Choroidal vascularity index as a predictor for the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Today, limited and controversial data are available on predictive markers for diabetic retinopathy. Choroidal thickness (CT) is an unstable parameter affected by many factors. Also, previous studies had conflicting findings on choroidal thickness. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of choroidal vascularity index (CVI), a relatively new marker, in evaluating choroidal vascular status and its relationship with diabetic retinopathy (DR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 124 subjects, 84 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 40 healthy controls, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as follows: those without DR and those with non-proliferative DR (NPDRP). All subjects underwent enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), and CT values were noted. To measure CVI, luminal (LA) and stromal areas of the choroidal images were binarized using Image J program. CVI was defined as the proportion of LA to total choroid area (TCA). Demographic and laboratory data of the patients were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: CVI were found to be lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic patients. CVI values in 3 groups were as follows: 67.9% ± 1.8 (healthy controls), 66.1% ± 2.4 (no DR), and 63.2% ± 2.6 (NPDRP) (p < 0.001). All groups were similar in terms of CT values (p = 0.296). The cut-off value for CVI in predicting retinopathy was 64.7%. Hypertension and current smoking were found to be more frequent in diabetic patients with CVI < 64.7% compared to those with CVI > 64.7%. CONCLUSIONS: CVI tends to be lower in diabetic patients with or without DR compared to healthy controls. Moreover, patients with DR have a lower CVI than those without DR. CVI can be considered an early and sensitive biomarker for the onset of DR.

Effect of intracanal cryotherapy on the inflammatory cytokine, proteolytic enzyme levels and post-operative pain in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis: A randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To investigate the changes in the biomarker levels related to inflammation and tissue destruction in the periapical exudate of mandibular pre-molar teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis after receiving intracanal cryotherapy, to compare cryotherapy and control groups in terms of analgesic intake, interappointment, and post-operative pain and evaluate the correlation between biomarker levels and interappointment pain. METHODOLOGY: Mandibular pre-molar teeth of 44 patients aged 18-35 years, diagnosed with asymptomatic apical periodontitis, were root canal treated in two visits (registered as NCT04798144). Baseline periapical exudate samples were obtained, and the patients were assigned to either control or intracanal cryotherapy group according to the final irrigation with distilled water either at room temperature or 2.5°C. The canals were dressed with calcium hydroxide. In the second visit, the calcium hydroxide was removed with passive ultrasonic irrigation, and the periapical exudate was sampled again. IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2 and MMP-8 levels were determined with ELISA. Post-operative pain levels were recorded for 6 days following both visits using a visual analogue scale. Data were analysed using t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test and correlation tests. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the pain scores reported after first visit and IL-1ß and PGE2 levels (p < .05). IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 levels showed no significant difference in the cryotherapy group (p > .05), while they significantly increased in the control group (p < .05). There was a decrease in IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2 and MMP-8 levels, however, the difference was not significant (p > .05). Pain scores were significantly lower in the cryotherapy group for the first 3 days (p < .05), except for 24th hours (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The positive correlation between interappointment pain and IL-1ß and PGE2 levels might indicate that these biomarker levels can be used to predict the severity of post-operative pain. Intracanal cryotherapy was effective in reducing post-operative pain in the short term in teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Cryotherapy prevented an increase in IL-1ß, IL-2 and IL-6 levels compared with the control group.

MEN 2B CASES WITH ATYPICAL PRESENTATION, UNUSUAL CLINICAL COURSE AND A LITERATURE REVIEW.

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is a rare hereditary syndrome caused mainly by Met918Thr germline RET mutation and characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma (PHEO), and typical phenotypic features. MEN 2B cases previously reported in the literature have variable clinical course. Objectives: We aimed to discuss the characteristics of four MEN 2B cases with unusual presentations,clinical course and review the recent clinical data on MEN2B. Results: All patients had de novo M918T mutation and no family history. The mean age of patients was 38.2 years (27-56). Two patients had typical phenotypic features of MEN 2B; the other two patients had no striking phenotypic features. First detected MEN 2B component was MTC in two, intestinal ganglioneuromatosis in one, and PHEO in one of the cases. Bilateral PHEO was detected in all four cases. Conclusions: MEN 2B is a complex syndrome characterized by wide phenotypic variability and different clinical outcomes. To diagnose sporadic MEN 2B cases, genetic testing should be performed in all cases with suspicious clinical features. Although early diagnosis is the main factor that increases life expectancy, some MEN 2B patients with late diagnosis may exhibit a mild clinical course and better prognosis than expected, with effective treatment.

