The Treatment of Calcific Tendinitis of the Gluteus Medius Muscle Using Ultrasound-Guided Barbotage Technique

We report the effective treatment of calcific tendinitis in the gluteus medius muscle with a single application of the barbotage technique. A 68-year-old man visited our hospital complaining of right hip pain with an intensity of 8 on a numeric rating scale. A simple radiograph of the right hip showed a calcific nodule at the insertion site of the gluteus medius tendon. The stage of the calcific lesion was inferred through the characteristics of the findings confirmed on radiographs. Ultrasonography was performed and the results were combined to determine the appropriate stage to apply the barbotage technique. He confirmed the pain relief effect after performing the intervention. After 1 month, it was confirmed that the calcific lesion was completely removed at follow-up.

Evaluating the accuracy (trueness and precision) of interim crowns manufactured using digital light processing according to post-curing time: An in vitro study

PURPOSE@#This study aimed to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of interim crowns fabricated using DLP (digital light processing) according to postcuring time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A virtual stone study die of the upper right first molar was created using a dental laboratory scanner. After designing interim crowns on the virtual study die and saving them as Standard Triangulated Language files, 30 interim crowns were fabricated using a DLP-type 3D printer. Additively manufactured interim crowns were post-cured using three different time conditions-10-minute post-curing interim crown (10-MPCI), 20-minute postcuring interim crown (20-MPCI), and 30-minute post-curing interim crown (30-MPCI) (n = 10 per group). The scan data of the external and intaglio surfaces were overlapped with reference crown data, and trueness was measured using the best-fit alignment method. In the external and intaglio surface groups (n = 45 per group), precision was measured using a combination formula exclusive to scan data (10 C2). Significant differences in accuracy (trueness and precision) data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and post hoc analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). @*RESULTS@#In the 10-MPCI, 20-MPCI, and 30-MPCI groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the accuracy of the external and intaglio surfaces (P <.05). On the external and intaglio surfaces, the root mean square (RMS) values of trueness and precision were the lowest in the 10-MPCI group. @*CONCLUSION@#Interim crowns with 10-minute post-curing showed high accuracy.

Health inequalities of 57,541 prisoners in Korea: a comparison with the general population / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to examine health disparities between prisoners and the general population in Korea. @*METHODS@#We sought to estimate the prevalence of 17 physical and mental diseases using the nationwide medication prescription dataset among the total population of prisoners (n=57,541) in Korea. Age- and sex- standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) were estimated to compare the disease prevalence between the prisoners and the general population. The disease prevalence for the general population was calculated from the prescription dataset for a representative of the Korean population (n=926,246) from the 2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Furthermore, the prevalence of these diseases was compared between prisoners and a low-income segment of the general population (n=159,781). @*RESULTS@#Compared to the general population, prisoners had higher prevalence of almost all physical and mental diseases, including hyperlipidemia (SPR, 20.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.43 to 20.94), pulmonary tuberculosis (SPR, 9.58; 95% CI, 7.91 to 11.50), diabetes (SPR, 6.13; 95% CI, 5.96 to 6.31), cancer (SPR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07 to 2.68), and depression (SPR, 46.73; 95% CI, 44.14 to 49.43). When compared with the low-income population segment, higher prevalence were still found among prisoners for most diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis (SPR, 6.39; 95% CI, 5.27 to 7.67) and depression (SPR, 34.71; 95% CI, 32.79 to 36.72). @*CONCLUSIONS@#We found that prisoners were more likely to be unhealthy than the general population, even in comparison with a low-income segment of the general population in Korea.

