Are periodontitis and psoriasis associated? A pre-clinical murine model.

AIM: To investigate the bidirectional influence between periodontitis and psoriasis, using the respective experimental models of ligature- and imiquimod-induced diseases on murine models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two C57/BL6J mice were randomly allocated to four experimental groups: control (P- Pso-), ligature-induced periodontitis (P+ Pso-), imiquimod-induced psoriasis (P- Pso+) and periodontitis and psoriasis (P+ Pso+). Samples (maxilla, dorsal skin and blood) were harvested immediately after death. Measures of periodontitis (distance between the cemento-enamel junction and alveolar bone crest [CEJ-ABC] and the number of osteoclasts) and psoriasis (epidermal thickness and infiltrate cell [/0.03mm2]) severity as well as systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α) were collected. RESULTS: The P+ Pso+ group exhibited the most severe experimental periodontitis and psoriasis, with the highest values of CEJ-ABC, number of osteoclasts, epidermal thickness and infiltrate cells in the dorsal skin, as well as the highest blood cytokine concentration. The P+ Pso- group presented with higher cell infiltrate (/0.03mm2) compared to the control group (p <.05), while the P- Pso+ group showed substantially higher alveolar bone loss (CEJ-ABC) than the control group (p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Experimental periodontitis may initiate and maintain psoriasiform skin inflammation and, vice versa, experimental psoriasis may contribute to the onset of periodontitis. In a combined model of the diseases, we propose a bidirectional association between periodontitis and psoriasis via systemic inflammation.

Influence of CAD-CAM milling strategies on the outcome of indirect restorations: A scoping review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The influence of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) parameters and settings on the outcomes of milled indirect restorations is poorly understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the current CAM systems, parameters, and setting changes, and their effects on different outcomes of milled indirect restorations and aspects related to their manufacture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The protocol of this review is available online (https://osf.io/x28ps/). Studies that used at least 2 different parameters (CAM units, number of axes, digital spacers, or protocols with different rotatory instruments, grit-sizes, milling speed, or others) for milling indirect restorations were included. A structured search up to July 2023 was performed by 2 independent reviewers for articles written in English in LILACS, MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. RESULTS: Of 1546 studies identified, 22 were included in the review. Discrepancies were found between the planned and actual measured cement space, with a decreasing linear relationship impacting restoration adaptation at different points. The CEREC MC XL milling machine was the most used system in the included studies, with variations in bur types, milling modes, and number of burs uses affecting internal fit and surface trueness. The results demonstrated the better adaptation of restorations made with 5-axis over 3-axis milling machines. Lithium disilicate and zirconia were the most commonly used materials, and crowns and inlays were popular designs. Marginal and internal adaptation were the primary outcomes assessed using the various techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The study presented a comprehensive exploration of CAM systems and parameters, and their influence on indirect restorations. The planned cement space was not properly reproduced by the milling. Bur characteristics can affect restoration fit and trueness. The 5-axis units seem to result in better-adapted restorations compared with 3- and 4-axis units.

Does partial adhesive preparation design and finish line depth influence trueness and precision of intraoral scanners?

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Intraoral scanners (IOSs) are widely used for partial-coverage adhesive restorations, but data on their performance in such preparations with complex geometries are sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate whether the partial-coverage adhesive preparation design and finish line depth affect the trueness and precision of different IOSs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven partial-coverage adhesive preparation designs (4 different onlays, 2 endocrowns, and 1 occlusal veneer) were tested on copies of the same tooth placed in a typodont mounted on a mannequin. Each preparation was scanned 10 times with 6 different IOSs (total 420 scans) under the same light conditions. Trueness and precision, defined according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5725-1 standard, were analyzed with a best-fit algorithm by superimposition. The obtained data were analyzed by a 2-way analysis of variance to examine the effects of partial-coverage adhesive preparation design, IOS, and their interactions (α=.05). RESULTS: Significant differences were found among different preparation designs and IOSs (P<.05) in terms of both trueness and precision. Significant differences were also found among mean positive and negative values (P<.05). Moreover, crosslinks observed between the preparation area and the adjacent teeth correlated with the finish line depth. CONCLUSIONS: Complex partial adhesive preparation designs affect the trueness and precision of IOSs, resulting in significant differences among them. Interproximal preparations should take into account the IOS's resolution and placing the finish line close to adjacent structures should be avoided.

