Investigation of taurine and aqueous garlic extract diet supplementation effect on the healing of rat osteoporotic fractures.

BACKGROUND: We have evaluated the effects of taurine and aqueous garlic extract (AGE) as a dietary supplement on osteoporotic fracture (OPF) healing in the ovariectomized rat femur fracture model. METHODS: In this experimental animal study,twenty-four osteoporosis-remodeled female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n: 8) according to their supplemented diet; control, taurine, and AGE groups. Unilateral femur middiaphysis mini-open osteotomy was stabilized with Kirschner wires. Six weeks after osteotomy, the rats were sacrificed before the femurs were harvested and OPF healing was evaluated with biochemical, histologic, microcomputed-tomography, and scintigraphic methods. RESULTS: As an indicator of the antiosteoporotic effect, the calcium levels of the taurine group were significantly lower than the AGE and control groups in biochemical analyzes (p < 0.01). In histological studies, the new bone diameter and new bone volume values of the taurine group were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.032, respectively), while higher trabecular-compact callus was observed in the taurine and AGE groups, respectively, compared to the control group. In morphological analyses, taurine and AGE groups had significantly higher bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, bone surface density, and lower trabecular separation than the control group (p < 0.05). The scintigraphic imaging showed a significant increase in osteoblastic activity of the taurine group compared to the control group (p = 0.005). DISCUSSION: Taurine and AGE have positive anabolic effects, respectively, on the healing of OPFs, demonstrated by biochemical, histological, morphological, and scintigraphic methods.

Evaluation of the effects of locally applied rosuvastatin on bone formation in a three-dimensional reconstruction rabbit xenograft model

Background/aim: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is commonly performed to repair bone defects, and rigid occlusive titanium barriers play a vital role in bone formation in regions with no prior bone tissue. The statin, rosuvastatin (RSV), strongly affects bone apposition when applied locally. Here, we aimed to evaluate the anabolic effects of locally applied RSV with a xenograft placed on rabbit calvaria. Materials and methods: Two rigid occlusive titanium caps were used in 16 rabbits after decorticating the calvarial bone. In the control group, the area under the cap was filled with a xenograft, while in the RSV group, a xenograft in combination with RSV (1 mg) was used. In both groups, at 6 and 12 weeks, new bone, residual graft, soft tissue areas, and histological and radiological bone volume were evaluated. Results: At 12 weeks, histologically, the RSV group exhibited superior new bone proportion values, and radiologically, new bone and total bone volume in the RSV group were significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences at 6 weeks (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to our results, RSV applied locally under a titanium barrier on an area to be repaired with bone grafts increases new bone and total bone volume.

Obturation quality of calcium silicate-based cements placed with different techniques in teeth with perforating internal root resorption: a micro-computed tomographic study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the obturation quality of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine placed with hand condensation or indirect ultrasonic activation technique in teeth models simulating perforating internal root resorption (IRR) using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized models with perforating IRR cavities were created using 40 extracted single-rooted human teeth and randomly divided into four groups (n = 10). The specimens were obturated with either MTA or Biodentine and the placement technique applied was either hand condensation or indirect ultrasonic activation. Micro-CT scans were performed for the volumetric analysis of voids and filling materials in the resorption cavities and apical portion of the specimens. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and paired t test. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of the percentage volume of filling materials (p > 0.05). The apical portion of the specimens significantly presented less percentage volume of filling materials than the resorption cavities in each group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: No placement technique produced void-free fillings in teeth with perforating IRR. There was no significant difference between the obturation quality of Biodentine and MTA. The obturation quality in the apical portion of the root canals was inferior than that in the resorption cavities. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The obturation of the apical region of teeth with perforating IRR is challenging irrespective of the material type and placement technique.

Does Periosteal Graft Combined With Platelet-Rich Plasma Enhance the Healing of Bone Defect?