The sole and combined effects of gelatin-thrombin matrix and freeze-dried bone allograft on early bone healing.

AIMS: Gelatin-thrombin matrix (GTM) is a hemostatic agent with applications in maxillofacial surgery consisting of human-derived thrombin and bovine-derived gelatin matrix. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GTM alone or with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in improving early bone healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. All animals were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 4) and three study groups (n = 14). Each group was divided into two subgroups for histomorphometric and histological analyses at weeks 1 and 4. The new bone formation, inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, foreign body reaction, and bone healing scores were evaluated based on the histopathological findings. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Variables that were not normally distributed were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: At 1 week, the GTM + FDBA group showed less bone formation (mean ± SD: 0.08 ± 0.03 mm2), compared with the study and control groups (FDBA: 0.15 ± 0.06 mm2; GTM: 0.13 ± 0.06 mm2). At 4 weeks, the GTM group (0.48 ± 0.1 mm2) showed more bone formation than the GTM + FDBA group (0.33 ± 0.17 mm2). Foreign body reactions were observed at weeks 1 and 4 in all GTM-containing groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, GTM group did not show a significant difference in bone formation compared with the control group. GTM did not inhibit bone healing at 1 and 4 weeks, and no significant difference was observed compared with the control groups. GTM was more effective for bone healing when administered without FDBA. GTM is considered safe when bone hemorrhage is encountered.

Evaluation of dentine thickness of middle mesial canals of mandibular molars prepared with rotary instruments: a micro-CT study.

AIM: To evaluate, using micro-CT, the remaining dentine thickness after preparation of the mesiobuccal (MB), mesiolingual (ML) and middle mesial (MM) canals of mandibular first molars with the ProTaper Next rotary system. METHODOLOGY: Eleven mesial roots of mandibular first molars having three independent canals from the furcation level up to at least 5 mm towards the apical direction were selected. Preparation of MM canals was performed in two steps using ProTaper Next X2 (step 1) and X3 (step 2) instruments, whilst MB and ML canals were prepared in a single step up to X3 instruments. The roots were scanned (pixel size of 10 µm) before and after each step, and the dentine volume was calculated. Postoperative models of the roots were coregistered with their preoperative dataset and colour-coded cross-sections of the roots were used to measure the smallest dentine thickness surrounding each canal at 1.0-mm intervals from the furcation level up to 5 mm in the apical direction, in both mesial and distal aspects of the roots. Changes in the remaining wall thickness between mesial canals were analysed with repeated-measures anova and post hoc Tukey test. Significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Mean percentage reduction of dentine volume after steps 1 and 2 was 4.66% and 5.16%, respectively. Overall, pre- and postoperative dentine thickness of the MM canal walls, in both mesial and distal aspects of the root, were significantly thinner than those of MB and ML canals (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed when comparing dentine thickness in the mesial and distal directions of MM canal after preparation step 1 (0.88 ± 0.18 mm and 0.73 ± 0.26 mm, respectively) or 2 (0.83 ± 0.17 mm and 0.67 ± 0.26 mm, respectively) (P > 0.05). Dentine thickness values less than 0.5 mm were observed mostly towards the distal aspect of the MM canal. Mesial roots were not associated with strip perforations after canal preparation procedures. CONCLUSIONS: A significant decrease in the thickness of canal walls at all levels evaluated in the mesial roots of mandibular molars suggests that files with small tapers should be used in preference to instruments with large tapers to prepare mesial canals in mandibular molars.