Super-Resolution Mapping of a Chemical Reaction Driven by Plasmonic Near-Fields.

Plasmonic nanoparticles have recently emerged as promising photocatalysts for light-driven chemical conversions. Their illumination results in the generation of highly energetic charge carriers, elevated surface temperatures, and enhanced electromagnetic fields. Distinguishing between these often-overlapping processes is of paramount importance for the rational design of future plasmonic photocatalysts. However, the study of plasmon-driven chemical reactions is typically performed at the ensemble level and, therefore, is limited by the intrinsic heterogeneity of the catalysts. Here, we report an in situ single-particle study of a fluorogenic chemical reaction driven solely by plasmonic near-fields. Using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, we map the position of individual product molecules with an ∼30 nm spatial resolution and demonstrate a clear correlation between the electric field distribution around individual nanoparticles and their super-resolved catalytic activity maps. Our results can be extended to systems with more complex electric field distributions, thereby guiding the design of future advanced photocatalysts.

External gap progression after cyclic fatigue of adhesive overlays and crowns made with high translucency zirconia or lithium silicate.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate three-dimensional external gap progression after chewing simulation of high translucency zirconia (HTZ) and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) applied on endodontically treated teeth with different preparation designs. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Endodontically treated molars were prepared with low-retentive (adhesive overlay) and high-retentive (full crown) designs above cementum-enamel junction and restored with HTZ and ZLS. Micro-computed tomography analysis was assessed before and after chewing simulation to evaluate three-dimensionally the external gap progression. Results were statistically analyzed with two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test. RESULTS: High-retentive preparation design had a significantly inferior gap progression compared to the overlay preparation (p < 0.01); ZLS exhibited a significant inferior gap progression compared to HTZ (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High-retentive preparations restored with ZLS seem to better perform in maintaining the sealing of the external margin after cyclic fatigue. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The clinician should pay attention to the proper combination of preparation designs and ceramic material selection for an endodontically treated molar restoration. HTZ seems to perform worse than lithium silicate in terms of marginal sealing, still showing lacks in resistance to cyclic fatigue when adhesive preparations are performed.

Thermodynamic Stability and Speciation of Ga(III) and Zr(IV) Complexes with High-Denticity Hydroxamate Chelators.

Increasing attention has been recently devoted to 89Zr(IV) and 68Ga(III) radionuclides, due to their favorable decay characteristics for positron emission tomography (PET). In the present paper, a deep investigation is presented on Ga(III) and Zr(IV) complexes with a series of tri-(H3L1, H3L3, H3L4 and desferrioxamine E, DFOE) and tetrahydroxamate (H4L2) ligands. Herein, we describe the rational design and synthesis of two cyclic complexing agents (H3L1 and H4L2) bearing three and four hydroxamate chelating groups, respectively. The ligand structures allow us to take advantage of the macrocyclic effect; the H4L2 chelator contains an additional side amino group available for a possible further conjugation with a biomolecule. The thermodynamic stability of Ga(III) and Zr(IV) complexes in solution has been measured using a combination of potentiometric and pH-dependent UV-vis titrations, on the basis of metal-metal competition. The Zr(IV)-H4L2 complex is characterized by one of the highest formation constants reported to date for a tetrahydroxamate zirconium chelate (log ß = 45.9, pZr = 37.0), although the complex-stability increase derived from the introduction of the fourth hydroxamate binding unit is lower than that predicted by theoretical calculations. Solution studies on Ga(III) complexes revealed that H3L1 and H4L2 are stronger chelators in comparison to DFOB. The complex stability obtained with the new ligands is also compared with that previously reported for other hydroxamate ligands. In addition to increasing the library of the thermodynamic stability data of Ga(III) and Zr(IV) complexes, the present work allows new insights into Ga(III) and Zr(IV) coordination chemistry and thermodynamics and broadens the selection of available chelators for 68Ga(III) and 89Zr(IV).

