Cone-beam computed tomography texture analysis can help differentiate odontogenic and non-odontogenic maxillary sinusitis.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess texture analysis (TA) of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images as a quantitative tool for the differential diagnosis of odontogenic and non-odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OS and NOS, respectively). Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 40 patients diagnosed with OS (N=20) and NOS (N=20) were evaluated. The gray level co-occurrence (GLCM) matrix parameters, and gray level run length matrix texture (GLRLM) parameters were extracted using manually placed regions of interest on lesion images. Seven texture parameters were calculated using GLCM and 4 parameters using GLRLM. The Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons between the groups, and the Levene test was performed to confirm the homogeneity of variance (α=5%). Results: The results showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05) between the OS and NOS patients regarding 3 TA parameters. NOS patients presented higher values for contrast, while OS patients presented higher values for correlation and inverse difference moment. Greater textural homogeneity was observed in the OS patients than in the NOS patients, with statistically significant differences in standard deviations between the groups for correlation, sum of squares, sum of entropy, and entropy. Conclusion: TA enabled quantitative differentiation between OS and NOS on CBCT images by using the parameters of contrast, correlation, and inverse difference moment.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis of the temporomandibular joint for changes in the articular disc in individuals with migraine headache / Análise de textura por ressonância magnética da articulação temporomanbibular com alterações no disco articular em individuos com cefaleia migranea

Objective: the aim of this study was to analyse the performance of the technique of texture analysis (TA) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of temporomandibular joints (TMJs) as a tool for identification of possible changes in individuals with migraine headache (MH) by relating the findings to the presence of internal derangements. Material and Methods: thirty MRI scans of the TMJ were selected for study, of which 15 were from individuals without MH or any other type of headache (control group) and 15 from those diagnosed with migraine. T2-weighted MRI scans of the articular joints taken in closed-mouth position were used for TA. The co-occurrence matrix was used to calculate the texture parameters. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the groups for gender, disc function and disc position, whereas Mann-Whitney's test was used for other parameters. The relationship of TA with disc position and function was assessed by using logistic regression adjusted for side and group. Results: the results indicated that the MRI texture analysis of articular discs in individuals with migraine headache has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements, in which high values of contrast, low values of entropy and their correlation can correspond to displacements and tendency for non-reduction of the disc in these individuals. Conclusion: the TA of articular discs in individuals with MH has the potential to determine the behaviour of disc derangements based on high values of contrast and low values of entropy (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o desempenho da técnica de análise de textura (AT) em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) das articulações temporomandibulares (ATM) como ferramenta para identificação de possíveis alterações em indivíduos com cefaléia migrânea (CM) relacionando os achados com a presença de desarranjos internos. Material e Métodos: trinta exames de RM das ATM foram selecionados para estudo, sendo 15 de indivíduos sem cefaleia migrânea ou qualquer outro tipo de cefaléia (grupo controle) e 15 diagnosticados com CM. As imagens de RM ponderadas em T2 das articulações realizadas na posição de boca fechada foram usadas para AT. A matriz de co-ocorrência foi usada para calcular os parâmetros de textura. O teste exato de Fisher foi usado para comparar os grupos quanto ao sexo, função do disco e posição do disco, enquanto o teste de Mann-Whitney foi usado para os demais parâmetros. A relação da AT com a posição e função do disco foi avaliada por meio de regressão logística ajustada para lado e grupo. Resultados: a AT por RM dos discos articulares em indivíduos com cefaleia migrânea tem o potencial de determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos discais, em que altos valores de contraste, baixos valores de entropia e sua correlação podem corresponder a deslocamentos e tendência a não redução do disco nesses indivíduos. Conclusão: a análise de textura dos discos articulares em indivíduos com CM tem potencial para determinar o comportamento dos desarranjos do disco com base em altos valores de contraste e baixos valores de entropia. (AU)

Scientific writing with artificial intelligence: key considerations and alerts / Escrita científica com inteligência artificial: principais considerações e alertas

