ASSESSMENT OF THE POSITIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES OF UNILATERALLY IMPACTED CANINES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to use cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the dimensional and morphological characteristics of unilaterally impacted canines, their effects on adjacent teeth, and differences with contralaterally erupted canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 31 patients (22 males, mean age 22.22 ±4.82 years; 9 females, mean age 23.91 ±5.16 years) with unilaterally impacted maxillary palatal teeth were included in the study. CBCT images were obtained using a NewTom 5G unit in standard mode. Three-dimensional multiplanar reconstructions emulating a panoramic view and curved planar reconstructions were evaluated. Individuals were divided into two groups (low- and high-complexity) according to Ericson and Kurol's impaction complexity classification. RESULTS: The crown lengths and mesiodistal crown widths of the impacted canines were similar to the symmetric canine on the opposite arch and significantly larger than adjacent lateral and premolar teeth (p<0.05). The alpha (31.33 ±8.32) and beta angles (39.53 ±10.31) and the 'h' height (10.11 ±2.02) values in the low-complexity group were significantly lower than the high-complexity group (alpha angle=57.40 ±12.15; beta angle=71.31 ±13.94; 'h' height=14.35 ±3.71, and alpha angle: p<0.001; beta angle: p<0.001; 'h' height: p=0.002) CONCLUSION: The root lengths of impacted maxillary canine teeth are significantly shorter than symmetrically erupted canine teeth regarding labiolingual crown width. As the alpha and beta angles and 'h' height increase, the complexity level of the impacted canine also increases.

THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF A COMBINATION OF PREOPERATIVE 68-Ga PSMA PET/CT AND MULTIPARAMETRIC MRI IN LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER.

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and leading course of cancer-related death in men. Although there are studies on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MpMRI) with good diagnostic results in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer, new methods have been investigated due to the low positive predictive values. In this context, Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (PSMA PET) emerges as an alternative imaging method to MpMRI. This study aims to compare 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT and MpMRI in determining tumor location. METHODS: Preoperative MpMRI and 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT scans and pathology specimens of who underwent radical prostatectomy for PCa at our clinic between 2018-2021 were retrospectively evaluated. PSMA I&T-PET/CT, MpMRI, combined imaging were compared for tumor localization according to histopathological data. RESULTS: In terms of tumor localization, MpMRI demonstrated overall accuracy rates 75.9% (p kappa (κ) 0.0001* (0.525)). 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT showed 71.5% (p κ 0.0001* (0.438)). For the combined imaging approach overall accuracy rate were calculated as 79.2% (p κ 0.0001* (0.576)). Additionally, high diagnostic accuracy was achieved for the combined imaging approach, particularly in the intermediate ISUP group. Moreover, SUVmax was calculated as 6.37. CONCLUSION: The combined use of 68Ga PSMA I&T-PET/CT and MpMRI has high diagnostic rates. However, the high cost is a significant disadvantage that limits their routine combined use.

Evaluation of First Molar Buccolingual Angulations and Dental Arch Parameters in Adolescents with Bilateral Posterior Crossbite.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the maxillary and mandibular transverse dental arch widths and buccolingual inclinations of the molar teeth in patients with and without bilateral posterior crossbite (BPC) divided into different age groups. Methods: The study included dental models from 120 patients (age: 12-18 years), including 60 with BPC (32 boys and 28 girls) and 60 without BPC (controls; 30 boys and 30 girls), who were divided into three age groups (12-14, 14-16, and 16-18 years). The centroid and lingual transverse arch widths, dental arch perimeters, dental arch depths, and buccolingual angulation of the molar teeth in the maxillary and mandibular regions were evaluated using scanned three-dimensional dental models. Results: Dental arch parameters and buccolingual molar angulation did not significantly differ between the different age groups in either the patients with BPC or the controls (p>0.05). However, several dental arch width parameters differed significantly between sexes in both groups, with higher values in boys than in girls (p<0.05). The difference in the upper and lower molar buccolingual angulation between patients with BPC and controls was greater at the age of 16-18 years than the age of 12-14 years (p<0.05). Conclusion: Patients with BPC have smaller maxillary dental arch widths and larger mandibular intermolar widths than those without BPC. The difference in the molar buccolingual angulation between them increases with advancing age.

