The value of atrial electromechanical delay in predicting atrial fibrillation development after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation (PoAF) in the preoperative period will provide a serious advantage in preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with this arrhythmia and in planning the treatment. In this study, we investigated the value of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) in predicting the development of PoAF. METHODS: A total of 93 patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation were included in this prospective study. Patients' demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters, echocardiographic data, and AEMD durations that could be measured by the co-use of electrocardiography and echocardiography were recorded. The patients at sinus rhythm during the postoperative period were identified as "Group 1", and those who developed PoAF were identified as "Group 2". RESULTS: PoAF incidence was 26.88% (n = 25). Left ventricle (LV) lateral AEMD, LV medial AEMD, right ventricle lateral AEMD, and left atrium (LA) lateral AEMD durations of Group 2 were significantly higher than Group 1 (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p < 0.001; respectively). In Univariate Logistic Regression Analysis, the age, hypertension, LA maximum volume, LA lateral AEMD and pulmonary artery pressure were significantly associated with PoAF development (p = 0.01, p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.001, p = 0.01; respectively). However, only LA lateral AEMD was found as an independent predictive factor for the development of PoAF in the Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis (OR:1.03, 95% CI:1.001-1.06, p = 0.04). AUC was .741 for LA lateral AEMD in ROC Curve Analysis (95% CI: .633-.849, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The development of PoAF can be predicted by AEMD durations measured in the preoperative period in patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Investigation of the effects of diabetes mellitus on left internal thoracic artery flow patterns in patients scheduled to undergo coronary bypass graft surgery.

PURPOSE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) plays a key role in the formation and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of DM and glycemic control on left internal thoracic artery (LITA) Doppler flow in patients scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: Patients who were hospitalized with a planned isolated CABG operation to our clinic between October 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020 were consecutively included in this prospective study. The patients were divided into three groups as those without DM (Group 1), those with DM and HbA1c values of below 7.5 (Group 2), and those with DM and HbA1c values of 7.5 and above (Group 3). The differences between the LITA Doppler flow patterns of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean ages of Group 1 (n = 103), Group 2 (n = 42), and Group 3 (n = 47) were 59.8 ± 9.6 years, 60.5 ± 9.3 years, and 61.9 ± 8.1 years, respectively. The groups differed in terms of diameter, volume, Vmax, pulsality index (PI), and resistive index (RI) values, both when the groups were compared among themselves (P < .001, for all), and when they were compared between those with (Groups 2 and 3) and without DM (Group 1) (P < .001, for all). Volume (R = -0.627, P < .001) and Vmax (R = -.450, P < .001) were moderately negatively correlated, while PI (R = .523, P < .001) and RI (R = 0.598, P < 0.001) were moderately positively correlated with HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that increased HbA1c levels may be associated with significant functional and structural changes of LITA.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part 28. Effects of high and low water fluoridation on orthodontic root resorption: A microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: Transient inflammatory surface resorption, referred to as orthodontic induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR), is an iatrogenic consequence of orthodontic tooth movement. Systemic fluoride has been associated with a reduction of OIIRR. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water fluoridation levels on OIIRR in a clinically applicable human orthodontic model. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who required bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction as part of orthodontic treatment were selected from 2 cities with high and low water fluoridation of ≥2 ppm and ≤0.05 ppm, respectively. Patients were separated into high fluoride (HF) and low fluoride (LF) groups on the basis of water fluoridation levels. Bilateral maxillary first premolar teeth were subjected to 150 g of buccal tipping forces for 12 weeks with reactivation every 4 weeks. Teeth were extracted at the end of 12 weeks. Root resorption crater volume was determined using microcomputed tomography and 3-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: HF group showed significantly less mean root resorption volume on the palatal root surface when compared with the LF group (P = 0.025). This difference was specifically displayed at palatal apical regions (P = 0.041). When root resorption volumes from the zones of orthodontic pressure (buccal cervical, palatal apical) were combined, the mean difference between HF and LF groups was statistically significant (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the present study indicated a positive correlation between water fluoridation and the reduction of OIIRR, especially at the zones of orthodontic pressure, using a clinically relevant human orthodontic model.

