Patch biogeography under intermittent barriers: macroevolutionary consequences of microevolutionary processes.

The processes that generate biodiversity start on a microevolutionary scale, where each individual's history can impact the species' history. This manuscript presents a theoretical study that examines the macroevolutionary patterns that emerge from the microevolutionary dynamics of populations inhabiting two patches. The model is neutral, meaning that neither survival nor reproduction depends on a fixed genotype, yet individuals must have minimal genetic similarity to reproduce. We used historical sea level oscillation over the past 800 thousand years to hypothesize periods when individuals could migrate from one patch to another. In our study, we keep track of each speciation and extinction event, build the complete and extant phylogenies, and characterize the macroevolutionary patterns regarding phylogeny balance, acceleration of speciation, and crown age. We also evaluate ecological patterns: richness, beta diversity, and species distribution symmetry. The balance of the complete phylogeny can be a sign of the speciation mode, contrasting speciation induced by migration and isolation (vicariance). The acceleration of the speciation process is also affected by the geographical barriers and the duration of the isolation period, with high isolation times leading to accelerated speciation. We report the correlation between ecological and macroevolutionary patterns and show it decreases with the time spent in isolation. We discuss, in light of our results, the challenge of integrating present-time community ecology with macroevolutionary patterns.

The role of epistasis in evolutionary rescue.

The process by which adaptive evolution preserves a population threatened with extinction due to environmental changes is known as evolutionary rescue. Several factors determine the fate of those populations, including demography and genetic factors, such as standing genetic variation, gene flow, availability of de novo mutations, and so on. Despite the extensive debate about evolutionary rescue in the current literature, a study about the role of epistasis and the topography of the fitness landscape on the fate of dwindling populations is missing. In the current work, we aim to fill this gap and study the influence of epistasis on the probability of extinction of populations. We present simulation results, and analytical approximations are derived. Counterintuitively, we show that the likelihood of extinction is smaller when the degree of epistasis is higher. The reason underneath is twofold: first, higher epistasis can promote mutations of more significant phenotypic effects, but also, the incongruence between the maps genotype-phenotype and phenotype-fitness turns the fitness landscape at low epistasis more rugged, thus curbing some of its advantages.

A blend of functional amino acids and grape polyphenols improves the pig capacity to cope with an inflammatory challenge caused by poor hygiene of housing conditions.

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplementation with a blend of functional amino acids (AA) and grape extract polyphenols contributes to preserve intestinal health and growth performance of piglets during the post-weaning period. In the present experiment, we assessed if a supplementation with a mix of AA and grape extract polyphenols during the post-weaning period would persist to improve the pig capacity to cope with a subsequent challenge caused by poor hygiene of housing conditions. Eighty pigs weaned at 28 days of age were fed a standard diet supplemented (AAP) or not (CNT) with 0.2% of a blend of AA (glutamine, arginine, cystine, valine, isoleucine, and leucine) and grape extract polyphenols during the post-weaning period (from week 0 to 6). At week 6, pigs were transferred to a growing unit where 50% of pigs previously fed AAP and CNT diets were housed in good and the other 50% in poor hygiene conditions for 3 weeks (from week 7 to 9; challenge period). All pigs were fed a standard growing diet that was not supplemented with AAP. We measured pig growth performance, plasma indicators of inflammation, digestive integrity, and oxidative status, and scored fecal consistency. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: One week post-weaning, pigs fed AAP had lower plasma concentrations of haptoglobin than CNT pigs (P = 0.03). Six weeks post-weaning, plasma concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO) were lower (P = 0.03) whereas those of vitamin E and A were greater (P ≤ 0.05) in pigs fed AAP compared to CNT pigs. The prevalence of diarrhea was higher in CNT pigs compared to AAP pigs (P < 0.01). During the challenge period, only pigs previously fed CNT diet had lower growth rate in poor than good conditions (P ≤ 0.05). They had also greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin and oxidative stress index (OSI) and lower plasma concentrations of vitamin E in poor than good hygiene conditions (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pigs fed AAP diet during post-weaning had less diarrhea and plasma concentrations of a digestive integrity marker, as well as greater plasma concentrations of antioxidant indicators during the post-weaning period. The beneficial effects of AAP supplementation persisted after the post-weaning period as evidenced by the absence of effects of the hygiene challenge on growth and health indicators in pigs previously fed APP. This clearly indicated a greater ability of pigs fed AAP to cope with the poor hygiene conditions.

