Evaluation of femoral condyle volumes in patients with trochlear dysplasia: a pilot study.

AIM: To examine the volumes of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the trochlear groove, and to determine their relationship with trochlear dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Computed tomography images of the knees of 21 patients with trochlear dysplasia and 18 healthy individuals were analysed retrospectively. According to the modified Dejour classification, the degree of trochlear dysplasia was recorded, such as type A trochlea being low-grade dysplasia and types B, C, and D trochlea being high-grade dysplasia. Volume of the trochlear groove and medial and lateral femoral condyles were calculated using the three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendering method. RESULTS: The volumes of lateral condyle, medial condyle, and trochlear groove were statistically significantly lower in patients with trochlear dysplasia when compared to healthy participants. When compared according to Dejour types, all parameters were statistically significantly lower in both high- and low-grade dysplasia patients (p<0.05). The correlation between femoral condyle volumes and trochlear groove volume was low in the control group, but there was a moderate positive correlation in the patient group (r=0.50-0.75, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In trochlear dysplasia, the volume of the trochlear groove decreases and hypoplasia may occur in both lateral femoral and medial femoral condyles. Therefore, hypoplasia of only one condyle should not be interpreted as trochlear dysplasia. A holistic approach to patients is required.

Functional Bandaging in Children with Idiopathic Toe-Walking.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic toe-walking (ITW) is a persistent gait pattern with no known etiology characterized as premature heel rise or no heel contact. We investigated the effects of functional bandaging in children with ITW on heel contact during stance phase and on gait quality. METHODS: Nineteen children aged 4 to 16 years with ITW and ten age-matched healthy children were included in the study. Elastic adhesive bandages were applied to children with ITW to assist with dorsiflexion. Before bandaging (T0) and immediately (T1) and 1 week (T2) after initial bandaging, the initial contact, loading response, and midstance subphases of gait were analyzed using light pressure sensors and the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS). Ten age-matched children with typical gait participated for comparison in T0. The data were analyzed with Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests for within-group comparisons and Mann-Whitney U tests for between-group comparisons. RESULTS: In T0, for the ITW group, no heel contact was observed during stance. In T1, all of the participants achieved heel contact at initial contact and loading response and 56.8% at midstance. In T2, all of the heels continued contact at initial contact and loading response and 54.3% at midstance. The EVGS significantly improved. The Friedman test showed that there were noteworthy improvements between T0-T1 and T0-T2 in video-based observational gait analysis and EVGSs (P < .001), although no difference was found between T1-T2 in video-based observational gait analysis (P = .913) and EVGSs (P = .450). CONCLUSIONS: In children with ITW, dorsiflexion assistive functional bandaging was an effective tool to help achieve heel contact on the ground and improve walking quality for a short period after application. Further studies with longer follow-up and larger sample sizes are required to confirm the long-term therapeutic effects of this promising functional bandaging.

Influence of various application systems on the amount of extruded irrigant in simulated immature teeth with regard to gravity: An ex-vivo study.

Background: Gravity impact has been mainly evaluated in mature teeth related to debris extrusion, even though it may affect the amount of apically extruded irrigant. In the literature the influence of gravity on the amount of apically extruded irrigant in immature teeth has been studied by a 45o inclined plate to mimic the position of the maxillary teeth and 90o for the mandibular teeth. However, patients are positioned horizontally in the dental chair while treatment. There is no study in the literature testing the horizontal position to mimic the clinical settings realistically. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of various irrigation systems on the amount of extruded irrigant in simulated immature maxillary and mandibular teeth irrigated in vertical and horizontal positions. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five maxillary central incisors with an apical opening of 1.3 mm in diameter were included. Irrigation procedures were performed with EndoVac, closed-ended, and open-ended needles using a VATEA peristaltic pump. The amount of apically extruded irrigant was determined using a microbalance. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The EndoVac system caused almost no irrigant extrusion in all tested positions (P > 0.05); however, closed-ended and open-ended needles extruded more irrigant in a mandibular vertical position compared to maxillary vertical (P < 0.05) and maxillary horizontal positions (P < 0.05). Open-ended needles extruded the highest amount of irrigant. Conclusions: The EndoVac macrocannula is a more reliable and safer irrigation system as it prevents irrigant extrusion independent of the position of the tooth.