Effect of applying intermittent force with and without vibration on orthodontic tooth movement.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine whether orthodontic tooth movement could be accelerated by applying an intermittent force protocol. It also examined the effect of applying additional vibrational forces on orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption rates. METHODS: This study included 24 patients (16 males and 8 females) who underwent orthodontic treatment involving first premolar extraction and distal movement of the canines in the maxilla. A Hycon device (Adenta GmbH, Gilching, Germany) was used for canine distalization in all patients. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group received 20 min of vibration per day using the AcceleDent device (OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc., Bellaire, TX, USA), while the other group received no vibration. In addition, a split-mouth design was used: an activation-only force protocol was applied on one side, and an intermittent activation-deactivation-activation (ADA) protocol was applied on the other. The duration required for complete canine tooth distalization on each side was calculated. In addition, the effect of vibration on the orthodontically induced root resorption was examined. RESULTS: The intermittent ADA protocol significantly accelerated orthodontic tooth movement compared to the activation-only protocol (p < 0.05). The application of additional vibration did not affect the orthodontic tooth movement rate (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using a Hycon device and following an ADA protocol provided significantly faster canine distalization than the activation-only protocol (p < 0.05). This intermittent force method proved very effective in closing the spaces. However, vibration did not significantly affect the orthodontic tooth movement rate (p > 0.05).

IGG4-related giant lymphoproliferative-inflammatory left atrial mass.

Cardiac masses are rare entities that can be challenging in clinical diagnosis and management. Cardiac masses can be detected incidentally in patients with an asymptomatic course or may cause systemic inflammation findings due to inflammatory cytokine release or symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, syncope, sudden cardiac death, and mortality due to the location of the mass. Cardiac masses associated with systemic inflammatory disorders are uncommon in this disease group. This case report will present a case with an asymptomatic IgG4-related left atrial mass detected in routine echocardiographic control imaging due to rheumatic valve disease.

Evaluation of abdominal computed tomography findings in patients with COVID-19: a multicenter study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of abdominal computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and interrogate the relationship between abdominal CT findings and patient demographic features, clinical findings, and laboratory test results as well as the CT atherosclerosis score in the abdominal aorta. METHODS: This study was designed as a multicenter retrospective study. The abdominal CT findings of 1.181 patients with positive abdominal symptoms from 26 tertiary medical centers with a positive polymerase chain-reaction test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 were reviewed. The frequency of ischemic and non-ischemic CT findings as well as the association between CT findings, clinical features, and abdominal aortic calcific atherosclerosis score (AA-CAS) were recorded. RESULTS: Ischemic and non-ischemic abdominal CT findings were detected in 240 (20.3%) and 328 (27.7%) patients, respectively. In 147 patients (12.4%), intra-abdominal malignancy was present. The most frequent ischemic abdominal CT findings were bowel wall thickening (n = 120; 10.2%) and perivascular infiltration (n = 40; 3.4%). As for non-ischemic findings, colitis (n = 91; 7.7%) and small bowel inflammation (n = 73; 6.2%) constituted the most frequent disease processes. The duration of hospital stay was found to be higher in patients with abdominal CT findings than in patients without any positive findings (13.8 ± 13 vs. 10.4 ± 12.8 days, P < 0.001). The frequency of abdominal CT findings was significantly higher in patients who did not survive the infection than in patients who were discharged after recovery (41.7% vs. 27.4%, P < 0.001). Increased AA-CAS was found to be associated with a higher risk of ischemic conditions in abdominal CT examinations. CONCLUSION: Abdominal symptoms in patients with COVID-19 are usually associated with positive CT findings. The presence of ischemic findings on CT correlates with poor COVID-19 outcomes. A high AA-CAS is associated with abdominal ischemic findings in patients with COVID-19.