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effect of periosteal graft + platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combination on facial bone defect healing. METHODS: Five-millimeter critical sized defects in zygomatic arches of 12 adult New Zealand rabbits were created. Rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups: First group (control group): bone defects of left zygomatic arches of 6 rabbits were wrapped with a silicone tube. Second group (periosteal graft group): bone defects of left zygomatic arches of 6 rabbits were wrapped with periosteal graft. Third group (experimental group): bone defects of right zygomatic arches of 12 rabbits were wrapped with periosteal graft-PRP combination. New bone formation was evaluated at 8th and 16th weeks. One rabbit was sacrificed at 8th week. Remaining 11 rabbits were imaged with 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT) at 16th week; then, zygomatic arches were removed for micro-CT and histologic examinations. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT analysis at 16th week revealed no significant difference between groups regarding new bone formation (P = 0.232). Micro-CT analysis of new regenerated bone at 16th week displayed significant differences between groups 1 and 3 regarding mean bone volume (BV, mm) (P = 0.028) and mean bone mineral density (BMD, mm) (P = 0.001). There was no difference between groups 2 and 3 or between groups 1 and 2, regarding BV or BMD. Histological Bone Regeneration Scorings at 16th week displayed significant difference between groups (P = 0.015). Negative correlation between 3-dimensional CT and histologic results (r = 0.120); positive correlations between BV/BMD values in micro-CT and histologic results (r = 0.524 and r = 0.456) were found. CONCLUSIONS: By enhancing bone formation capacity of periosteal grafts, periosteal graft-PRP combination provided bone formation having more volume and density comparing with silicone tube application.

A Novel Method of Neo-osseous Flap Prefabrication: Induction of Free Calvarial Periosteum with Bioactive Glass.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of craniofacial bone defects is a primary focus of craniofacial surgery. Although autogenous bone grafts remain as the gold standard, alloplastic materials have also gained widespread popularity due to their off-the-shelf availability, ease of use, and durability. In addition to replacing the missing bone, some of these alloplastic materials have also been found to induce new bone formation. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the phenomenon of neo-osseous induction with bioactive glass was investigated for different implant-soft tissue configurations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two male, Wistar albino rats were divided into four equally numbered study groups. In group 1 (FP), adipofascial groin flaps were prefabricated with free periosteal grafts. In group 2 (FPB), adipofascial groin flaps were prefabricated with free periosteal grafts and bioactive glass. In group 3 (FB), adipofascial groin flaps were prefabricated with bioactive glass. In group 4 (control), adipofascial groin flaps were not prefabricated. Morphometric analyses of the prefabricated structures were performed using micro-CT. The histologic properties of the ectopic ossification were assessed by using a modified scoring system. RESULTS: Group 1 (FP) showed the greatest rate of mature lamellar bone formation. Group 2 (FBP) showed the greatest amount of bone density and volume. However, the addition of bioactive glass in group 2 (FBP) decreased the rate of mature lamellar bone formation when compared with group 1 (FP). Ectopic ossification was not observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: Bioactive glass can be successfully used in the prefabrication of vascularized compound structures for the reconstruction of complex bone defects. However, interference with the periosteal induction of mature lamellar bone formation should be taken into consideration, especially in pediatric bone defects, which primarily rely on spontaneous osteogenesis through periosteal induction.

Poly(L-Lactide)/Poly(ε-Caprolactone) and Collagen/ß-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds for the Treatment of Critical-Sized Rat Alveolar Defects: A Microtomographic, Molecular-Biological, and Histological Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of a newly developed scaffold (col/ß-TCP) in a preclinical rat model as compared with the gold standard treatment (autograft) and control scaffolds (PLLA/PCL). DESIGN: Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four experimental groups, and critical-sized alveolar defects (7 × 4 × 3 mm) were created in each animal. Group A was the blank defect group, group B received autograft, group C received col/ß-TCP scaffolds, and group D received PLLA/PCL blend scaffolds to fill the bone defects. New bone formation was assessed radiomorphometrically, histomorphometrically, and molecular-biologically at 1 and 4 months following surgery. RESULTS: Radiomorphometrically, the best new bone volume rate at 1 month (43.7%) and 4 months (45.4%) was observed in the autograft group, and the difference was significantly higher than in the other three groups (P < .005, P < .001, P < .001 for 1 month and P = .004, P < .001, P < .001 for 4 months). Even though the new bone volume rate in the col/ß-TCP group (21.5%) was higher than that of the PLLA/PCL group (18.2%), the difference was not significant (P = .08). Molecular-genetic analysis revealed significantly higher BSP and ALP gene expression levels in the autograft and col/ß-TCP groups than in the blank defect group (P = .002 and P = .004). CONCLUSION: The engineered tissue scaffolds described herein have great potential as an alternative treatment option when cost, donor region morbidity, and duration of hospitalization are considered.

