The relationship of psychological status and sociodemographic factors with bruxism among undergraduate dental students: A national survey.

Background: Although its etiology is not fully known, the accepted view is that bruxism is a multifactorial disorder. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the prevalance of self-reported bruxism and to investigate its relationship with psychological and sociodemographical factors amongst undergraduate dental students in Zonguldak, Turkey. Subjects and Methods: 250 dental students were asked to fill the bruxism questionnaire - to detect the prevelance of bruxism; personal information form - to determine sociodemographic variables; and symptom checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) - to asses psychological state. Data were analyzed statistically by Kolmogorov Smirnov, Shapiro Wilk, Mann Whitney U, and Kruskal Wallis tests through Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. Results: The prevalance of self-reported bruxism was 40%. 46% of the students showed higher levels of psychological symptoms. SCL-90-R subscales showed statistically significant differences in students with bruxism compared to those without bruxism (P < 0.05). It was observed that bruxism was associated with gender (P < 0.05) and both bruxism and psychological symptom levels were statistically higher in females (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings revealed that, although bruxism was common among dental students, gender and psychosocial factors are also mostly associated with the etiology of bruxism. In this context, during the challenging dentistry education period, it is important to direct students who are found to have high levels of psychological symptoms to psychological counseling and guidance services.

Species distribution, genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates recovered from the preputial cavity of healthy rams in Turkey.

AIMS: Campylobacter sp. are important causes of reproductive disease in ruminants worldwide. Although healthy bulls are well-known carriers for infection of cows, the role of rams as a potential source for infecting ewes is unclear. This study aimed to determine prevalence, species distribution, genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Campylobacter sp. isolated from the preputial cavity of healthy rams. METHODS AND RESULTS: The material of this prospective study comprised 191 swab samples taken from the preputial cavity of healthy rams. Enrichment and membrane filtration were employed for the isolation of Campylobacter. Presumptive isolates were confirmed as Campylobacter by phenotypic and molecular tests. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was used for the definitive identification of the isolates at species level, and genotyping was performed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The susceptibility of the Campylobacter sp. isolates to various antibiotics was determined by the disk diffusion test. In all, 27 of the 191 (14·13%) swab samples were found to be positive for Campylobacter sp. (28 isolates were recovered in total). Per phenotypic and genotypic analyses, one isolate was identified as Campylobacter mucosalis and the remaining 27 isolates were identified as Campylobacter sputorum bv. faecalis. The PFGE analysis of the C. sputorum biovar faecalis isolates produced 17 clusters and 24 different pulsotypes, indicating high genetic heterogeneity. All 28 isolates were found to be susceptible to all of the antibiotics tested. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy rams may be an important reservoir of different Campylobacter species in the preputium. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrated for the first time that healthy rams can carry different Campylobacter sp. including genetically diverse C. sputorum bv. faecalis and C. mucosalis in the preputial cavity. Further investigation on the potential implication of this finding on sheep reproductive health (e.g. infectious infertility, and abortion) and overall epidemiology of Campylobacter may be warranted.

Simvastatin in an experimental spinal cord injury model: a histopathological and biochemical evidence based study.

AIM: In this study we tried to determine the possible neuroprotective effects of simvastatin in a rat model of Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) with the help of biochemical and histopathological tests. METHODS: Rats were divided into 5 groups:1) SCI control, 2) Sham operated, 3) SCI with 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal simvastatin, 4) SCI with 10 mg/kg oral simvastatin, 5) SCI with 10 mg/kg subcutaneous simvastatin. After the treatment period, all rats were sacrificed; their blood and spinal cord samples were taken for biochemical and histopathological assessment. RESULTS: When the groups were compared in terms of oedema and inflammation status, the scores of groups receiving simvastatin were better than the control and sham groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.038 respectively). When the 3 treatment groups (oral, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous simvastatin groups) were compared with each other in terms of inflammation, haemorrhage and oedema, there were no significant differences between groups (p = 0.112, p = 0.797 and p = 0.188, respectively). NSE and S100B levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups compared to the sham group (p = 0.039 and p = 0.004 respectively). CONCLUSION: According to our biochemical and histopathological findings, simvastatin 10 mg/kg has a positive impact in the spinal cord injury model in rats, regardless of route of application (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 26).

