right nasal septal deviation. The Independent Sample T-Test revealed that the mean internal nasal valve angle in the left septoplasty group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.005). A comparison of the right side nasal values revealed a significant statistical change according to the Independent Sample T-Test between the value of the right septoplasty and the control groups (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: The sectional areas of nasal tomography images may show different values. However, it is still difficult to say that the clinical application of tomography images could be used as one of the indication criteria for the septoplasty procedure.

Simultaneous Biofortification of Wheat with Zinc, Iodine, Selenium, and Iron through Foliar Treatment of a Micronutrient Cocktail in Six Countries.

Field experiments were conducted on wheat to study the effects of foliar-applied iodine(I) alone, Zn (zinc) alone, and a micronutrient cocktail solution containing I, Zn, Se (selenium), and Fe (iron) on grain yield and grain concentrations of micronutrients. Plants were grown over 2 years in China, India, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey. Grain-Zn was increased from 28.6 mg kg-1 to 46.0 mg-1 kg with Zn-spray and 47.1 mg-1 kg with micronutrient cocktail spray. Foliar-applied I and micronutrient cocktail increased grain I from 24 µg kg-1 to 361 µg kg-1 and 249 µg kg-1, respectively. Micronutrient cocktail also increased grain-Se from 90 µg kg-1 to 338 µg kg-1 in all countries. Average increase in grain-Fe by micronutrient cocktail solution was about 12%. The results obtained demonstrated that foliar application of a cocktail micronutrient solution represents an effective strategy to biofortify wheat simultaneously with Zn, I, Se and partly with Fe without yield trade-off in wheat.

Neutron+Gamma response of undoped and Dy doped MgB4O7 thermoluminescence dosimeter.

Thermoluminescence properties of undoped and Dy doped MgB4O7 compounds were studied with the irradiation of 252Cf source. The TL kinetic parameters of MgB4O7: Dy were studied by computer glow curve deconvolution (CGCD) method. The glow curve structures of 1% Dy doped magnesium tetraborate compound consists of at least five glow peaks with a main dosimetric peak at about 220 °C. The highest sensitivity which is approximately 1.90 and 1.47 times higher than that of TLD-600 and TLD-700 was found for MgB4O7: Dy (1 mol%). The results clearly showed that Dysprosium doped magnesium borate has a potential to be considered as the thermoluminescence neutron + gamma dosimeter.

The effect of Er,Cr:YSGG laser, fluoride, and CPP-ACP on caries resistance of primary enamel.

The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effect of different remineralization agents and laser on caries resistance of primary enamel. In the study, 150 sound primary molars were used. The initial microhardness values were measured and the teeth were randomly assigned to ten treatment groups (n = 15): no treatment/negative control (C), NaF, APF, fluoride varnish (FV), CPP-ACP, laser (L), L + NaF, L + APF, L + FV, L + CPP-ACP. The microhardness values were measured after the treatments and the pH cycle. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. One sample from each group was examined before treatment, after treatment, and after the pH cycle with a scanning electron microscope. While microhardness values after treatment compared to baseline increased, microhardness after the pH cycle decreased compared to after treatment values in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). In regard to the difference in microhardness after the pH cycle and baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups C and NaF and between C and CPP-ACP (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups L and L + FV (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was noted between groups L and L + NaF, L + APF, L + CPP-ACP (p > 0.05). As a conclusion, FV is more effective when used in combination with laser than laser alone. NaF, CPP-ACP, and laser may be insufficient in protecting the primary teeth against acid attacks compared to FV used with laser.

In vitro comparison of an Er:YAG laser-activated bleaching system with different light-activated bleaching systems for color change, surface roughness, and enamel bond strength.

To compare an Er:YAG laser-activated bleaching system with different light-activated in-office bleaching systems for color change, surface roughness, and post-bleaching enamel bond strength. 51 enamel slabs were prepared from the sound buccal enamel of extracted bovine teeth. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups according to different light-activated office bleaching systems (n = 17): diode laser (Epic, Biolase) (940 nm, 7 W, continuous mode), Er:YAG laser (LightWalker, Fotona) (2940 nm, 50 mJ, 10 Hz, 1000 µs), and LED (Radii Plus) (440-480 nm, 1500 mW/cm2). All systems were used with their compatible bleaching agents according to manufacturers' recommendations. The tooth color and surface roughness (Ra) were assessed at baseline and after bleaching using a spectrophotometer and a surface profilometer, respectively. The color change was determined by the CIE L*a*b* system (ΔE, ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*). Kruskal-Wallis test was used for color change whereas Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze the roughness data. For shear bond strength test (SBS), composite cylinders were bonded on bleached enamel samples 14 days after bleaching procedures and stored in water (37 °C). Specimens were then debonded with a universal testing machine at 1 mm/min and data were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis test. All the tested bleaching systems were effective on color change (ΔE > 3.3) and produced similar color change (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences among the Ra values of the groups neither at baseline nor after bleaching (p > 0.05). However, comparing the baseline and after bleaching Ra values, a significant increase was observed for all tested groups (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found among all systems for SBS (p < 0.05). The highest values were obtained in Er:YAG group, whereas the LED group revealed the lowest values (p < 0.05). All tested bleaching systems were effective on tooth whitening, whereas they all led to an increase on surface roughness. Although the current Er:YAG laser-activated bleaching system did not differ from other tested bleaching systems according to color change and surface roughness, it appears to provide better results in terms of SBS.