Postoperative pain after glide path preparation using manual, reciprocating and continuous rotary instruments: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To compare the incidence, intensity and prediction of postoperative pain after glide path preparation with manual, continuous rotary and a novel reciprocating glide path instrument. METHODOLOGY: The study included 240 patients, who were treated by four specialists according to a planned treatment protocol. Following access cavity preparation and prior to glide path preparation, the subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three groups according to the glide path instrument by choosing a sealed envelope containing the group name: R-Pilot (VDW, Munich, Germany), ProGlider (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland) and stainless steel K-files (Dentsply Sirona; n = 80). Following glide path preparation, the teeth underwent standardized single visit root canal treatment procedures. The root canals were chemomechanically prepared using the ProTaper Next rotary system (Dentsply Sirona) under copious irrigation with 5.25% NaOCl. Final irrigation was performed with 17% EDTA and distilled water. Root fillings were placed using an epoxy resin sealer and gutta-percha with a cold lateral compaction technique. After coronal restorations were placed, the patients were discharged with a questionnaire about the incidence and intensity of pain at 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h postoperatively. The data were analysed using chi-square, anova and Tukey tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The presence of preoperative pain (OR ranged between 3.5 and 14.3) and the glide path preparation techniques (OR between 2.2 and 4.1) were associated with significant effects on the incidence of postoperative pain when comparing manual versus engine-driven glide path preparation (P < 0.05). Patients in the R-Pilot (Mean VAS ranged between 1.57-0.21) and ProGlider (1.97-0.28) groups reported significantly less postoperative pain scores than those in the manual group (2.82-1.32; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between R-Pilot and ProGlider groups regarding the postoperative pain scores (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preparation of glide paths with rotating or reciprocating NiTi instruments was associated with less postoperative pain levels and incidence compared to manual glide path preparation with no significant difference between rotating and reciprocating instruments. Preoperative pain was the most significant predictor for the occurrence of postoperative pain.

A micro-computed tomographic study of band-shaped root canal isthmuses, having their floor in the apical third of mesial roots of mandibular first molars.

AIM: To conduct a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the band-shaped isthmus area, the floor of which was in the apical third in the mesial roots of mandibular first molars using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). METHODOLOGY: Micro-CT images of 269 mesial roots of mandibular first molars were evaluated, and 40 specimens with a band-shaped isthmus, with a floor in the apical third, were selected. The major diameter, minor diameter, roundness, area and perimeter values for the most coronal and apical slices where the isthmus was visible were measured. The distances between these slices were measured as the isthmus length, and the total volume, structure model index and surface area of the isthmus were measured. The distances between the isthmus floor and two apical foramina and the number of root canal orifices were calculated. The dimensions of the isthmus roof and the floor were compared, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Student's t-tests with a significance threshold set at 5%. RESULTS: A total of 15% of the specimens had band-shaped isthmuses with a floor in the apical third. The isthmus roof exhibited significantly greater major and minor diameter values compared to the isthmus floor (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between the isthmus roof and the floor with regard to roundness (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Three- and two-dimensional analyses of the mesial roots of mandibular molars revealed that band-shaped isthmuses had complex shapes.

Effect of interrupted motion on the cyclic fatigue resistance of reciprocating nickel-titanium instruments.

AIM: To compare the cyclic fatigue resistances of WaveOne Gold (Denstply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), WaveOne (Dentsply Sirona) and Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) in interrupted reciprocation. METHODOLOGY: Three groups of 18 instruments each of WaveOne Gold Primary, WaveOne Primary and Reciproc R25 were subjected to cyclic fatigue tests in reciprocation and interrupted reciprocation. The instruments in group 1 were tested in reciprocation, whereas in groups 2 and 3, reciprocation was interrupted for 1 s in every 5 s and 10 s, respectively. Cyclic fatigue resistance was tested using dynamic test devices in stainless steel, curved canals (60°, r = 5 mm) until fracture, and the time to fracture values were recorded. The lengths of the fractured tips were also recorded, and fractured surfaces were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were evaluated by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests. RESULTS: The cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold Primary was not affected by the interruptions (P > 0.05) and exhibited significantly greater cyclic fatigue resistance than WaveOne Primary and Reciproc R25 in all groups (P < 0.05). Interruptions reduced the cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Primary and Reciproc R25 significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Interrupted reciprocation reduced the cyclic fatigue resistance of Reciproc R25 and WaveOne Primary. The cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold Primary was greater than that of WaveOne Primary and was not dependent on the occurrence of interruptions.

Effect of solvents on apically extruded debris and irrigant during root canal retreatment using reciprocating instruments.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of several solvents on the weight of apically extruded debris and irrigant during retreatment using a novel agar gel model. METHODS: Orange oil, turpentine oil and chloroform were used as solvents. Eighty single straight-rooted extracted human mandibular premolar teeth with a single root canal were divided into four groups (n = 20). All specimens were root canal-filled and weighed prior to their insertion into a prepared 1.5% agar gel model. The mean initial weights were measured by subtracting the weight of the specimen from the weight of the test apparatus and recorded. Following the removal of the coronal 4 mm of root filling, the test solvent was applied onto the root filling. No solvent was used in the control group. A Reciproc R25 instrument was used to remove the root filling in all groups. Apically extruded debris and test solvent were collected during retreatment procedures. The mean weights of apically extruded debris and irrigant were calculated by subtracting the mean initial weights from the weights of test apparatus without the Teflon tape and the specimen following the retreatment procedures. Data were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Use of solvents resulted in significantly less extruded debris and irrigant compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Chloroform extruded significantly more debris than orange oil and turpentine oil (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of solvents during root filling removal was associated with less apically extruded debris and irrigant when compared to no solvent.