Agenesia of salivary glands: incidental findings in multidetector computerized tomography.

Agenesis of the salivary glands is an extremely uncommon finding, and in the majority of cases, it is associated with facial syndromes or malformations. Reports in the literature have, however, indicated that agenesis of the major salivary glands can occur in isolation, and this anomaly is believed to occur due to a failure in the developmental process. Herein, we present two cases of isolated unilateral agenesis of major salivary glands.

Effects of heat stress on performance and thermoregulatory responses of Piau purebred growing pigs.

The study of how different breeds adapt to heat stress and the further understanding of mechanisms underlying pigs thermotolerance is of utmost importance to attenuate the negative effects of heat stress on pigs welfare, physiology, and performance. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of ambient temperature on performance and thermoregulatory responses of Piau purebred pigs. The Brazilian native pig breed Piau is a fat-type breed characterized by adaptability and resistance to diseases. To achieve our goal, Piau purebred pigs (65 kg initial BW) were allocated to one of the two constant ambient temperature conditions: thermoneutral (22 °C; n = 11) and heat stress (30 °C; n = 11). The experimental period lasted 15 days (days 1 to 15). Pigs were individually weighed at the beginning and end of the experimental period. Body and rectal temperatures, respiratory rate and blood indicators of stress and metabolism were measured throughout the experiment. Piau purebred pigs exposed to 30 °C had lower (p < 0.05) feed intake, body weight gain and final body weight than pigs at 22 °C. Feed conversion rate was not affected (p > 0.05) by ambient temperature. Irrespective of ambient temperature, pigs had similar (p > 0.05) backfat thickness and loin eye area. Piau pigs at 30 °C had increased (p < 0.05) nape, dorsal, flank, and rectal temperatures and increased respiratory rate than their counterparts reared at 22 °C. In summary, our results show that Piau purebred pigs acclimation to 30 °C of ambient temperature is characterized by increased body skin temperature to optimize sensible heat loss to the environment; increased respiratory rate to promote latent heat loss; and by a concomitant reduced voluntary feed intake to reduce heat production associated with digestion and metabolic processes with negative effects on body weight gain.

Development of a calcified odontogenic hamartoma following avulsion of a permanent central incisor.

The avulsion of a permanent immature tooth is a serious condition and a real emergency in dentistry. The management of a traumatized avulsed tooth is always a challenge to the clinician. This case report concerns the development of a calcified odontogenic hamartoma after the avulsion of an immature central incisor in an eight-year-old female. The patient presented for the treatment four months after the avulsion. Her intraoral examination showed complete healing of the area but an atypical appearance of the alveolar area of the missing tooth was observed in the periapical radiograph. A new radiographic scan performed six months later revealed the formation of a radiopaque irregular structure at the cervical level of the alveolar ridge at the site of the missing tooth. Surgical removal was performed, and the histopathological examination revealed a hamartomatous proliferation of odontogenic tissue with calcification. After healing, the lateral incisor was orthodontically moved mesially and restored to resemble the central incisor. An orthodontic device was installed to improve function and aesthetics of the patient.

Interaction of space allowance and diet on growth performance and physiological responses of piglets raised in tropical conditions.

Intensification of pig production in developing countries has resulted in increased number of animals per unit area leading to welfare and growth performance issues. This study was then performed to evaluate the effects of space allowance and dietary energy and amino acid content on growth performance and physiological parameters of piglets reared under tropical conditions. A total of 1280 piglets (castrated males and females) with initial body weight of 5.9 ± 0.4 kg were used. Animals were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement composed by two space allowances (0.30 and 0.22 m2/animal) and two diets during 43 to 63 days of age (control and experimental diet with increased ME and AA content). The experimental period lasted 42 days subdivided into four phases according to the growth stage of the animals: pre-initial I (21 to 27 days of age), pre-initial II (28 to 34 days), initial I (35 to 42 days), and initial II (43 to 63 days). During pre-initial I and II, and initial I phases, pigs housed at a space allowance of 0.30 and 22 m2/animal had similar (P > 0.05) feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion. During initial phase II, space allowance did not affect (P > 0.05) feed intake nor weight gain of the animals. Whereas, pigs fed the experimental diet had greater weight gain when compared to the control group (530 vs. 515 g/day, P = 0.03). According to our results, reducing space allowance from 0.30 to 22 m2/animal during the nursery phase (21 to 63 days of age) had negligible effects on piglet feed intake and weight gain, whereas feeding piglets with diets containing higher energy and amino levels resulted in greater weight gain.