Can a modified-simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (m-sPESI) be used to predict the need for intensive care in hospitalized COVID-19 patients?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 disease may differ, most cases are mild, but a significant minority of patients may develop moderate to severe respiratory symptoms, with the most severe cases requiring intensive care and/or mechanical ventilatory support. In this study, we aimed to identify validity of our modified scoring system for foreseeing the approach to the COVID-19 patient and the disease, the treatment plan, the severity of morbidity and even the risk of mortality from the clinician's point of view. In this single center study, we examined the patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 between 01/04/2020 and 01/06/2020, of the 228 patients who were between 20 and 90 years of age, and whose polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests of nasal and pharyngeal swab samples were positive. We evaulated 228 (92 male and 136 female) PCR (+) patients. Univariate analysis showed that advanced age (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), troponin-I (p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001), fibrinogen (p < 0.001), HT (p = 0.01), CAD (p = 0.001), DM (p < 0.001), history of malignancy (p = 0.008), along with m-sPESI scores (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients that needed intensive care due to COVID-19 infection. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, only the m-sPESI score higher than ≥ 2 was found to be highly significant in terms of indicating the need for ICU admission (AUC 0.948; 84.6% sensitivity and 94.6% specificity) (p < 0.001). With an increasing number of hospitalized patients, healthcare providers are confronting a deluge of lab results in the process of caring for COVID-19 patients. It is imperative to identify risk factors for mortality and morbidity development. The modified sPESI scoring system, which we put forward, is successful in predicting the course of the disease at the presentation of the patient with COVID-19 disease and predicting the need for intensive care with high specificity and sensitivity, can detect the need for intensive care with high specificity and sensitivity.

Effects of rapid and slow maxillary expansion on root resorption: a micro-computed tomography study.

AIM: To compare root resorption (RR) after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME) through micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six subjects who required maxillary expansion and bilateral upper first premolar extraction were randomly assigned to RME (n = 13, mean age: 13.25 ± 0.88 years) or SME (n = 13, mean age: 13.53±1.28 years) group. A hyrax-type acrylic bonded expansion appliance was used. The Hyrax screw was activated » turn twice a day for 20 days in the RME group and » turn every second day for 80 days in the SME group. One randomly selected upper first premolar was extracted in each patient after active expansion. The appliance was left in situ for a 24-week retention period then the contralateral upper first premolar was extracted. Extracted teeth were scanned with micro-CT and the volume of the resorption craters was analysed with a specialized software. Transversal skeletal and dental widths were measured on posteroanterior radiographs taken before and after expansion and retention periods. RESULTS: The resorption craters were concentrated mostly on the buccal surface and middle level in all samples. The total RR in the RME group was less post-expansion (P ≤ 0.05) and more post-retention (P > 0.05) than the SME group. During retention, there was a significant decrease in the total RR in the SME group (P > 0.05) and an increase in the RME group. Both RME and SME groups displayed a similar increase in skeletal transverse dimensions, but inter-molar width increased significantly more in the SME group during the whole experimental period. CONCLUSION: RME does not have an advantage over SME in terms of skeletal expansion and the amount of RR when a retention period of six months is followed.

Effects of low-level laser therapy and mechanical vibration on orthodontic pain caused by initial archwire.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical vibration and low-level laser therapy on orthodontic pain after placement of the initial archwire. METHODS: Sixty subjects with 3-6 mm maxillary dental crowding, a nonextraction fixed treatment plan, and no medical history were included in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, equally distributed by sex. In each subject, preadjusted edgewise appliances were placed in the maxillary arch from the left first molar to the right first molar, and a 0.014-inch round nickel-titanium archwire was fully engaged with elastomeric ties and cut at the end of first molar bondable tube. In group 1 (mean age 13.98 ± 2.68 y), mechanical vibration was performed 3 times: immediately, 24 hours, and 48 hours after engagement of the initial archwire. In group 2 (mean age 14.86 ± 2.06 y), low-level laser therapy was applied once: immediately after the insertion of the initial archwire. Group 3 (mean age 14.41 ± 1.78 y) served as the control group. Pain scores were determined with the use of a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Although no statistically significant differences were found among the groups (P >0.05), the mean VAS scores for the mechanical vibration group were consistently lower than those of the control and low-level laser therapy groups at all measured time points. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanical vibration group had lower, though nonsignificant, VAS scores for all measured time points. Additional clinical trials are recommended for more definitive conclusions.