A integração de geradores de texto de inteligência artificial (IA) em relatórios científicos exige uma avaliação cuidadosa de considerações éticas específicas. Embora essas tecnologias de IA ofereçam suporte à geração de texto, abordar as implicações éticas é fundamental. Este editorial destaca a necessidade de uma abordagem ponderada e responsável, enfatizando o estabelecimento de diretrizes e melhores práticas por parte de pesquisadores e comunidades científicas. Esforços colaborativos entre desenvolvedores de IA, pesquisadores e comitês éticos podem garantir a integração perfeita das tecnologias de IA, ao mesmo tempo em que mantêm a integridade, qualidade e padrões éticos da divulgação científica. Este texto oferece um resumo abrangente considerações-chave ao se utilizar geradores de texto de inteligência artificial em relatórios científicos (AU)

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) text generators in scientific reports demands careful evaluation of specific ethical considerations. While these AI technologies offer text generation support, addressing the ethical implications is vital. This editorial highlights the need for a thoughtful and responsible approach, emphasizing the establishment of guidelines and best practices by researchers and scientific communities. Collaborative efforts between AI developers, researchers, and ethical committees can ensure the seamless integration of AI technologies while upholding the integrity, quality, and ethical standards of scientific reporting. This text comprehensively summarizes the key considerations to be followed when utilizing artificial intelligence text generators in scientific reports.(AU)

Artifacts caused by titanium implants in CBCT images of the mandible: an experimental study.

This study evaluated the quantity of metal artifacts produced by dental implants placed in different mandibular regions using various cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) protocols. Titanium implants were placed in 4 regions (incisor, canine, premolar, and molar) of an artificial mandible and subjected to CBCT examinations with the mandibular model placed in different positions within the field of view (FOV) and imaged with different FOV and voxel sizes. An axial section of the cervical region of each implant was selected for artifact quantification. The artifacts were measured by normalizing the actual standard deviation (ASD) of the voxel values. Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were used to compare the tooth regions and the different positions of the mandible. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare changes in FOV and voxel size. The intraobserver agreement was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The significance level was 5%. The incisor region showed significantly more artifacts than other regions (P = 0.0315). No statistically significant difference was found when the position of the mandible varied within the FOV (P = 0.7418). Smaller FOV and smaller voxels produced more artifacts (P < 0.0001). The quantity of metal artifacts was affected by FOV and voxel size as well as by anatomical region. Variation of the mandible location within the FOV did not affect the artifacts as defined by the normalized ASD of the voxel values.

Análise comparativa da influência de filtros de pós-processamento e da variação dos parâmetros de aquisição na quantificação de artefatos metálicos em imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico / Comparative analysis of the influence of post-processing filters and the variation of acquisition parameters in the quantification of metallic artefacts in cone-beam computed tomography

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o efeito de 04 filtros de realce de imagem - Multi CDT NR1 e BAR1 - do software e-Vol DX (e-Vol DX, CDT, Brasil) e os filtros 1x e 2x do software Ondemand3D (CyberMed, Seoul, Republic of Korea), na quantificação de artefatos gerados por implantes dentários em imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC). Foram utilizadas imagens de TCFC de um phantom de mandíbula, adquiridas com variação do material do implante (titânio (Ti) e dióxido de zircônio (ZrO2)), região do implante (incisivo, canino, pré-molar e molar), tamanho do voxel (0,25 mm e 0,30mm) e posição do phantom no FOV (central, anterior, posterior, direita e esquerda). No software ImageJ em corte axial previamente definido, e usado como referência em cada um dos volumes estudados, em imagens com e sem a aplicação dos filtros, foi realizado a quantificação dos artefatos por um radiologista devidamente calibrado (ICC 0,97). Foram definidos grupos experimentais para as análises estatísticas das variáveis 02 a 02, sempre aliadas à variável filtro e seus efeitos na quantificação dos artefatos. Os testes de Shapiro-Wilk e de Bartlett, foram utilizados para avaliar a normalidade e homoscedasticidade. Para estudo das diferenças significativas entre os grupos foram utilizados os testes de ANOVA e Tukey (paramétricos), Kruskal-Wallis seguido de Conover-Iman (não paramétricos). Os resultados evidenciaram que o Ti apresentou menor quantificação em comparação ao ZrO2, nos 02 softwares. A menor quantificação de artefatos foi obtida no software e-Vol DX, filtro BAR 1, Ti e ZrO2. Não houve diferença significativa em relação ao tamanho do voxel para os materiais estudados (p=0,975 e p=0,901), posição do implante (p>0.05) e variações de posição no FOV (p>0.05). O Filtro Multi não apresentou diferenças significativas em relação às imagens sem filtro. Para os filtros do OnDemad3D, não houve diferença entre uso e não uso, independentemente do tamanho do voxel (p>0,05). Em conclusão o filtro BAR 1 apresentou-se como uma promissora ferramenta na redução dos artefatos oriundos de implantes dentários. (AU)