Do Porous Titanium Granule Grafts Affect Bone Microarchitecture at Augmented Maxillary Sinus Sites? A Pilot Split-Mouth Human Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical study was to analyze the bone microarchitecture at augmented maxillary sinus sites by using different materials in patients to compare the effect of porous titanium granules as a sinus augmentation material with bone microstructural features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight subjects with bilateral atrophic posterior maxilla of residual bone height <4 mm included in this study and each patient was treated with bilateral sinus augmentation procedure using xenograft with equine origin (Apatos, Osteobiol; Tecnoss Dental) and xenograft (1 g) + porous titanium (1 g) granules (Natix; Tigran Technologies AB). Sixteen human bone biopsy samples were taken from patients receiving two-stage sinus augmentation therapy during implant installation and analyzed using microcomputerized tomography. Three-dimensional bone structural parameters were analyzed in details: tissue volume, bone volume, percentage of bone volume, bone surface and bone surface density, bone specific surface, trabecular thickness trabecular separation, trabecular number, trabecular pattern factor, structural model index, fractal dimension, and bone mineral density. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between groups according to bone structural parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Porous titanium grafts may ensure a space for new bone formation in the granules, which may be a clinical advantage for long-term success.

Micro-CT Detection and Characterization of Porosity in Luting Cements.

PURPOSE: To evaluate porosity volume and localization in luting cements under fixed dental prostheses after cementation using micro-computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-seven sound molars were circumferentially prepared to receive all-ceramic crowns, and IPS e.max ceramic copings were fabricated according to the manufacturer's instructions. For this study, different dental luting cements were used: eight resin-based cements (Variolink II, RelyX ARC, Clearfil Esthetic, BisCem, RelyX U100, Panavia EX, Super Bond C&B, and Multilink Automix), one resin-modified glass ionomer (Ketac Cem Plus), one glass ionomer (Ketac Cem), and one polycarboxylate (Durelon). Specimens were scanned with a micro-CT (SkyScan) for detection and comparison of the cements' porosities. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's adjusted Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Multilink Automix (Volume = 0.11 ± 0.08 mm3 ; Surface Area = 1.63 ± 1.31 mm2 ), Ketac Cem Plus (Volume = 0.22 ± 0.21 mm3 ; Surface Area = 4.32 ± 3.71 mm2 ), and Variolink II (Volume = 0.34 ± 0.38 mm3 ; Surface Area = 6.47 ± 5.10 mm2 ) contained less porosity (p < 0.001) than all other cements. All other cements were not significantly different from one another (p > 0.05); however, the volume and surface area of the porosity found in the other tested luting cements were significantly greater than those of the Multilink Automix, Ketac Cem Plus, and Variolink II (p < 0.001), all of which demonstrated no significant differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The liquid and powder forms prepared by manually mixing the cements were found to cause greater porosity.

Biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps: is eradication possible?