Clinical outcome of bonded partial indirect posterior restorations on vital and non-vital teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The survival rate of indirect partial adhesive restorations on vital versus endodontically treated teeth is still controversial. The hypothesis is that there may be a difference in the survival rate of partial adhesive restorations performed on non-vital teeth compared to vital teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The considered clinical studies investigated the outcomes of adhesive inlays, onlays, and overlays conducted over the past 40 years, focusing on Kaplan-Meier survival curves to calculate the hazard ratio (primary objective) and the survival rate (secondary objective) between vital and non-vital teeth. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Studies included in the review were identified through bibliographic research on electronic databases ("PubMed," "Scopus," "Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial," and "Embase"). The K agreement between the two screening reviewers was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 55,793 records were identified on PubMed, Scopus, and other bibliographic sources, and after the application of the eligibility and inclusion criteria, eight articles were included for qualitative analysis and six for quantitative analysis. The meta-analysis of the primary and secondary outcomes demonstrated that hazard ratios (HR = 8.41, 95% CI: [4.50, 15.72]) and survival rates (OR = 3.24, 95% CI: [1.76, 5.82]) seemed more favorable for indirect partial adhesive restorations on vital teeth than for those on endodontically treated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, these findings suggest that the risk of failure of indirect partial adhesive restorations on endodontically treated teeth is higher than on vital teeth. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of partial adhesive restorations on vital and endodontically treated teeth showed different long-term clinical outcomes.

Could different direct restoration techniques affect interfacial gap and fracture resistance of endodontically treated anterior teeth?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate different direct restoration techniques on various cavity designs in anterior endodontically treated teeth (ETT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety upper central incisors (n = 90) were selected, endodontically treated, and divided into three groups (n = 30) accordingly to the cavity design: minimal endodontic cavity access (group A), endodontic access + mesial class III cavity (group B), and endodontic access + two class III cavities (group C). Three subgroups (n = 10) were then created accordingly to the restoration technique: nano hybrid composite restoration (subgroup a), glass fiber post + dual-cure luting cement (subgroup b), and bundled glass fiber + dual-cure luting cement (subgroup c). Samples underwent micro-CT scan, chewing simulation, and a second micro-CT scan. 3D quantification (mm3) of interfacial gap progression was performed; then, samples underwent fracture resistance test. Data were statistically analyzed setting significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Groups A and B showed significantly lower interfacial gap progression compared with group C. Subgroup b performed significantly better compared with subgroups a and c. Improved fracture strength was reported for group C compared with group A, while both subgroups b and c performed better than subgroup a. CONCLUSIONS: Cavity design significantly influenced interfacial gap progression and fracture resistance. Fiber posts significantly lowered gap progression and improved fracture resistance while bundled fibers only increased fracture resistance. A significant reduction of non-repairable fractures was recorded when fibers were applied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A minimally invasive approach, conserving marginal crests, should be applied whenever possible. Inserting a fiber post is indicated when restoring anterior ETT, in order to reduce gap progression, improve fracture resistance, and avoid catastrophic failures.

Simple and Fast High-Yield Synthesis of Silver Nanowires.

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) combine high electrical conductivity with low light extinction in the visible and are used in a wide range of applications, from transparent electrodes, to temperature and pressure sensors. The most common strategy for the production of AgNWs is the polyol synthesis, which always leads to the formation of silver nanoparticles as byproducts. These nanoparticles degrade the performance of AgNWs' based devices and have to be eliminated by several purification steps. Here, we report a simple and fast synthesis of AgNWs with minimal formation of byproducts, as confirmed by the spectral purity of the final solution. Our synthetic strategy relies on the use of freshly prepared AgCl and on the minimization of gas evolution inside the reaction vessel. The observed synthetic improvements can be of general validity for the polyol synthesis of metallic nanostructures of different shapes and compositions.