This study aimed to compare the effect of 04 image enhancement filters - Multi CDT NR1 and BAR1 - of the e-Vol DX software (e-Vol DX, CDT, Brazil) and the 1x and 2x filters of the Ondemand3D software (CyberMed, Seoul, Republic of Korea), in the quantification of artifacts generated by dental implants in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. CBCT images of a mandible phantom were used, acquired with variation of the implant material (titanium (Ti) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)), implant region (incisor, canine, premolar and molar), voxel size (0.25 mm and 0.30 mm) and phantom position in the FOV (central, anterior, posterior, right and left). In the ImageJ software, in a previously defined axial section, and used as a reference in each of the volumes studied, in images with and without the application of filters, the quantification of the artifacts was performed by a properly calibrated radiologist (ICC 0.97). Experimental groups were defined for the statistical analysis of variables 02 to 02, always combined with the filter variable and its effects on the quantification of artifacts. The Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett tests were used to assess normality and homoscedasticity. To study the significant differences between the groups, the ANOVA and Tukey tests (parametric), Kruskal-Wallis followed by Conover-Iman (non-parametric) were used. The results showed that Ti presented lower quantification compared to ZrO2, in the 02 softwares. The lowest quantification of artifacts was obtained using the e-Vol DX software, BAR 1, Ti and ZrO2 filters. There was no significant difference regarding voxel size for the materials studied (p=0.975 and p=0.901), implant position (p>0.05) and position variations in the FOV (p>0.05). The Multi Filter did not present significant differences in relation to the unfiltered images. For OnDemad3D filters, there was no difference between use and non-use, regardless of voxel size (p>0.05). In conclusion, the BAR 1 filter presented itself as a promising tool in the reduction of artifacts from dental implants (AU)

Quantitative assessment of artefacts and identification of gaps in prosthetic crowns: a comparative in vitro study between periapical radiography and CBCT images.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in an in vitro study, the quantity of artefacts generated by two different restorative materials, and to determine the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam CT (CBCT) scans and periapical radiographs in identifying gaps in prosthetic crowns. METHODS: A total of 30 teeth restored with metal-ceramic (n = 15) and all-ceramic (n = 15) crowns, properly adapted and with 0.30- and 0.50 mm gaps, underwent CBCT exams (with voxel sizes of 0.25 and 0.30 mm) and periapical radiographs. The artefacts generated by two different crowns were quantified and compared by the Mann-Whitney test. In addition, five examiners evaluated the presence or absence of gaps in periapical radiographs and CBCT images. The accuracy of tests was determined by the area under the receiver operatring characteristic curve and these values were compared by using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in artefact values between the different restorative materials and the different resolutions of CBCT images. Regarding the accuracy of the tests evaluated, periapical radiography and CBCT with voxel size 0.25 mm showed the best performance for smaller gaps (0.30 mm). For larger gaps (0.50 mm), all exams tested showed the same performance. CONCLUSIONS: Periapical radiography was still the most cost-beneficial method for the diagnosis of maladaptation in dental restorations. CBCT exams did not improve accuracy in detecting gaps in prosthetic crowns.

Volume measurement of mandibular teeth pulp chamber as a prediction tool of gender and ethnicity in a Brazilian population / Medição do volume da câmara pulpar de dentes inferiores como ferramenta de predição de gênero e etnia em uma população brasileira

Objective: Forensic dentistry has used some methods for the human identification process. However, there is a need to study characteristics that are able to perform identification more specifically, increasing accuracy. Considering the role of dental arch assessment in prediction of gender and ethnicity, the purpose of this study was to assess the volume of pulp chamber as a mean to obtain new forensic evidence. Material and methods: For this task, 1.190 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were retrospectively selected and subdivided according to the population number, gender, age and ethnicity. All DICOM files were imported to the open-source software ITK-SNAP®(http://www.itksnap.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php). The segmentation process was performed in all pulp chamber aiming to obtain pulp tissue ́s volume. Results: As a result, the pulp chamber volume of mandibular canine teeth showed to be larger in white population than in non-white (P-value = 0.003) and in male individuals in comparison with female (P-value = 0.038). Conclusion: These results, however, must be confirmed by future studies with a larger sample size and by the assessment of other variables, including texture analysis and density of dental tissues. (AU)