The objective of the study was to reveal if mometasone furoate nasal spray as monotherapy or combined with long-term oral clarithromycin have influence on biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. The study is a randomized controlled trial in a tertiary referral hospital. Thirty-four patients with chronic rhinosinusitis completed the study. In the first group, 19 patients received mometasone furoate nasal spray 200 µg once daily for 8 weeks. In the second group, 15 patients received oral clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 2 weeks and continued once daily 250 mg tablet for subsequent 6 weeks, plus mometasone furoate. Scanning electron microscopy was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included computerized tomography and sinonasal outcome test-20 items. Mucosal biofilms were detected in 23 of 34 (68%) patients on pretreatment polyp samples. After the treatment, biofilms disappeared in 1 of 11 patients in the first group, whereas the eradication of biofilms was evident in 6 of 12 (50%) patients in the second group. Tomography scores improved in eight patients of each group (42.1 and 53.4%, respectively). The comparison of improvements did not reveal significant difference between the groups. The overall symptom scores improved compared to the baseline levels. The mean changes of -8.8421 and -11.4000 in the first and second group, respectively, were not statistically different. Adding long-term low-dose oral macrolides to nasal steroids was effective in the eradication of biofilm. However, we were not able to demonstrate that combined therapy was superior in terms of the improvement in tomography and symptom scores.

Comparative investigation of the effects of different materials used with a titanium barrier on new bone formation.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to study the effects on new bone formation of autogenous blood, deproteinized bovine bone graft (DBBG), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bioceramic graft materials placed under titanium barriers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four adult male New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. Two titanium barriers were fixed on each rabbit's calvarium. The study included four groups, one of which was a control group. The experiment groups, autogenous blood, DBBG (Bio-Oss(®) ; Geistlich Biomaterials, Wolhusen, Switzerland) and BCP (4Bone(TM) ; Biomatlante, Vigneux de Bretagne, France) were placed under titanium barriers; in the control group, no materials were used. Half of the animals were sacrificed after 1 month, and the rest were sacrificed after 3 months. After this, micro-computerized tomography images were taken, and a histomorphometric evaluation was carried out. RESULTS: The amounts of new bone formation were found to be higher at the third month than at the first month. The differences between the groups were examined with both a micro-computerized tomography and histomorphometric analysis, and no statistical significance was noted in the first month. In contrast, the increase in the amount of new bone formation at the third month was found to be statistically significant only between the DBBG and control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Autogenous blood with titanium barriers in guided bone regeneration seems to be as successful as DBBG and BCP bioceramic graft material.

Micro-CT evaluation of the removal of root fillings using rotary and reciprocating systems supplemented by XP-Endo Finisher, the Self-Adjusting File, or Er,Cr:YSGG laser.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a single-file reciprocating system (WaveOne Gold, WOG) and a multi-file rotary system (ProTaper Universal Retreatment, PTUR) in removing canal filling from severely curved canals and to evaluate the possible adjunctive effects of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF), the Self-Adjusting File (SAF), and an erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser using micro-computed tomography (µCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty-six curved mandibular molars were divided into 2 groups based on the retreatment technique and then into 3 based on the supplementary method. The residual filling volumes and root canals were evaluated with µCT before and after retreatment, and after the supplementary steps. The data were statistically analyzed with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, analysis of covariance, and factorial analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Results: PTUR and WOG showed no significant difference in removing filling materials (p > 0.05). The supplementary techniques were significantly more effective than reciprocating or rotary systems only (p < 0.01). The supplementary steps showed no significant differences in canal filling removal effectiveness (p > 0.05), but XPF showed less dentin reduction than the SAF and Er,Cr:YSGG laser (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The supplementary methods significantly decreased the volume of residual filling materials. XPF caused minimal changes in root canal volume and might be preferred for retreatment in curved root canals. Supplementary approaches after retreatment procedures may improve root canal cleanliness.