Big toenail and hair samples as biomarkers for fluoride exposure - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Biomarkers can aid in detecting and preventing clinical disease through the recognition of change in biological samples. The objective of this case-control study was to further the knowledge on the use of big toenail and hair samples as biomarkers for fluoride exposure. METHODS: A total of 48 participants from an endemic (IC) and a non-endemic (SC) fluorosis region were included. Big toenail and hair samples were collected from each participant and the fluoride concentration was determined. The results of 42 participants were reported: 21 participants (11 males and 10 females, mean age 15.66 + 2.61 years) from IC and 21 participants (11 males and 10 females, mean age 15.06 + 0.79 years) from SC. RESULTS: The mean fluoride concentration of big toenail (2.34 ± 0.26 mg/kg) and hair (0.24 ± 0.04 mg/kg) in the endemic region was significantly higher than the mean fluoride concentration of big toenail (0.98 ± 0.08 mg/kg) and hair (0.14 ± 0.02 mg/kg) in the non-endemic region (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value was 0.889 for big toenail (p < 0.001) and 0.762 for hair (p = 0.004) samples. The fluoride assay for big toenails exhibits greater observed accuracy than does the fluoride assay for hair. CONCLUSION: Nail and hair samples can serve as biomarkers to detect biological fluoride exposure according to the data of this pilot study. Nevertheless, hair is less sensitive and specific as a biomarker when AUC values of big toenail and hair samples were compared.

The extent of root resorption and tooth movement following the application of ascending and descending magnetic forces: a prospective split mouth, microcomputed-tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: Various factors have been examined in the literature in an attempt to reduce the incidence and severity of root resorption. The purpose of the present investigation is to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in relation to force level using gradually increasing (ascending) and decreasing (descending) orthodontic force generated by magnets on the severity of Orthodontically Induced Inflammatory Iatrogenic Root Resorption (OIIRR) and amount of tooth movement. METHODS: Twenty maxillary first premolars from 10 patients were subjected to ascending (25-225 g, magnets in attraction) and descending (225 to 25 g, magnets in repulsion) buccal forces using a split mouth design over an 8-week period. Polyvinyl siloxane impressions were taken at week 0, 4, and 8 to record the tooth movement. After 8 weeks, the teeth were extracted, scanned, with micro-CT in 16.9 µm resolution, and the root resorption craters were localized circumferentially and quantified at each level of the root. RESULTS: The total volume of OIIRR with ascending force was 1.20 mm3, and with descending force was 1.25 mm3, and there was no statistically significant difference between them. OIIRR on the palatal surface (0.012 mm3) was significantly less than on the buccal surface (0.057 mm3) and than on the mesial surface (0.035 mm3). There is no statistically significant difference in the degree of OIIRR between different level of the root (cervical, middle, and apical) at different surfaces. Moreover, the amount of tooth movement, at 0-, 4-, and 8-week interval, secondary to an ascending and descending force application was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There is no short-term (8 weeks) statistically significant difference between orthodontic ascending and descending forces, from 25 to 225 g and from 225 to 25 g, respectively, in term of severity and location of OIIRR as well as the amount of tooth movement. The buccal surface of the root showed highest degree of OIIRR compared to other root's surfaces.

