Effect of brightness and contrast variation for detectability of root resorption lesions in digital intraoral radiographs

Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of periapical radiography assessed under different radiographic brightness and contrast variations in the detection of simulated internal (IRR) and external (ERR) root resorption lesions. Additionally, observers' preferences related to image quality for these diagnostic tasks were evaluated.

Methods

Thirty single-root teeth were divided into two groups (n = 15): IRR, in which lesions were simulated using mechanical and biochemical processes; and ERR, in which cavities standardized with drills of different sizes were performed on the root surfaces. Digital radiographs were obtained and subsequently adjusted in 4 additional combinations, resulting in 5 brightness/contrast variations (V1–V5). Five radiologists evaluated the radiographs. The observers' preference on the image quality was also recorded.

Results

For both conditions, there were no differences in the accuracy and specificity between the five brightness/contrast variations (p > 0.05), but the sensitivity for ERR was significantly lower in V4 (+ 15% brightness/−15% contrast) in the large size (p < 0.05). The observers classified V2 (− 15% brightness/+15% contrast) as the "best" image quality for IRR and ERR evaluation.

Conclusions

For IRR and ERR lesions, brightness and contrast variation does not affect the diagnostic performance of digital intraoral radiography within the tested range. The observers prefer images with a reasonable decrease in brightness and increase in contrast.

Clinical relevance

Brightness and contrast enhancement tools are commonly applied in digital radiographic assessment. The use of these tools for detection of root resorptions can be applied according to the observer preference without influence on diagnostic accuracy.

https://ift.tt/2G46aNY

Efficacy of chlorhexidine rinses after periodontal or implant surgery: a systematic review

Abstract

Background

Biofilm management and infection control are essential after periodontal and implant surgery. In this context, chlorhexidine (CHX) mouth-rinses are frequently recommended post-surgically. Despite its common use and many studies in this field, a systematic evaluation of the benefits after periodontal or implant surgery is—surprisingly—still missing.

Objectives

To evaluate the benefits of chlorhexidine rinsing after periodontal or implant surgery in terms of plaque and inflammation reduction potential. Furthermore, to screen whether the concentration changes or additives in CHX solutions reduce side effects associated with its use.

Materials and methods

A systematic literature search was performed for clinical trials, which compared CHX rinsing after periodontal or implant surgery with rinsing using placebo, non-staining formulations, or solutions with reduced concentrations of the active compound. Four databases (Medline, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane) were searched up to June 2018. Two reviewers independently identified and screened the literature.

Results

From 691 titles identified, only eleven publications met the inclusion criteria and were finally included. Mainly early publications assessed the benefits of CHX over placebo rinsing, whereas more recent publications focused more on the evaluation of new formulations with regard to effectiveness and side effects. The use of CHX after surgery showed in general significant reduction in plaque (means of 29–86% after 1 week) and bleeding (up to 73%) as compared to placebo. No consensus, however, was found regarding the most beneficial CHX formulation avoiding side effects.

Conclusion

Chlorhexidine rinsing helps to reduce biofilm formation and gingival inflammation after surgery. However, no additional reduction of periodontal probing depth over any given placebo or control solution could be found irrespective of whether CHX was used or not. The use of additives such as antidiscoloration systems (ADS) or herbal extracts may reduce side effects while retaining efficacy.

Clinical relevance

Within the limitations of this review, it can be concluded that CHX may represent a valuable chemo-preventive tool immediately after surgery, during the time period in which oral hygiene capacity is compromised. To reduce the side effects of CHX and maintain comparable clinical effects, rinsing with less concentrated formulations (e.g., 0.12%) showed the most promising results so far.

https://ift.tt/2rlbwKy

Direct and Collateral Alterations of Functional Cortical Circuits in a Rat Model of Subcortical Band Heterotopia