Comparison of the short-term effects of facemask therapy preceded by conventional rapid maxillary expansion or by an alternate rapid maxillary expansions and constrictions protocol : A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the short-term effects of alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt-RAMEC) with conventional rapid maxillary expansion (RME) followed by facemask (FM) therapy. METHODS: A total of 30 patients who had received facemask therapy after RME or Alt-RAMEC protocols were included in the study. The Alt-RAMEC/FM and RME/FM groups were created to be well-matched regarding cervical vertebral maturation stage and sex. In the Alt-RAMEC group (10 males and 5 females, 10.99 ± 1.80 years), expansion screws were activated for a week (two turns/day), then deactivated in the following week (two turns/day). The activation-deactivation protocol continued for 6 or 7 weeks. In the RME/FM group (10 males and 5 females, 11.61 ± 1.20 years), screw activation was performed according to the patients' requirements. Lateral cephalograms which had been taken at the beginning of treatment and at the end of the facemask therapy were analyzed. Intragroup and intergroup differences were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant sagittal advancement of the maxilla. However, the Alt-RAMEC/FM group showed statistically greater improvements than the RME/FM group for SNA (3.11 ± 1.79 vs. 1.45 ± 1.34, p = 0.008), ANB (4.29 ± 1.80 vs. 2.95 ± 1.19, p = 0.023), convexity (8.91 ± 4.29 vs. 5.61 ± 2.51, p = 0.016), and overjet (5.86 ± 2.29 vs. 4.61 ± 2.10, p < 0.001). The sagittal mandibular, vertical skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Alt-RAMEC protocol was found to be more effective in the correction of skeletal class III malocclusion in the short term.

Evaluation of external apical root resorption caused by fixed functional treatment of class II malocclusion : Cast splint Herbst appliance vs. Forsus fatigue resistant device.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of class II fixed functional treatment with a cast splint Herbst appliance (HA; Herbst Set I, Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany) and Forsus fatigue resistant device (FRD; 3M Unitek Corp., Monrovia, CA, USA) on external apical root resorption (EARR) in posterior teeth. METHODS: In all, 40 patients (15 male and 25 female) with class II division 1 malocclusion were treated with two fixed functional appliances: HA (20 patients, mean age 14.60 ± 1.14 years) and FRD (20 patients, mean age 14.15 ± 1.28 years). The vestibular lengths of the first molars and premolars were measured on panoramic radiographs and converted to actual tooth length using the magnification coefficient (MC), which was calculated using dental models. Intragroup comparisons of pre- and posttreatment tooth lengths were performed with the paired t­test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test, while intergroup comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Pretreatment tooth length values decreased significantly with HA and FRD therapies for all posterior teeth. The maximum resorption was observed in the mandibular first premolar with a mean of 0.81 mm following HA and 1.55 mm following FRD treatment. While no significant difference existed between the EARR values of the HA and FRD groups for maxillary teeth, the amount of EARR of mandibular posterior teeth in the FRD group was significantly higher than in the HA group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients treated with HA or FRD, the tooth length of posterior teeth decreased to a clinically minor but statistically significant degree. The root resorption effect of FRD therapy in mandibular posterior teeth was significantly higher than that of HA therapy.

Effects of maxillary expansion and protraction on pharyngeal airway dimensions in relation to changes in head posture and hyoid position : A retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in pharyngeal airway dimensions, head posture and hyoid position after maxillary expansion and face mask (FM) treatment compared to untreated class III patients. METHODS: This study examined 24 class III patients (10 girls, 14 boys, mean age: 10.97 ± 0.88 years) treated with expansion and a petit-type FM appliance and 24 untreated class III patients (16 girls, 8 boys, mean age: 10.50 ± 1.06 years). Pre- and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs were digitally analysed. Parametric data were analysed with paired and independent-samples t­tests, nonparametric data were analysed with Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between dental/skeletal treatment changes and those of craniocervical postural position, pharyngeal airway dimension and hyoid position. RESULTS: With respect to the hypopharyngeal airway dimension, the hypopharyngeal sagittal length (CV3'-LPW), velar angle (HRL/U-PNS) and velar length (U-PNS) significantly increased in the treatment group. All the parameters describing head posture and those describing the distances of the hyoid bone to the HRL changed significantly after treatment, but these changes were not significantly different from the control group. In the treatment group, there also occurred a significant increase in the sagittal growth of the maxilla (SNA, Co­A, Na-Perp A, Wits), vertical growth of the maxillomandibular complex (SN-GoGN, N­ANS, N­Me), counterclockwise rotation of the maxilla (SN-PP) and overjet, while a clockwise rotation (y-axis) and a nonsignificant inhibition of the sagittal growth (Co-Gn) of the mandible were observed. The treatment induced increases of hypopharyngeal sagittal length (CV3'-LPW), soft palate thickness and anteroposterior movement of hyoid bone (H-CV3) demonstrated a positive correlation with changes of craniocervical angles (NSL/OPT, NSL/CVT) and a negative correlation with craniohorizontal angles (OPT/HOR, CVT/HOR). The change of the anteroposterior movement of hyoid bone (H-CV3) was also positively correlated with oropharyngeal sagittal length (CV2'-MPW), the hypopharyngeal sagittal length (CV3'-LPW) and the minimal dimension of the pharyngeal airway space (PASmin). CONCLUSION: While expansion and FM treatment did not affect the head posture and hyoid bone position, positive effects were observed in the hypopharyngeal airway region.