Regenerative Endodontic Therapy with Platelet Rich Fibrin: Case Series.

Regenerative endodontic therapy (RET) provides a novel treatment modality for the immature teeth with pulp necrosis. The aim of this case series was to evaluate RET of immature permanent teeth using platelet rich fibrin (PRF) at 36-month follow-up periods. In the present case series, three immature maxillary incisors diagnosed with pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis were treated with RET. The root canals were irrigated with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and medicated with triple antibiotic paste(TAP). At the second visit, TAP was removed and root canals were conditioned with 17% EDTA. PRF was used as a scaffold. MTA was placed over PRF and the teeth were restored with composite resin. Periapical radiographs and cone beam computerized tomography(CBCT) were used to evaluate the healing. At the end of the 36-month follow-up periods, there was no response to pulp sensibility tests with cold and electric pulp tester, but all teeth showed decreased periapical lesions or evidence of healing.

Treatment of immature teeth with nonvital pulps in adults: a prospective comparative clinical study comparing MTA with Ca(OH)2.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the influence of various predictors on outcomes of apexification using either mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or calcium hydroxide (CH) in permanent immature anterior teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions of adults. METHODOLOGY: Ninety immature teeth with necrotic pulps and periapical lesions on adult patients (aged 18-40 years) were treated with MTA (45 teeth) or CH (45 teeth) between 2015 and 2018. Patients of both groups were recalled for follow-up examinations after the first intervention at 1,3,6 and 12 months for the first year, every 6 months for the second year and every year thereafter until the end of the study (median 32.3 months). The treatment outcome based on clinical and radiographic criteria was assessed by calibrated examiners and dichotomized as 'healed+healing' or 'not healed'. The age, gender, stage of root development, preoperative signs and symptoms of apical periodontitis and size of periapical lesion were recorded. The cumulative success proportion and mean time were analysed with the Kaplan-Meier test. The generalized logrank statistic was used to describe prognostic clinical variables. Fisher's exact test was applied for the evaluation of the healing rates. RESULTS: Thirty-nine of the 45 teeth treated with MTA were available for recall. Of these, 29 teeth (74%) revealed calcific apical barrier formation with complete resolution of periapical lesions, 7 teeth (18%) were healing, and 3 teeth (8%) had persistent disease. Thirty-four of the 45 teeth in the CH group were available for recall. Of these, 27 teeth (79%) had complete healing of periapical lesions and had calcific barrier formation, 4 teeth (12%) were healing, and the remaining 3 teeth (9%) had not healed. The survival rate of teeth treated with MTA was similar to the survival rates observed in teeth treated with CH (90% and 91%, respectively, P > 0.05). The generalized logrank statistic revealed that the cumulative success rate of both materials was not significantly different (P > 0.05). None of the tested predictors had an influence on the treatment outcomes of teeth in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apexification with both MTA and CH was associated with similar treatment outcomes. MTA may be proposed as a material for apexification treatment in immature teeth of adult patients due to the shorter treatment time associated with its use.

Evaluation of the 24-hour intraocular pressure and systemic blood pressure at the same time.

PURPOSE: To obtain simultaneous 24-hour contact lens voltage and systemic arterial blood pressure values with the Sensimed Triggerfish system and Holter monitoring device. METHODS: Ten primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 8 pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) patients were included in the study. The Sensimed Triggerfish contact lens device was used to calculate the 24-hour IOP, and a Holter sphygmomanometer device was used for simultaneous 24-hour blood pressure measurements. We define the 8:00 am-11:00 pm period measurements as diurnal values and the other measurements as nocturnal values. RESULTS: The mean nocturnal systolic values (nocturnal SBP 120.5±3.4 for POAG and 122.8±5.3mmHg for PXG) and diastolic BP (nocturnal DBP 70.2±1.9 for POAG and 68.1±1.2mmHg for PXG) were lower than the diurnal (diurnal SBP 134.6±5.3 for POAG, 145.9±41.7mmHg for PXG, diurnal DBP 79.4±5.8 for POAG and 78.6±5.1mmHg for PXG) values, and these differences were statistically significant in both groups (P=0.001 in DBP in PXG and P<0.001 for other values). In addition, nocturnal CL voltage values (228.8±41.1 for POAG and 214.3±47.0mVEq for PXG) were higher than the diurnal values (55.8±77.2 for POAG and 145.9±41.7mVEq for PXG) in the POAG and PXG groups, and these were statistically significant as well (P<0.001 for all). In the POAG and PXG groups, CL voltage had a statistically significant negative correlation with systolic (respectively, r: -0.248, P=0.001 and r: -0.272, P˂0.001) and diastolic (respectively, r: -0.115, P=0.036 and r: -0.160, P=0.028) BP values. CONCLUSION: We observed that CL voltage values rose during the nocturnal period, with a concomitant decrease in systolic and diastolic BP.