Health inequalities of 57,541 prisoners in Korea: a comparison with the general population / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#This study aimed to examine health disparities between prisoners and the general population in Korea. @*METHODS@#We sought to estimate the prevalence of 17 physical and mental diseases using the nationwide medication prescription dataset among the total population of prisoners (n=57,541) in Korea. Age- and sex- standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) were estimated to compare the disease prevalence between the prisoners and the general population. The disease prevalence for the general population was calculated from the prescription dataset for a representative of the Korean population (n=926,246) from the 2013 Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Furthermore, the prevalence of these diseases was compared between prisoners and a low-income segment of the general population (n=159,781). @*RESULTS@#Compared to the general population, prisoners had higher prevalence of almost all physical and mental diseases, including hyperlipidemia (SPR, 20.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.43 to 20.94), pulmonary tuberculosis (SPR, 9.58; 95% CI, 7.91 to 11.50), diabetes (SPR, 6.13; 95% CI, 5.96 to 6.31), cancer (SPR, 2.36; 95% CI, 2.07 to 2.68), and depression (SPR, 46.73; 95% CI, 44.14 to 49.43). When compared with the low-income population segment, higher prevalence were still found among prisoners for most diseases, including pulmonary tuberculosis (SPR, 6.39; 95% CI, 5.27 to 7.67) and depression (SPR, 34.71; 95% CI, 32.79 to 36.72). @*CONCLUSIONS@#We found that prisoners were more likely to be unhealthy than the general population, even in comparison with a low-income segment of the general population in Korea.

Effect of rinsing time on the accuracy of interim crowns fabricated by digital light processing: An in vitro study

PURPOSE@#This study was to evaluate the effect of rinsing time on the accuracy of interim crowns fabricated by digital light processing. @*MATERIALS AND METHODS@#The maxillary right first molar master die was duplicated using a silicone material, while a study die was produced using epoxy resin. Scans of the epoxy resin die were used in combination with CAD software to design a maxillary right first molar interim crown. Based on this design, 24 interim crowns were fabricated with digital light processing. This study examined the trueness and precision of products that were processed with one of the three different postprocessing rinsing times (1 min, 5 min, and 10 min). Trueness was measured by superimposing reference data with scanned data from external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces. Precision was measured by superimposing the scan data within the group. The trueness and precision data were analyzed using KruskalWallis, nonparametric, and post-hoc tests, and were compared using a MannWhitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). @*RESULTS@#The trueness of the external and intaglio surfaces of crowns varied significantly among the different rinsing times (P=.004, P=.003), but there was no statistically significant difference in terms of trueness measurements of the marginal surfaces (P=.605). In terms of precision, statistically significant differences were found among the external, intaglio, and marginal surfaces (P=.001). @*CONCLUSION@# Interim crowns rinsed for 10 minutes showed high accuracy.

Evaluation of the Esthetic and Functional Outcomes of Extracorporeal Septoplasty for Rhinoplasty in Asian Patients

Objectives@#. In extracorporeal septoplasty (ECS), the entire septal cartilage is harvested, and a neo-L strut is built extracorporeally. Thus, ECS can simultaneously achieve septum straightening and tip projection. This study evaluated the functional and esthetic outcomes of the ECS technique for rhinoplasty in Asian patients. @*Methods@#. We conducted a retrospective review of 64 patients who underwent rhinoplasty using ECS between January 2016 and March 2018. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed and objective surgical outcomes were evaluated. Improvement in nasal obstruction was rated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Anthropometric changes were compared between preoperative and postoperative facial photographs. Complications and revisions were also analyzed. @*Results@#. The participants comprised 64 patients (48 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 29.3 years). The mean operative time was 89.3 minutes. In total, 61 patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcome, and the overall objective rhinoplasty outcome score was 3.45. Preoperative nasal obstruction symptoms (7.9±1.2 on VAS) improved postoperatively (3.1±1.3, P<0.001), and significant improvements were also observed in the nasofrontal angle (152.3° to 148.1°, P<0.001), nasolabial angle (88.8° to 92.0°, P<0.001), and nasal tip projection (0.62 to 0.66, P<0.033). Recurrent deviation of the nasal septum and external nose or tip deprojection did not occur in any patients, and there were no cases of revision during the mean follow-up period of 13.3 months. @*Conclusion@#. ECS might be an esthetically and functionally satisfactory alternative rhinoplasty technique for Asian patients with a shortage of septal cartilage.