The combined use of carbon nanotubes with synthetic ceramics enhances posterolateral fusion: an experimental study in a rat spinal fusion model.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/ HA-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) composite in a posterolateral spinal fusion model. METHODS: At first, CNTs and CNTs/HA-TCP composites were prepared. Twenty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomized into four groups with five rats in each group. Decortication was carried out in standard manner in all animals. Group 1 (only decortication), group 2 (CNTs), group 3 (HA-TCP) and group 4 (CNTs/HA-TCP) were formed. Eight weeks later, all animals were killed and obtained fusion segments were evaluated by manual palpation, histomorphometry and micro-computed tomography (mCT). RESULTS: In all evaluations, highest fusion values were obtained in Group 4. In mCT investigations, bone volume/ tissue volume (BV/TV) ratio was found to be significantly higher in composite group (group 4) only compared to ceramic group (group 3) (p < 0.001). Although in Group 2, in which only CNTs were used, the ratio was found to be statistically significantly higher than group 1(p < 0.001), the difference was not considered as significant in terms of fusion and in addition in group 2, CNTs were completely surrounded by fibrous tissue, i.e., no bone formation was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The CNTs/HA-TCP composite is a promising synthetic bone graft substitute for spinal fusion. Although CNTs are inadequate in producing spinal fusion when they are used alone, due to their high biocompatibility due to their high biocompatibility, and multiple effect on bone regeneration, they seem to increase fusion rates significantly when they are used in combination with ceramic-based synthetic grafts.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of the Graft Material Combined with Ozonized Blood in Maxillary Sinus Lifting Applications in Rabbits.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the graft material combined with ozonized blood on bone healing in rabbit in maxillary sinus lifting applications histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and microtomographically. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups as experimental (n = 14) and control (n = 14). In experimental group, 5 ml (milliliter) blood obtained from the ear vein of each rabbit was ozonized by 80 µl (µl)/ml concentration ozone-oxygen mixture. Graft material was combined with this ozonized blood. In control group, the graft was combined with saline solution at 0.9% concentration. A 5 mm (millimeter) in diameter window was created on right maxillary sinus window in each rabbit under general anesthesia by local anesthesia support. Sinus membrane was elevated and the space was augmented by 1 cc (cubic centimeter) graft material. One rabbit from the control group which was planned to sacrifice at the end of 8 weeks could not participate in the evaluation because of the extensive inflammation at the operation site. Newly formed bone area and bone density were measured using by image analysis program. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and collagen-1 (COL-1) analyses were carried out immunohistochemically. The amount of the newly generated bone and the amount of the total augmented space were calculated volumetrically by microtomography. Results: According to histomorphometrical analysis, although newly formed bone area has increased in both experimental and control group with time, statistically significant results were obtained when only O-8 (ozone-treated experimental group planned to be sacrificed after 8 weeks) and O-4 (ozone-treated experimental group planned to be sacrificed after 4 weeks) groups were compared (p = 0,037). The increase in new bone density was seen in both experimental and control groups with time and the results were statistically significant when O-8 group compared to O-4 and C-4 group (ozone-free control group planned to be sacrificed after 4 weeks) (p = 0,07 and p = 0,04, respectively) and C-8 (ozone-free control group planned to be sacrificed after 8 weeks) group compared to C-4 group (p = 0,023). According to immunohistochemical analysis, the intensity and the severity of field staining with anti-BMP-2 have increased in experimental group whereas it has decreased in control group but despite that there was no statistically significance among all groups compared to each other. The number of new vessels stained with anti-VEGF has increased in both experimental and control group with time and multiple comparison results were statistically significant when O-8 group compared with O-4 and C-4 (p = 0,000, p = 0,000, respectively), O-4 group compared with C-8 (p = 0,000) and C-8 group compared with C-4 (p = 0,000). Although the intensity and the severity of field staining with anti-COL-1 have increased in both experimental and control group with time, there was no statistically significance among all groups compared to each other. According to microtomographical analysis, the percentage of the volume of the newly generated bone in the total augmented space volume has decreased with time in both experimental and control groups. Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, the graft material combined with the ozonized blood increased the density of the newly generated bone and the number of new vessels in maxillary sinus lifting applications in rabbits. Clinical Relevance: We suggest further studies should be done combining the graft with ozone by different methods, dosages and exposure times.

Occlusal caries depth measurements obtained by five different imaging modalities.