Contrasting effects of heat shock during in vitro maturation on development of in vitro-fertilized and parthenogenetic bovine embryos.

This study investigated the influence of heat shock during in vitro maturation on embryo development following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenesis (Part). Immature bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were exposed to heat shock (41.0°C) during the first 12 hr of in vitro maturation (IVM), followed by 12 hr at 38.5°C. Control group consisted of in vitro maturation for 24 hr at 38.5°C. Oocytes were in vitro-fertilized or activated with ionomycin and cultured in vitro for 192 hr post-in vitro insemination or parthenogenetic activation (hpia). There was an interaction (p < .01) between temperature of IVM and method of oocyte activation (IVF or Part) for cleavage at 48 hpia. Heat shock had a negative impact (p < .01) on cleavage of IVF embryos, whereas no (p > .05) effect was found in the Part embryos. Embryo development towards blastocyst stage at 168 and 192 hpia decreased in both IVF and Part embryos derived from heat-shocked oocytes. Heat shock increased (p < .05) the apoptotic index in Part blastocysts, but no effect (p > .05) was found in IVF counterparts. Heat shock also down-regulated the expression of AQP3 (p < .01) and up-regulated the expression of HSP70.1 (p < .01) in Part blastocysts, whereas it down-regulated the expression of ATP1A1 (p < .05) in IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, the effects of heat shock during IVM on early embryo cleavage and blastocyst apoptosis are influenced by the method of oocyte activation and expression of some genes can be disturbed in embryos derived from heat-shocked oocytes.

Maxillary Interdental Osteotomies Have Low Morbidity for Alveolar Crestal Bone and Adjacent Teeth: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Based Study.

PURPOSE: Maxillary segmentation involving interdental osteotomies can have an adverse effect on the interdental crestal bone and adjacent teeth. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of interdental osteotomies on surrounding osseous and dental structures, including adjacent teeth, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), in patients who underwent segmental maxillary osteotomies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study evaluated interdental osteotomy (IDO) sites between the lateral incisors and canines in patients treated with 3-piece Le Fort I osteotomies. CBCT scans were assessed using Kodac Dental Imaging software at specific intervals: T0 (before surgery), T1 (immediately after surgery), and T2 (a minimum of 11 months after surgery). The statistical analysis using a linear regression model was adjusted to compare the variables at the different intervals. Injury to the dental structures was assessed by radiological evidence of dental damage, the requirement for endodontic treatment, or tooth loss. RESULTS: We evaluated 94 IDO sites in 47 patients in the present study. The mean inter-radicular distance at T0 was 2.5 mm. A statistically significant increase was seen in the inter-radicular distance (between T1 and T0) of 0.72 mm, with a reduction of the alveolar bone crest height (between T2 and T0) of 0.19 mm (P < .001) for the group that underwent IDO. A weak correlation was found for this increase in the inter-radicular distance, with changes in the alveolar crest bone height. The potential complications associated with interdental osteotomies such as iatrogenic damage to the tooth structure, the need for endodontic treatment, and tooth loss were not encountered in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found very low morbidity for the interdental alveolar crest and the integrity of teeth adjacent to interdental osteotomies for patients who underwent maxillary segmentation between the lateral incisors and canines.