Endodontic Treatment of a Molar with Peculiar Anatomy: Case Study with CBCT and 3D Printed Model.

AIM: The aim of the study was to achieve the endodontic treatment of a second maxillary molar with abnormal anatomy through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis and three-dimensional (3D) printing. BACKGROUND: A patient arrived referring recurrent abscesses, spontaneous pain, and the difficulty to eat properly; a diagnosis of tooth necrosis was made. The periapical X-ray showed an abnormal anatomy of the tooth. CASE DESCRIPTION: The preoperative analysis of the tooth morphology was performed through CBCT analysis. The 3D scans were reconstructed through a dedicated software application (Mimics) to visualize the abnormal anatomy and detect the root canal morphology. Moreover, a 3D printed model was created to plan the clinical stage. Canal shaping was achieved with ProGlider and ProTaper Next techniques, and the root canal filling was performed with a carrier-based technique. CONCLUSION: The limits of this case were the low definition of the CBCT owned by the patient and the difficulties during the scouting of the canals due to the abnormal endodontic space complicated by narrow and flat canals. The software reconstruction allowed a 3D high-definition preclinical analysis of the tooth anatomy. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Both digital analysis and printed models based on CBCT scans seemed fundamental to preclinically understand the abnormal endodontic anatomy.

LONG-TERM RESULTS OF AUTOLOGOUS RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM AND CHOROID TRANSPLANTATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF EXUDATIVE AND ATROPHIC MACULOPATHIES.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid transplantation (RPE-choroid patch) for exudative and atrophic maculopathies. METHODS: Consecutive chart review of 120 eyes, which underwent RPE-choroid patch, from 2007 to 2017 for RPE atrophy or choroidal neovascular membrane secondary to exudative and hemorrhagic age-related macular degeneration, myopia, angioid streaks, and laser. Eyes were tested with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading ability, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, autofluorescence, and microperimetry. RESULTS: Eighty-eight eyes of 84 patients had complete data, with 2- to 10-year follow-up. Mean age was 71.9 ± 9.06 years. Mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA was 20/320 (1.2 ± 0.2 logMAR) and 20/200 (0.94 ± 0.36 logMAR), respectively (P = 0.009). Reading ability recovered in 43% of cases. Microperimetry showed central fixation. A gain of at least 15 letters was obtained in 40% of eyes. Integrity (P = 0.009) of external limiting membrane and higher preoperative BCVA (P = 0.001) predicted better final BCVA. Complications were retinal detachment (11.4%), macular atrophy (7%), subretinal hemorrhage (4.5%), epiretinal membrane (4.5%), recurrent choroidal neovascular membrane (4.5%), macular hole (3.4%), and cystoid edema (3%). CONCLUSION: Autologous RPE-choroid patch achieved long-lasting BCVA improvement and central fixation, in eyes with choroidal neovascular membrane and intact external limiting membrane. Atrophic maculopathies only obtained temporary visual benefit.

Partial thickness sclerectomy to treat exudative retinal detachment secondary a submacular choroidal hemangioma in a Sturge-Weber syndrome.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of partial thickness sclerectomies to treat exudative retinal detachment secondary to choroidal hemangioma, non-suitable with photodynamic therapy in a 5-year-old child with Sturge-Weber syndrome. METHODS: A 5 year-old child presented exudative retinal detachment secondary to choroidal subfoveal diffuse hemangioma. The child was non-compliant to undergo a photodynamic therapy. A partial thickness sclerectomy was made in each quadrant under general anesthesia. RESULTS: The retina was re-attached with improvement in vision from 20/400 to 20/80. Two years after primary surgery, the retinal detachment relapsed. Drainage of the subretinal fluid was obtained by the revision of the sclerectomies. After obtaining retinal reattachment, photodynamic therapy was applied to treat the hemangioma. No complications were reported after treatment. CONCLUSION: Sclerectomies may be considered an efficient and safe surgical option for the management of exudative retinal detachment secondary to choroidal hemangioma in patients non-suitable for photodynamic therapy, waiting for photodynamic therapy to be practicable directly on the hemangioma.