Preoperative Low Serum Albumin Levels Increase the Requirement of Renal Replacement Therapy after Cardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury is a common complication of cardiac surgery that increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to analyze the association of preoperative serum albumin levels with acute kidney injury and the requirement of renal replacement therapy after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 530 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function. The perioperative clinical data of the patients included demographic data, laboratory data, length of stay, in-hospital complications and mortality. The patient population was divided into two groups: group I patients with preoperative serum albumin levels <3.5 mg/dL; and group II pateints with preoperative serum albumin levels ≥3.5 mg/dL. RESULTS: There were 413 patients in group I and 117 patients in group II. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) occured in 33 patients (28.2%) in group I and in 79 patients (19.1%) in group II. Renal replacement therapy was required in 17 patients (3.2%) (8 patients from group I; 9 patients from group II; P = .018). 30-day mortality occurred in 18 patients (3.4%) (10 patients from group I; 8 patients from group II; P = .037). Fourteen of these patients required renal replacement therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealing the presence of lower serum albumin levels preoperatively was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.661; 95% CI: 1.037-2.661; P = .035). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that DM (OR: 3.325; 95% CI: 2.162-5.114; P = .000) was another independent risk factor for AKI after isolated CABG. CONCLUSION: Low preoperative serum albumin levels result in severe acute kidney injury and increase the rate of renal replacement therapy and mortality after isolated CABG.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part 25. Extent of root resorption after the application of light and heavy buccopalatal jiggling forces for 12 weeks: A microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to evaluate with microcomputed tomography the orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption in premolars caused by buccopalatal jiggling movement with light and heavy forces and to compare it with the resorption caused by equivalent but continuous buccal forces. METHODS: The sample consisted of 60 maxillary first premolars collected from 30 patients (15 girls, 15 boys; ages, 13-18 years) who required orthodontic treatment with extractions. They were divided into 3 groups of 10 patients. Light (25 g) or heavy (225 g) buccal tipping orthodontic forces were randomly assigned on the maxillary right or left quadrant with either continuous buccal (positive controls) or buccopalatal jiggling forces for 12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, the teeth were carefully extracted and processed for 3-dimensional imaging and volumetric evaluations of resorption craters. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed rank tests. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between positive control light (P = 0.0173) and heavy (P = 0.0173) continuous forces and jiggling forces for both force magnitudes. However, statistically significant differences were observed between heavy and light jiggling forces (P = 0.038), with heavy jiggling forces causing greater total root resorption than light jiggling forces. CONCLUSIONS: Light and heavy jiggling forces in the buccopalatal direction did not cause significantly different amounts of root resorption when compared with continuous forces of the same magnitude. On the other hand, light jiggling forces resulted in less root resorption than heavy jiggling forces.

The effect of lidocaine and amiodarone on prevention of ventricular fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Ventricular fibrillation is common after aortic declamping in patients undergoing open heart surgery. This situation has a negative impact on morbidity and mortality. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effect of administering lidocaine versus amiodarone before aortic declamping during elective coronary bypass grafting, paying close attention to when the initial effect of amiodarone sets in. METHODS: In this double blind, prospective, randomized, controlled study, 86 patients who were candidates for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were recruited into three groups: group lidocaine (group L, n=29); group amiodarone (group A, n=27); and group placebo (group P, n=30). Group L patients received 1.5 mg/kg of lidocaine 2 minutes before aortic declamping and group A patients received 300 mg of amiodarone intravenously 15 minutes before release of the aortic cross clamp. The primary endpoints were the incidence of ventricular fibrillation and the number of shocks required to terminate ventricular fibrillation. RESULTS: The frequency of ventricular fibrillation occurrence was significantly higher in group P (70%) when compared with group A (37%) and group L (38%) (P=.017). There was no statistically significant difference between the amiodarone and the lidocaine groups regarding ventricular fibrillation. However, when ventricular fibrillation occurred, the percentage of patients requiring electrical defibrillation was significantly higher in both group L and group P when compared with group A (P=.023). CONCLUSION: We suggest that during coronary arterial bypass surgery, administration of an amiodarone regime before release of the aortic cross clamp, paying particular attention to the start of the initial effect of amiodarone, is no more effective than lidocaine for prevention from arrhythmia; however, amiodarone reduces the need for electrical defibrillation.

Deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass surgery: management and risk factor analysis for mortality.

