Assessment of activity of Crohn's disease of the ileum and large bowel: proposal for a new multiparameter MR enterography score.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance enterography (MR-E) in assessing Crohn's disease (CD) activity by differentiating acute, chronic and remission stages of disease through a quantitative MR-E assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with a histological diagnosis of CD were studied with MR-E. Intestinal distension was obtained by oral administration of approximately 2 L of a polyethylene glycol solution (PEG). In all cases, the ileum and large bowel were imaged with morphological sequences (heavily T2-weighted single-shot, dual fast-field echo, balanced fast-field echo) and a postcontrast dynamic sequence (T1-weighted high-resolution isotropic volume excitation). Disease activity was assessed according to a multiparameter score (0-8) based on lesion morphology, signal intensity and contrast enhancement. MR-E findings were compared with clinical-laboratory data and disease activity indices [Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI); Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ)]. Multiple regression analysis was performed by correlating MR-E score, CDAI and IBDQ. Frequencies were then compared using the χ (2) test. RESULTS: MR-E identified inactive disease in 9% of cases, chronic disease in 57% and active disease in the remaining 34%. The most frequently involved bowel segment was the terminal ileum (52%). A statistically significant correlation was found between MR-E score and CDAI (R=0.86; p<0.001) and between MR-E score and IBDQ (R=-0.83; p<0.001). The most suggestive parameter for disease activity was layered bowel-wall enhancement, a finding predominantly present in patients with increased CDAI (≥ 150) and/or local complications (χ (2)=7.13; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: MR-E is a noninvasive and diagnostic imaging modality for CD study and follow-up. The MR-E score proposed in this study proved to be useful in assessing disease severity and monitoring response to treatment.

Photopolymerized resins: surface hardness variation in relation to time of polymerization and setting.

The authors studied the superficial hardness of composite resins cured for two different times: 20 and 40 seconds of light exposure. The hardness values were read immediately and 24 hours after polymerization. A significant increase in hardness was observed with 40 s exposure as compared to 20 s. Hardness values were significantly higher at 24 h than immediately after polymerization.

Effect of polishing burs and stones on the micro-hardness of dental amalgam.

Square standard cavities were prepared in human teeth and restored with amalgam obtained from alloys of different trade-marks. Twenty-four hours after condensation, excess amalgam was removed from three of the four margins, each with a different rotatory instrument (number 4 bur, multiblade finishing bur, and fine green stone). No rotatory instrument was used on the fourth margin (control), and this control was polished with pumice and zinc-oxide pastes and Sweeney's brushes. Vickers' tests for micro-hardness of the amalgam were performed on the four margins of the restorations. The restorations were then submitted to metallographic polishing, and a second micro-hardness measurement was made seven days later. The statistical analysis of the data showed that micro-hardness values were higher at the margins on which no rotatory instruments were used. The lowest micro-hardness values were found at the margins where finishing and/or round burs were used. Polishing with fine green stones gave intermediate values.

Myofunctional therapy combined with occlusal splint in treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction-pain syndrome.

The objective of the present study was to relate changes in reflex-vegetative functions and phonetics to the etiology of temporomandibular joint dysfunction-pain syndrome. Myofunctional therapy associated with an occlusal splint had a very significant effect in relieving the pain and dysfunction caused by this type of disorder.

Effect of the polishing technique at low or high speed on the micro-hardness of dental amalgam.

Dental cavities were prepared and restored with amalgam, using three different silver alloys. The surface of the restorations was finished 24 hours after condensation, with a rotatory instrument using a low- or high-speed handpiece. The specimens were then submitted to metallographic polishing and one of the margins of the amalgam restoration were then submitted to Vickers' micro-hardness test. Another micro-hardness test was accomplished 168 hours after condensation and the two sets of micro-hardness values were compared. No significant statistical differences were detected between the micro-hardness values obtained with low or high speed in the polishing technique.

Rugosimetric analysis of amalgam restorations polished using different techniques.

The objective of the present study was to submit specimens with amalgam restorations to 4 different polishing techniques and one control group without polishing. The specimens were then submitted to rugosimetric analysis and the differences compared.