Radiopacity evaluation of calcium silicate cements.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the radiopacity of calcium silicate cements using a digital imaging method. METHODS: Four calcium silicate cements, NeoMTA 2, OrthoMTA, ProRoot MTA, and Biodentine, were used in this study. Disk-shaped samples were prepared from each material and placed on a plexiglass plate. An aluminum step-wedge was placed alongside the samples on a digital sensor and exposed to 70 kVp and 8 mA from 30 cm away for 0.32 s. The greyness values ​​of the tested materials were measured digitally with the system software and compared with those of the step-wedge to determine the equivalent aluminum thickness. RESULTS: The radiopacity values, expressed in equivalent millimetres of aluminum, of the studied materials ProRoot MTA, OrthoMTA, NeoMTA 2, and Biodentine were 4.32 ± 0.17 mm Al, 3.92 ± 0.09 mm Al, 3.83 ± 0.07 mm Al, and 2.29 ± 0.21 mm Al, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found between the mean radiographic density values of the tested materials (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ProRoot MTA was the most radiopaque root canal filling material among the tested materials. All materials, except Biodentine, were found to be compliant with the minimum radiopacity requirements of ISO 6876 and ADA 57 standards.

Prevalence, classification and dental treatment requirements of dens invaginatus by cone-beam computed tomography.

Background: This study aimed the evaluation of the prevalence, characteristics, types of dens invaginatus (DI) and co-observed dental anomalies to understand dental treatment requirements in anterior teeth that are susceptible to developmental anomalies by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: In this retrospective study, the anterior teeth of 958 patients were evaluated by using CBCT for the presence of DI. The demographic features, types of DI and treatment requirements were also recorded. The association between sex and the presence of DI was evaluated using chi-squared test. Results: Seventy-three DI anomalies were detected in the anterior teeth of 49 patients (18 females, 31 males). The frequency of DI was 5.11% and the most frequently involved teeth were lateral (57.53%). Forty-six teeth were classified as Type I (63.01%), 24 as Type II (32.87%), and three as Type III (4.10%). Apical pathosis was found to be 20.54% in all DIs detected and accounted for all Type III and one-third of Type II. Conclusions: CBCT imaging can be effective in the detection of dental anomalies such as DI and planning for root canal therapy and surgical treatments. Prophylactic interventions might be possible to prevent apical pathosis with the data obtained from CBCT images.

Investigation of eNOS G894T Gene Polymorphism in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Preliminary Study.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) G894T polymorphism. Methods: Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients who had undergone uncomplicated cataract surgeries for senile cataract were included in this study. Forty patients with XFS were included in the study group, and 38 patients without XFS constituted the control group. Patients with XFS were divided into two subgroups according to their XFG development, and subgroup analysis was performed. Venous blood samples were taken from all patients before surgery and 894 G>T (rs1799983) polymorphism on the eNOS gene was evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: While the mean age in the control group was 65.97±10.64 years (23 males and 15 females), the mean age in the study group was 73.05±6.79 years (30 males and 10 females), (p<0.001). Regression analysis of the risks caused by the genotype and alleles between the control and study groups revealed that the homozygous alleles were more common in the study group, and heterozygous or mutant alleles have reduced the development of XFS approximately 2-folds. However, this was not statistically significant (p=0.11). Similarly, when subgroup analysis was performed, it was found that there was no significant relationship between XFG in patients with XFS and gene polymorphism. Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that there was no relationship between the G894T polymorphism in the eNOS gene and the development of XFS/XFG.