Elastic versus Alloying Effects in Mg-Based Hydride Films.

Magnesium thin films covered with a layer of Pd absorb hydrogen at much higher pressures than bulk Mg. Such an effect was originally explained as a consequence of elastic clamping on Mg by the capping Pd layer. An alternative interpretation later suggested that the pressure increase could originate from simple alloying between Mg and Pd. Here we resolve this controversy by measuring the hydrogenation and dehydrogenation isotherms of Mg-Pd thin film alloys over a wide range of compositions. Our results disentangle the effects of elastic clamping and alloying and highlight the role of plastic deformations.

COMBINED AUTOLOGOUS TRANSPLANTATION OF NEUROSENSORY RETINA, RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIUM, AND CHOROID FREE GRAFTS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and initial functional and anatomical outcomes of transplanting a full-thickness free graft of choroid and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), along with neurosensory retina in advanced fibrosis and atrophy associated with end-stage exudative age-related macular degeneration with and without a concurrent refractory macular hole. METHODS: During vitrectomy, an RPE-choroidal and neurosensory retinal free graft was harvested in nine eyes of nine patients. The RPE-choroidal and neurosensory retinal free graft was either placed subretinally (n = 5), intraretinally to cover the foveal area inside an iatrogenically induced macular hole over the RPE-choroidal graft (n = 3) or preretinally (n = 1) without a retinotomy wherein both free grafts were placed over the concurrent macular hole. Silicone oil endotamponade was used in all cases. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 7 ± 5.5 months (range 3-19). The mean preoperative visual acuity was ∼count fingers (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution = 2.11, range 2-3), which improved to ∼20/800 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.62 ± 0.48, range 0.7-2, P = 0.04). Vision was stable in 5 eyes (55.6%) and improved in 4 eyes (44.4%). Reading ability improved in 5 eyes (55.6%). Postoperative complications were graft atrophy (n = 1), epiretinal membrane (n = 1), and dislocation of neurosensory retina-choroid-RPE free graft (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Combined autologous RPE-choroid and neurosensory retinal free graft is a potential surgical alternative in eyes with end-stage exudative age-related macular degeneration, including concurrent refractory macular hole.

Reconstructing solute-induced phase transformations within individual nanocrystals.

Strain and defects can significantly impact the performance of functional nanomaterials. This effect is well exemplified by energy storage systems, in which structural changes such as volume expansion and defect generation govern the phase transformations associated with charging and discharging. The rational design of next-generation storage materials therefore depends crucially on understanding the correlation between the structure of individual nanoparticles and their solute uptake and release. Here, we experimentally reconstruct the spatial distribution of hydride phases within individual palladium nanocrystals during hydrogen absorption, using a combination of electron spectroscopy, dark-field imaging, and electron diffraction in an environmental transmission electron microscope. We show that single-crystalline cubes and pyramids exhibit a uniform hydrogen distribution at equilibrium, whereas multiply twinned icosahedra exclude hydrogen from regions of high compressive strains. Our technique offers unprecedented insight into nanoscale phase transformations in reactive environments and can be extended to a variety of functional nanomaterials.