Condyle Excursion Angle, Articular Eminence Inclination, and Temporomandibular Joint Morphologic Relations With Disc Displacement.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relations of the condyle excursion angle (CEA) and the morphology and morphometry of the articular eminence to disc displacement (DD) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of symptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRIs of 199 temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were evaluated. Qualitative and quantitative morphologic analyses were performed with tools available in PACS 11.0 (Carestream Health, Inc, Rochester, NY). The articular eminence inclination (AEI), eminence height (EH), CEA, and articular eminence morphologic shape were evaluated. Statistical analyses were used to evaluate any possible association of the variables with DD in the closed- and open-mouth positions, age, and gender. The significance level was set at .05. RESULTS: Elderly women (>60 yr) presented higher prevalence values (43.26%). There was no statistical correlation between DD and gender (P = .4290). Higher mean values of the AEI and EH were associated with box-shaped eminences. The EH, AEI, and CEA were not related to the presence or absence of DD and the different types of DD. The AEI (P = .002) and CEA (P < .001) values were higher for TMJs with disc reduction in the open-mouth position. CONCLUSION: Disc position in the closed- and open-mouth positions is not influenced by articular eminence morphology; however, the AEI and CEA have an influence on disc reduction.

Error catastrophe in populations under similarity-essential recombination.

Organisms are often more likely to exchange genetic information with others that are similar to themselves. One of the most widely accepted mechanisms of RNA virus recombination requires substantial sequence similarity between the parental RNAs and is termed similarity-essential recombination. This mechanism may be considered analogous to assortative mating, an important form of non-random mating that can be found in animals and plants. Here we study the dynamics of haplotype frequencies in populations evolving under similarity-essential recombination. Haplotypes are represented by a genome of B biallelic loci and the Hamming distance between individuals is used as a criterion for recombination. We derive the evolution equations for the haplotype frequencies assuming that recombination does not occur if the genetic distance is larger than a critical value G and that mutation occurs at a rate µ per locus. Additionally, uniform crossover is considered. Although no fitness is directly associated to the haplotypes, we show that frequency-dependent selection emerges dynamically and governs the haplotype distribution. A critical mutation rate µc can be identified as the error threshold transition, beyond which this selective information cannot be stored. For µ<µc the distribution consists of a dominant sequence surrounded by a cloud of closely related sequences, characterizing a quasispecies. For µ>µc the distribution becomes uniform, with all haplotypes having the same frequency. In the case of extreme assortativeness, where individuals only recombine with others identical to themselves (G=0), the error threshold results µc=1/4, independently of the genome size. For weak assortativity (G=B-1)µc=2(-(B+1)) and for the case of no assortativity (G=B) µc=0. We compute the mutation threshold for 0

Concomitant treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma and bilateral temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis with bone graft and total joint prostheses.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that can create clinical problems in the masticatory musculature, jaws, occlusion, and other associated structures and is commonly accompanied by inflammatory changes and pain. Many cases of TMJ dysfunction can be managed with nonsurgical therapies, but patients with irreversible TMJ damage may require surgical intervention for repair or reconstruction. Despite various methods of TMJ reconstruction, the patient-fitted total joint prostheses may be the best option to achieve good outcomes. Multicystic ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws that is found most often in the mandible, in the region of the molars, and the ramus. Ameloblastomas usually progress slowly, but are locally invasive and may cause significant morbidity and sometimes death. This report describes a case of concomitant treatment of recurrent mandibular ameloblastoma and severe bilateral TMJ osteoarthritis treated by resection of the tumor, reconstruction with bone grafting, and bilateral TMJ reconstruction in a 63-year-old woman.

Influence of scan mode (180°/360°) of the cone beam computed tomography for preoperative dental implant measurements.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of scan mode of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the preoperative dental implant measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Completely edentulous mandibles with entirely resorbed alveolar processes were selected for this study. Five regions were selected (incisor, canine, premolar, first molar, and second molar). The mandibles were scanned with Next Generation i-CAT CBCT unit (Imaging Sciences International, Inc, Hatfield, PA, USA) with half (180°) and full (360°) mode. Two oral radiologists performed vertical measurements in all selected regions; the measurements of half of the sample were repeated within an interval of 30 days. The mandibles were sectioned using an electrical saw in all evaluated regions to obtain the gold standard. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for the intra- and interobserver agreement. Descriptive statistics were calculated as mean, median, and standard deviation. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine the correlation between the measurements obtained in different scan mode with the gold standard. The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: The values of intra- and interobserver reproducibility indicated a strong agreement. In the dental implant measurements, except the bone height of the second molar region in full scan mode (P = 0.02), the Wilcoxon signed rank test did not show statistical significant difference with the gold standard (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both modes provided real measures, necessary when performing implant planning; however, half scan mode uses smaller doses, following the principle of effectiveness. We believe that this method should be used because of the best dose-effect relationship and offer less risk to the patient.