BACKGROUND: Deep sternal wound infection is a life-threatening complication after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors leading to mortality, and to explore wound management techniques on deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass surgery. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, 58 patients with deep sternal wound infection were analyzed. Risk factors for mortality and morbidity including age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, chronic renal failure, hypertension, diabetes, and treatment choice were investigated. RESULTS: In this study, 19 patients (32.7%) were treated by primary surgical closure (PSC), and 39 patients (67.3%) were treated by delayed surgical closure following a vacuum-assisted closure system (VAC). Preoperative patient characteristics were similar between the groups. Fourteen patients (24.1%) died in the postoperative first month. The mortality rate and mean duration of hospitalization in the PSC group was higher than in the VAC group (P = .026, P = .034). Significant risk factors for mortality were additional operation, diabetes mellitus, and a high level of EuroSCORE. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed surgical closure following VAC therapy may be associated with shorter hospitalization and lower mortality in patients with deep sternal wound infection. Additional operation, diabetes mellitus, and a high level of EuroSCORE were associated with mortality.

Physical properties of root cementum: part 24. Root resorption of the first premolars after 4 weeks of occlusal trauma.

INTRODUCTION: In orthodontics, adding restorative materials on occlusal or lingual surfaces is a common method to create a mini-biteplane to increase patients' vertical dimension temporarily to facilitate several treatment procedures. However, this method transmits excessive occlusal forces through the periodontal ligament and causes trauma. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we measured and compared quantitatively the volumes of root resorption after 4 weeks of occlusal trauma. METHODS: Forty-eight maxillary and mandibular first premolars of 12 patients (6 girls, 6 boys) comprised the sample for this study. One side of each patient was randomly selected as the control. On the contralateral side, a light-cured glass ionomer cement (Transbond Plus Light Cure Band Adhesive; 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif) was bonded onto the occlusal surface of the mandibular first premolar so that the cement was in contact with the maxillary first premolar. After 4 weeks, both first premolars were extracted. Each sample was imaged using a microcomputed tomography system (1172; SkyScan, Aartselaar, Belgium) and analyzed with specially designed software for volumetric measurements of resorption craters. Furthermore, pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale for 7 days. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the amounts of root resorption between the control and the experimentally traumatized teeth. No significant difference among the buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal surfaces was found in either jaw. Furthermore, no significant difference existed in the amount of root resorption among the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of both jaws. There was no correlation between age, sex, volume of the root resorption craters, and pain. CONCLUSIONS: Restorative buildups, used to increase the vertical dimension by 2 mm for 4 weeks, caused root resorption along the sides of the teeth during the active bite-increase period.

Advancement of the premaxilla with distraction osteogenesis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of premaxillary advancement with distraction osteogenesis (DO) on the skeletal, dental, and soft tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 cases with Angle class I molar relationship and negative overjet or edge-to-edge incisor relationship were included. Due to patient relocation during fixed orthodontic treatment the results of 19 patients (9 females, 10 males) were reported. Their average chronological age was 16.18 ± 3.10 years. An individual tooth-borne distraction appliance was used. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated on cephalograms obtained before treatment (T1), at the end of the consolidation period (T2) and fixed orthodontic treatment (T3). Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to determine the significant differences during T1-T2, T2-T3, and T1-T3 periods. RESULTS: At T2 forward movements of ANS, A, and upper incisors were significant. Significant increases of SNA, ANB, and overjet were obtained. The soft tissue points of Pn, Sn, Ss, Ls showed significant anterior movement. Arch length increase of 10.76 mm was significant. At T3 the decreases of SNA and ANB angles, and FH ┴ N-A distance were significant. Pn point showed significant anterior movement. Total treatment time showed significant anterior movement of points ANS, A, and upper incisors. Significant increase of SNA and ANB angles was noted. The soft tissue points followed the movement of the underlying hard tissue. LIMITATION: A class III control group could not be established for ethical reasons. CONCLUSIONS: The facial profile was improved and space was obtained to solve the maxillary anterior crowding with premaxillary advancement through DO.