The effects of ocular surface disease on optical coherence tomography test results in patients with glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of current ocular surface disease (OSD) on OCT signal quality and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements in patients treated with antiglaucomatous medications and the changes in these test results by dry eye treatment. METHODS: Fifty-five patients, diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and OSD, who were treated for glaucoma with topical medications for at least 6 months were included in this study. Patients were treated with topical preservative free polyvinyl alcohol + povidone artificial tear drops four times a day for at least 20 days and topical loteprednol etabonate drops four times a day for 1 week. Patients were divided into groups according to the number of active substances in their glaucoma drops, daily drop numbers, and duration of drug utilizations. OCT signal quality and mean RNFL thickness measurements were evaluated within these groups before and after OSD treatment. RESULTS: Pre-treatment mean OCT signal quality was 19.15 ± 3.739 and mean RNFL thickness was 93.07 ± 13.931µ; post-treatment mean OCT signal quality was 23.93 ± 3.839 and mean RNFL thickness was 98.27 ± 14.863 µ (p < 0.05). Post-treatment measurements were significantly improved compared to pre-treatment measurements in our patients, but the differences among subgroups were not statistically significant. There was a strong positive correlation between pre-treatment signal quality measurements and Schirmer II test values (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Treatment of OSD in glaucoma patients being treated with long-term anti-glaucoma medications, seem to improve the quality and reliability of OCT test results.

An Alternative Classification Scheme for Accessory Mental Foramen.

BACKGROUND: The mental foramen (MF) is an important anatomical landmark on the mandible. MFs may occur singly or with extra foramina (accessory mental foramen (AMF)). OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to discuss the importance of recognition and classification of AMFs. METHODS: This study assessed CBCT images of 593 patients (208 male, 385 female) and proposed an AMF classification scheme based on three different characteristics: (1) location of the AMF with respect to the MF; (2) relationship of AMFs with tooth apices; and (3) origin of the AMF. The chi-squared test was used to compare the qualitative data as well as descriptive statistical methods when the study data were evaluated. Significance was assessed at the p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: A total of 80 AMFs were found in 71 patients. Six cases involved bilateral AMFs, whereas three cases showed double AMFs. The most common AMF location was the region posterior of the MF. Notably, all the AMFs detected in line with the mesial half of the first molar were present in female patients. Based on AMF origins, 44.5%, 48.6%, and 6.7% of the AMFs were categorized as type I, type II, and a new category identified in this study, type III. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that some foramina locations were not considered in the previous classification. Recognition and identification of these foramina might be critical to prevent possible complications. The proposed classification scheme may facilitate this objective and can be a new focus for future studies.

Effectiveness of Various Final Irrigation Techniques on Sealer Penetration in Curved Roots: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of various techniques used for final irrigation on sealer penetration in the apical one-third of curved root canals. Material and Methods. Sixty-five freshly extracted maxillary first molar teeth with mesiobuccal roots having more than 20° of root curvature were used. The root canals were instrumented and randomly divided into four experimental groups and one control group. In the 4 experimental groups, 3 ml of 17% EDTA followed by 3 ml of 5.25% NaOCl was delivered with the use of the following protocols: Group 1: manual dynamic activation (MDA), Group 2: sonic irrigation (SI), Group 3: passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and Group 4: conventional needle irrigation (CI). All teeth were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer labeled with fluorescent dye. Transverse sections at 2 mm and 4 mm distance from the root apex were examined with the aid of confocal laser scanning microscopy. Total percentage (%) and maximum depth (µm) of sealer penetration were measured. RESULTS: All the experimental groups exhibited significantly higher penetration rates than the control group at both sections (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found in the penetration depth and percentage among the four experimental groups evaluated at both sections (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PUI, SI, and MDA did not significantly improve sealer penetration in the apical portion of curved root canals when compared to conventional needle irrigation.

The Role of Optical Coherence Tomography Signal Strength in the Diagnosis and Follow-up of Patients with Posterior Capsular Opacification Treated with Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between optical coherence tomography (OCT) signal strength (SS) and visual acuity in patients with posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and evaluate the effect of PCO on retinal thickness measurements. Materials and Methods: Forty-one eyes of 35 patients who were diagnosed with PCO were included in the study. Patients with any anterior or posterior segment pathology other than PCO were excluded. After ophthalmologic examination, pupil dilation was induced using 0.5% tropicamide and OCT images were acquired. The assessment was repeated 1 month after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy and postoperative values were compared with baseline values. Results: The patients' mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.28±0.13 preoperatively and 0.78±0.09 postoperatively (p<0.0001). Strong positive correlations were observed between BCVA and SS both pre- and postoperatively (p<0.0001 and p=0.01, respectively). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and SS increased significantly postoperatively (p<0.0001 for both). OCT SS and CRT were strongly correlated preoperatively (p=0.001) but not postoperatively (p=0.46). Conclusion: OCT SS correlates with visual acuity in patients with PCO, and PCO can affect the accuracy of objective data obtained with OCT.