Objetivo: A odontologia forense tem usado alguns métodos para o processo de identificação humana. Porém, há a necessidade de estudar características que consigam de forma mais específica realizar a identificação aumentando a precisão. Considerando o papel da avaliação da arcada dentária na predição de gênero e etnia, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o volume da câmara pulpar mandibular como meio de obtenção de novas evidências periciais. Material e métodos: Foram selecionadas 1.190 imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) e subdivididas de acordo com o número da população, sexo, idade e etnia. Todos os arquivos em formato DICOM foram importados para o software de código aberto ITK-SNAP® (http://www.itksnap.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php) onde o processo de segmentação foi realizado em todas as câmaras pulpares visando a obtenção da volumetria. Resultados: Como resultado, o volume da câmara pulpar dos caninos inferiores mostrou-se maior na população branca do que na não branca (P-valor = 0,003), no sexo masculino em comparação ao feminino (P-valor = 0,038). Conclusão: Esses resultados, entretanto, devem ser confirmados por estudos futuros com maior tamanho amostral e pela avaliação de outras variáveis, incluindo análise de textura e densidade dos tecidos dentários. (AU)

Cone Beam Computed Tomography Based Sex Estimation by Volume of Odontoid Process of The Second Cervical Vertebra / Estimativa sexual baseada em tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico pelo volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the volume of odontoid process of the second cervical vertebra on CBCT images can be used for sex estimation. Material and Methods: The volume of odontoid process on CBCT images of 138 subjects was measured. In addition, the patients were classified into five age groups. The comparisons between the groups in relation to sex and age were performed by using Mann-Whitney's test and Kruskal-Wallis' test, respectively. The ROC curve was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the volume to determine the sex. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between age and volume. Males had significantly larger volumes than females. Values of volume equal to or greater than 1.254 mm3 have sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 68.1% to determine male sex. Conclusion: The volume of the odontoid process tends to be larger in males than in females and can be used as sex estimation (AU)

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se o volume do processo odontóide da segunda vértebra cervical em imagens de TCFC pode ser usado para estimativa do sexo. Material e Métodos: O volume do processo odontóide em imagens CBCT de 138 indivíduos foi medido. Além disso, os pacientes foram classificados em cinco faixas etárias. As comparações entre os grupos em relação ao sexo e idade foram realizadas por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, respectivamente. A curva ROC foi utilizada para avaliar a sensibilidade e especificidade do volume para determinar o sexo. Resultados: Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre idade e volume. Os machos tiveram volumes significativamente maiores do que as fêmeas. Valores de volume igual ou superior a 1,254 mm3 apresentam sensibilidade de 68,2% e especificidade de 68,1% para determinação do sexo masculino. Conclusão: O volume do processo odontóide tende a ser maior no sexo masculino do que no feminino e pode ser usado como estimativa do sexo. (AU)

Study of the pterygoid canal (vidian canal) through images of cone beam computer tomography / Estudo do canal Pterigóideo (canal Vidiano) por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pterygoid canal (PC) by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), establishing its configuration and proximity with anatomical structures. Material and Methods: We evaluated 398 CBCT exams, all from a public University radiology clinic archive. Four parameters were evaluated: single or double PC, distance between PC and the inferior part of the sphenoid sinus (SS), ratio of PC and SS and the distance between the PC and the foramen rotundum. Results: It was observed that most of the PC of the sample presented simple morphology, the most frequent type of relationship between the PC and the SS on both sides was the close contact with the wall. Among the cases that there were some distances between the PC and the inferior wall of the SS, the mean of this distance did not exceed 3.20 mm, being the left side (3.03 mm) slightly closer than the right (3.20 mm). Finally, the distances between the PC and the corresponding Foramen Rotundum are presented with mean values of 5.87 mm for the right side and 6.31 mm for the left side. Conclusion: CBCT examination is of paramount importance for PC identification; once in the studied sample, the mean values found evidence the close relation between the PC and the SS (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o CP pela TCFC, estabelecendo sua configuração e proximidade com estruturas anatômicas. Material e Métodos: Foram avaliados 398 exames de TCFC, todos de um arquivo público da clínica de radiologia da Universidade. Foram avaliados quatro parâmetros: CP único ou duplo, distância entre PC e parte inferior do seio esfenoidal (SS), razão entre PC e SS e a distância entre o PC e o forame redondo. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos CP da amostra apresentava morfologia simples, o tipo de relação mais frequente entre o CP e o SS de ambos os lados foi o contato próximo com a parede. Entre os casos em que houve algumas distâncias entre o CP e a parede inferior da ES, a média dessa distância não excedeu 3,20 mm, sendo o lado esquerdo (3,03 mm) um pouco mais próximo do que o direito (3,20 mm). Finalmente, as distâncias entre o PC e o forame redondo correspondente são apresentadas com valores médios de 5,87 mm para o lado direito e 6,31 mm para o lado esquerdo. Conclusão: O exame TCFC é de suma importância para a identificação do CP; uma vez na amostra estudada, os valores médios encontrados evidenciam a estreita relação entre o CP e o SS. (AU)