Morphological and clinical characteristics of myopic posterior staphyloma in Caucasians.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the morphological characteristics of myopic posterior staphyloma in Caucasians and to evaluate the correlation between posterior staphyloma, myopic macular lesions and visual acuity. METHODS: Ninety eyes of 67 consecutive patients affected by high myopia associated with posterior staphyloma were recruited between January 2012 and December 2013. Posterior staphyloma was classified according to Curtin's criteria. Every patient underwent fundoscopic examination and best corrected visual acuity measurement (BCVA). A and B-scan ultrasound (US), high-resolution, three-dimensional magnetic resonance image (MRI), optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), red free (RF) and color fundus photography studies were performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.4 ± 9.48 years (range: 41-82). The mean BCVA was 0.7 ± 0.5 logMAR (range: 0-2). The mean axial length was 29.92 ± 2.39 millimeters (range: 24.25-36.53). The authors found four types of posterior staphyloma according to Curtin's classification: I, II, IV and IX. Significant prevalence of posterior staphyloma in female sex was observed (p = 0.0235). Significant correlation between the depth and the diameters of posterior staphyloma was demonstrated (p < 0.0001). Significant association between posterior staphyloma type and tomographic foveal patterns (p = 0.0230) was highlighted. Posterior staphyloma type I was more frequently associated with peripapillary atrophy and less with macular atrophy compared to type II and IX (p = 0.0169). The prevalence of macular atrophy was more than double in posterior staphyloma type II (33.3 %) in comparison to posterior staphyloma type I (12.5 %). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that the type I and II are the most common types of posterior staphyloma, as already highlighted in the literature. A significant association between the type of posterior staphyloma and the MRI ocular shape pattern, the OCT patterns of macular profile and the location of chorioretinal atrophy was highlighted. The correlation between the depth and the width of posterior staphyloma has demonstrated that the deeper the staphyloma, the wider it was. The deepest area of the posterior staphyloma was characterized by a greater thinning of the sclera and by a higher prevalence of chorioretinal atrophy compared to the other parts of the eye. More studies are necessary to support our findings and to add more information on the natural evolution of posterior staphyloma and on its associated complications.

In situ detection of hydrogen-induced phase transitions in individual palladium nanocrystals.

Many energy- and information-storage processes rely on phase changes of nanomaterials in reactive environments. Compared to their bulk counterparts, nanostructured materials seem to exhibit faster charging and discharging kinetics, extended life cycles, and size-tunable thermodynamics. However, in ensemble studies of these materials, it is often difficult to discriminate between intrinsic size-dependent properties and effects due to sample size and shape dispersity. Here, we detect the phase transitions of individual palladium nanocrystals during hydrogen absorption and desorption, using in situ electron energy-loss spectroscopy in an environmental transmission electron microscope. In contrast to ensemble measurements, we find that palladium nanocrystals undergo sharp transitions between the α and ß phases, and that surface effects dictate the size dependence of the hydrogen absorption pressures. Our results provide a general framework for monitoring phase transitions in individual nanocrystals in a reactive environment and highlight the importance of single-particle approaches for the characterization of nanostructured materials.

Cystoid macular edema after pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) after 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with or without combined cataract surgery for the treatment of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series. Data included patient age, indication for surgery, and intra- and post-operative complications. The follow-up lasted 1 year. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA logMAR), central foveal thickness (CFT micron-µ) and the incidence of intra-retinal cysts were evaluated. CME was defined as post-operative observation of intra-retinal cysts at optical coherence tomography, preventing improvement or causing reduction of BCVA when compared to the pre-operative value. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the risk factors of CME. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty two eyes of 242 patients underwent PPV for the treatment of idiopathic ERM. Statistical analysis showed that the presence of preoperative intra-retinal cysts were associated with persistent CME following surgery (odds ratio 3.89; 95%CI: 1.63-9.28, P = 0.0004). However, postoperative CME occurred in 10 % of eyes that did not show preoperative CME. In addition, there was a significant correlation between the baseline value of CFT and the values of CFT at each time point during the follow up (p < 0.0001), with greater values of the pre-operative thickness correlating to greater values of post-operative thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent or new CME following surgery for idiopathic ERM are frequently identified after PPV for ERM. The statistical results of the current study suggest that intraretinal cysts and increased preoperative CFT are associated with reduced visual acuity after surgery.