Physical properties of root cementum: part 23. Effects of 2 or 3 weekly reactivated continuous or intermittent orthodontic forces on root resorption and tooth movement: a microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The force application period is a modifiable factor in root resorption. There is still ambiguity if the continuity of force application is advantageous in terms of root resorption and tooth movement. In this prospective randomized clinical trial, we compared the effects of 2 reactivation periods of controlled-intermittent and continuous forces on root resorption and tooth movement. METHODS: Thirty-two patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: 2 weekly and 3 weekly reactivations. A split-mouth setup was used for the intermittent and continuous force comparisons. The intermittent force was designed with a pause of 3 days before each reactivation of the springs. A buccally directed tipping force (150 g) was generated with 0.017 × 0.025-in Beta III Titanium cantilever springs (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). After the extractions, surface analysis was performed with microcomputed tomography (model 1172; SkyScan, Aartselaar, Belgium) and specially designed software (CHull2D) for direct volumetric analysis. Buccal premolar movement was also measured on the images of the study casts. RESULTS: Continuous forces produced more resorption than intermittent forces on the total volumes in both groups. A significant difference was found for the 3-weekly group only (P <0.01) on the cervical-mesial (P <0.01) and cervical-buccal (P <0.05) compression regions. In the 2-weekly group, differences were evident in the middle-distal (P <0.05) and middle-lingual (P <0.05) tension regions. Continuous forces produced significantly more tooth movement than did the intermittent forces for both the 2-weekly (P <0.01) and the 3-weekly (P <0.001) regimens. Significant differences were not observed between the 2 intermittent force regimens regarding root resorption and tooth movement. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent force causes less root resorption and tooth movement than continuous force. Root resorption decreases irrespective of the timing of reactivation, when a pause is given. On the other hand, timing of reactivation might have critical importance on continuous force applications, since 2 weekly reactivations produced faster tooth movement with similar root resorption when compared with intermittent force.

The effectiveness of different treatment methods in isolated telangiectasia and reticular vein treatment: A single-center prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND: There are opinions that telangiectasis and reticular veins are asymptomatic and constitute a cosmetic problem only. However, it has been proven that telangiectasis and reticular veins also affect the quality of life and are symptomatic. METHODS: Ninety consecutive female patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic and did not have insufficiency in deep, superficial and perforating veins were included in this study. All participants were divided into three groups as the compression group (Group 1), medical treatment group (Group 2), and sclerotherapy group (Group 3). The initial complaint severities of all patients were noted. Except for patient compliance assessment, baseline, 1st month (T1), 3rd month (T2) and 6th month (T3) evaluation records were kept in all three groups. RESULTS: The study began with a total of 90 patients, 30 patients in each group. The mean ages of Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 39.73 ± 8.51 years, 39.30 ± 8.67 years, and 40.77 ± 9.45 years, respectively. The rates of decrease in pain, itching, restless leg, and muscle cramps were similar among the patient groups at all times (P > 0.05). The rate of reduction in swelling was similar between the groups at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between the groups at T3 (P = 0.009). The groups significantly differed in terms of appearance concern at all times (P = 0.002 for T1, P < 0.001 for T2 and T3). CONCLUSION: We showed that symptoms such as swelling and heaviness in leg can be improved with medical treatment, but the patient's cosmetic satisfaction can increase with sclerotherapy.

Comparison of surface roughness of root cementum and orthodontically induced root resorption craters from high- and low-fluoridation areas: a 3D confocal microscopy study.