Correlations between the Peptide Hormone Ghrelin and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Experimental Periodontitis Models of Female Rats at Different Stages of the Life Cycle.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the correlations between the levels of ghrelin and inflammatory and bone metabolism markers in rats with periodontitis. DESIGN: Thirty female Wistar rats (6 trial rats and 4 control rats in each group) were divided into pubertal, adult and postmenopausal groups. Periodontitis was induced by ligatures. On the 21 st day, blood was collected and all rats were then sacrificed. The levels of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, alkaline phosphatase, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß), acylated ghrelin, total ghrelin and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligands in the blood samples were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The jaws were decalcified in a Tris-EDTA solution and embedded in paraffin and 4-5 µm sections were cut for IL-ß, TNF -α and ghrelin staining. RESULTS: Significantly higher serum alkaline phosphatase levels were detected in the trial rats in the pubertal group than in the control rats (p = 0.033). In the postmenopausal group, ghrelin levels positively correlated with interleukin 1 beta levels (r = 0.708, p < 0.05). Among all trial rats, the postmenopausal group exhibited significantly higher levels of acylated ghrelin than the other groups (p = 0.001). Significantly higher osteoprotegerin levels were observed in the control rats than in the trial rats in the postmenopausal group (p = 0.012). Inflammation scores were significantly higher in adult trial rats than in controls (p = 0.024); significantly higher TNF-α levels were detected in postmenopausal experimental rats than in the adult experimental group (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that total ghrelin levels in serum only correlated with IL-ß levels in postmenopausal rats.

[Detection and Molecular Characterization of Human Adenoviruses from Acute Conjunctivitis Cases]. / Akut Konjunktivitli Olgularda Insan Adenovirüslerinin Belirlenmesi ve Moleküler Karakterizasyonu.

Human adenoviruses (hAdV) can cause a wide range of clinical diseases in children and adults that mainly affect respiratory, eye and gastrointestinal systems. Ocular hAdV infections have various clinical manifestations such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, pharyngoconjunctival fever and non-specific follicular conjunctivitis. The hAdV genotypes which can cause conjunctivitis vary according to geographic distribution. In the study, we aimed to determine the frequency of the presence of hAdV by molecular methods and to determine the types with phylogenetic analysis in conjunctival swab samples taken from patients diagnosed clinically as acute conjunctivitis. Conjunctival swab samples (n= 100) were taken from the patients with acute conjunctivitis who have admitted to Mersin University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic and 50 conjunctival swab samples taken from healthy individuals as a control, between September 2014-July 2017 were included in the study. Following the DNA isolation from swab samples, polimerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed using specific primer sequences targeting the hexon gene region of the hAdV genome. In order to determine hAdV types, direct DNA sequence analysis of hexon gene products was performed in "ABI PRISM 3130XL Genetic Analyzer" (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA). The obtained hAdV DNA sequences were typed by BLAST analysis and the identified genotypes were compared phylogenetically with the reference hAdV sequences of the NCBI In the study, 30 (30%, 30/100) of the swab samples of the patients with acute conjunctivitis were found positive for hAdV hexon gene PCR. The hAdV DNA was not found in the conjunctival swab samples belonging to the healthy individuals included as controls. A total 27 samples found as positive of the hexon gene PCR were genotyped by direct DNA sequence analysis. A total of 5 genotypes were identified and the most common genotypes were hAdV-8 (n= 17, 63%) and followed by hAdV-53 (n= 4, 14.8%), hAdV-4 (n= 4, 14.8%), hAdV-7 (n= 1, 3.7%) and hAdV-37 (n= 1, 3.7%). In this study, the prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis determined by hexon gene PCR in patients with clinical diagnosis of acute conjunctivitis was similar to the prevalence rate reported in other regions of the world. In our region, more than one type of hAdV type was associated with acute conjunctivitis. The predominant type was determined as hAdV-8 with a 63% ratio. These results will significantly contribute to the molecular epidemiology of hAdV types in conjunctivitis cases.

