The human endosalpinx: anatomical three-dimensional study and reconstruction using confocal microtomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in three dimensions (3D) the human endosalpinx and reconstruct its surface along its different anatomical segments, without the injection or insertion of luminal contrasts, using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 15 fallopian tubes (FT) from 14 women in reproductive age from procedures for benign disease or sterilization were selected. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained with Lugol solution. Micro-CT studies were conducted on the specimens using protocols adapted from biological studies, to acquire images to reconstruct in 3D the endosalpinx surface. RESULTS: From these specimens, 6 presented the intra-mural segment, 14 presented the isthmus and 15 presented the ampulla and fimbria segment of the FT. The specimen presented tissue definition, and contrast sufficient for FT endosalpinx morphological analysis and lumen definition. The intramural portion presented initially a mucosal projection toward the lumen, bending on its own axis, and increased numbers of projections towards the isthmic portion, where the projections become longer more numerous. The endosalpinx becomes more tortuous, the lumen diameter increases and the mucosal projections become more bulky in the ampullary portion, with the projections less present on the antimesenteric side. The infundibular portion is marked with the organized and predictable endosalpinx, the abdominal ostium is cleared demonstrated, with the reduction of the endosalpinx volume. The fimbria demonstrated a small relation between fringes and intratubal endosalpinx. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic anatomy of different segments of the human FT mucosa can be analyzed and reconstructed in 3D with histological correlation using micro-CT.

Assessing peri-implant bone microarchitecture: conventional vs. osseodensification drilling - ex vivo analysis.

The aim was to evaluate primary implant stability and bone microarchitecture in two drilling situations, by comparing the conventional technique (CT) and osseodensification (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - USA). The implant insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and the peri-implant trabecular microstructure were assessed on bone fragments obtained from pig's tibia (n=12), divided between CT (n=6) and OD (n=6). After the drilling procedure, the implants were installed (3.5x8.5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brazil). The IT and ISQ were measured using a digital torque wrench and resonance frequency analysis. Then, the bone fragments containing the implants were removed with a trephine and analyzed by Microtomography (µCT, 8.0 µm). The comparison between groups was performed using the unpaired t-test (α=0.05). The results revealed that OD promotes a higher insertion torque (CT: 7.67±2.44 Ncm; OD: 19.78±5.26 Ncm) (p=0.0005), although ISQ was not different (CT: 61.33±4.66; OD: 63.25±4.58) (p=0.48). There was a significant increase in peri-implant bone volume (CT: 23.17±3.39 mm3; OD: 32.01±5.75 mm3) (p=0.008), and trabecular parameters: separation (CT: 0.4357±0.03 mm; OD: 0.3865±0.04 mm) (p=0.0449), number (CT: 1.626±0.18 1/mm; OD: 1.946±0.13 1/mm) (p=0.007), and thickness (CT: 0.1130±0.009 mm; OD: 0.1328±0.015 mm) (p=0.02). Structure model index (SMI) data demonstrate no significant differences between groups (CT: 1.7±0.2; OD: 1.4±0.4) (p=0.12). In conclusion, OD increases the insertion torque values and promotes beneficial changes regarding bone microarchitecture compared with CT, revealing more peri-implant bone volume with consequent higher primary stability.

Micro-CT evaluation of root canal preparation with rotary instrumentation on prototyped primary incisors.

This study aimed to evaluate the endodontic instrumentation outcomes with asymmetrical files compared to reciprocating and hand files (HFs) in 3D-printed prototypes of upper primary incisors using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this purpose, 50 prototypes were randomly divided (n = 10) according to the instrumentation technique as follows: HFs, a reciprocating file (WaveOne® Gold [WOG]), and three asymmetrical movement files: XP-Endo® Shaper (XPS), XP-Endo® Finisher (XPF), and XP Clean (XPC). The specimens were scanned and, after registration of the baseline and instrumented volumes, changes in the root canal volume (RCV), debris accumulation, removed root material volume (RRMV), non-instrumented areas, and the presence of cracks/perforations were quantified. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Student's t-test, while the effect size was calculated for statistically significant outcomes. All groups showed an increase in RCV after instrumentation (p < 0.05), but this was higher with HFs (p < 0.05). Accumulated debris was higher for WOG and XPS (p < 0.05), but WOG exhibited more in the medium and apical third areas. HFs showed the highest RRMV (p < 0.05), especially at the apical third. The non-instrumented areas were lower for HFs and XPC than for the other systems (p < 0.05). Cracks were present in a few WOG (n = 2) and HF specimens (n = 3) and in this group, one of the cracked specimens and two others showed perforations. The asymmetric systems resulted in conservative dentin removal and fewer cracks/perforations as compared to HFs and a reciprocation file in prototyped primary upper incisors. XPC showed the best compromise between RRMV and non-instrumented areas with a low accumulation of debris.