Efficacy of chlorhexidine as a final irrigant in one-visit root canal treatment: a prospective comparative study.

AIM: To evaluate postoperative pain and radiographic evidence of periapical healing in teeth with apical periodontitis treated in one visit with an additional final irrigation using 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and to compare the results with conventional two-visit root canal treatment (RCT) with an intracanal calcium hydroxide (CH) dressing as a control group. METHODOLOGY: Ninety asymptomatic maxillary anterior teeth with periapical lesions were treated by a single operator. Root canals were prepared using the step-back technique with manual instrumentation with 2.5% NaOCl and 5% EDTA as irrigants. Half of the teeth were randomly assigned to the one-visit (OV) group and received an additional final rinse with 2% CHX before canal filling. The other teeth were treated in two visits (TV) with a CH paste made by mixing CH powder and distilled water as an interappointment dressing. All patients were recalled and investigated clinically and radiographically for 24 months. Postoperative pain at 24-48 h and changes in apical bone density indicating radiographic healing were evaluated statistically using the Mann-Whitney U-test followed by the Friedman and the Wilcoxon tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between two groups regarding the incidence of postoperative pain at 24 h (OV group 50% no pain, 47.6% mild, 2.4% moderate pain/TV group 55% no pain, 42.5% mild, 2.5% moderate pain) and at 48 h (OV group 95% no pain, 5% mild pain/TV group 98% no pain, 2% mild pain). None of the patients reported severe postoperative pain, swelling and/or flare-ups during the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in the radiographic healing rates (OV group 97.6% PAI 1 and/or PAI 2 and 2.4% PAI 3/TV group 95% PAI 1 and/or PAI 2 and 5% PAI 3; P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups provided favourable and similar postoperative pain and periapical healing rates at 24 months. Thus, one-visit RCT with a final rinse with 2% CHX is an acceptable alternative to two-visit RCT with CH as temporary dressing in maxillary anterior teeth.

Regenerative endodontic treatment of perforated internal root resorption: a case report.

AIM: To present the regenerative endodontic treatment procedure of a perforated internal root resorption case and its clinical and radiographic findings after 2 years. SUMMARY: A 14-year-old female patient was referred complaining of moderate pain associated with her maxillary left lateral incisor. After radiographic examination, a perforated internal resorption lesion in the middle third of tooth 22 was detected. Under local anaesthesia and rubber dam isolation, an access cavity was prepared and the root canal was shaped using K-files under copious irrigation with 1% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and distilled water. At the end of the first and second appointments, calcium hydroxide (CH) paste was placed in the root canal using a lentulo. After 3 months, the CH paste was removed using 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA solutions and bleeding in the root canal was achieved by placing a size 20 K-file into the periapical tissues. Mineral trioxide aggregate was then placed over the blood clot. The access cavity was restored using glass-ionomer cement and resin composite. After 2 years, the tooth was asymptomatic and radiographic examination revealed hard tissue formation in the perforated resorption area and remodelling of the root surface. KEY LEARNING POINTS: Regenerative endodontic treatment procedures are an alternative approach to treat perforated internal root resorption lesions. Calcium hydroxide was effective as an intracanal medicament in regenerative endodontic treatment procedures.

Is it necessary to alter anticoagulation therapy for tooth extraction in patients taking direct oral anticoagulants?

