Prevalence and morphology of different root canal systems in mandibular premolars: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the prevalence and morphology of C-shaped and non-C-shaped root canal systems in permanent mandibular first (PM1) and second (PM2) premolars using retrospective analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, and panoramic radiographs. METHODS: CBCT scans from 2000 patients were screened for the presence of premolars with C-shaped canals and then assessed at three axial levels to determine the canal classification. The teeth were also assessed for Vertucci configuration, number of roots, and radicular grooves. Pre-existing panoramic radiographs were evaluated to identify features specific to PM1/2 with multiple canals or C-shaped anatomy. RESULTS: A total of 1576 PM1 and 1424 PM2 from 880 patients were evaluated. The overall prevalence of C-shaped canals was 2.2% (3.3% PM1, 1.0% PM2), with 49 (5.6%) patients presenting with at least one C-shaped mandibular premolar. There were 2.3 ± 0.6 and 2.4 ± 0.5 different classifiable cross-sections per tooth for PM1 and PM2, respectively. The sudden disappearance or bifurcation of a canal on panoramic radiographs was associated with the presence of multiple canals (P < 0.001) or C-shaped anatomy (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There was substantial variation in cross-sectional anatomy within and between C-shaped premolars, which will affect endodontic treatment planning. © 2023 Australian Dental Association.

Puberty attainment and reproductive performance of yearling Bos indicus-influenced heifers after two sequential treatments with progesterone.

Number of pubertal heifers at time of breeding season initiation is a primary determinant to pregnancy success during the breeding season. It was hypothesized that pre-breeding progesterone (P4) supplementation (induction) would increase the number of heifers pubertal at the time of imposing estrous synchronization treatment regimens and P/AI. Yearling, Bos indicus-influenced (n = 577) or Bos indicus (n = 174) heifers were or were not treated with P4 (CIDR and Non-CIDR, respectively) for 10 d starting on D-23 (D0 = TAI). Presence of a CL on D-33 or D-23 was considered to indicate heifers were pubertal. On D-13, there was a PGF analogue administered. On D-9, there was treatment with GnRH analogue, 6d-CIDR and PGF. There were inseminations based on estrus (D-2 to D0) or TAI on D0 for non-estrous animals. There were 5.2 % and 62.9 % purebred and crossbred heifers pubertal, respectively. Proportion of prepubertal crossbred than purebred heifers with CL on D-3 was greater as a result of imposing the pubertal induction regimen (P < 0.05 and P> 0.10, respectively). Regardless of puberty status, proportion of heifers in estrus prior to AI in the CIDR group was similar to the heifers of the Non-CIDR group for crossbreds and purebreds. Similarly, P/AI of CIDR group was similar to the Non-CIDR group for crossbreds and purebreds. In summary, imposing the pubertal induction regimen hastened attainment of puberty in yearling crossbred, but not purebred heifers. Puberty induction did not affect estrous response, neither fertility after imposing an estrous synchronization treatment regimen.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Vertebral Ankylosing Hyperostosis: A Case Report

Vertebral ankylosing hyperostosis is a systemic rheumatological abnormality of unknown etiology whose hallmark is luxurious flowing ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament. It has been regarded as asymptomatic ankylosis requiring no medical or surgical treatment. However, dyspnea, dysphagia, spinal cord compression, and peripheral nerve entrapment have all been documented in association with this disorder. On the other hand, reports on spinal stenosis at lumbar level are extremely rare. We present a case of spinal stenosis assosiated with vertebral ankylosing hyperostosis.