Tuboperitoneal fistula, ectopic pregnancy, and remnants of fallopian tube: a confocal microtomography analysis and 3D reconstruction of human fallopian tube pathologies.

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a three-dimensional (3D) microscopic reconstruction of morphological modifications of the fallopian tube (FT) following surgical sterilization (including tuboperitoneal fistula) and ectopic pregnancy (EP) using confocal microtomography (micro-CT). Methods: Six specimens of FT from elective and emergency surgeries were selected: three remnants of the FT (RFT) from surgical sterilization, including one presenting tuboperitoneal fistula, and three FTs with EP. The specimens were fixed in formalin and stained with Lugol solution. Micro-CT studies were conducted on the specimens using protocols adapted from biological studies. Results: Three RFTs from surgical sterilization and three FTs affected by EPs were successfully scanned using micro-CT. There was good contrast impregnation, allowing tissue segmentation and analysis of different sections of the FTs. Three FT specimens from EP exhibited considerable distortion of the tubal anatomy, mainly from the blood clot in the tubal abortion. Three RFT specimens exhibited some features observed in traditional microscopy, such as tubal distension and loss of normal anatomical characteristics of a normal FT, and indicated the presence of a tuboperitoneal fistula in one of the three specimens. Conclusion: Micro-CT can identify morphological characteristics of FT pathologies previously described in a microscopic scale, with tissue contrast and the possibility of 3D reconstruction. Micro-CT is also useful in guiding traditional sectioning of specimens for histopathological studies.

Assessing peri-implant bone microarchitecture: conventional vs. osseodensification drilling - ex vivo analysis

Abstract: The aim was to evaluate primary implant stability and bone microarchitecture in two drilling situations, by comparing the conventional technique (CT) and osseodensification (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - USA). The implant insertion torque (IT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and the peri-implant trabecular microstructure were assessed on bone fragments obtained from pig's tibia (n=12), divided between CT (n=6) and OD (n=6). After the drilling procedure, the implants were installed (3.5x8.5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brazil). The IT and ISQ were measured using a digital torque wrench and resonance frequency analysis. Then, the bone fragments containing the implants were removed with a trephine and analyzed by Microtomography (µCT, 8.0 µm). The comparison between groups was performed using the unpaired t-test (α=0.05). The results revealed that OD promotes a higher insertion torque (CT: 7.67±2.44 Ncm; OD: 19.78±5.26 Ncm) (p=0.0005), although ISQ was not different (CT: 61.33±4.66; OD: 63.25±4.58) (p=0.48). There was a significant increase in peri-implant bone volume (CT: 23.17±3.39 mm3; OD: 32.01±5.75 mm3) (p=0.008), and trabecular parameters: separation (CT: 0.4357±0.03 mm; OD: 0.3865±0.04 mm) (p=0.0449), number (CT: 1.626±0.18 1/mm; OD: 1.946±0.13 1/mm) (p=0.007), and thickness (CT: 0.1130±0.009 mm; OD: 0.1328±0.015 mm) (p=0.02). Structure model index (SMI) data demonstrate no significant differences between groups (CT: 1.7±0.2; OD: 1.4±0.4) (p=0.12). In conclusion, OD increases the insertion torque values and promotes beneficial changes regarding bone microarchitecture compared with CT, revealing more peri-implant bone volume with consequent higher primary stability.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade de implante e a microarquitetura óssea em duas técnicas de fresagem, comparando a técnica convencional (CT) e a osseodensificação (OD) (Versah Burs - Jackson - Mississippi - EUA). O torque de inserção do implante (IT), quociente de estabilidade primária (ISQ) e a estrutura trabecular peri-implantar foram avaliados em fragmentos ósseos obtidos de tíbia de porco (n=12), divididos entre CT (n=6) e OD (n=6). Após o procedimento de fresagem, foram instalados implantes (3,5x8,5 mm, Epikut - SIN - São Paulo - Brasil). O IT e o ISQ foram aferidos por meio de um torquimetro digital e análise de frequência de ressonância. Em seguida, os fragmentos ósseos contendo os implantes foram removidos com trefina e analisados ​​por microtomografia computadorizada (µCT, 8,0 µm). A comparação entre os grupos foi realizada por meio do teste-t não-pareado (α=0.05). Os resultados revelaram que a OD promove maior torque de inserção (CT: 7,67 ± 2,44º Ncm; OD: 19,78 ± 5,26 Ncm) (p=0,0005), embora a estabilidade primária não tenha sido diferente (CT: 61.33 ± 4.66; OD:63.25 ± 4.58) (p=0,48). Houve um aumento significativo no volume ósseo peri-implantar (CT: 23,17±3,39 mm3; OD: 32,01±5,75 mm3) (p=0,0089) e parâmetros trabeculares: separação (CT: 0,4357 ± 0,03 mm; OD: 0,3865 ± 0,04 mm) (p=0,0449), número (CT: 1,626 ± 0,18 1/mm; OD: 1,946 ± 0,13 1/mm) (p=0,007) e espessura (CT: 0,1130 ± 0,009 mm; OD: 0,1328 ± 0,015 mm) (p=0,02) O índice de modelo estrutural (SMI) não demostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p=0.1228). Concluindo, OD apresenta maiores valores de torque de inserção e promove mudanças benéficas na microarquitetura óssea em comparação com a TC, revelando maior volume ósseo peri-implantar.