The study aimed to assess the accuracy and reproducibility of occlusal caries depth measurements obtained from different imaging modalities. The study comprised 21 human mandibular molar teeth with occlusal caries. Teeth were imaged using film, CCD, two different cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) units and a microcomputer tomography (micro-CT). Thereafter, each tooth was serially sectioned, and the section with the deepest carious lesion was scanned using a high-resolution scanner. Each image set was separately viewed by three oral radiologists. Images were viewed randomly, and each set was viewed twice. Lesion depth was measured on film images using a digital caliper, on CCD and CBCT images using built-in measurement tools, on micro-CT images using the Mimics software program, and on histological images using AxioVision Rel. 4.7. Intra- and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed according to the Bland/Altman method by calculating Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs). Mean/median values obtained with intraoral systems were lower than those obtained with 3-D and histological images for all observers and both readings. Intra-observer ICC values for all observers were highest for histology and micro-CT. In addition, intra-observer ICC values were higher for histology and CBCT than for histology and intra-oral methods. Inter-observer ICC values for first and second readings were high for all observers. No differences in repeatability were found between Accuitomo and Iluma CBCT images or between intra-oral film and CCD images. Micro-CT was found to be the best imaging method for the ex vivo measurement of occlusal caries depth. In addition, both CBCT units performed similarly and better than intra-oral modalities.

Filling quality of several obturation techniques in the presence of apically separated instruments: A Micro-CT study.

Separated root canal instruments may affect the quality of root canal obturation and hence the survival of endodontically treated teeth. Obturation techniques may influence filling-quality. The aim was to evaluate the obturation quality of teeth filled with different obturation techniques in the presence of apically separated instruments using micro-computed tomography (µ-CT). Notched ProTaper F2 rotary-files were separated in the apical third of 36-human mandibular incisors with single root/canal and mature apex. Samples were filled by an endodontist according to one of the following obturation techniques (n = 12): cold lateral-compaction (CLC), single-cone (SC) and thermoplastic injection (TI). Samples were scanned by the Skyscan 1,274® µ-CT device after 1-week at 37°C in 100% humidity. Images of the sections were evaluated with CTan software in terms of total-volume and volume percentage of the filling materials and voids between coronal end of the separated instrument and gutta-percha/sealer filled void-free sections. Data was analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney-U tests with a significance level of 5%. Kruskal-Wallis revealed differences among groups (p < 0.05).Pairwise comparisons revealed that less volume of voids were measured in SC (0.02 ± 0.03 mm3 ) compared to CLC (0.15 ± 0.16 mm3 ) and TI (0.18 ± 0.24 mm3 ) (p < 0.05); while TI was statistically similar with CLC (p > 0.05). Percentages of volumes of voids and filling materials were as follows for SC, CLC and TI, respectively: 8.88 ± 18.52% and 24.45 ± 38.40%, 46.92 ± 33.53% and 53.07 ± 33.53%, 40.54 ± 33.85% and 42.79 ± 34.45%. The obturation technique may have a significant impact on the volume of voids in the presence of a separated file. No obturation technique produced a void-free root canal filling.

Analysis of the nano and microstructures of the cervical cementum and saliva in periodontitis: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: During the progression of periodontitis, the structures of the cementum and saliva are altered due to pathological changes in the environment. This study aimed to analyze the nanostructures of the cervical cementum and saliva in patients with periodontitis. METHODS: Patients with periodontitis (n = 10) and periodontally healthy controls (n = 8) were included. Single-rooted teeth with indications for extraction were obtained from individuals. The cervical-thirds of the roots were sectioned transversely to obtain 1 mm thick sections. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from each individual. The nanostructures of the cementum and saliva were analyzed using small and wide-angle X-ray scattering methods. RESULTS: The mean radius and distance values of the cementum nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 368 Å and 1152 Å, and 377 Å and 1186 Å, respectively. The mean radius and distance values of the saliva nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 425 Å and 1359 Å, and 468 Å and 1452 Å, respectively. More wide-angle X-ray scattering profile peaks were observed in the cementum of the controls. Similarities were observed between the 3D profiles of the cementum and the saliva nanoparticles. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the present study, (i) the cementum and saliva nanoparticles were of similar size in periodontitis and healthy controls, (ii) the cementum was more crystalline according to the (002) crystallographic plane in controls, and (iii) the similarities in the 3D-profile of the cementum and saliva nanoparticles suggest some interactions between them in the sulcus/periodontal pocket at the nanolevel.