Comparison between cephalometric measurements using digital manual and web-based artificial intelligence cephalometric tracing software.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the measurements performed with digital manual (DM) cephalometric analysis and automatic cephalometric analysis obtained from an online artificial intelligence (AI) platform, according to different sagittal skeletal malocclusions. METHODS: Cephalometric radiographs of 105 randomly selected individuals (mean age: 17.25 ± 1.87 years) were included in this study. Dolphin Imaging software was used for DM cephalometric analysis, and the WebCeph platform was used for AI-based cephalometric analysis. In total, 10 linear and 12 angular measurements were evaluated. The paired t-test, one-way ANOVA test, and intraclass correlation coefficient tests were used to evaluate the differences between the two methods. The level of statistical significance was set at p< 0.05. RESULTS: Except for SNB, NPog, U1.SN, U1.NA, L1-APog, I/I, and LLE parameters, all other parameters presented significant differences between the two methods (p< 0.05). While there was no difference (p> 0.05) in both SNA and SNB measurements between the two methods in the Class I malocclusion group, there was a difference between both methods in the Class II malocclusion group. Meanwhile, only the SNA in the Class III malocclusion group was different (p< 0.05). The ANB angle differed significantly in all three malocclusion groups. For both methods, all parameters except CoA and CoGn were found to have good correlation. CONCLUSION: Although significant differences were detected in some measurements between the two cephalometric analysis methods, not all differences were clinically significant. The AI-based cephalometric analysis method needs to be developed for more specific malocclusions.

Atmospheric Pressure Mass Spectrometry of Single Viruses and Nanoparticles by Nanoelectromechanical Systems.

Mass spectrometry of intact nanoparticles and viruses can serve as a potent characterization tool for material science and biophysics. Inaccessible by widespread commercial techniques, the mass of single nanoparticles and viruses (>10MDa) can be readily measured by nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS)-based mass spectrometry, where charged and isolated analyte particles are generated by electrospray ionization (ESI) in air and transported onto the NEMS resonator for capture and detection. However, the applicability of NEMS as a practical solution is hindered by their miniscule surface area, which results in poor limit-of-detection and low capture efficiency values. Another hindrance is the necessity to house the NEMS inside complex vacuum systems, which is required in part to focus analytes toward the miniscule detection surface of the NEMS. Here, we overcome both limitations by integrating an ion lens onto the NEMS chip. The ion lens is composed of a polymer layer, which charges up by receiving part of the ions incoming from the ESI tip and consequently starts to focus the analytes toward an open window aligned with the active area of the NEMS electrostatically. With this integrated system, we have detected the mass of gold and polystyrene nanoparticles under ambient conditions and with two orders-of-magnitude improvement in capture efficiency compared to the state-of-the-art. We then applied this technology to obtain the mass spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 and BoHV-1 virions. With the increase in analytical throughput, the simplicity of the overall setup, and the operation capability under ambient conditions, the technique demonstrates that NEMS mass spectrometry can be deployed for mass detection of engineered nanoparticles and biological samples efficiently.