Factors Affecting Operative Time Intervals for Lower Limb Arthroplasties - Correlation with Total Operative Time.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to evaluate the operative time intervals for major orthopaedic surgeries and analyze the correlation of different operative factors on total operative time. MATERIAL AND METHODS Specific time intervals; anesthesia release time (ART), surgical preparation time (SPT), operative procedure time (OPT), and anesthesia end time (AET); were recorded by independent observers. Total operative procedure time (TOPT), was also calculated and statisctical correlation analysis was performed between TOPT and study parameters. RESULTS The difference for ART and SPT time intervals between age groups below 65 and 65 to 85 years were found statistically significant. As the patient's age increased, ART and SPT time intervals were also significantly increased. As the patients ASA status increased, the ART intervals were also increased. ART and AET time intervals were significantly longer for residents compared to specialists. DISCUSSION This is one of the first studies in the literature analyzing different time intervals and their correlation on total operative time for major orthopaedic surgeries. Current study also analyzed the effects of other factors including age and ASA score of the patients, type of anesthesia and experience of anesthegiogist on operative time intervals. This study was designed for the analysis of specific time intervals previously described in the literature for only some major orthopaedic surgeries. By this way, we aimed to achieve a homogenous study group and to obtain comparable results with the literature. CONCLUSIONS The strongest correlation was found between ART and TOPT. As the patient's age increased, ART and SPT time intervals were also significantly increased. Increased age and higher ASA scores with an unexperienced anesthegiologist significantly increased the ART intervals. Therefore, reducing ART is the most important factor in reducing TOPT. Key words:arthroplasty, anaesthesia, operation time.

Selection of ideal pterygoid osteotome: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Pterygomaxillary separation is the most critical step of Le Fort I osteotomy. Nonideal separation of pterygomaxillary junction could be associated with many complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomic basis of proper pterygoid osteotome in Le Fort I surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cone beam computed tomography image of 177 patients were evaluated retrospectively. To design an ideal osteotomy, the angle and the length of the posterior curvature of the maxillary sinus wall were measured. For the classification of the posterior angle as low, medium, and high, the category was based on upper and lower groups consisting of 27%, where the measurement and representability are at the maximum level. RESULTS: The mean posterior length of three angle groups was as follows: low group: 7.81 mm, medium group: 7.54 mm, and high group: 7.41 mm. The differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In addition, the posterior angle and length were evaluated according to the gender and the sides, and no statistically significant difference was found. (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Ideal osteotomy technique for pterygomaxillary disjunction and the avoidance of related complications could be achieved by selecting patient-specific osteotome using radiographic assessment.

Removal of the residual root and implant therapy simultaneously via bone lid approach.

Residual root fragments in posterior mandibula after extraction are often rarely seen. Implant treatment presumes that implants are placed in bone, without any contact with root. At ankylosed teeth, complete root removal is often invasive; subsequently, the sites require additional augmentation procedures to complete the treatment. Different techniques can be used for removal of these residual root fragments. To our knowledge, there are no study in the literature to provide the extraction of the root fragment using bone lid technique and achieve implant rehabilitation at the same time. The aim of the present study is to reduce bone loss during the residual root extraction for implant therapy. The bone lid approach is an easy and safety technique that could be performed to remove the residual root fragment and achieve implant rehabilitation at the same time. Future studies involving long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the permanence of these results.

A randomized study to evaluate post-dural puncture headache after cesarean section: Comparison with median and paramedian approaches.