BACKGROUND: The number of patients using direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) instead of vitamin K antagonists (VKA) is increasing and there is limited data on the safety of tooth extractions in patients taking DOACs. The aim of this study was to compare the amount of bleeding (AOB) and postoperative complications after tooth extractions between patients taking VKAs and patients taking DOACs without altering the anticoaguation therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of four groups: Direct thrombin inhibitor group, factor Xa inhibitor group, warfarin group and a control group. A single tooth was extracted in each patient and routine coagulation test values were recorded prior to extraction. AOB was measured for 20 minutes after tooth extraction. The patients were evaluated on 2nd and 7th days after extraction for bleeding. Status of bleeding was classified as no bleeding, mild bleeding controlled by gauze pads, moderate bleeding controlled by hemostatic agents and severe bleeding required hospitalization. Analysis of variance, chi square test and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis of data. RESULTS: A total of 84 patients (48 male, 36 female) were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 57 (38-87) years. Mean AOB was 1388.6±913.0, 1909.29±1063.1, 3673±1415.4, 1593.33±672.5 mg for direct thrombin inhibitor, factor Xa inhibitor, warfarin and control groups respectively. Mean AOB was significantly higher for warfarin group, compared to other groups (p<0.05). The number of patients showing mild and moderate bleeding was significantly higher in warfarin group compared to other groups on the 2nd postextraction day (p=0.001). No bleeding was occurred in control group on 2nd and 7th postextraction days and no bleeding was occurred in direct thrombin inhibitor group on 7th postextraction day. The number of bleeding events among groups was not statistically significant on 7th postextraction day (p=0.251). CONCLUSIONS: Patients taking warfarin had more bleeding compared to patients taking direct oral anticoagulants after tooth extractions. In patients taking direct oral anticoagulants simple tooth extractions can be safely carried out without altering the anticaogulant regimen with the use of local hemostatic agents.

Efficiency and apical extrusion of debris: a comparative ex vivo study of four retreatment techniques in severely curved root canals.

AIM: To compare the amount of apically extruded debris and of remaining filling material during the removal of root canal filling material using three rotary NiTi retreatment instruments or Hedström files. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-six severely curved human molars of both jaws were selected. The root canals were prepared to size X2 (tip size 25, .06 taper) using the ProTaper Next system (Dentsply Sirona, Ballaigues, Switzerland), filled with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer (Dentsply De Trey, Konstanz, Germany) and then randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 24 each) with two subgroups of maxillary and mandibular teeth each. An experimental model was used as a phantom head to simulate the upper and lower jaws. The root filling materials were removed with one of the following files using a crown-down preparation technique: I. Hedström files (H-files) (VDW, Munich, Germany), II. R-Endo (Micro-Mega, Besançon, France), III. Reciproc (VDW) and IV. ProTaper Universal Retreatment system (PTU-R) (Dentsply Maillefer). Apically extruded material was collected in vials, which were weighed with a microbalance (10-5  g) before and after the retreatment. The area of residual filling material in the coronal, middle and apical root level was assessed using digital analysis. These data were analysed statistically using ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Reciproc was associated with significantly less extruded debris than the H-files (P = 0.009). No significant differences were detected amongst the four retreatment techniques concerning residual filling material (P = 0.082). The amount of extruded debris and areas of remaining filling material were not correlated (P = 0.901). Location of teeth in the maxilla or mandible had no impact on the amount of extruded debris within each instrument group (P = 0.609). However, when teeth were evaluated in general irrespective of the instruments, significantly more debris was extruded in the mandibular location (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: All retreatment systems were associated with apical extrusion of debris, but H-files extruded significantly more material than Reciproc. Remnants of filling material were observed in all samples with no significant differences between the four techniques.

The outcome of apical microsurgery using MTA as the root-end filling material: 2- to 6-year follow-up study.

AIM: To evaluate the influence of various predictors on the healing outcome 2-6 years after apical microsurgery (AMS) using MTA as the root-end filling material. METHODOLOGY: A total of 90 anterior teeth with asymptomatic persistent periradicular periodontitis of strictly endodontic origin that failed after either nonsurgical or surgical treatment were included. Surgery was completed under local anaesthesia using a standardized clinical protocol. Clinical and radiographic measures as well as the follow-up period were used to determine the healing outcome. For statistical analysis of the predictors, the outcome was dichotomized into healed cases and nonhealed cases. Odds ratios were calculated, and Pearson chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic assessment of AMS revealed that 80% were healed, 14.4% were nonhealed, whilst 5.6% were judged to be uncertain. None of the various predictors investigated had a significant influence on the outcome of AMS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this clinical study demonstrated that 80% of cases that received apical microsurgery healed when using MTA as the root-end filling material.