Evaluating the accuracy (trueness and precision) of interim crowns manufactured using digital light processing according to post-curing time: An in vitro study

PURPOSE@#This study aimed to compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of interim crowns fabricated using DLP (digital light processing) according to postcuring time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A virtual stone study die of the upper right first molar was created using a dental laboratory scanner. After designing interim crowns on the virtual study die and saving them as Standard Triangulated Language files, 30 interim crowns were fabricated using a DLP-type 3D printer. Additively manufactured interim crowns were post-cured using three different time conditions-10-minute post-curing interim crown (10-MPCI), 20-minute postcuring interim crown (20-MPCI), and 30-minute post-curing interim crown (30-MPCI) (n = 10 per group). The scan data of the external and intaglio surfaces were overlapped with reference crown data, and trueness was measured using the best-fit alignment method. In the external and intaglio surface groups (n = 45 per group), precision was measured using a combination formula exclusive to scan data (10 C2). Significant differences in accuracy (trueness and precision) data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis H test, and post hoc analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α=.05). @*RESULTS@#In the 10-MPCI, 20-MPCI, and 30-MPCI groups, there was a statistically significant difference in the accuracy of the external and intaglio surfaces (P <.05). On the external and intaglio surfaces, the root mean square (RMS) values of trueness and precision were the lowest in the 10-MPCI group. @*CONCLUSION@#Interim crowns with 10-minute post-curing showed high accuracy.

Two Cases of Orbital Blowout Fractures with Extraocular Muscle Entrapment in Children / 대한이비인후과학회지

Orbital blowout fracture is a common result of facial trauma and with the expanded use of endoscopy in orbital blowout fracture surgery, otolaryngologists are participating more often blowout fracture surgery. Because orbital blowout fracture may result in sequelae such as diplopia and enophthalmos, proper diagnosis and timing of repair are crucial. Orbital blowout fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment is uncommon and almost exclusively seen in children. It needs emergent release of entrapped muscle to prevent permanent sequelae (e.g., diplopia). The authors experienced two cases of orbital blowout fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment and had good surgical results without any sequelae. We report these cases with a review of the literature.

The Relationships between Addiction to Highly Caffeinated Drinks, Burnout, and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the addiction to highly caffeinated drinks among university students, and we investigated the relationships between smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), burnout, self-esteem, impulsiveness in high caffeine drink addiction risk group (high caffeine group). We also compared these mental health factors differences between the high caffeine group and the control group; and, investigated the relative risk between the independent variables of the high caffeine group. METHODS: This study was conducted in Korea, from June 2015 to July 2016. A set of questionnaires was administered on 511 college students. RESULTS: The participants who belonged to the high caffeine group were more likely to demonstrate the symptoms of ADHD and higher levels of burnout and impulsiveness. Further, the results of logistic regression analysis confirmed the association between the high caffeine group and burnout. CONCLUSION: These behaviors among university students addicted to highly caffeinated drinks suggests the need for timely and effective interventions for those at risk of addiction.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Comorbid Chronic Rhinosinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition with an increasing incidence, and several recent studies have reported the association of LPR with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we studied the effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom improvement for LPR and comorbid CRS. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Enrolled in the study from January 2017 to December 2017 were 164 patients (54 male, 110 female, mean age 48.8 years) who were diagnosed as LPR by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS) and comorbid CRS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated for CRS severity. The study group was divided into PPI treatment group (Ilaprazole 20 mg, once a day for 8 weeks) and non-treatment group. The RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were repeated at the end of treatment. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were prescribed PPI and 72 patients were not. Initial RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy score did not differ between the two groups. RSI and RFS decreased significantly after eight weeks of PPI medication (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In the non-treatment group, only RFS showed statistically significant decrease. SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores decreased significantly in the treatment group (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to the non-treatment group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that PPI treatment for 8 weeks was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of both LPR and CRS.