BACKGROUND: Although the most popular anesthesia technique for cesarean is spinal anesthesia, its most common complication is post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). AIM: We aimed to determine the effect of median and paramedian approaches during spinal anesthesia on PDPH in patients undergoing cesarean section. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 200 pregnant women between the ages of 19-45 years, ASA physical status II, scheduled to undergo elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia, were studied. The patients were randomized into two groups: Group M; (n = 100) spinal anesthesia with the median approach, Group PM; (n = 100) spinal anesthesia with paramedian approach. The patients were questioned for the possible occurrence of PDPH on the first, third and seventh postoperative days. A telephone follow-up call was used if the hospital stay was shorter than seven days. Post-dural puncture headache was evaluated according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-III) diagnostic criteria. Normally distributed data were summarized using mean and standard deviation. Skewed data were summarized using median (range). RESULTS: A total of 200 patients completed the study. There were no statistically different between the groups by comparing the incidence and characteristics of PDPH (32% vs. 28%, P = 0.548). Most patients rated their pain intensity during PDPH as mild to moderate in both groups (p = 0.721). PDPH onset time was 2 (1-4) days in Group PM versus 3 (1-7) days in Group M (p = 0.173). No patient needed for epidural blood patch in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal anesthesia with a median or paramedian approach at cesarean section has no effect on the incidence of PDPH, but we believe that there has been a need for further studies with larger or different patient populations.

Helicobacter pylori can be related to carotid intima-media thickness, epicardial adipose tissue thickness and serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (HP) affects the cardiovascular system. Our aim in this study was to evaluate, whether an infection with HP causes subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: We included 90 patients with dyspeptic symptoms in this study. The patients underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsies were taken. The patients were grouped according to histopathologic examination, as HP infection negative (n = 21), HP infection positive (+) (n = 23), HP infection (++) (n = 22), HP infection (+++), (n = 24). RESULTS: The neutrophilic gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels and the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness in the HP negative group were significantly lower than the NGAL (p < 0.001) and hs-CRP (p < 0.001) levels and the cIMT (p < 0.008) and EAT (p < 0.008) thickness in the HP (+++) group. There was a strong correlation between the serum NGAL and hs-CRP levels, cIMT and EAT thickness. CONCLUSION: HP-infection can lead to subclinical atherosclerosis via chronic inflammation. The higher the activity of HP infection, the higher the acceleration of atherosclerosis (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 46). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.

Effect of irradiation on the shear bond strength of self-adhesive luting cement in different preparation depths.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-irradiation application on the shear bond strength of self-adhesive luting cements to dentin and enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were used in this study. Teeth were divided into two main groups according to preparation depth (0.5 mm and 1 mm) as Group E and Group D and were divided into four subgroups according to treatment protocol (n = 12). Teeth were irradiated and preparation was done after radiation. Adhesive luting cement was placed on the irradiated enamel and dentin surface (Groups E1, D1). Preparation was done before irradiation and resin cement was placed on the irradiated enamel and dentin surface (Groups E2, D2). The resin cement was first placed on their enamel and dentin surfaces and then the specimens were irradiated (Groups E3, D3). Irradiation was done with a total dose of 60 Gy, applied in fractions over 6 weeks for each groups (2-Gy/day fractions, 5 days per week). Nonirradiated groups were determined as controls groups (Groups C1, C2). The shear bond strengths of adhesive luting cement were examined. RESULTS: According to the two-way ANOVA results, depth of preparation and treatment protocol and their interactions were significant on shear bond strength of resin cement (P Conclusions: This study detected significant differences between the irradiated and nonirradiated groups, probably due to the changes in the crystalline structure of dental hard tissues.