Comparison of Multiparametric and Fast MRI Protocols in Detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer and a Detailed Cost Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to the long acquisition time and high cost of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), biparametric and, more recently, fast prostate magnetic resonance imaging (fpMRI) protocols have been described. However, there is insufficient data about the diagnostic performance and cost of fpMRI. PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performances and cost analysis of fpMRI and mpMRI in clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA). STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: A total of 103 patients (63 had csPCA) with a mean age of 66.83 (± 7.22) years were included. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: A 1.5-T; T1- and T2-weighted turbo spin-echo imaging (T1WI and T2WI), echo-planar diffusion-weighted images, and dynamic contrast-enhanced T1W imaging. ASSESSMENT: Three readers independently evaluated the fpMRI and mpMRI images in different sessions blinded to all patient information. Diagnostic performances of fpMRI and mpMRI were evaluated. Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to determine the interreader and intrareader agreement. A detailed cost analysis was performed for each protocol. STATISTICAL TESTS: Receiver operating characteristics analysis, area under the curve (AUC), and κ test were used. Diagnostic performance parameters were also calculated. RESULTS: Of the 63 malignant index lesions (csPCA), 53/63 of those (84.1%) originated from the peripheral zone and 10/63 lesions (15.9%) originated from the transition zone. The AUC values for fpMRI were 0.878 for reader 1, 0.937 for reader 2, and 0.855 for reader 3. For mpMRI, the AUC values were 0.893 for reader 1, 0.94 for reader 2, and 0.862 for reader 3. Inter and intrareader agreements were moderate to substantial (κ range, 0.5-0.79). The total cost per examination was calculated as €12.39 and €30.10 for fpMRI and mpMRI, respectively. DATA CONCLUSIONS: Fast MRI protocol has similar diagnostic performance with mpMRI in detecting csPCA, and fpMRI can be considered an alternative protocol that could create a lower financial burden on health-care systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 6.

Association between incisor positions and amount of interdental stripping in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to investigate the effect of a nonextraction treatment approach with interdental stripping (IDS) on the dentofacial structures in patients with dental and skeletal Class I, II, and III malocclusions. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with mild-to-moderate crowding of the teeth and nonsevere skeletal malocclusion were included and divided into 3 groups: Class I, Class II, and Class III groups (n = 20 per group). In all patients, nonextraction orthodontic treatment was administered, and those who underwent IDS at the jaw quadrants as needed were evaluated. For pretreatment and posttreatment evaluation, lateral cephalometric radiography and 3-dimensional dental model scans were acquired for each patient. For statistical analysis, paired-samples t test and 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey post-hoc test were used for parametric variables, whereas the Wilcoxon paired signed rank test and Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn post-hoc test were used for nonparametric variables. RESULTS: An increase in the maxillary incisor angle was observed in patients with Class I and Class III malocclusions, whereas a decrease was observed in patients with a Class II malocclusion (P < 0.05). Mandibular incisor angles were significantly increased in the Class II malocclusion group (P < 0.05) but unchanged in the other groups. IDS was more frequently applied to the posterior aspect of the maxilla and mandible in patients with a Class II malocclusion than in patients with other malocclusion types, and the amount of IDS at the anterior aspect of the mandible was significantly higher in the Class III group. CONCLUSIONS: Combined nonextraction orthodontic treatment and IDS yielded successful treatment outcomes. IDS application was localized to different jaw regions according to the different malocclusion types.

VI-RADS score and tumor contact length in MRI: A potential method for the detection of muscle invasion in bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Vesical Imaging Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) is a useful tool for evaluating muscle layer invasion of bladder cancer (BCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of bladder MRI to detect the muscle layer invasion of BCa using VI-RADS score and quantitative MRI parameters. METHODS: Preoperative bladder MRI was performed in 73 BCa patients. Two observers independently evaluated the MR blinded to histopathological data and classified the tumors according to VI-RADS criteria. Moreover, the quantitative parameters (maximum tumor diameter; Dmax, tumor contact length; TCL, and tumor apparent diffusion coefficient; ADC values) were independently measured by observers. The diagnostic performance of the VI-RADS score and quantitative values were evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Interobserver agreement was evaluated using the weighted-kappa coefficient (κ). RESULTS: For the VI-RADS score, the AUC (area under the curve) was 0.968 and accuracy was 90.4% for Observer 1, and AUC was 0.953, accuracy was 89% for Observer 2. The AUC of TCL, TCL/DMax, and ADC values was 0.918, 0.675, and 0.832. In patients with a VI-RADS score ≥ 3, when a threshold value of TCL > 19.5 mm is used as complementary to the VI-RADS score, the accuracy of MRI for Observer-1 increases 100% and 97.26% for Observer-2. There was a good-excellent agreement between the observers in assessing the VI-RADS scores and quantitative parameters. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of bladder MRI using both VI-RADS criteria and TCL is successful and highly reproducible for detecting muscle layer invasion in patients with BCa.