INDICATIONS AND RESULTS OF A NEW L-SHAPED MACULAR BUCKLE TO SUPPORT A POSTERIOR STAPHYLOMA IN HIGH MYOPIA.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of a macular buckle in treating myopic traction maculopathy was studied. METHODS: Fifty eyes with myopic traction maculopathy, in the form of macular detachment with macular hole (MHMD), or without macular hole (MD) and macular foveoschisis (MF), were treated with vitrectomy combined with macular buckle or with a macular buckle without vitrectomy. RESULTS: Combined group: The combined group comprised 10 eyes with MHMD, 6 eyes with MD, and 4 eyes with MF. The retina was attached in 100% of MD and MHMD and the MF was improved in 100% of cases. The hole was closed in 60% of MHMD. The mean initial and final Snellen best-corrected visual acuity was 20/500 and 20/100 for MHMD, 20/200 and 20/60 for MD, and 20/200 and 20/50 for MF. The mean surgical time was 80 ± 35 minutes. Fundus angiography or indocyanine green revealed no alteration of the chorioretinal blood flow. Buckle shortening was required in 6/20 (30% of cases) patients for lateral extrusion of the sponge through the conjunctiva with the first sponge model. This complication was overcome by changing the arm of the buckle. Buckle group: The buckle group comprised 5 eyes with MHMD, 11 with MD, and 14 with MF. The retina was attached in 100% of MHMD, MD, and MF. The macular hole was closed in 60%. The mean initial and final Snellen best-corrected visual acuity was 20/800 and 20/60 for MHMD, 20/125 and 20/50 for MD, and 20/200 and 20/63 for MF. The mean postoperative decrement in axial length was 1.21 mm. The mean surgical time was 35 ± 15 minutes. Fundus angiography or indocyanine green revealed no alteration of the chorioretinal blood flow. Complications included conjunctiva erosion (15%), diplopia (7.7%), and pain (3.8%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed flattening of the posterior staphyloma. CONCLUSION: Considering the possible complications and technical difficulties of vitrectomy, we suggest that the macular buckle alone should be the first treatment of myopic traction maculopathy. Vitrectomy should be reserved only for cases of tangential tractions.

Effects of Etching Time and Ethanol Wet Bonding on Bond Strength and Metalloproteinase Activity in Radicular Dentin.

(1) Background: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of different etching times and ethanol pre-treatments on the immediate bond strength of a hydrophilic multi-mode universal adhesive (Clearfil Universal Bond Quick, Kuraray, UBQ) and on the consequent gelatinolytic activity of metalloproteinases (MMPs) on radicular dentin. (2) Methods: Sixty single-root teeth were selected and divided into four groups according to the adhesive protocol applied for fiber post cementation: (G1) 15 s H3PO4 application + UBQ; (G2) 30 s H3PO4 application + UBQ; (G3) 15 s H3PO4 application + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ; (G4) 30 s H3PO4 + ethanol pre-treatment + UBQ. After adhesive procedures, fiber posts were luted into the post space with a dual-curing cement (DC Core, Kuraray) and light-cured for 40 s. To perform the push-out test and nanoleakage analyses for both coronal end apical areas, 1 mm slices were prepared, following a 24 h storage period in artificial saliva. Additionally, an in situ zymographic assay was conducted to explore endogenous MMP activity within the radicular layer. Results were statistically analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. (3) Result: ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in push-out bond strength related to the pre-treatment variable but did not highlight any significance of etching time. Specimens pre-treated with ethanol wet bond application showed higher bond strength (p < 0.01). In situ zymography quantification analyses revealed that all tested groups, independently of etching time end ethanol pre-treatment, activated MMP gelatinolytic activity. A significant increase in MMP activity was detected for the 30 s etching time. However, ETOH pre-treatment significantly reduced MMP activity within the adhesive interface (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: The tested adhesive showed similar results regardless of the etching time protocol. The gelatinolytic activity of MMPs was observed in all the groups. Further investigations and extended follow-ups are required to validate the results of the present study in vivo.