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography images in the region of head and neck / Prevalência de calcificações de tecidos moles em exames de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of calcifications in the soft tissues of the cervical-facial region using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. Material and Methods: two hundred and ten CBCT exames was analyzed by 01 examiner previously trained, with fild of view (FOV) of 16 x 13 cm and voxel of 0.25 mm, in ICAT Vision software (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, USA) in coronal, axial and sagittal sections. The following calcifications were evaluated: tonsiloliths, sialolites, calcification of the styloid complex, calcified carotid atheromas, calcifications in laryngeal cartilages, calcified lymph nodes and osteoma cutis. The findings were tabulated according to the total of the sample, related to the gender, age group of the individuals. Results: Calcification of the styloid complex was the most frequent in the sample studied in both genres (39.04%), followed by the presence of tonsiloliths (19.52%), and calcified lymph nodes (6,67%). Conclusion: calcifications are frequent radiographic findings in CBCT and important for the diagnosis of some possible pathologies that do not present clinical symptoms (AU)

Objetivo: avaliar por meio de imagens de tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) a prevalência de calcificações em tecidos moles da região cérvicofacial. Material e Métodos: os exames foram avaliados por um examinador, previamente treinado que avaliou 210 exames de TCFC, com campo de visão (FOV) de 16 x 13 cm e voxel de 0,25 mm. Os exames foram avaliados no software ICAT Vision (Imaging Science International, Hatfield, PA, Estados Unidos da América) em cortes coronais, axiais e sagitais. As seguintes calcificações foram avaliadas: tonsilolitos, sialolitos, calcificação do complexo estiloide, ateromas da carótida calcificados, calcificações na cartilagens laríngeas, nódulos linfáticos calcificados e osteoma cútis. Os achados foram tabulados de acordo com o total da amostra, relativos ao gênero e faixa etária dos indivíduos. Resultados: a calcificação do processo estiloide foi a mais frequente na amostra estudada em ambos os sexos, seguido da presença dos tonsilolitos e linfonodos calcificados. Conclusão: as calcificações de tecidos moles são achados radiográficos frequentes na TCFC e importantes para diagnósticos de algumas possíveis patologias que não apresentam sintomatologia clínica.(AU)

Effect of anatomical region on the formation of metal artefacts produced by dental implants in cone beam computed tomographic images.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively compare metal artefacts produced by implants in different maxillomandibular regions on cone beam CT (CBCT) images. METHODS: A total of 200 implants selected from CBCT examinations were divided into four groups: Group 1 (n = 50)-implants located in the anterior maxilla; Group 2 (n = 50)-implants located in the posterior maxilla; Group 3 (n = 50)-implants located in the anterior mandible and Group 4 (n = 50)-implants located in the posterior mandible. The implants were further classified as isolated or adjacent to other implants. Three axial reconstructions were selected for each sampled implant (apical, middle and cervical). On each slice, the artefacts produced by the implants were counted. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the variables between groups. The Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were used to compare the axial reconstructions. RESULTS: The mandible showed a greater number of artefacts than the maxilla (apical image: p = 0.0024; middle image: p < 0.0001). The anterior region produced more artefacts than the posterior region (apical image: p = 0.0105; middle image: p < 0.0316). There was no significant difference in the number of artefacts between isolated and adjacent implants, and the cervical image was most affected by artefacts. CONCLUSIONS: Dental implants always produce metal artefacts in CBCT images, and these artefacts are affected by the anatomical location in the dental arch.