Effects of different wavelengths of low-level laser therapy on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption in rats investigated with micro-computerized tomography.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of different wavelengths low-level laser therapies on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) during orthodontic tooth movement in rats by micro-computerized tomography. METHODS: Forty Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups: control group (A), 405-nm laser group (B), 532-nm laser group (C), 650-nm laser group (D), and 940-nm laser group (E). The left side of group A was used as a positive control (A-PC), and the right side of group A was used as a negative control (A-NC) group. In all groups, the maxillary left first molars were moved mesially by 50 g of force for 14 days. The lasers were performed for 9 minutes on the maxillary left first molar tooth. At the end of the experimental period, OIIRR measurements were performed at the mesial and the distal sides along the mesial root of the maxillary first molars. RESULTS: The root resorption volume was significantly lower in group A-NC than in groups A-PC, B, and D. The percentage of root resorption was significantly lower in group A-NC than in all other groups. The root resorption volume and the percentage of root resorption in groups C, D, and E were significantly lower than group A-PC. The depth and the width of the lacuna and even the number of mesial lacunae were similar between groups. The distal and the total lacunae were significantly lower in group A-NC than in all other groups except group C. CONCLUSIONS: The 532-nm, 650-nm, and 940-nm lasers significantly reduced the volume of OIIRR. In addition, the 532-nm laser reduced the number of lacunae both distally and totally than all the other groups.

Efficiency of Fat Suppression in T1-Weighted Inner Ear Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Multipoint Dixon Method Versus Hybrid Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Temporal bone is a region where fat suppression is difficult due to the inhomogeneity of various structures with different molecular properties. INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the most effective fat suppression sequence in order to increase the visibility of the inner ear region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hybrid techniques and T1-Weighted mDIXON images of 40 patients with Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging of the inner ear were prospectively compared by two experienced radiologists in terms of fat suppression efficacy. In all fat-suppressed sequences, the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), the spinal cord signal intensity / mean fat signal intensity ratio and spinal cord signal to noise ratio were calculated. The suppression efficacy of MR techniques for fat areas in the inner ear was visually graded. RESULTS: Qualitative assessment of image quality due to fat suppression in the inner ear was made; the Dixon technique performed significantly better than SPAIR and SPIR techniques (p<0.0001). The mean signal intensity of the inner ear fat and SNR for the Dixon technique were significantly lower than that for SPIR and SPAIR techniques (p<0.0001). Inter-observer agreement regarding the assessment of the inner ear fat, mean signal intensity values and mean SNR values for fat suppression techniques was significant. CONCLUSION: The Dixon technique exhibited higher image quality and fat suppression efficiency than the hybrid techniques in the MR imaging of the inner ear.

Comparison of cervical vertebral anomalies and sella turcica bridging in different growth stages with various vertical skeletal growth patterns.

PURPOSE: To compare cervical vertebral anomalies and sella turcica bridging (STB) in different growth stages in orthodontic patients with different vertical skeletal growth patterns. METHODS: Lateral cephalometric radiographs (LCR) of 270 patients in the preadolescent, adolescent, or postadolescent periods and having low angle [LA], normal angle [NA], or high-angle [HA] vertical skeletal growth patterns were evaluated retrospectively. STB was visualized using LCRs while evaluating the deficiency of ponticulus posticus (PP) and atlas posterior arch (PAA) associated with the atlas bone. The Pearson chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical data and one-way ANOVA for numerical data. RESULTS: The prevalence of fully calcified PP and STB increased from the preadolescent (PP, 10.0%; STB, 11.1%) to the postadolescent period (PP, 24.4; STB, 21.1%); they did not differ from vertical skeletal growth patterns (p > 0.05). The prevalence of PAA deficiency is significantly higher in individuals with LA (46.7%) than with other angles (NA, 27.8%; HA, 26.7%). The vertical skeletal growth pattern was significantly related to STB in the preadolescent period and PAA in the postadolescent period. CONCLUSIONS: Different anomalies during different growth periods correlate with the vertical skeletal growth pattern. It will be useful to evaluate a different anomaly according to the relevant growth period.