Assessment of miR-182, miR-183, miR-184, and miR-221 Expressions in Primary Pterygium and Comparison With the Normal Conjunctiva.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of miR-126-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-184, miR-221-3p, and miR-205-5p in primary pterygium tissue and compare these levels with those in healthy conjunctiva tissue. METHODS: Twenty-four patients who were diagnosed with grade 3 primary pterygium and scheduled for surgery between January 2014 and January 2016 and had no systemic disease or other ocular pathology were included in the study. The control group comprised nasal interpalpebral conjunctival tissue specimens from 24 age- and sex-matched patients with no history of systemic disease or ocular pathology other than cataract. Expression levels of miR-126-3p, miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, miR-184, miR-221-3p, and miR-205-5p were determined and compared between the pterygium and conjunctiva specimens. RESULTS: Expression levels of miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-184 were significantly higher in pterygium tissue compared with normal conjunctival specimens (P<0.0001, P=0.01, and P=0.01, respectively), whereas expression of miR-221-3p was significantly lower (P=0.02). Expression levels of miR-126-3p and miR-205-5p did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Expression levels of miR-182-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-184 are increased, whereas expression of miR-221-3p is decreased in primary pterygium tissue, and these miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms (Apa1 and Taq1) in temporomandibular joint internal derangement/osteoarthritis in a group of Turkish patients.

Genetic variations might play a role in susceptibility to temporomandibular joint internal derangement (TMJ-ID) and osteoarthritis of the joint (TMJOA). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms have been shown to be associated with disc degeneration-linked pathologies, particularly osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether VDR polymorphisms present susceptibility to TMJ-ID/TMJOA. The study included 49 unrelated TMJ-ID patients with OA (31.7 ± 7.9) that were grouped and evaluated as having anterior disk displacement with reduction (ADDwR, n = 24) (31.58 ± 8.25) and without reduction (ADDwoR, n = 25) (31.8 ± 7.53) and 70 healthy controls (28.22 ± 5.9). DNA was extracted from blood samples using the standard proteinase K/phenol-chloroform method. Apa1 and Taq1 polymorphisms were investigated using a polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. When TMJ-ID patients, ADDwR cases and ADDwoR cases versus healthy controls were compared, Apa1 Aa genotype compared to AA genotype had odds ratios of 1.65, 1.79 and 1.64 respectively (p > 0.05). In TMJ-ID women versus healthy women Aa genotype had 2.06 fold (p = 0.15) odds compared to AA genotype. Taq1 results showed that in TMJ-ID patients and ADDwoR cases the Tt genotype had odds ratios of 0.63 and 0.44 fold (p > 0.05) respectively. In TMJ-ID women the Tt and tt genotypes had odds ratios of 0.53 and 0.73 (p > 0.05). Combined VDR genotypes revealed that AATT had a 3.3 fold (p = 1.21) odds ratio while AATt had a 2.0 fold odds ratio (p = 0.29) (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.23-1.49, p = 0.26) compared to AaTt. Although our results do not confirm susceptibility of VDR polymorphisms to TMJ-ID/TMJOA ,this relation needs to be further evaluated in a large cohort study.