BACKGROUND: Fluoride has a major role in strengthening the structure of enamel against acids. Despite differences between caries and root resorption processes, both events inherently involve acidic dissolution of dental tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of water fluoridation levels on the surface roughness of root cementum and resorption craters. The findings provided more insight into the influence of fluoride on the surfaces of intact cementum surface and resorption craters. METHODS: Twenty-eight orthodontic patients were recruited from two cities in Turkey, with high (≥ 2 ppm) and low (≤ 0.05 ppm) water fluoridation. These patients needed bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction as part of their orthodontic treatment and were allocated into two study groups (n = 14 in each group) based on water fluoridation exposure level: the high-fluoride group (HF) and low-fluoride group (LF). 150 g of buccal tipping forces was applied to all maxillary first premolar teeth for 12 weeks with a beta-titanium spring which was reactivated every 4 weeks. All maxillary premolars were removed at the end of the experiment for surface roughness assessment using three-dimensional confocal microscopy and the associated software. The buccal root surface and the largest buccal resorption crater were investigated. RESULTS: Resorption craters were significantly rougher in LF group compared to HF group (p = 0.002). Craters were rougher than the intact root surfaces (p = 0.000). Cervical and apical regions were significantly rougher than the middle region (p = 0.000 and p = 0.024, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher water fluoridation level of ≥ 2 ppm resulted in significantly smoother root resorption craters than low water fluoridation level of ≤ 0.05 ppm when the teeth were subjected to 150 g of buccal tipping force. Fluoride seems to have a protective role at the interface of root resorption, and further mineral or histological studies may shed light on the exact protective process against root resorption.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part 18. The extent of root resorption after the application of light and heavy controlled rotational orthodontic forces for 4 weeks: a microcomputed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective randomized clinical trial was to quantitatively measure and compare the locations, dimensions, and volume of root resorption craters in human premolars after the application of controlled light and heavy rotational orthodontic forces over a 28-day (4-week) period. METHODS: Fifteen patients requiring bilateral extraction of maxillary first premolars as part of their orthodontic treatment were recruited for this study. Each patient received a heavy (225 g) rotational force on 1 premolar and a light (25 g) rotational force on the contralateral premolar. Orthodontic rotational forces were applied over 28 days with buccal and palatal cantilever springs; 0.016-inch beta-titanium molybdenum alloys were used to apply the light force and 0.018-inch stainless steel was used for the heavy force. After the 28-day experimental period, the upper first premolars were extracted under stringent protocols to prevent root surface damage. The samples were then scanned using a microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) scan x-ray system (SkyScan 1072, Skyscan, Aartselaar, Belgium), and analyzed using convex hull algorithm (CHULL2D; University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia) software to obtain direct volumetric measurements. RESULTS: The mean volume of resorption craters was 0.42 in the light force group and 0.51 in the heavy force group (P = 0.013). When separated at the root level, the difference in volume of root resorption craters between the 2 groups was significantly different only at the midlevel (P = 0.001). Root resorption craters were consistently detected at the boundaries between the buccal and distal surfaces and the mesial and lingual surfaces. The result supports our hypothesis that positive areas develop significantly more root resorption craters at all 3 levels, as compared with minimal areas (paired t test <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Heavy rotational forces caused more root resorption than light rotational forces and compression areas (buccal-distal and lingual-mesial surfaces in this study) showed significantly higher root resorption than other areas at all levels of the root.

Physical properties of root cementum: Part 19. Comparison of the amounts of root resorption between the right and left first premolars after application of buccally directed heavy orthodontic tipping forces.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have used the right and left sides of the same jaw to compare different force levels, types of movement, and durations of forces. However, the amounts of root resorption have not been compared between the right and left sides after applying the same amount of force. The aims of the study were to quantitatively compare the volumes of the root resorption lacunae between the right and left first premolars to determine whether 1 side can serve as a control to the other and to compare the volumes of root resorption lacunae of the first premolars between the maxilla and the mandible. METHODS: Forty-four first premolars, orthodontically indicated for extraction from 11 patients (left and right maxillary and mandibular first premolars from each) were moved buccally by using beta-titanium-molybdenum alloy 0.017 × 0.025-in cantilever springs with continuous heavy (225 g) force. After the experimental period, the teeth were extracted under a strict protocol to prevent root cementum damage and then analyzed by using a microcomputed tomography scan x-ray system (1172; SkyScan, Aartselaar, Belgium) and specially designed software (Convex Hull 2D, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia) for direct volumetric measurements. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the mean cube root volumes of root resorption craters between the right and left sides (P = 0.18) or between the maxillary and mandibular jaws (P = 0.10). There was also no statistical significance for the interception (P = 0.41), which indicated that the jaw and the side had independent effects. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of root resorption on the left and right sides of the jaw were similar in both the maxilla and the mandible. Therefore, for future root resorption studies, it is justifiable to use the split-mouth technique so that teeth from 1 side of the jaw can serve as the controls.