Clinical Follow-up of a Fissure Sealant Placed Using Different Adhesive Protocols: A 24-month Split-mouth Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the retention rates of a fissure sealant placed using different adhesive protocols over 24 months. Twenty-four subjects with no restorations or caries received fissure sealants (Clinpro Sealant, 3M ESPE) placed using different adhesive protocols. A total of 292 sealants were placed as follows by two previously calibrated dentists using a table of random numbers (n=73): group I, acid-etch/without adhesive; group II, with a self-etch adhesive (Adper Easy Bond, 3M ESPE); group III, with an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE); group IV, with acid + self-etch adhesive (Adper Easy Bond). Two other calibrated examiners independently evaluated the sealants at baseline and at six-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month recalls. Each sealant was evaluated in terms of caries formation being present or absent and retention using the following criteria: 1 = total retention, 2 = partial loss, and 3 = total loss. Pearson's χ2 test was used to evaluate differences in retention rates among the sealants for each evaluation period. At the end of 24 months, total retention rates were 57.5%, 27.4%, 84.9%, and 76.7% in the acid-etch, self-etch adhesive, etch-and-rinse adhesive, and acid + self-etch adhesive groups, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant differences between the retention rates among the adhesive protocols at 6 months ( p=0.684), significant differences were observed at the 12-, 18-, and 24-month evaluations. At 24 months, the lowest retention rates were observed in the self-etch group ( p<0.05). No caries development was observed in any of the groups. The retention rate of sealants placed using self-etch adhesive was poor compared with the other groups.

Clinical Evaluation of a Silorane- and a Methacrylate-Based Resin Composite in Class II Restorations: 24-Month Results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the 24-month clinical performance of two different resin composites in class II slot restorations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-seven patients having at least two approximal carious lesions were enrolled in the study. A total of 116 teeth (58 pairs) were restored with either a silorane-based composite (Filtek Silorane) and its self-etch adhesive (Silorane Adhesive System, 3M ESPE) or a methacrylate-based packable resin composite (X-tra Fil) and its self-etch adhesive (Futurabond NR, VOCO GmbH) according to the toss of a coin. The restorations were evaluated at baseline and at six-, 12-, and 24-month recalls by two calibrated examiners according to the modified US Public Health Service criteria. The comparison of the two restorative materials for each category was performed with the Pearson chi-square test. Within group differences of the materials at different recall times were compared using the Cochran Q and Friedman tests. Bonferroni-adjusted McNemar test was used when significant difference was found (p<0.05). RESULTS: After 24 months, no statistically significant differences were found between the two restorative materials for the criteria evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Both silorane- and methacrylate-based resin composites showed clinically acceptable performance in class II slot restorations after 24 months.

Thirty-Six-Month Clinical Comparison of Bulk Fill and Nanofill Composite Restorations.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of a nanofill and a bulk fill resin composite in class II restorations. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In accordance with a split-mouth design, 50 patients received at least one pair of restorations, restored with a nanofill resin composite (Filtek Ultimate [FU]) and with a bulk fill resin composite (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill [TB]). Each restorative resin was used with its respective adhesive system according to the manufacturers' instructions. A total of 104 class II restorations were placed by two operators. The restorations were blindly evaluated by two examiners at baseline and at six, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months using modified US Public Health Service Ryge criteria. The comparison of the two restorative materials for each category was performed with the chi-square test (α=0.05). The baseline scores were compared with those at the recall visits using the Cochran Q-test. RESULTS: At six, 12, 18, and 24 months, the recall rate was 100%, 98%, 94%, and 82%, respectively, with a retention rate of 100%. At 36 months, 81 restorations were evaluated in 39 patients with a recall rate of 78%. For marginal adaptation, four restorations from the TB group and 10 from the FU group rated as Bravo. Two restorations from the TB and eight restorations from the FU group showed marginal discoloration. There were statistically significant differences between the two restorative resins in terms of marginal adaptation and marginal discoloration (p<0.05). No differences were observed between the restorative resins in terms of retention (p>0.05). One restored tooth from the FU group was crowned. The retention rates for the TB and the FU groups were 100%. In the FU group, two restorations showed slightly rough surfaces, and two showed a slight mismatch in color. None of the restorations showed postoperative sensitivity, secondary caries, or loss of anatomic form. CONCLUSIONS: The tested bulk fill restorative resin demonstrated better clinical performance in terms of marginal discoloration and marginal adaptation.

Thermoluminescence behavior of basaltic rocks collected in southeastern region of Turkey.