Impact of D-dimer level on postinterventional coronary flow and in-hospital MACE in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE: Preintervention thrombus burden in the infarct-related artery is an independent predictor of no-reflow and adverse outcomes in coronary artery disease. The role of D-dimers in the acute phase of ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the predictive value of serum D-dimer levels on the outcome of patients with STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 266 consecutive patients presenting with STEMI within the first 12 h of symptom onset were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the postinterventional Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade score. Postinterventional TIMI grades of 0, 1, or 2 were defined as no-reflow (group 1) and angiographic success was defined as TIMI 3 flow (group 2). D-dimer levels were significantly higher in patients with postinterventional no-reflow than in patients with postinterventional TIMI grade 3 flow (686 ± 236 µg/ml-418 ± 164 µg/ml, p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer level was an independent predictor of postinterventional no-reflow (OR: 1.005; 95 % CI: 1.003-1.007; p < 0.001) and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; OR: 1.002; 95 % CI: 1.000-1.004; p = 0.029). Receiver operator characteristics analysis provided a cut-off value of 549 µg/ml for D-dimer for predicting no-reflow with an 83 % sensitivity and an 81 % specificity, and 544 µg/ml for predicting in-hospital MACE with a 69 % sensitivity and a 67 % specificity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, D-dimer levels measured on admission may be an independent predictor of no-reflow, which is also a predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with STEMI.

Ultrasound-guided intrauterine insemination versus blind intrauterine insemination: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the effects of ultrasound (US) guidance during intrauterine insemination (IUI) on pregnancy rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a prospective randomized controlled trial which was performed in Women's Health Research and Education Hospital, Infertility Unit. The study enrolled 130 couples who were scheduled to undergo IUI. The couples were randomized according to a computer-generated list into two groups; 1) the ultrasound-guided IUI group included 64 couples (n = 64) treated for 99 cycles 2) blind IUI group included 66 couples (n = 66) treated for 104 cycles. All women underwent controlled ovarian stimulation before IUI. The study's main measurements were pregnancy rate per cycle; pregnancy rate per woman. RESULTS: The pregnancy rates were similar in both the ultrasound-guided (USG) (16.2%, 16/99) and non-ultrasound-guided (NUSG)(12.5%, 13/104) groups (p = 0.386). CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest a routine ultrasound guidance during IUI is not essential as it does not increase pregnancy rates but it can be used in such cases to overwhelm some sort of difficulties.

Dysfunctional personality beliefs and psychopathology in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy.

OBJECTIVES: To assess dysfunctional personality beliefs associated with specific personality disorders (PD), as well as psychopathological symptoms and psychological distress levels in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included acute and chronic CSC patients and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. Dysfunctional personality beliefs and psychopathological symptoms assessed with Personality Belief Questionnaire-Short Form and Symptom Check List-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), respectively, were compared between CSC patients and healthy volunteers and between acute and chronic CSC patients. MAIN RESULTS: Of the 55 CSC patients included in the study analysis, 21 (38.2%) had acute and 34 (61.8%) chronic CSC. Avoidant PD (13.92±3.79 vs. 12.03±3.98, P=0.012) and obsessive-compulsive PD (13.94±3.95 vs. 12.27±3.75, P=0.025) scores on the PBQ-SF were significantly higher in CSC patients than in healthy volunteers. The PBQ-SF scores were similar between acute and chronic CSC patients. CSC patients scored significantly higher on the general severity index (GSI) and all symptom dimensions except phobic anxiety and psychoticism on the SCL-90-R. In addition, scores for obsessive-compulsive, depression, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, and GSI were significantly higher in acute than in chronic CSC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This first study investigating the relationship between CSC and dysfunctional personality beliefs indicates that CSC patients have higher levels of dysfunctional beliefs related to avoidant and obsessive-compulsive PD than healthy volunteers. These findings present a new aspect of the personality profile of CSC patients and point to a target for intervention, i.e., dysfunctional beliefs, through a cognitive-psychiatric approach.

Spatial distribution of putative growth factors in the guinea pig placenta and the effects of these factors, plasma, and bile on the growth and chemotaxis of Campylobacter jejuni.