Relationship Between Metabolic Syndrome and Depression Using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 : 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Result Analysis / 우울ㆍ조울병

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms by administering the nine-item depression module from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to participants from the general population of Korea.METHODS: In total, 8,150 adults participated in the 1st year of the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which was conducted in 2016. Of them, 5,556 participants underwent tests pertaining to the criteria for metabolic syndrome and responded to PHQ-9; 2,594 respondents were excluded. Analysis of covariance was performed to analyze the relationship between the presence of metabolic syndrome and the PHQ-9 score after adjusting for the effects of demographic and hematologic characteristics and underlying diseases.RESULTS: The total PHQ-9 score (mean=2.98) was significantly higher in participants with metabolic syndrome than in those without it (mean=2.59) (p=0.002). Among the individual PHQ-9 items, changes in sleep, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and depressive mood showed the greatest differences.CONCLUSION: The PHQ-9 scores in Korea were higher in adults with metabolic syndrome, suggesting an association between metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms.

Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitor for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Comorbid Chronic Rhinosinusitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a prevalent condition with an increasing incidence, and several recent studies have reported the association of LPR with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In this study, we studied the effect of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom improvement for LPR and comorbid CRS.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Enrolled in the study from January 2017 to December 2017 were 164 patients (54 male, 110 female, mean age 48.8 years) who were diagnosed as LPR by reflux symptom index (RSI) or reflux finding scores (RFS) and comorbid CRS. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were evaluated for CRS severity. The study group was divided into PPI treatment group (Ilaprazole 20 mg, once a day for 8 weeks) and non-treatment group. The RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores were repeated at the end of treatment.@*RESULTS@#Ninety-two patients were prescribed PPI and 72 patients were not. Initial RSI, RFS, SNOT-20, and Lund-Kennedy score did not differ between the two groups. RSI and RFS decreased significantly after eight weeks of PPI medication (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). In the non-treatment group, only RFS showed statistically significant decrease. SNOT-20 and Lund-Kennedy endoscopic scores decreased significantly in the treatment group (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively) compared to the non-treatment group.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of our study suggest that PPI treatment for 8 weeks was effective in reducing signs and symptoms of both LPR and CRS.

Trueness and precision of scanning abutment impressions and stone models according to dental CAD/CAM evaluation standards

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare scanning trueness and precision between an abutment impression and a stone model according to dental computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) evaluation standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate trueness, the abutment impression and stone model were scanned to obtain the first 3-dimensional (3-D) stereolithography (STL) file. Next, the abutment impression or stone model was removed from the scanner and re-fixed on the table; scanning was then repeated so that 11 files were obtained for each scan type. To evaluate precision, the abutment impression or stone model was scanned to obtain the first 3-D STL file. Without moving it, scanning was performed 10 more times, so that 11 files were obtained for each scan type. By superimposing the first scanned STL file onto the other STL files one by one, 10 color-difference maps and reports were obtained; i.e., 10 experimental scans per type. The independent t-test was used to compare root mean square (RMS) data between the groups (α=.05). RESULTS: The RMS±SD values of scanning trueness of the abutment impression and stone model were 22.4±4.4 and 17.4±3.5 µm, respectively (P < .012). The RMS±SD values of scanning precision of the abutment impression and stone model were 16.4±2.9 and 14.6±1.6 µm, respectively (P=.108). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in scanning trueness between the abutment impression and stone model, as evaluated according to dental CAD/CAM standards. However, all scans showed high trueness and precision.