Abstract

Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH), also known as double-cortex syndrome, is a neuronal migration disorder characterized by an accumulation of neurons in a heterotopic band below the normotopic cortex. The majority of patients with SBH have mild to moderate intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. However, it is still not clear how cortical networks are organized in SBH patients and how this abnormal organization contributes to improper brain function. In this study, cortical networks were investigated in the barrel cortex in an animal model of SBH induced by in utero knockdown of Dcx, main causative gene of this condition in human patients. When the SBH was localized below the Barrel Field (BF), layer (L) four projection to correctly positioned L2/3 pyramidal cells was weakened due to lower connectivity. Conversely, when the SBH was below an adjacent cortical region, the excitatory L4 to L2/3 projection was stronger due to increased L4 neuron excitability, synaptic strength and excitation/inhibition ratio of L4 to L2/3 connection. We propose that these developmental alterations contribute to the spectrum of clinical dysfunctions reported in patients with SBH.

https://ift.tt/2G467Si

Recycled gypsum board acted as a mineral swelling agent for improving thermal conductivity characteristics in manufacturing of green lightweight building brick

Abstract

Lightweight building bricks manufactured from non-hazardous residues incorporating mineral foaming agents have been successfully developed over past two decades. Very little information is available on recycling and reutilization of construction and demolition waste used as the pore foaming agent in manufacturing lightweight brick. In this research, the mineral swelling agent was gypsum board recycled from construction and demolition waste. The mineral swelling agent effect on the characteristics of green lightweight building materials sintered from drinking water purification (DWP) sludge was investigated. Green lightweight building materials were contained up to 50% (wt%) mineral swelling agent and fired at a temperature ranged between 950 °C and 1050 °C. The experimental results indicated that lightweight building materials have successfully sintered between 1000 °C and 1020 °C and added up to 40% (wt%) recycled gypsum board. The sintered building materials have the characteristics of relatively high compressive strength, low bulk density, and thermal conductivity that were in compliance with relevant Taiwan criteria for application in lightweight building materials. To further consider the eco-friendly and environmental safety of lightweight building materials, the recycled gypsum board can act as a good mineral swelling agent, but can also enhance the chemical stabilization and reduce the metals leachability of lightweight materials based on acidic neutralization capacity (ANC) analysis results. To estimate the carbon dioxide emission in manufacturing and transportation of lightweight materials that sintered this experimental conditions, the estimated carbon dioxide reduction rates were approximately 28.6% and 16.7%, respectively, as a result of the energy saving. Experimental results have confirmed that the feasibility of recycled gypsum board used as a swelling agent and good potential for construction works in green lightweight building materials.

https://ift.tt/2E6VAmw

Intracerebroventricular administration of sulfated CCK octapeptide induces anxiety‐like behavior in goldfish

Abstract

Sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8s) is involved in feeding regulation as an anorexigenic neuropeptide in vertebrates. In rodents, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CCK‐8s has been shown to affect not only feeding behavior, but also psychomotor activity. However, there is still no information regarding the psychophysiological effects of CCK‐8s in goldfish. Therefore, we examined the effect of synthetic goldfish (gf) CCK‐8s on psychomotor activity in this species. ICV administration of gfCCK‐8s at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 pmol/g body weight (BW) did not affect swimming distance (locomotor activity). Since intact goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this as a preference test (upper/lower test) for assessing anxiety‐like behavior. ICV administration of gfCCK‐8s at 2.5 pmol/g BW shortened the time spent in the upper area. The action of gfCCK‐8s mimicked that of FG‐7142 (the central‐type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, an anxiogenic agent) at 5 and 10 pmol/g BW. The anxiogenic‐like effect of gfCCK‐8s was abolished by treatment with the CCK receptor antagonist proglumide at 50 pmol/g BW. We also investigated the localization of CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity in the goldfish brain. CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity was observed in the anxiety‐related regions (the nucleus habenularis and the interpeduncular nucleus). These data indicate that gfCCK‐8s potently affects psychomotor activity in goldfish, and exerts an anxiogenic‐like effect via the CCK receptor‐signaling pathway.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2RMcevG