Evaluation of the Amount of Root Canal Dentin Removed and Apical Transportation Occurrence after Instrumentation with ProTaper Next, OneShape, and EdgeFile Rotary Systems.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of root canal dentin removed and apical transportation occurrence after instrumentation of mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars with ProTaper Next (PTN [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland]), OneShape (OS [MicroMega, Besançon, France]), and EdgeFile (EF [Edge Endo, Albuquerque, NM]) rotary systems. METHODS: Twenty-seven mesiobuccal canals of maxillary molars were used. Canals were randomly divided into 3 groups for canal preparation: PTN, EF X3, or OS (n = 9 for each group). Micro-computed tomographic imaging was used to measure apical transportation (mm) and the volume of dentin removed (mm3). The amount of dentin removed was measured for the coronal portion and for the whole canal length. Superposition of pre- and postoperative cross-sectional apical slices were used to measure apical transportation at 1 mm from the apex; the differences were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to display the relationship between variables for each group. The significance level was set at P < .05. RESULTS: The percentages of the amount of dentin removed on the coronal portion and the amount removed for the whole canal length were statistically similar between groups (P > .05). The average amount of apical transportation for the PTN, OS, and EF X3 were 0.197, 0.263, and 0.218 mm, respectively. Statistically, there were no significant differences between the 3 rotary instruments for apical transportation. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of dentin removed for the coronal third portion and the whole canal length was similar for the PTN, OS, and EF X3 rotary instruments. Although there were differences in the sizes of apical enlargement, no apical transportation was observed in any of the instrumentation systems.

Intramedullary implants coated with cubic boron nitride enhance bone fracture healing in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Boron nitride is a biocompatible and an osteo-inductive material for orthopedic applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different allotrope boron nitride coated implants, cubic boron nitride and hexagonal boron nitride, on fracture healing. METHODS: In this experimental study, a total of 24 rats were divided into three groups. Group A was the control group with Kirschner wire without coating, while the wires were coated dominantly by cubic boron nitride in Group B and hexagonal boron nitride in Group C. Then a mid-third femoral fracture was created. The fracture healing was examined in terms of new bone formation with micro-CT analysis and histopathological examination, quantitative measurement of bone turnover metabolites and scintigraphic examination of osteoblastic activity on 28th day post fracture. RESULTS: Micro-CT measurement results revealed a statistically significant increase in bone volume/tissue volume ratio and bone surface values in group B compared to group A. Cortex diameter and osteoblast counts were statistically higher in group B compared to group A. Inflammatory response was increased in group C compared to groups A and B. Biochemical test results showed significantly increased alkaline phosphatase levels and decreased osteocalcin levels in group B compared to group A. The increase in serum phosphorus and decrease in serum calcium levels was statistically significant in group C compared to Group A. CONCLUSION: Both types of boron nitride coating had superior fracture healing features compared to control group. Therefore, c-BN coating can accelerate the fracture healing and could lead to shorten of union time.

Locally administrated single-dose teriparatide affects critical-size rabbit calvarial defects: A histological, histomorphometric and micro-CT study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of teriparatide (PTH 1-34, rhPTH) on a rabbit defect model with local xenogen grafts histomorphometrically and radiologically. METHODS: For this purpose, two 10 mm diameter critical-size defects were created in the calvaria of 16 rabbits. In the control group, the defect area was filled with a xenogen graft, while in the teriparatide group (PTH 1-34), a xenogen graft combination with 20 mcg teriparatide was used. For both 4 - week and 8 - week study groups, new bone, residual graft, and soft tissue areas were evaluated as well as bone volume histomorphometrically and radiologically. RESULTS: Histomorphometrically, there was a significant difference in new bone area values at the 8th week (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the 4 - week values (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at both 4 and 8 weeks (p > 0.05). In the radiologically measured total bone volume values, PTH1-34 group values were found to be significantly higher for both 4 - and 8 - weeks values compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, rhPTH, which is used locally in defect areas to be repaired with bone grafts, increases both new bone volume and total bone volume.