Evaluation of deformation and fracture rates for nickel-titanium rotary instruments according to the frequency of clinical use.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the deformation and fracture rates for ProTaper Universal (PTU) nickel-titanium rotary instruments according to the frequency of clinical use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 619 PTU instruments (S1, S2, F1, F2, and F3) that have been used in the clinic by a single endodontist were collected over a period of 4 years. These instruments were grouped on the basis of one to three (Group A), four to six (Group B) and seven to nine (Group C) clinical uses (one canal = one use). All instruments were evaluated by a blinded investigator under a stereomicroscope at 15×-45× magnification for the presence of deformation and fracture. RESULTS: The overall rates of deformation and fracture were 10% and 1.2%, respectively. The deformation and fracture rates for the S2, F1, and F2 instruments showed no significant differences among groups. However, fracture rate for S1 instruments in Group A was significantly higher than for those in Group B (p=0.025) and Group C (p=0.004). In Group C, the S1 instruments showed a significantly higher deformation rate compared with the S2 (p=0.04), F1 (p=0.008) and F2 (p=0.049) instruments; there were no other significant differences within groups. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of the current study, frequency of use seemed to influence the deformation rates of PTU rotary instruments. Except S1, these instruments could be used without any fracture or deformation in up to 9 clinical cases by an experienced endodontist.

Scleral fixated intraocular lens implantation with a modified Z-suture technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual outcomes and complications in scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with the modified Z-suture technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients (20 male, 15 female) were included in the study. Patients underwent scleral fixated IOL implantation using the modified Z-suture technique and were followed in terms of visual acuity and complications. RESULTS: Mean postoperative follow-up time was 12.46 ± 7.46 months. Mean best corrected visual acuity was 1.35 ± 0.91 logMAR preoperatively and 0.48 ± 0.39 logMAR postoperatively, and difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). No suture-related complications were observed during follow-up in any of the patients. Slight infero-temporal dislocation of the IOL was observed at postoperative 5 months in one patient (2.85%) who experienced blunt trauma. It caused no optical disturbance, and repeated surgery was not advised. Transient intravitreal hemorrhage was observed in two patients (5.7%) who underwent combined scleral fixation and pupilloplasty. DISCUSSION: The modified Z-suture technique is simple, fast, and was determined to be safe in terms of complications. However, long-term outcomes should be evaluated in larger patient groups.

Evaluation of Dentin Defect Formation during Retreatment with Hand and Rotary Instruments: A Micro-CT Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and longitudinal propagation of dentin defects after gutta-percha removal with hand and rotary instruments using microcomputed tomography. Twenty mandibular incisors were prepared using the balanced-force technique and scanned in a 19.9 µm resolution. Following filling with the lateral compaction technique, gutta-percha was removed with ProTaper Universal Retreatment (PTUR) or hand instruments. After rescanning, a total of 24,120 cross-sectional images were analyzed. The numbers, types, and longitudinal length changes of defects were recorded. Defects were observed in 36.90% of the cross sections. A total of 73 defects were comprised of 87.67% craze lines, 2.73% partial cracks, and 9.58% fractures. No significant difference in terms of new defect formation was detected between the retreatment groups. The apical and middle portions of the roots had more dentin defects than the coronal portions. Defects in three roots of the PTUR instrument group increased in length. Under the conditions of this in vitro study, gutta-percha removal seemed to not increase the incidence of dentin defect formation, but the longitudinal defect propagation finding suggests possible cumulative dentinal damage due to additional endodontic procedures. Hand and rotary instrumentation techniques caused similar dentin defect formation during root canal retreatment.

In vitro comparison of gutta-percha-filled area percentages in root canals instrumented and obturated with different techniques.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of different obturation techniques in root canals instrumented either by hand or rotary instruments with regard to the percentage of gutta- percha-filled area (PGFA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty extracted mandibular premolars with single, straight root canals were studied. Root canals were prepared to an apical size of 30 by hand with a modified crown-down technique or the ProTaper and HEROShaper systems. Teeth were divided into eight groups (n=20) according to the following instrumentation and obturation techniques: G1: Hand files+lateral condensation (LC), G2: Hand files+Thermafil, G3: ProTaper+LC, G4: ProTaper+single-cone, G5: ProTaper+ProTaper-Obturator, G6: HEROShaper+LC, G7: HEROShaper+single-cone, G8: HEROShaper+HEROfill. Horizontal sections were cut at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 mm from the apical foramen. A total of 1120 sections obtained were digitally photographed under a stereomicroscope set at 48X magnification. The cross-sectional area of the canal and the gutta-percha was measured by digital image analysis and the PGFA was calculated for each section. RESULTS: The mean of the PGFA in Thermafil (G2), ProTaper-Obturator (G5) and HEROfill (G8) groups was significantly higher than the other groups. In G3 and G4, PGFA showed no significant difference in the apical segments whereas PGFA was significantly higher at the middle and coronal segments in G3. In G6 and G7, PGFA showed no significant difference in the apical and middle segments whereas PGFA was significantly higher at the coronal segments in G6. CONCLUSION: The carrier-based gutta-percha obturation systems revealed significantly higher PGFA in comparison to single-cone and lateral condensation techniques.