Electrophysiological Properties of Identified Oxytocin and Vasopressin Neurons

Abstract

To understand the contribution of intrinsic membrane properties to the different firing patterns of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) neurons in vivo, in vitro studies are needed, where stable intracellular recordings can be made. Combining immunochemistry for OT and VP and intracellular dye injections allows characterization of identified OT and VP neurons, and several differences between the two cell types have emerged. These include a greater transient K⁺ current that delays spiking to stimulus onset, and a higher Na⁺ current density leading to greater spike amplitude and a more stable spike threshold, in VP neurons. VP neurons also show a greater incidence of both fast and slow Ca²⁺‐dependent depolarizing afterpotentials, the latter of which summate to plateau potentials and contribute to phasic bursting. In contrast, OT neurons exhibit a sustained outwardly rectifying potential (SOR), and a consequent depolarizing rebound potential, not found in VP neurons. The SOR makes OT neurons more susceptible to spontaneous inhibitory synaptic inputs and correlates with a longer period of spike frequency adaptation in these neurons. While both types exhibit prominent Ca²⁺‐dependent afterhyperpolarizing potentials (AHPs) that limit firing rate and contribute to bursting patterns, Ca²⁺‐dependent AHPs in OT neurons selectively show significant increases during pregnancy and lactation. In OT, but not VP neurons, AHPs are highly dependent on the constitutive presence of the second messenger, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate, which permissively gates N‐type channels that contribute the Ca²⁺ during spike trains that activates the AHP. In contrast to the intrinsic properties supporting phasic bursting in VP neurons, the synchronous bursting of OT neurons has only been demonstrated in vitro in cultured hypothalamic explants and is completely dependent on synaptic transmission. Additional differences in Ca²⁺ channel expression between the two neurosecretory terminal types suggests these channels are also critical players in the differential release of OT and VP during repetitive spiking, in addition to their importance to the potentials controlling firing patterns.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

https://ift.tt/2Qe8CpE

Both the Filler Amount and Columellar Elasticity Are Important in Injection Rhinoplasty in the Columella

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2RFPbmi

Patient‐Centered Oncology or Population‐Centered Oncology—Which Do We Want, and Which Tradeoffs Are We Willing To Accept?

https://ift.tt/2PokAHS

Bisphenol S exposure affects gene expression related to intestinal glucose absorption and glucose metabolism in mice

Abstract

Bisphenol S, an industrial chemical, has raised concerns for both human and ecosystem health. Yet, health hazards posed by bisphenol S (BPS) exposure remain poorly studied. Compared to all tissues, the intestine and the liver are among the most affected by environmental endocrine disruptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular effect of BPS on gene expression implicated in the control of glucose metabolism in the intestine (apelin and its receptor APJ, SGLT1, GLUT2) and in the liver (glycogenolysis and/or gluconeogenesis key enzymes (glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK)) and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α and IL-1β)). BPS at 25, 50, and 100 μg/kg was administered to mice in water drink for 10 weeks. In the duodenum, BPS exposure reduces significantly mRNA expression of sodium glucose transporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), apelin, and APJ mRNA. In the liver, BPS exposure increases the expression of G6Pase and PEPCK, but does not affect pro-inflammatory markers. These data suggest that alteration of apelinergic system and glucose transporters expression could contribute to a disruption of intestinal glucose absorption, and that BPS stimulates glycogenolysis and/or gluconeogenesis in the liver. Collectively, we reveal that BPS heightens the risk of metabolic syndrome.

https://ift.tt/2rqUXg0

Retraction: Visual evaluation of train-of-four and double burst stimulation, fade at various currents, using a rubber band. Saitoh Y, Nakazawa K, Makita K, et al.