Neogene Proto-Caribbean porcupinefishes (Diodontidae).

Fossil Diodontidae in Tropical America consist mostly of isolated and fused beak-like jawbones, and tooth plate batteries. These durophagous fishes are powerful shell-crushing predators on shallow water invertebrate faunas from Neogene tropical carbonate bottom, rocky reefs and surrounding flats. We use an ontogenetic series of high-resolution micro CT of fossil and extant species to recognize external and internal morphologic characters of jaws and tooth plate batteries. We compare similar sizes of jaws and/or tooth-plates from both extant and extinct species. Here, we describe three new fossil species including †Chilomycterus exspectatus n. sp. and †Chilomycterus tyleri n. sp. from the late Miocene Gatun Formation in Panama, and †Diodon serratus n. sp. from the middle Miocene Socorro Formation in Venezuela. Fossil Diodontidae review included specimens from the Neogene Basins of the Proto-Caribbean (Brazil: Pirabas Formation; Colombia: Jimol Formation, Panama: Gatun and Tuira formations; Venezuela: Socorro and Cantaure formations). Diodon is present in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, whereas the distribution of Chilomycterus is highly asymmetrical with only one species in the Pacific. It seems that Diodon was as abundant in the Caribbean/Western Atlantic during the Miocene as it is there today. We analyze the paleogeographic distribution of the porcupinefishes group in Tropical America, after the complete exhumation of the Panamanian isthmus during the Pliocene.

Accumulated hard tissue debris produced during reciprocating and rotary nickel-titanium canal preparation.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the amount of hard tissue debris produced after different apical enlargement with single-file reciprocating systems (WaveOne [Dentsply Maillefer, Baillaigues, Switzerland] and Reciproc [VDW, Munich, Germany]) and a conventional multifile rotary system (BioRaCe [FKG Dentaire, La-Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland]) using micro-computed tomographic imaging. METHODS: Thirty moderately curved mesial roots of mandibular molars presenting 2 independent root canals were selected and scanned at an isotropic resolution of 14.16 µm. The sample was assigned to 3 groups (n = 10) with respect to the root length and degree of curvature of the mesial root according to the system used for the root canal preparation: Reciproc, WaveOne, and BioRaCe. Second and third scans were taken after the root canals were prepared up to ISO sizes 25 and 40, respectively. The matched images of the mesial canals, before and after preparation, were examined from the furcation level to the apex to evaluate the amount of hard tissue debris (%). Data were statistically compared using a general linear model for repeated-measures with a significance level set at 5%. RESULTS: Instrumentation systems per se did not influence the amount of hard tissue accumulation (P > .05), whereas a significant reduction in the percentage of hard tissue debris was observed after sequential enlargement in all groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the systems yielded root canals completely free from packed hard tissue debris. The increased final apical size resulted in significantly less debris accumulation for both reciprocating and rotary systems.