Thermoregulatory responses during thermal acclimation in pigs divergently selected for residual feed intake.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and thermoregulatory responses during acclimation to high ambient temperature (Ta) of pigs from two lines selected for high (RFI(+)) or low (RFI(-)) residual feed intake with the hypothesis that RFI(-) pigs producing less heat would better tolerate high Ta. Pigs (50 kg initial body weight; 17 per line among which 10 of them were catheterized) were individually housed in a climatic-controlled room where Ta was maintained at 24.2 ± 0.4 °C during 7 days and thereafter at 30.4 ± 0.7 °C during 14 days. Irrespective of Ta, RFI(-) pigs had lower feed intake (ADFI) and similar average daily gain (ADG) than RFI(+) pigs. Whatever the line, ADFI, ADG, and feed efficiency decreased with increased Ta. Overall, the Ta increase resulted in an increase in rectal temperature (RT), skin temperature (ST), and respiratory rate (RR) within the first 24-48 h and, subsequently, in a decrease followed by stabilization. The RT decrease during acclimation occurred 24 h earlier in RFI(-) pigs than in RFI(+). Thyroid hormones and cortisol decreased at high Ta and it was similar in both lines. Based on performance and RT, ST, and RR responses, it seems that selection for low RFI tends to ameliorate pigs' tolerance to high Ta. Nevertheless, this selection does not induce significant differences between lines in endocrine and metabolite responses during thermal stress.

Understanding evolutionary rescue and parallelism in response to environmental stress.

Evolutionary rescue, the process by which populations facing environmental stress avoid extinction through genetic adaptation, is a critical area of study in evolutionary biology. The order in which mutations arise and get established will be relevant to the population's rescue. This study investigates the degree of parallel evolution at the genotypic level between independent populations facing environmental stress and subject to different demographic regimes. Under density regulation, 2 regimes exist: In the first, the population can restore positive growth rates by adjusting its population size or through adaptive mutations, whereas in the second regime, the population is doomed to extinction unless a rescue mutation occurs. Analytical approximations for the likelihood of evolutionary rescue are obtained and contrasted with simulation results. We show that the initial level of maladaptation and the demographic regime significantly affect the level of parallelism. There is an evident transition between these 2 regimes. Whereas in the first regime, parallelism decreases with the level of maladaptation, it displays the opposite behavior in the rescue/extinction regime. These findings have important implications for understanding population persistence and the degree of parallelism in evolutionary responses as they integrate demographic effects and evolutionary processes.

Resource-based modelling approach to studying evolutionary rescue.

In this paper, we present an in-depth investigation into the dynamics of evolutionary rescue using a resource-based modelling approach. Utilizing classical consumer-resource models, we aim to understand how species can adapt to abrupt environmental changes that alter the availability of substitutable resources. Through both analytical solutions and simulation-based techniques, we explore the conditions under which populations can recover from critical sizes and avoid extinction. Our findings highlight the importance of minimum viable population sizes, mutation rates, and the adaptive capacity of metabolic strategies in influencing population resilience. We demonstrate that while increased mutation rates can facilitate faster recovery by enabling populations to evolve new metabolic strategies suited to the altered resource landscape, populations starting with smaller sizes or facing severe reductions in resource availability are more susceptible to extinction. This study offers valuable insights into the interplay between ecological dynamics and evolutionary mechanisms, providing a comprehensive framework for predicting population persistence and informing conservation strategies under changing environmental conditions.