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1qcJ2

The effect of pectoral block type II on persistent pain: Follow up of a randomised trial and hypotheses for further analyses

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rqJ8Xw

Targeting the affective component of pain with ketamine: A tool to improve the postoperative experience?

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rnx7lB

Prediction of bilateral cerebral oxygen desaturation from a single sensor in adult cardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1q6Ba

Uterine tilt for caesarean section

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2roj8fb

Continuous haemodynamic effects of left tilting and supine positions during Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia with a noninvasive cardiac output monitor system

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2GgiI55

Low-dose ketamine infusion reduces postoperative hydromorphone requirements in opioid-tolerant patients following spinal fusion: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND The current opioid epidemic highlights the urgent need for effective adjuvant therapies to complement postoperative opioid analgesia. Intra-operative ketamine infusion has been shown to reduce postoperative opioid consumption and improve pain control in opioid-tolerant patients after spinal fusion surgery. Its efficacy for opioid-naïve patients, however, remains controversial. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that low-dose ketamine infusion after major spinal surgery reduces opioid requirements in opioid-tolerant patients, but not in opioid-naïve patients. DESIGN Randomised placebo-controlled study. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary care hospital, November 2012 until November 2014. PATIENTS A total of 129 patients were classified as either opioid-tolerant (daily use of opioid medications during 2 weeks preceding the surgery) or opioid-naïve group, then randomised to receive either ketamine or placebo; there were thus four groups of patients. All patients received intravenous hydromorphone patient-controlled analgesia postoperatively. INTERVENTION Patients in the ketamine groups received a ketamine infusion (bolus 0.2 mg kg−1 over 30 min followed by 0.12 mg kg−1 h−1 for 24 h). Patients in the placebo groups received 0.9% saline. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcome was numerical pain scores during the first 24 h and central nervous system side effects. RESULTS Postoperative hydromorphone consumption was significantly reduced in the opioid-tolerant ketamine group, compared with the opioid-tolerant placebo group [0.007 (95% CI 0.006 to 0.008) versus 0.011 (95% CI 0.010 to 0.011) mg kg−1 h−1, Bonferroni corrected P 

https://ift.tt/2rqLjtU

Assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine in patients with pre-eclampsia

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2rqL3eq

Reply to: fluid therapy for critical haemorrhage during elective noncardiac surgery

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2G1pNq0

Effects of a single subanaesthetic dose of ketamine on pain and mood after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: A randomised double-blind placebo controlled study

BACKGROUND When administered as a continuous infusion, ketamine is known to be a potent analgesic and general anaesthetic. Recent studies suggest that a single low-dose administration of ketamine can provide a long-lasting effect on mood, but its effects when given in the postoperative period have not been studied. OBJECTIVE We hypothesised that a single low-dose administration of ketamine after bariatric surgery can improve pain and mood scores in the immediate postoperative period. DESIGN We performed a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to compare a single subanaesthetic dose of ketamine (0.4 mg kg−1) with a normal saline placebo in the postanaesthesia care unit after laparoscopic gastric bypass and gastrectomy. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary care hospital, October 2014 to January 2018. PATIENTS A total of 100 patients were randomised into the ketamine and saline groups. INTERVENTION Patients in the ketamine group received a single dose of ketamine infusion (0.4 mg kg−1) in the postanaesthesia care unit. Patients in the placebo groups received 0.9% saline. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the visual analogue pain score. A secondary outcome was performance on the short-form McGill's Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). RESULTS There were no significant differences in visual analogue pain scores between groups (group-by-time interaction P = 0.966; marginal group effect P = 0.137). However, scores on the affective scale of SF-MPQ (secondary outcome) significantly decreased in the ketamine group as early as postoperative day (POD) 2 [mean difference = −2.2 (95% bootstrap CI −2.9 to 1.6), Bonferroni adjusted P 

https://ift.tt/2rqLdm2

Cerebral oximetry monitoring. To guide physiology, avert catastrophe or both?

No abstract available

https://ift.tt/2GcNqMq