Intentional replantation of adhesively reattached vertically fractured maxillary single-rooted teeth.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intentionally replanted maxillary single-rooted teeth with vertical root fractures (VRFs) after being repaired extraorally using 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitate anhydride/methacrylate-tri-n-butyl borane (4-META/MMA-TBB) resin cement. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one root filled maxillary single-rooted teeth with VRFs were evaluated. After atraumatic extraction, fractured fragments were adhesively cemented. The teeth were then replanted and splinted to the neighbouring teeth for 2 weeks. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months, and radiographic evaluations were made using PAI scores at baseline and 12 months. Mobility was evaluated using periotest values (PTV) at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Replanted teeth, contralateral teeth (control teeth) and adjacent teeth were analysed statistically using repeated measures one-way anova, unpaired t-tests and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Two teeth were extracted in the first month after surgery. PI, GI, CAL and PD scores of the replanted teeth were significantly lower at 6 month (P < 0.0001 for all) and 12 month (P < 0.0001 for all) postoperatively when compared to baseline, but the values were not significantly different from those of the control and adjacent teeth. PTV of the test teeth increased significantly (P < 0.0001) after the intervention and decreased to baseline levels by month 12. PTVs were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months in the test teeth when compared with the control teeth, but were not significantly different at month 12. PAI scores of teeth with VRF were significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 12 months compared with baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesive cementation and intentional replantation were an effective treatment modality for this group of vertically fractured maxillary single-rooted teeth. The clinical periodontal parameters decrease by month 6, and the mobility returned to the physiological limits of natural teeth 12 months after replantation.

Radiographic and histological evaluation of persistent periapical lesions associated with endodontic failures after apical microsurgery.

AIM: To determine the histology of persistent periapical lesions associated with nonsurgical endodontic treatment failures and to compare radiographically the sizes of periapical lesions and the presence or absence of the radiopaque lamina with the histological findings. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-three anterior teeth designated for apical microsurgery were included in the study. After taking standard radiographs of all cases using the parallel technique, the films were scanned and evaluated for the size of periapical radiolucent lesions and the presence or absence of radiopaque lamina by two calibrated observers. Biopsy specimens were obtained during apical microsurgery and examined under light microscopy by oral pathologists. Histological analysis established diagnoses of granuloma, cyst, abscess and scar tissue. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by the kappa test, and the relationship between histological diagnosis and lesion size was analysed by the Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: The 93 specimens consisted of 72% periradicular granulomas; 21.5% radicular cysts, including two keratocysts; 4.3% abscesses; and 2.2% scar tissue. Cystic prevalence increased as the size of the periapical lesion increased; however, there was no correlation between the presence of a radiopaque lamina and histological diagnosis of cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Neither radiographic size nor presence of an associated radiopaque line alone was sufficient to determine the type of lesion. Histological examination is required in order to reach to a definitive diagnosis.

Association between serum total antioxidant status and coronary microvascular function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Coronary microvascular impairment may cause myocardial ischemia and systolic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 41 patients with IDC and 33 healthy control subjects. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS), serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were assayed and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was measured in all subjects via echocardiography. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were significantly higher in patients with IDC than in the control group (3.42 ± 2.14 vs. 1.91± 1.40, p = 0.001). Serum TAS was statistically lower in patients with IDC than in controls (1.23 ± 0.16 vs. 1.77 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). CFR was statistically and significantly lower in the IDC group (2.10 ± 0.39 vs. 3.09 ± 0.49, p < 0.001). The IDC group was subsequently subdivided into two groups according to CFR values, as CFR ≥ 2 and CFR < 2. HsCRP (4.30 ± 2.42 vs. 2.58 ± 1.42, p = 0.01), TNF-α (16.67 ± 8.08 vs. 10.97 ± 1.63, p = 0.01), and IL-6 (7.54 ± 6.16 vs. 3.14 ± 1.10, p = 0.05) values were significantly higher in the CFR < 2 group compared with the higher CFR group. TAS (1.3 ± 0.16 vs. 1.14 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the CFR < 2 group. CFR correlated significantly with hsCRP, TAS, red cell distribution width (RDW), IL-6, and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: Plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels are increased in patients with IDC. CFR was impaired as a reflection of impaired coronary microvascular dysfunction in association with increasing plasma proinflammatory cytokine levels and hsCRP levels.