Evaluation of marginal discrepancy of pressable ceramic veneer fabricated using CAD/CAM system: Additive and subtractive manufacturing

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the marginal discrepancy of heat-pressed ceramic veneers manufactured using a CAD/CAM system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ceramic veneers for the abutment of a maxillary left central incisor were designed using a CAD/CAM software program. Ten veneers using a micro-stereolithography apparatus (AM group), ten veneers using a five-axis milling machine (SM group), and ten veneers using a traditional free-hand wax technique (TW group) were prepared according to the respective manufacturing method. The ceramic veneers were also fabricated using a heat-press technique, and a silicone replica was used to measure their marginal discrepancy. The marginal discrepancies were measured using a digital microscope (×160 magnification). The data were analyzed using a nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test. Finally, post-hoc comparisons were conducted using Bonferroni-corrected Mann-Whitney U tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The mean±SD of the total marginal discrepancy was 99.68±28.01 µm for the AM group, 76.60±28.76 µm for the SM group, and 83.08±39.74 µm for the TW group. There were significant differences in the total marginal discrepancies of the ceramic veneers (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The SM group showed a better fit than the AM and TW groups. However, all values were within the clinical tolerance. Therefore, CAD/CAM manufacturing methods can replace the traditional free-hand wax technique.

Accuracy of provisional crowns made using stereolithography apparatus and subtractive technique

PURPOSE: To compare and analyze trueness and precision of provisional crowns made using stereolithography apparatus and subtractive technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital impressions were made using a master model and an intraoral scanner and the crowns were designed with CAD software; in total, 22 crowns were produced. After superimposing CAD design data and scan data using a 3D program, quantitative and qualitative data were obtained for analysis of trueness and precision. Statistical analysis was performed using normality test combined with Levene test for equal variance analysis and independent sample t-test. Type 1 error was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Trueness for the outer and inner surfaces of the SLA crown (SLAC) were 49.6±9.3 µm and 22.5±5.1 µm, respectively, and those of the subtractive crown (SUBC) were 31.8±7.5 µm and 14.6±1.2 µm, respectively. Precision values for the outer and inner surfaces of the SLAC were 18.7±6.2 µm and 26.9±8.5 µm, and those of the SUBC were 25.4±3.1 µm and 13.8±0.6 µm, respectively. Trueness values for the outer and inner surfaces of the SLAC and SUBC showed statistically significant differences (P < .001). Precision for the inner surface showed significance (P < .03), whereas that for the outer surface showed no significance (P < .58). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that provisional crowns produced by subtractive technology are superior to crowns fabricated by stereolithography in terms of accuracy.

Evaluation of the marginal and internal fit of a single crown fabricated based on a three-dimensional printed model

PURPOSE: To evaluate the fit of a crown produced based on a 3D printed model and to investigate its clinical applicability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A master die was fabricated with epoxy. Stone dies were fabricated from conventional impressions (Conventional stone die group: CS, n=10). Digital virtual dies were fabricated by making digital impressions (Digital Virtual die group: VD, n=10). 3D data obtained from the digital impression was used to fabricate 3D printed models (DLP die group: DD, n=10, PolyJet die group: PD, n=10). A total of 40 crowns were fabricated with a milling machine, based on CS, VD, DD and PD. The inner surface of all crowns was superimposed with the master die files by the “Best-fit alignment” method using the analysis software. One-way and 2-way ANOVA were performed to identify significant differences among the groups and areas and their interactive effects (α=.05). Tukey's HSD was used for post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA results revealed a significantly higher RMS value in the 3D printed models (DD and PD) than in the CS and DV. The RMS values of PD were the largest among the four groups. Statistically significant differences among groups (P < .001) and between areas (P < .001) were further revealed by 2-way ANOVA. CONCLUSION: Although the fit of crowns fabricated based on the 3D printed models (DD and PD) was inferior to that of crowns prepared with CS and DV, the values of all four groups were within the clinically acceptable range ( < 120 µm).