Contemporary genetic structure and postglacial demographic history of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas.

Understanding the distribution of genetic diversity in the light of past demographic events linked with climatic shifts will help to forecast evolutionary trajectories of ecosystems within the current context of climate change. In this study, mitochondrial sequences and microsatellite loci were analysed using traditional population genetic approaches together with Bayesian dating and the more recent approximate Bayesian computation scenario testing. The genetic structure and demographic history of a commercial fish, the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus, was investigated throughout the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The results suggest that the species recently underwent population expansions, in both seas, likely concomitant with the warming period following the Last Glacial Maximum, 20 000 years ago. A weak contemporaneous genetic differentiation was identified between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. However, the genetic diversity was similar for populations of the two seas, suggesting a high number of colonizers entered the Black Sea during the interglacial period and/or the presence of a refugial population in the Black Sea during the glacial period. Finally, within seas, an east/west genetic differentiation in the Adriatic seems to prevail, whereas the Black Sea does not show any structured spatial genetic pattern of its population. Overall, these results suggest that the Black Sea is not that isolated from the Mediterranean, and both seas revealed similar evolutionary patterns related to climate change and changes in sea level.

Influence of oval and circular post placement using different resin cements on push-out bond strength and void volume analysed by micro-CT.

AIM: To evaluate the percentage volume of voids within cement layers, to determine the push-out bond strength of circular and oval fibre posts luted with different commercial resin cements in oval cross-sectional root canals, and to correlate push-out bond strength values and volume of voids of circular and oval fibre posts. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two mandibular premolars with oval-shaped root canals were selected. The specimens were divided into two main groups according to the post type (oval and circular). Groups were further divided into three subgroups (n = 24) according to resin cement type: Maxcem Elite, Rely-X Unicem and Duo-Link. The volumes of voids within the cements were analysed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). The bond strength was then measured using a push-out test with an Instron universal testing machine. The failure modes were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using a three-way anova, Tukey's post hoc, Pearson's correlation and chi-square test (P = 0.05). RESULTS: The push-out bond strength values were significantly affected by root canal region, post type and cement type (P < 0.001). Root canal region, post type and cement type also significantly affected void volume (P < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between post type and cement type (P < 0.001). The most frequent failure type was adhesive failure in all the groups. There was no significant correlation between the push-out bond strength and void volume (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Void volume did not affect push-out bond strength of oval and circular posts luted in oval canals.

Evaluation of antifungal efficacy of QMix 2in1 as a final irrigant: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: It is known that no specific antifungal agent exists at present for irrigation of infected root canals. QMix 2in1 was investigated to determine whether they could be an alternative for sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal efficacy of QMix 2in1, 5.25% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA as a final rinse against Candida albicans (C. albicans). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were randomly divided into four experimental (n = 20) and two control (n = 5) groups. All root canals were instrumented with Mtwo rotary file system using crown-down technique to an apical size 40. Following root canal preparation, teeth were inoculated with C. albicans and incubated for 72 h. Teeth were irrigated with one of the following solutions as a final irrigant: (1) 5.25% NaOCl, (2) 2% CHX, (3) QMix 2in1, and (4) 17% EDTA. Aliquots from the samples were plated on 4% Sabouraud Agar, and colony-forming units were counted. RESULTS: QMix 2in1, 5.25% NaOCl, and 2% CHX were equally effective (P > 0.05) and significantly superior to 17% EDTA in eradicating C. albicans (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QMix 2in1 proved to be effective against C. albicans when used as a final rinse. According to the findings of the present study, QMix 2in1 may be recommended as an alternative final rinse solution.

Do asymptomatic foreign bodies in the maxillary sinus always need to be removed?

Foreign bodies may be displaced into the maxillary sinus as a result of trauma or during dental interventions. They commonly cause chronic sinusitis and/or fungal infections. This paper presents the case of a foreign body lodged in the right maxillary sinus ostium of a 31-year-old female patient. The foreign body was observed incidentally during radiological examination. After careful clinical and radiological examination, it was concluded that the foreign body was a piece of amalgam displaced into the maxillary sinus during a traumatic extraction. It is an uncommon finding to observe an asymptomatic dental foreign body in a position so close to the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus for so many years without any oro-antral fistula formation and/or sinusitis attacks. We describe the non-surgical approach to the case and the need for surgical management will be questioned. The importance of consultation between otolaryngologists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons will also be emphasised.