Significant correlation between uric acid levels and flow-mediated dilatation in patients with masked hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Serum uric acid (UA) level is associated with prognosis in cardiovascular disorders such as sustained hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney diseases. Increased UA levels in sustained hypertension may reflect early renal vascular alterations. However, it remains unclear if serum UA is associated with endothelial dysfunction in masked hypertensive patients. METHODS: A total of 100 individuals (57% men and 43% women; mean 45 ± 8 years) with masked hypertension were included in the present study. The clinical and laboratory data were collected. Endothelial function was estimated by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery and expressed as percentage change relative to baseline diameter. RESULTS: Univariate regression analysis showed that the FMD was significantly negative correlated with uric acid (r = -0.300, p = 0.002), ambulatory 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = -0.275, p = 0.008), hs-CRP (r = -0.222, p = 0.033) and diastolic aortic diameter (r = -0.243, p = 0.019). In multivariate linear regression analysis, only uric acid levels and ambulatory 24-h SBP were significantly associated with FMD. CONCLUSION: There was an independent correlation between UA and FMD, and a higher UA level was related to worse endothelial function which may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular morbidity.

Clinical accuracy of two electronic apex locators in teeth with large periapical lesions.

AIM: To evaluate in vivo the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs) in determining the position of the apical foramen of teeth with large periapical lesions and persistent intracanal exudate. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three maxillary anterior teeth assigned for periapical surgery were selected. Following the preparation of standard endodontic access cavities, electronic working lengths were determined using the ProPex and Apex Pointer apex locators. During endodontic surgery, the actual root canal length of each tooth was measured by positioning a K-file at the most coronal border of the major foramen. Root canal treatments combined with apical surgery were then completed. Data were analysed with paired t-tests. RESULTS: ProPex and Apex Pointer were accurate (within ± 0.5 mm) 97% and 94% of the time. No significant differences were detected between the apex locators (P = 0.325). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of exudate in the root canals, the position of the major foramen in teeth with large periapical lesions can be determined with high level of precision either by ProPex or Apex Pointer. Both EALs can be used safely in working length determination of teeth with large periapical lesions, which have persistent intracanal exudate.

Ethnic disparities in breast cancer between Central Europe Caucasian women of Slavic origin and Middle East Turkish subjects.

The biological, cultural, behavioral and sociodemographic differences across populations modulate breast cancer profile among races or ethnics. Following this, we aimed to identify differences in breast cancer epidemiology, histopathology, and clinical presentation from representatives of central Europe (Slovakia) and Middle-East countries (Turkey) to point on ethnic disparities in cancer biology. The population based cross-sectional study analyzing 414 cases of primary breast carcinomas where 214 represented Caucasian and 200 Turkish subjects. The differences were found for age at the time of diagnosis (<0.0001), education, menopausal status (<0.001), tumor localization (<0.01), size (<0.0001), grade (<0.05) and axillary lymph node status (<0.001) between groups. Although carcinomas in Slovak subjects were of higher grade, negative axillary nodal status was more frequent finding compared to Turkish patients (50.0 vs. 41.0%). The Slovak group showed carcinomas to be more often ER positive (72.4 vs. 54.0%; <0.001), ER/PgR positive (54.6 vs. 49.0%; <0.001), of better Nottingham prognostic index (<0.001), and less frequent Her-2 positive (21.2 vs. 28.5%). Slovak population expressed significantly higher risk of non-sentinel lymph node metastases with increased tumor size, grade, vascular invasion and Her-2 positivity compared to Turkey population. The tumor size >2 cm and high tumor grade (G3) bears a risk of OR=7.62 and OR=3.10 in Slovak compared to OR=3.94 and OR=1.79 in Turkish cases, respectively.There are wide demographic and biological disparities in breast cancer between observed ethnics providing unique information for clinicians working at the level of screening or therapy in these populations.