A study on the machining accuracy of dental digital method focusing on dental inlay

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the cutting method and the lamination method to investigate whether the CAD data of the proposed inlay shape are machined correctly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Mesial-Occlusal shape of the inlay was modeled by changing the stereolithography (STL). Each group used SLS (metal powder) or SLA (photocurable resin) in the additive method, and wax or zirconia in the subtractive method (n=10 per group, total n=40). Three-dimensional (3D) analysis program (Geomagic Control X inspection software; 3D systems) was used for the alignment and analysis. The root mean square (RMS) in the 2D plane state was measured within 50 µm radius of eight comparison measuring points (CMP). Differences were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post-hoc Tukey's test were used (α=.05). RESULTS: There was a significant difference in RMS only in SLA and SLS of 2D section (P < .05). In CMP mean, CMP 4 (−5.3±46.7 µm) had a value closest to 0, while CMP 6 (20.1±42.4 µm) and CMP 1 (−89.2±61.4 µm) had the greatest positive value and the greatest negative value, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since the errors obtained from the study do not exceed the clinically acceptable values, the lamination method and the cutting method can be used clinically.

Evaluation of the reproducibility of various abutments using a blue light model scanner

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reproducibility of scan-based abutments using a blue light model scanner. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A wax cast abutment die was fabricated, and a silicone impression was prepared using a silicone material. Nine study dies were constructed using the prepared duplicable silicone, and the first was used as a reference. These dies were classified into three groups and scanned using a blue light model scanner. The first three-dimensional (3D) data set was obtained by scanning eight dies separately in the first group. The second 3D data set was acquired when four dies were placed together in the scanner and scanned twice in the second group. Finally, the third 3D data set was obtained when eight dies were placed together in the scanner and scanned once. These data were then used to define the data value using third-dimension software. All the data were then analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H test (α=.05) and the post-hoc Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni's correction (α=.017). RESULTS: The means and standard deviations of the eight dies together were larger than those of the four dies together and of the individual die. Moreover, significant differences were observed among the three groups (P < .05). CONCLUSION: With larger numbers of abutments scanned together, the scan becomes more inaccurate and loses reproducibility. Therefore, scans of smaller numbers of abutments are recommended to ensure better results.

Hematologic parameters to predict negative cerebrospinal fluid examination results among neurologically intact patients who underwent lumbar puncture on suspicion of central nervous system infection

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is mandatory whenever central nervous system (CNS) infection is suspected. However, pleocytosis is not detected in a substantial number of suspected patients who undergo CSF examination. This study aimed to identify parameters that can aid in predicting negative CSF examination results (defined as a white blood cell count of 0.7, and the best cutoff values were 6.0 (accuracy 70.3%) and 12.7 mg/L (accuracy 76.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥6 and C-reactive protein level ≥12.7 mg/L was significantly associated with negative CSF examination result.

Evaluation of marginal and internal gaps in single and three-unit metal frameworks made by micro-stereolithography

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare single and three-unit metal frameworks that are produced by micro-stereolithography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Silicone impressions of a selected molar and a premolar were used to make master abutments that were scanned into a stereolithography file. The file was processed with computer aided design software to create single and three-unit designs from which resin frameworks were created using micro-stereolithography. These resin frameworks were subjected to investment, burnout, and casting to fabricate single and three-unit metal ones that were measured under a digital microscope by using the silicone replica technique. The measurements were verified by means of the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). RESULTS: The marginal gap was 101.9 ± 53.4 µm for SM group and 104.3 ± 62.9 µm for TUM group. The measurement of non-pontics in a single metal framework was 93.6 ± 43.9 µm, and that of non-pontics in a three-unit metal framework was 64.9 ± 46.5 µm. The dimension of pontics in a single metal framework was 110.2 ± 61.4 µm, and that of pontics in a three-unit metal framework was 143.7 ± 51.8 µm. CONCLUSION: The marginal gap was smaller for the single metal framework than for the three-unit one, which requires further improvement before it can be used for clinical purposes.