The pregnant guinea pig is an effective model for studying abortifacient Campylobacter spp, and previous experiments have demonstrated that C. jejuni IA3902 has a marked predilection for the subplacenta while sparing the placental disc in this species. In the study described here, the growth and chemotaxis of IA3902 and a reference strain (NCTC 11168) are compared in the presence of subplacental and placental factors, as well as bile and plasma, from pregnant and nonpregnant guinea pigs. Both strains grew better in subplacental versus placental disc tissue extracts at 24 hours; however, only IA3902 maintained this enhancement at 48 hours. Histochemistry and lectin histochemistry were used to localize mucin, iron, and l-fucose within the placental unit. Mucin was most abundant in subplacental lacunae, the junctional zone, and visceral yolk sac placenta, while iron was most abundant in the placental disc, and L-fucose-containing surface glycans were limited to the visceral yolk sac placenta. These 3 individual factors, along with progesterone and estradiol, were evaluated for effects on growth and chemotaxis of C. jejuni. Mucin, iron, and L-fucose were growth promoting, while l-fucose was also chemoattractive for both strains. Progesterone, estradiol, and pregnant guinea pig plasma did not affect growth or chemotaxis, and no difference was observed when bile from pregnant and nonpregnant animals was compared. These findings demonstrate the presence of specific factors within the guinea pig placental unit that drive chemotaxis and enhance growth of C. jejuni, shedding light on potential mechanisms underlying the fetoplacental tropism observed with this strain.

Single high dose atorvastatin does not ameliorate endothelial function and large arterial stiffness in dyslipidemic patients without atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies show that statins have beneficial effects on atherosclerotic risk factors and markers such as flow mediated dilatation (FMD). However, studies on early effects of statins on endothelial function of non atherosclerotic humans are limited. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single high dose of atorvastatin could improve endothelial function and large arterial stiffness in statin naive dyslipidemic non-atherosclerotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty statin naïve dyslipidemic non-atherosclerotic patients from Cardiology Outpatient Clinic were enrolled. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function of patients were evaluated by assessing the finger photoplethysmography and the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery before and 24 hour after oral administration of 80 mg atorvastatin. RESULTS: Stiffness indices and FMD 24 hours after administration of 80mg atorvastatin did not differ from baseline measurements (6.89 +/- 1.90 vs. 7.06 +/- 2.37 p : NS and 9.13 +/- 6.07 vs. 9.80 +/- 6.34 p : NS). CONCLUSIONS: Although it is widely accepted that statins improve endothelial function, evidences of early effect might largely be associated with endothelial injury. Our study suggests that beneficial early effects of statins might not be applicable to patients without atherosclerosis.

Circulating resistin is elevated in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and is associated with steatosis, portal inflammation, insulin resistance and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis scores.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of resistin and the biochemical and histological features of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to determine the usefulness of this relationship in the clinical practice. METHODS: A total of 97 patients with NAFLD and 66 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Detailed epidemiological, anthropometric and laboratory data were recorded. Serum levels of resistin were measured with ELISA. RESULTS: Serum levels of resistin were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD (32.10±10.0 ng/mL and 26.57±13.60 ng/mL, respectively) compared with healthy controls (P=0.003). Serum resistin levels were associated with AST, ALT, HOMA-IR, histological steatosis, portal inflammation and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) scores. The serum levels of resistin were significantly higher in patients with definite NASH compared to patients with simple steatosis (29±13 and 20±10 ng/mL, respectively, P=0.03). There was no association between the serum resistin levels and the liver fibrosis stages. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that resistin levels are elevated in patients with NAFLD and could discriminate simple steatosis from definite NASH.

Diagnosis and management of cesarean scar pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnosis and management modalities of cesarean scar pregnancy according to our experience. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at the Women's Health Research and Education Hospital. PATIENTS: Six patients were diagnosed and treated for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) with dilatation and curettage, methotrexate (MTX), or laparatomy. RESULTS: One patient chose the surgical option due to her desire to have a tubal ligation. In the second case methotrexate was applied initially, but two weeks later suction curretage was applied due to abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding. Suction curettage was used as an initial treatment for four patients. There were not any complications in three of four patients. One patient had heavy vaginal bleeding which started after curettage. On ultrasonographic examination, increasing hemorrhage was seen between the uterus and the bladder so subtotal hysterectomy was performed. DISCUSSION: Ultrasound should be used effectivelly in evaluation of pregnant patients with previous cesarean deliveries. There is still no unique treatment modality for CSP, so treatment should be tailored for each patient. Before the 7th week, abortion should be considered. After the 7th week, MTX and/or surgical options should be preferred.

