Exposure and protection protocols of dentomaxillofacial imaging applied by paediatric dentists in Europe.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate exposure and protection practices regarding dentomaxillofacial imaging among pediatric dentists in Europe and determine the effect of different clinician specific characteristics on their implementation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving an electronic questionnaire addressed to paediatric dentists, participating in a seminar on dental radiology organized by the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry. Participants were asked to respond to questions regarding dentomaxillofacial imaging in terms of applied radiation dose, adoption of radiation protection techniques, and different patterns of radiographic studying and exchange between patients and colleagues. Data analysis was performed and distribution of responses was tested using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: A total of 151 paediatric dentists, 119 females and 32 males, with a mean chronological age of 42.8 years (s.e. 11.3 years), successfully completed the questionnaire (response rate = 82%). Regardless of the type of radiograph, majority of respondents (68%), reported that they perform the radiographs themselves, while 21% reported that they refer the patients. Half of the respondents (51%), indicated requesting a small (localized) field of view (FOV) when referring for a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with only a small proportion (11%) reporting a large (maxillofacial) FOV. Thyroid collars and optimizing exposure settings were the most commonly reported patient protection measures used. Lastly, paediatric dentists have adopted the latest technological capacities for the study of dental images. CONCLUSIONS: Dentomaxillofacial imaging protection and exposure protocols used are common among paediatric dentists with none of their specific characteristics having a significant effect.

Mandibular Cortical Bone Evaluation in a Healthy Paediatric Population.

BACKGROUND: Changes in mandibular cortical bone have been documented in children with chronic diseases but not in healthy populations. AIM: We aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the mandibular cortical bone of a healthy paediatric population using dental panoramic radiographs (DPTs). The secondary objective was to assess the effect of dental status on cortical bone. DESIGN: The DPTs of 660 individuals, aged 6-18 years, were evaluated by two blinded examiners. Bone was qualitatively categorized according to the Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI), and its width was calculated using the Mandibular Cortical Width Index (MCW). Differences between gender and age were tested using Fisher's exact and correlation with dental status with the chi-square test. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between bone morphology and gender, with girls having more frequent even and sharp endosteal margins than boys, who showed semilunar defects. The degree of erosion increased with age, as did bone thickness. A positive correlation between thickness and type of dentition was recorded, with normal bone predominating in children in the mixed dentition stage. Νο correlation was found between bone morphology or thickness and the factors associated with dental status. CONCLUSIONS: Bone quality and quantity vary significantly between different genders and age groups. Dental needs and treatment characteristics did not seem to affect the above parameters.

Contribution of Morphology of Frontal Sinuses (Linear and Volumetric Measurements) to Gender Identification Based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images (CBCT): A Systematic Review.

Human identification is considered as an important step in the reconstruction of biological profiles, especially of unknown individuals. Frontal sinuses (FS) have been regarded as an ideal anatomical structure for individualisation because few pathological conditions can potentially alter their shape. AIM: The aim of this review was to evaluate scientific evidence published since January 2010 and determine whether the dimensions and volume of FS might be useful parameters for gender determination and human identification, based only on cone beam computed tomography images (CBCT). METHODS: This review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Four databases were searched for articles published between January 2010 and June 2022. RESULTS: A total of 195 records were initially identified, and 90 remained after a manual duplicate check. Eight articles were selected for a full review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria after title and abstract screening. A total of 718 participants (359 males and 359 females) were identified from the included studies. Frontal sinus volume (FSV) was significantly higher in male individuals. Frontal sinus height (FSH) and volume were the superior discriminating parameters for forensic identification. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that assessment of FS based on CBCT images could be beneficial for gender identification in forensic science. According to the obtained studies, frontal sinus volume (FSV) and frontal sinus height (FSH) are significant greater in males than in females, providing an additional complementary method. Larger sample size and common measurement protocols are needed to verify their usefulness.

Effectiveness of sildenafil and U-74389G in a rat model of colitis.

BACKGROUND: Crohn disease is still incurable. Compounds with anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidative effects are tested in various preclinical models of the disease. Our aim was to investigate the effects of sildenafil and lazaroid U-74389G in an experimental rat model of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid was instilled into the colon of all male Wistar rats except for the rats belonging to the first group. For 6 days, the animals in group 3 were administered daily sildenafil orally, the rats in group 4 were administered daily U-74389G intravenously, and the rats in group 5 were coadministered daily sildenafil orally and intravenous U-74389G. The rats in groups 1 and 2 were not administered any treatment. During the study, the weights were recorded as a marker of clinical condition. The colon damage was evaluated using macroscopic colon mucosal damage index (CMDI), microscopic (Geboes score), and biochemical methods (tissue tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and malondialdehyde [MDA]). RESULTS: Sildenafil reduced TNF-α tissue levels and increased body weight. U-74389G reduced TNF-α, the macroscopic index of mucosal damage score (CMDI) and increased body weight. The combined treatment with sildenafil and U-74389G reduced tissue levels of both TNF-α and MDA, lowered CMDI and microscopic Geboes score, and increased body weight. CONCLUSIONS: U-74389G demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory activity related to its ability to reduce colonic TNF-α, CMDI score, and improve weight change. We confirmed that sildenafil has anti-inflammatory capacity by reducing colonic TNF-α and by improving body weight. Finally, the combined treatment showed superior effects by reducing colonic TNF-α, colonic MDA, CMDI score, Geboes score, and by improving weight.