Comparison of the Shaping Ability of WaveOne Reciprocating Files with or without Glide Path in Simulated Curved S-shaped Root Canals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to compare the shaping ability of WaveOne reciprocating files with or without glide path in simulated curved S-shaped root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty ISO #15, 0.02 taper, clear resin Endo Training Bloc-S blocks were studied. The simulated curved S-shaped canals were dyed using ink, preinstrumentation images were scanned, and resin blocks were prepared and divided into Group A: PathFile and WaveOne and Group B: WaveOne. All canals were postoperatively scanned. Pre- and postoperative images were superimposed and evaluated at 12 defined measuring points. The efficacy of the systems was compared based on the amount and direction of canal transportation, centering ability, amount of material removed, and presence of canal aberrations. Mann-Whitney U-test and independent t-test were used for statistical comparison. RESULTS: Both systems produced transportation at all levels and straightened the curved S-shaped canals. No significant differences in the amount and direction of transportation and amount of material removed were observed between the groups at each level (P > 0.05). However, Group A had significantly greater centering ability at the coronal straight zone (P = 0.018) and apical curvature (P = 0.014) levels than did Group B. Moreover, Group B showed more canal aberrations than did Group A. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the creation of a glide path with the PathFile system improved the centering ability of the WaveOne reciprocating file in the apical and straight coronal portions of the simulated curved S-shaped root canals and reduced the incidence of canal aberrations.

Association of Matrilin-3 Gene Polymorphism with Temporomandibular Joint Internal Derangement.

AIMS: Temporomandibular joint internal derangement (TMJ ID) is a multifactorial complex disease characterised by articular disc degeneration. Matrilin-3 is a cartilage and bone-specific adaptor protein, and amino-acid substitutions in the protein are associated with skeletal diseases and joint disorders. We aimed to detect the variants of Matrilin-3 gene (MATN3) in a TMJ ID case-control group and to investigate the risk association of the detected variants with TMJ ID. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted consisting of 57 unrelated TMJ ID patients (32.7 ± 8.2) and 96 unrelated healthy controls (26.63 ± 3.05) without TMJ ID to look for associations with variants of the MATN3 gene. DNA from individual subjects was extracted and each of the eight exons was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using and analyzed by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. SSCP variants were subjected to DNA sequence analysis, which yielded band pattern variations in exon 2 of the gene. We further analyzed exon 2 by DNA sequencing to determine the sequence of these variants. RESULTS: We identified SSCP band patterns variants in exon 2 of the MATN3 gene which upon sequencing revealed a single C to T transition mutation (rs28598872) c.447 C>T (g.11608 C>T). This polymorphism is predicted to result in a synonymous mutation (pAla149 = ). The TT and CT genotypes were more prevalent than the CC genotype in TMJ ID patients compared to the control group with a risk factor of 2.12 (confidence intervals [CI] :0.88-5.08) and 2.0 (CI:0.726-5.508). In addition, TMJ ID patients were divided into two groups as anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWOR) and compared with the controls. The TT and CT genotypes were more prevalent than the CC genotype in ADDWR patients compared to the control group with a risk factor of 3.85 (CI:0.927-16.048) and 3.75 (1.02-13.786), respectively. We found that, among ADDWR patients, the T allele is a risk factor both in homozygous and heterozygous carriers (p < 0.052, p < 0.036). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate a potential role for the MATN3 rs28598872 polymorphism in the pathogenesis of TMJ ID.