Expression of toll-like receptors 2 and 4 in subplacental trophoblasts from guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) following infection with Campylobacter jejuni.

Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2 and TLR4) are well-characterized cell surface receptors that recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns and play an important role in pathogen recognition and activation of the innate immune system. Variable expression of TLR2 and TLR4 has been described in trophoblasts from normal and diseased placentas; yet, there are limited data regarding trophoblast TLR expression in response to specific placental pathogens, and TLR expression in the guinea pig placenta has not been described. The guinea pig is an effective model for Campylobacter-induced abortion of small ruminants, and the authors have shown by immunohistochemistry that C jejuni localizes within syncytiotrophoblasts of the guinea pig subplacenta. The present study was designed to determine if the expression of either TLR2 or TLR4 would be affected in subplacental trophoblasts following infection with C jejuni. Immunohistochemistry for TLR2 and TLR4 was performed on placenta from guinea pigs that aborted following inoculation with C jejuni and from sham-inoculated controls. Quantitative assessment of TLR expression was performed, and mean immunoreactivity for TLR2 was significantly higher in subplacental trophoblasts from animals that aborted compared with uninfected controls (P = .0283), whereas TLR4 expression was not statistically different (P = .5909). These results suggest that abortion in guinea pigs following infection with C jejuni is associated with increased TLR2 expression in subplacental trophoblasts and may reveal a possible role for TLR2 in the pathogenesis of Campylobacter-induced abortion.

Knowledge and attitudes of emergency medicine physicians and nurses regarding emergency management of dentofacial trauma in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES: Considering that the first visit for dentofacial trauma is generally in emergency departments, the awareness and knowledge of the emergency medicine staff regarding the treatment of dentofacial injuries is very important for the prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, education, and self-confidence levels of emergency medicine physicians and nurses concerning the diagnosis and treatment of dentofacial traumatic injuries in pediatric patients. METHODS: This questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study included emergency medicine physicians and emergency medicine nurses. The survey contained questions and three sections on participants' general data, attitudes, basic knowledge, and confidence levels in managing dentofacial trauma. RESULTS: A total of 407 participants (250 emergency medicine physicians and 157 emergency medicine nurses) were included in this study. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding the correct answers to the questions about trauma management and emergency management of crown fractures and avulsed permanent teeth (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings show that there is a lack of information on dentofacial trauma for emergency medicine physicians and nurses. In order to increase knowledge in this area and to improve the diagnosis and management of dentofacial trauma, interdisciplinary seminars, case discussions, and continuing education programs should be held for emergency medicine staff.

Morphometric analysis of pterygomaxillary region by using cone beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: Many complications during Le Fort I osteotomy are encountered during pterygomaxillary separation. The study aimed to evaluate the pterygomaxillary region in regards to the Le Fort I osteotomy using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT images of 200 patients (100 males, 100 females) aged 18-78 years were evaluated measuring the thickness and width of the pterygomaxillary region, the location of the descending palatine artery, and the length of the pterygoid plates on the axial section. RESULTS: It has been determined that the distance between the descending palatine canal and the priform rim is longer in males (P=0.037). Medial plate was longer on the right (P=0.0001) and left (P=0.025) in females. The thickness of the pterygomaxillary region was longer in females (P=0.000). The distance between the pterygomaxillary fissure and the descending palatine canal was longer on the right (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The pterygomaxillary region may have different anatomies that predispose to specific complications associated with Le Fort I osteotomy. Therefore, before surgery, the pterygomaxillary region should be examined with CBCT, and necessary precautions should be taken preoperatively considering the possible complications.