Development of nanobiosilicate, tricalcium phosphate and chlorhexidine materials for biomineralization with crystallographic similarity to hydroxyapatite and biomodified collagen.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work is to test experimental cements, doped with a silicate based bioactive nanoparticle (NanoBiosilicate). Methods, we synthesized a glass nanoparticle by Sol-Gel Stöber method, used to be incorporated in a dental material for endodontic uses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assess the mineralizing properties and biocompatibility. Besides the crystallography characterization of the resultant new crystals. Results, After analysis, and comparison with commercial materials, the material tested was similar in mechanical properties required by ISO, The ion release was effective after 2 hr. of setting and the novel material was cell compatible accepted by ISO. RESULTS: We found new formed Calcium Phosphate peaks in the spectroscopic analysis (FTIR), remarkably the crystals formed were comparable to hydroxyapatite when analyzed with a Selected Area Electron Diffractometer, with rings of 2.84 Å for 002, and the 2.77 Å is also visible for 210. The 6.83 Å and 6.88 Å, for respective 222 and 004. The incorporation of Chlorhexidine was not detrimental for this property, Significance, the features mentioned represented a progress in biomineralization field that was associated to an improved mineral structure formation with increased crystallographic similarity to natural hydroxyapatite. When chlorhexidine was added a favorable biomodification of the remaining collagen in dentinal walls and antimicrobial activity potential were also observed.

Increased Dietary Trp, Thr, and Met Supplementation Improves Performance, Health, and Protein Metabolism of Weaned Piglets under Mixed Management and Poor Housing Conditions.

A sanitary challenge was carried out to induce suboptimal herd health while investigating the effect of amino acids supplementation on piglet responses. Weaned piglets of high sanitary status (6.33 ± 0.91 kg of BW) were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement into two similar facilities with contrasting sanitary conditions and two different diets. Our results suggest that increased Trp, Thr, and Met dietary supplementation could support the immune systems of piglets under a sanitary challenge. In this manner, AA+ supplementation improved the performance and metabolism of piglets under mixed management and poor sanitary conditions. No major temporal microbiome changes were associated with differences in performance regardless of sanitary conditions or diets. Since piglets often become mixed in multiple-site production systems and facility hygiene is also often neglected, this study suggests that increased Trp, Thr, and Met (AA+) dietary supplementation could contribute to mitigating the side effects of these harmful risk factors in modern pig farms.

Evolution of clonal populations approaching a fitness peak.

Populations facing novel environments are expected to evolve through the accumulation of adaptive substitutions. The dynamics of adaptation depend on the fitness landscape and possibly on the genetic background on which new mutations arise. Here, we model the dynamics of adaptive evolution at the phenotypic and genotypic levels, focusing on a Fisherian landscape characterized by a single peak. We find that Fisher's geometrical model of adaptation, extended to allow for small random environmental variations, is able to explain several features made recently in experimentally evolved populations. Consistent with data on populations evolving under controlled conditions, the model predicts that mean population fitness increases rapidly when populations face novel environments and then achieves a dynamic plateau, the rate of molecular evolution is remarkably constant over long periods of evolution, mutators are expected to invade and patterns of epistasis vary along the adaptive walk. Negative epistasis is expected in the initial steps of adaptation but not at later steps, a prediction that remains to be tested. Furthermore, populations are expected to exhibit high levels of phenotypic diversity at all times during their evolution. This implies that populations are possibly able to adapt rapidly to novel abiotic environments.

Accuracy of enhancement filters in measuring in vitro peri-implant bone level.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the accuracy of enhancement filters of an intraoral phosphor-plate system for measuring the simulated peri-implant bone level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 titanium implants (Titamax(®) ) were placed into six fragments of bovine ribs and defects simulating bone loss were created. Periapical radiographs were taken with a phosphor-plate system (Vista Scan(®) ) according to the paralleling standard technique, and nine enhancement filters were applied: fine, caries 1, caries 2, perio, endo, noise reduction, invert, emboss, and sculpture. The Friedman test compared the radiographic measurements of the defects to those obtained on the bovine ribs with a digital caliper. Intra- and interobserver agreement was calculated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The ICC values showed excellent intra- and interobserver agreement. The caries1, caries2, endo, and perio filters resulted on measurements statistically different from both the original images and the measurements of the digital caliper (P < 0.05). The other filters did not show statistically significant differences from the original images nor from the measurements of the digital caliper. CONCLUSION: In addition to the original images, the fine and emboss filters resulted on the most precise measures. The caries1, caries2, endo, and perio filters were the less accurate for measuring the peri-implant bone level.