Noninvasive temporal detection of early retinal vascular changes during diabetes

Diabetes associated complications, including diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision, are major health concerns. Detecting early retinal vascular changes during diabetes is not well documented, and only few studies have addressed this domain. The purpose of this study was to noninvasively evaluate temporal changes in retinal vasculature at very early stages of diabetes using fundus images from preclinical models of diabetes.Non-diabetic and Akita/+ male mice with different duration of diabetes were subjected to fundus imaging using a Micron III imaging system. The images were obtained from 4 weeks- (onset of diabetes), 8 weeks-, 16 weeks-, and 24 weeks-old male Akita/+ and non-diabetic mice. In total 104 fundus images were subjected to analysis for various feature extractions. A combination of Canny Edge Detector and Angiogenesis Analyzer plug-ins in ImageJ were utilized to quantify various retinal vascular changes in fundus images. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine significant differences in the various extracted features from fundus images of diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Our novel image analysis method led to extraction of over 20 features. These results indicated that some of these features were significantly changed with a short duration of diabetes, and others remained the same but changed after longer duration of diabetes. These patterns likely distinguish acute (protective) and chronic (damaging) associated changes with diabetes. We show that with a combination of various plugging one can extract over 20 features from retinal vasculature fundus images. These features change during diabetes, thus allowing the quantification of quality of retinal vascular architecture as biomarkers for disease progression. In addition, our method was able to identify unique differences among diabetic mice with different duration of diabetes. The ability to noninvasively detect temporal retinal vascular changes during diabetes could lead to identification of specific markers important in the development and progression of diabetes mediated-microvascular changes, evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and eventual reversal of these changes in order to stop or delay disease progression

The evaluation of physical properties of a polyurethane expandable endodontic sealer: a preliminary study

Endodontic sealers play a vital role in providing 3-dimensional (3D) filling of complex root canal system (RCS). This study intended to compare the physical properties of a Polyurethane Expandable Sealer (PES), AH Plus and EndoSequence. Three properties including setting time, radiopacity and flow (rheology) were evaluated based on ISO 6876 standard. For evaluation of each of these physical properties, five samples from experimental groups: AH Plus, EndoSequence, PES (controlled expansion) and PES (high expansion) were used (n = 5). Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey tests (a = 0.05). EndoSequence showed the longest setting time (P \u3c 0.000); AH Plus showed that highest radiopacity (P \u3c 0.000); and PES (high expansion) showed the highest flow (diameter and surface area) (P \u3c 0.000). EndoSequence and PES (controlled expansion) showed promising and comparable physical properties to the AH Plus sealer in terms of flow, setting time and radiopacity

A new reliable alternate method to an intraoral scanner (in-vitro study)

Objective: To propose a method to develop 3-dimensional (3D) models of regular and orthodontic typodonts by using their 2-dimensional (2D) images, as an alternate method to 3D scanners. Materials and methods: To propose a method to develop 3-dimensional (3D) models of regular and orthodontic typodonts by using their 2-dimensional (2D) images, as an alternate method to 3D scanners. Matierals and methods: The mandibles of two typodonts, regular occlusion and malocclusion, were scanned by using a 3D scanner to generate their models. Captured scans were used to determine the accuracy of the existing method. One hundred images of each mandible were made by using a smartphone from various angles five times to create required and generate 3D models through the software. The percentage overlap of the hard tissues of the scans and the models superimposed within the group (repeatability test), and with each other (accuracy test) gathered the proposed method\u27s accuracy and precision. The data were analyzed by using the Student\u27s t-test. Results: Ten scans and ten models were overlapped among themselves and each other and evaluated. Repeatability test; significant overlap in scans for both mandibles (regular and maloccluded), and their 3D model\u27s counterparts (P \u3c 0.05, CI 95%). Accuracy tests; significant overlap between both methods for both mandibles (P \u3c 0.05, CI 95%). Conclusion: The 2D images were successfully used to model the teeth (both regular and maloccluded) non-invasively. The proposed method showed high reproducibility as well as accuracy when compared to a commercially available 3D scanner. Clinical significance: The 3D models for both regular teeth and teeth with malocclusions were modeled by using 2D images taken with a smartphone by using the novel method which was both reproducible and accurate

