Prevalence of apical periodontitis and endodontic treatment in a Kosovar adult population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Despite numerous studies on the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment in diverse geographical populations, there are currently no data on the prevalence of these conditions in populations of adults native to Kosovo. Therefore, little is known about how widespread these conditions are, and whether there is any correlation between root canal treatment and AP. The purpose of our research was to address this anomaly by investigating AP and endodontic treatment in an adult Kosovar population based on radiographic examination.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The sample used for this study consisted of randomly selected individuals referred to the University Dentistry Clinical Center of Kosovo in the years 2006-2007. Orthopantomographs of 193 patients were evaluated. The periapical status of all teeth (with the exception of third molars) was examined according to Ørstavik's Periapical Index. The quality of the root canal filling was rated as 'adequate' or 'inadequate' based on whether all canals were filled, the depth of fill relative to the radiographic apex and the quality of compaction (absence/presence of voids). Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and calculation of odds ratios.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Out of 4131 examined teeth, the prevalence of apical periodontitis (AP) and endodontic treatment was 12.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Of 95 endodontically-treated teeth, 46.3% were associated with AP. The prevalence of AP increased with age. The prevalence in subjects aged over 60 years old (20.2%) was higher than in other age groups. A statistically significant difference was found for the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth associated with AP in the 40-49 year age group (P < 0.001). Of some concern was the discovery that only 30.5% of the endodontically-treated teeth examined met the criteria of an acceptable root canal filling. Inadequately root-filled teeth were associated with an increased AP risk.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The prevalence of AP and the frequency of endodontically-treated teeth with AP in this Kosovar population are higher than those found in other countries. Inadequate root canal fillings were associated with an increased prevalence of AP.</p

Protective effect of Solanum tuberosum against the breakdown of red blood cells: An experimental study in burn injury model

Introduction: Anemia is known to be an important problem in burn injury. We aimed to investigate the protective effect of Solanum tuberosum (potatoes), against abnormal breakdown of erythrocytes in burn injury. Methods: Ninety-six male (9 to 10 weeks old) Swiss Albino mice (34-40 g) were included into the study, which consisted of two phases: dose optimization phase (n = 48) and study phase (n = 48). Half of the mice were given S. tuberosum juice (study group) and the other half drinking water (control group). The optimal dosage causing minimum decline in hematocrit was as follows: 1.6 mL/kg at 0 h, 0.8 mL/kg at 24 hours, and 0.8 mL/kg at 36 hours of burn injury. The burn injury was induced with a solid 10-mm aluminum bar heated in boiling water. Results: The decrease in hematocrit level was significantly lower in the study group than the control group at 24 and 48 hours (P = 0.05 and P = 0.023, respectively). The increase in anisocytosis, a hemolytic anemia sign, was also significantly lower in the study group than the control group at 48 hours (P = 0.021). There was no significant difference between groups in terms of clotting time or the bleeding time. Conclusion: In burn injury, S. tuberosum may be beneficial against anemia and it may reduce the need for red blood cell transfusion