Basalt is well known as an extrusive igneous rock erupts on land by volcanic eruption. It is darker, denser and finer grained compared to the familiar granite of the continents. The study reveals the thermoluminescence properties (TL) of basaltic rocks which collected in southeastern region of Turkey. With this study, the variations of glow curve of the basalt at the different grain sizes, different annealing temperature and different annealing time have been investigated. This study also includes, dose response and heating rate experiments. As a result, the basalt sample shows thermoluminescence properties with a wide peak about 200°C. The best TL sensitivity was observed at samples whose grain size is ~100µm. The basalt sample has a wide TL glow curve. A linearity for the values up to 155Gy and supralinearity between 155Gy and 615Gy in dose response are observed and it reaches to saturation beyond 615Gy. Thermal treatments at higher temperatures decrease the TL sensitivity.

Changes in pupil size following panretinal retinal photocoagulation: conventional laser vs pattern scan laser (PASCAL).

PurposeTo evaluate and compare the possible changes in pupil size subsequent to panretinal laser photocoagulation (PRP) via conventional laser and pattern scan laser (PASCAL).Patients and methodsForty eyes of 40 patients with diabetic retinopathy were included. 20 eyes had a PRP via conventional laser and formed Group 1. 20 eyes had a PRP via PASCAL laser and formed Group 2. The participants underwent standard ophthalmologic examination at baseline. Automated infrared pupillometry were performed at baseline and month 1.ResultsThe mean pupillary measurements (mm) for Group 1 (in the order photopic, mesopic, and scotopic conditions) were 2.88±0.34, 3.38±0.40, and 3.95±0.38, and changed to 3.64±0.42, 4.18±0.42, and 4.58±0.48, respectively. There was significant increase in pupil size at month 1 (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.00, respectively). For Group 2, they were 2.90±0.38, 3.43±0.36, and 3.90±0.40, and changed to 3.18±0.42, 3.74±0.36, and 4.10±0.38, respectively. There was significant increase in pupil size at month 1 (P=0.018, P=0.014, and P=0.014, respectively). The pupil size increased significantly in both groups in all illumination conditions.ConclusionWe have demonstrated via automated infrared pupillary measurements that PRP may significantly increase pupil size whether it is performed with conventional laser or PASCAL laser.

Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored With Bulk Fill, Bulk Fill Flowable, Fiber-reinforced, and Conventional Resin Composite.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with different types of restorative resins. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Seventy-two sound maxillary premolar teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n=12). The teeth in the first group were left intact and tested as unprepared negative control (group I) specimens. The teeth in the remaining five groups were prepared with MOD cavities and endodontically treated. The teeth in one of the five groups (positive control group II) were unrestored. The rest of the prepared cavities were restored as follows: group III: bulk fill resin composite/Filtek Bulk Fill (3M ESPE); group IV: bulk fill flowable resin composite + nanohybrid/SureFil SDR Flow + Ceram.X Mono (Dentsply); group V: fiber-reinforced composite + posterior resin composite/GC everX posterior + G-aenial posterior (GC Corp.); and group VI: nanohybrid resin composite/Tetric N-Ceram (Ivoclar/Vivadent). Each restorative material was used with its respective adhesive system. The restored teeth were stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37°C and were then thermocycled (5-55°C, 1000×). Specimens were subjected to a compressive load until fracture at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by the post hoc Tukey honestly significantly different test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Sound premolar teeth (group I negative control) showed significantly higher fracture resistance than did the other tested groups (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the fracture resistance values of the restored groups (groups III, IV, V, and VI) (p>0.05). The lowest values were obtained in the positive control group (group II); these values were significantly lower than those of the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The fracture resistance values of endodontically treated teeth restored with either bulk fill/bulk fill flowable or fiber-reinforced composite were not different from those restored with conventional nanohybrid resin composite.

The time of resolution and the rate of recurrence in acute central serous chorioretinopathy following spontaneous resolution and low-fluence photodynamic therapy: a case-control study.

PurposeTo evaluate the resolution time and the recurrence rate of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) after spontaneous resolution and low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT).MethodsCase-control study: The CSC patients who were admitted to our clinic for the first time were included. No treatment was given during the first 6 months. Patients were treated with PDT after 6 months from the initial signs of the disease, if they did not show any sign of resolution. The patients who showed a significant decrease in subretinal fluid after month 6 were not scheduled for PDT. The primary outcomes were the resolution time and the recurrence rate after the first episode. Secondary outcome measures were the change in BCVA and CRT during the follow up.ResultsA total of 77 consecutive eyes of 77 patients were included, 41 eyes (53.2%) with spontaneously resolved CSC and 36 eyes (46.8%) with PDT-treated CSC. The initial resolution time was 4.1±3.2 months in spontaneous resolution group, and 8.1±0.8 months in PDT group, respectively (P<0.001). The recurrence rate was 51.2% in spontaneous resolution group, and 25% in PDT group (P=0.01). The change in BCVA from baseline to the last follow-up visit was statistically significant in both groups (P=0.002, P=0.003, respectively). The change in CRT from baseline to the last follow up was also statistically significant in both groups (P=0.002, P=0.003, respectively).ConclusionsThe recurrence rate of acute CSC was lower in PDT-treated patients than the spontaneously resolved patients.