Evaluation of dentinal defect formation after root canal preparation with two reciprocating systems and hand instruments: an in vitro study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of dentinal defects after root canal preparation with hand instruments and two different reciprocating instruments. Sixty freshly extracted mandibular incisor teeth were selected for this in vitro study. On the basis of root length, mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions, the teeth were allocated into three identical experimental groups (n = 15) and one control group (n = 15). The teeth in the control group were left unprepared. The other groups were: stainless steel hand instruments, WaveOne® Primary instruments and RECIPROC® R25 instruments. The reciprocating instruments were used with a reciprocating gentle in-and-out motion in a torque-limited electric motor at the appropriate preset mode. Horizontal sections were made 3, 6 and 9 mm from the apex. Samples were stained with methylene blue and viewed through a stereomicroscope. The presence of dentinal defects (fractures, incomplete cracks and craze lines) and their locations were investigated by two endodontists. These data were analysed statistically by Fisher's exact and chi-square tests. No defects were observed in the unprepared group. All instruments caused dentinal defects, with no significant differences between the instrument systems. All experimental groups demonstrated significantly more defects at the 3-mm level in comparison with the unprepared group (p = 0.032). At the other levels, there was no significant difference between the experimental groups and the control group. The use of hand or reciprocating instruments could induce the formation of dentinal defects during root canal preparation.

Comparative proteomic approach in rat model of absence epilepsy.

The aim of this study was to investigate cellular proteins in the pathogenesis of the genetic rat model of absence epilepsy. Protein spots were identified with peptide mass fingerprinting analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry. Data were gathered from the frontoparietal cortex and thalamus of Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rij (WAG/Rij) and Wistar by using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). Six proteins (Clathrin light chain-A protein, Transmembrane EMP24 Domain-Containing Protein, Stathmin-4, Myosin Light Chain4, Rheb, phosphoserine phosphatase) were found to be differentially expressed in the frontoparietal cortex of WAG/Rij and Wistar rats in both age groups. Another set of six proteins (Protein FAM89A and Oasl1, Gemin2, NuDEL1, Pur-beta, 3-alpha HSD) were found to be differentially expressed in the thalamus of WAG/Rij and Wistar rats. Findings from the frontoparietal cortex suggest the presence of altered serine metabolism and increased vesicular trafficking in the frontoparietal cortex of WAG/Rij rats compared with Wistar rats. These differences in the protein levels might reflect the crucial role of these proteins and related pathways in the generation of absence seizures. In the thalamic specimens, age-dependent changes in protein expression were remarkable, suggesting that this phenomenon may be a precursor or a consequence of absence seizures. Our findings further highlight the potential role of the mTOR signaling pathway in absence epilepsy.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma as a scaffold in regenerative endodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Current research is concerned with discovering better scaffolds for use in regenerative endodontic treatment. This study aimed to clinically and radiographically evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as a scaffold in regenerative endodontic treatment and compare it with that of a conventional blood clot (BC) scaffold. METHODS: A total of 20 necrotic, single-rooted immature teeth were randomly distributed into 2 groups. After disinfecting the root canal space with triple antibiotic paste (1:1:1 ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and cefaclor), a tissue scaffold was created by using either PRP or BC and covered with white mineral trioxide aggregate. Clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations were performed once every 3 months during an 18-month period. Differences in root area were calculated from preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to evaluate differences between groups, with P value <.05 considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: All 20 teeth were clinically asymptomatic during 18-month follow-up period; however, 1 tooth in the BC group exhibited periapical pathosis and was judged radiographically unsuccessful. Complete apical closure was observed in a mean of 8.1 months in the PRP group compared with 9 months in the BC group. The PRP group exhibited 9.86% increase in root area, compared with 12.6% increase in the BC group. The difference in success rates between the groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: PRP successfully created a scaffold for regenerative endodontic treatment; however, treatment outcomes did not differ significantly between PRP and conventional BC scaffold.