Efficacy and tolerability of udenafil in Turkish men with erectile dysfunction of psychogenic and organic aetiology: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Udenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (PDE5) previously shown in studies conducted in populations of Eastern-Asian ethnicity, to significantly improve sexual function, in addition to a favourable safety profile. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), for the first time in a non-Eastern-Asian population. In this multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study conducted in five centres in Turkey, 118 eligible subjects were randomized to receive udenafil 100 mg taken as on-demand or matching placebo for an 8-week treatment period. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline of the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-Erectile Function Domain (IIEF-EFD) score, secondary efficacy variables were changes from baseline in IIEF Questionnaire Domains' 2-5 scores (Intercourse Satisfaction, Orgasmic Function, Sexual Desire, Overall Sexual Satisfaction) and IIEF Questionnaire Grand Total score, changes from baseline in penetration success rates (SEP2) and intercourse completion rates (SEP3) and evaluation of responses to the global assessment question (GAQ). Patients treated with udenafil demonstrated significantly higher increase in the IIEF-EFD scores compared with placebo-treated subjects [4.0 (95% CI: 1.3-6.6; p = 0.003)]. Similarly, greater improvements were observed in the scores for SEP2 [0.65 (95% CI: 0.02-1.3, p = 0.043)], SEP3 [0.9 (95% CI: 0.3-1.5, p = 0.003)] and two other IIEF Questionnaire Domains (Domain 4: Sexual Desire, Domain 5: Overall Sexual Satisfaction). The proportion of positive responses to the GAQ was greater in the udenafil compared to the placebo group (72.2% vs. 49.1%, p = 0.014). The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, flushing and rhinorrhea, all of mild or moderate severity. This is the first study to demonstrate in a non-Eastern-Asian population that udenafil 100 mg taken as on-demand can effectively improve erectile function and is well tolerated.

Effect of local use of L-carnitine after myringotomy on myringosclerosis development in rats.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of local and intraperitoneal administration of L-carnitine on the prevention of experimentally induced myringosclerosis, and to compare treatment efficiency. METHODS: Twenty-four Albino-Wistar rats (48 ears) were bilaterally myringotomised and divided randomly into four groups: group one received no treatment, group two received intraperitoneal L-carnitine, group three received local L-carnitine, and group four received both intraperitoneal and local L-carnitine. On the 15th day after treatment, tympanic membranes were harvested and evaluated histopathologically for myringosclerotic plaque formation, fibroblastic proliferation, tympanic membrane thickness and new vessel formation. RESULTS: The group one tympanic membranes showed extensive thickness, and the incidence of myringosclerosis and fibroblast proliferation were greater than in groups two and four. There were statistically significant differences in tympanic membrane thickness between groups three and four, and in myringosclerosis incidence and fibroblast proliferation, comparing groups two, three and four. CONCLUSION: Myringosclerosis development was significantly reduced in rats receiving myringotomy plus intraperitoneal L-carnitine. Intraperitoneal L-carnitine administration prevented fibroblastic proliferation and tympanic membrane thickening (both of which cause further tympanic membrane destruction), thus reducing myringotomy-associated morbidity. Local L-carnitine administration had limited effectiveness in this experimental setting.

Phylogenetic analysis and characterization of lipolytic activity of halophilic archaeal isolates.

Five isolates designated as B45, D83A, A206A, A85 and E49 and found to possess a activity were taxonomically classified on the basis of their phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. The isolates were determined to be Gram-negative, catalase and oxidase positive, hydrolyzing Tween 80 and 60 but not starch, need 3.5-4 M NaCl for optimal growth and lack of anaerobic growth with arginine or DMSO. All isolates had the highest lipolytic activity at pH 8.5. Lipase and esterase activities increased with salt concentration up to 3-4.5 M NaCl, and decreased at 5 M NaCl. Esterase and lipase showed their maximal activities at 50-55 degrees C and 60-65 degrees C, respectively. The phylogenetic tree constructed by the neighbor-joining method indicated that the strain B45 and A85 were closely related to the members of genera Halovivax and Natrinema, respectively. The closest relative of the strain A206A and D83A were found to be Haloterrigena saccharevitans. The strain E49 displayed a more distant relationship to known strains.