The use of reconstruction plates to treat benign mandibular pathological lesions: A retrospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the indications for and the utility of reconstruction plates in the management of benign mandibular pathological lesions. The complications associated with plate use were also assessed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical and radiological data of 23 patients (16 males, 7 females) with large, benign mandibular pathologies were evaluated. During operations, reconstruction plates were used to prevent mandibular fracture or to allow for bone reconstruction after segmental or disarticulation resection. The mean follow-up time was 11.2months. RESULTS: Condylar sag was observed in one patient who had undergone disarticulation resection. A reconstruction plate was removed from one patient because of pain. A plate became exposed in one patient who had undergone a disarticulation resection. Two patients reported slight paraesthesia. Screw-loosening was observed in one patient who had received a non-locking plate. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction plates can be safely used to manage benign mandibular lesions. Preoperative bending of the plates on individualised models is useful for reducing the time required for plate adaptation during operation. Locking reconstruction plates are preferable for preventing screw-loosening. All complications can be managed with careful follow up.

Complications associated with surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion without pterygomaxillary separation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the surgical complications associated with the surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) which does not involve pterygomaxillary separation (PMS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 40 (25 females, 15 males) skeletally mature patients, who had the diagnosis of maxillary transverse maxillary deficiency (TMD), were treated surgically under local or general anesthesia. The mean follow-up time was 6 months. RESULTS: Recorded perioperative and postoperative complications were discussed within the current literature. No serious complications were observed intraoperatively. Eight patients (20%) showed postoperative complications including neurosensory deficits, maxillary sinus infection, epistaxis, fistula formation and incisional dehiscence. DISCUSSION: Neurosensory deficits were the most common findings. The present findings suggest that minor complications were observed associated with SARPE without PMS. The technique may be performed safely also under local anesthesia.

Acceleration of consolidation period by thrombin peptide 508 in tibial distraction osteogenesis in rats.

We aimed to find out whether a single local injection of two different doses of thrombin peptide 508 (TP508) could accelerate consolidation of bone in sites of tibial distraction osteogenesis in rats. Forty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally (n=16 in each group) into controls (given saline alone), and two experimental groups, given injections of TP508 10µg or 100 µg. The animals were killed on days 14 and 28 after distraction. Histomorphometric evaluation showed that the TP508 resulted in significantly larger areas of newly formed bone (p<0.003 and p<0.0001) than saline alone. At 2 weeks, more new bone had formed in the group given TP508 100 µg than in the group given 10 µg, but the difference was not significant (p=0.8). However, the difference was significant at 4 weeks (p=0.03). These findings suggest that a single injection of TP508 given at the end of the distraction period increased the degree of consolidation. The higher dose was more effective at the later time point.

Brown tumour of the maxilla and mandible: a rare complication of tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Hyperparathyroidism is nowadays diagnosed early and asymptomatically with the improvements in routine biochemical tests and radiological procedures. The late bony complications of the disease have therefore started to decline rapidly. Brown tumours are one of the bony complications of hyperparathyroidism. The mandible is the predominantly affected site in the maxillofacial area. Maxillary involvement is rare. Here, an extremely rare case of a 19-year-old male patient with brown tumours in his maxilla and mandible associated with tertiary hyperparathyroidism is presented. A thorough diagnostic work-up was carried out and treatment options for both hyperparathyroidism and brown tumours were discussed. The importance of different radiological evaluation methods and the consultation between the oral and maxillofacial surgeons, general practitioner dentists, endocrinologists and radiologists are emphasised.

Intraosseous lipoma of the mandible: a case report and review of the literature.

Intraosseous lipoma is a benign tumor of the bone. It is mostly seen in the metaphyses of the long bones and calcaneus. There are few documented cases of intraosseous lipomas in the jaw. Clinically, the lesion is usually silent and radiologically it appears as a radiolucent area rarely including some radio-opacities. Diagnosis is based on clinical, radiological and histopathological features. Surgical removal of the lesion is the recommended treatment. The authors report a rare case of an intraosseous mandibular lipoma in a 45-year-old female, and review previously documented cases in the English literature. The histopathological and radiological features of the lesion are emphasized.