Effects of 405-, 532-, 650-, and 940-nm wavelengths of low-level laser therapies on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

BACKGROUND: Investigating the effects of 405-nm, 532-nm, 650-nm, and 950-nm wavelengths of LLLTs (low-level laser therapies) on the orthodontic tooth movement in rats by using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Forty-five Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group (positive control: the left maxillary 1st molar side; negative control: the right maxillary 1st molar side), 405 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), 532 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), 650 nm LLLT group (Realpoo), and 940 nm LLLT group (Biolase). The left maxillary 1st molar teeth of all rats were applied mesially 50-g force. Starting from the 1st day, 48 h intervals, LLLT was applied in continuous wave mode and in contact with the tissue. The application area was approximately 1 cm2. The lasers were performed for 3 min on each surface (buccal, palatal, mesial), totally 9 min (total dose 54 J/cm2). The amount of the molar mesialization, the bone area between the roots, PDL (periodontal ligament) measurements, TRAP (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase), and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) immunoreactivity intensity were calculated. RESULTS: The amount of the molar mesialization was significantly higher in the 650 nm LLLT group (mean 0.878 ± 0.201 mm; 95% CI (confidence interval) 0.724 and 1.032) than in the groups of positive control (mean 0.467 ± 0.357 mm; 95% CI 0.192 and 0.741) and 405 nm LLLT (mean 0.644 ± 0.261 mm; 95% CI 0.443 and 0.845) (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in the PDL-mesial (p = 0.042) and PDL-distal (p = 0.007) regions between the groups. The immunoreactivity intensity for TRAP-mesial was significantly higher in the positive control group (mean 109,420.33 ± 8769.17; 95% CI 100,217.65 and 118,623.02) than in the 405 nm (mean 91,678.83 ± 7313.39; 95% CI 84,003.9 and 99,353.77) and the 650 nm LLLT (mean 87,169.17 ± 4934.65; 95% CI 81,990.56 and 92,347.77) groups (p = 0.002). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups on immunoreactivity intensity with ALP staining. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that LLLT with 650-nm wavelength increases orthodontic tooth movement more than 405-nm, 532-nm, and 940-nm LLLTs. The 940-nm and 650-nm LLLTs also increase the bone area between the roots by more than 405-nm and 532-nm wavelengths.

Cervicovertebral anomalies and/or normal variants in patients with congenitally bilateral absent maxillary lateral incisors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a relationship between congenitally bilaterally absent maxillary lateral incisors (BAMLIs) and skeletal anomalies and/or normal variants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 86 patients (62 girls, 24 boys; age 12-17 years) with congenitally BAMLIs and 86 patients (55 girls, 34 boys; age 13-18 years) without any dental or skeletal anomalies were collected and evaluated retrospectively. The study was based on the evaluation of lateral cephalometric and orthopantomographic radiographs. Posterior arch deficiency of the atlas bone (PADA); atlanto-occipital ligament calcification, known as "ponticulus posticus" (PP); and interclinoid ligament calcification, known as "sella turcica bridging" were recorded for each participant. Pearson χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to evaluate and compare skeletal anomalies and/or normal variants between patients with BAMLIs and the control group. RESULTS: The prevalence of cervicovertebral anomalies and/or normal variants seen in the lateral cephalometric radiographs was higher in patients with BAMLI than in the control group. The prevalence of PP was lower and that of PADA was higher in patients with BAMLIs than in the control group (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PADA was increased and that of PP formation was decreased in patients with BAMLIs. There was a significant relationship between skeletal anomalies and/or normal variants.