Scoping review of artificial intelligence and immersive digital tools in dental education

Purpose: The aim of this scoping review is to examine artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual teaching models within the context of dental education, establish methods to address the resources being investigated, and ultimately augment this approach for future scientific research. Methods: To evaluate the applications of AI and immersive technology, a scoping literature review was conducted using the Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database from the years 2018 to May 19, 2021. Additionally, a manual search was completed. The search strategy was formulated according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Studies that addressed the current uses of virtual devices and their revolutionary potential in dental education were categorized separately for further evaluation. Results: Of the 2500 articles found in our initial search results, 31 articles met the inclusion criteria set for this review. The selected studies were directly related to AI and immersive tools in dental education. Conclusion: To our knowledge, there are very few comprehensive literature reviews identifying the applications and efficacy of virtual and AI-driven tools in dental education. With limited verifiable evidence, an improved understanding of virtual and AI domains is needed to enable dental students to adapt to changes within and beyond their dental training education. To increase the scientific value of digital-related research, the scientific community must quickly define guidelines to enhance methodological approaches in order to effectively digitalize dentistry

Noninvasive temporal detection of early retinal vascular changes during diabetes

Diabetes associated complications, including diabetic retinopathy and loss of vision, are major health concerns. Detecting early retinal vascular changes during diabetes is not well documented, and only few studies have addressed this domain. The purpose of this study was to noninvasively evaluate temporal changes in retinal vasculature at very early stages of diabetes using fundus images from preclinical models of diabetes.Non-diabetic and Akita/+ male mice with different duration of diabetes were subjected to fundus imaging using a Micron III imaging system. The images were obtained from 4 weeks- (onset of diabetes), 8 weeks-, 16 weeks-, and 24 weeks-old male Akita/+ and non-diabetic mice. In total 104 fundus images were subjected to analysis for various feature extractions. A combination of Canny Edge Detector and Angiogenesis Analyzer plug-ins in ImageJ were utilized to quantify various retinal vascular changes in fundus images. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine significant differences in the various extracted features from fundus images of diabetic and non-diabetic animals. Our novel image analysis method led to extraction of over 20 features. These results indicated that some of these features were significantly changed with a short duration of diabetes, and others remained the same but changed after longer duration of diabetes. These patterns likely distinguish acute (protective) and chronic (damaging) associated changes with diabetes. We show that with a combination of various plugging one can extract over 20 features from retinal vasculature fundus images. These features change during diabetes, thus allowing the quantification of quality of retinal vascular architecture as biomarkers for disease progression. In addition, our method was able to identify unique differences among diabetic mice with different duration of diabetes. The ability to noninvasively detect temporal retinal vascular changes during diabetes could lead to identification of specific markers important in the development and progression of diabetes mediated-microvascular changes, evaluation of therapeutic interventions, and eventual reversal of these changes in order to stop or delay disease progression

Tissue reaction to novel customized calcium silicate cement based dental implants. A pilot study in the dog

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the level of periodontal tissue regeneration in a canine model following post-extraction placement of an implant molded from a composite material made from extracted tooth dentin and a calcium silicate cement (CSC) material. The investigation used autologous dentin in conjunction with a CSC material to form a composite implant designed for immediate tooth replacement. Methods: Two (2) beagles had a periodontal and radiographic examination performed to rule out any pre-treatment inflammation, significant periodontal disease, or mobility. Then, ination eleven (11) teeth were extracted and polyvinyl siloxane molds were made to fabricate three different types of implants: Particulate Implant (Test Group 1, n = 4), Shell Implant Alone (Test Group 2, n = 2), Shell Implant with Emdogain® (Test Group 3, n = 3). Teeth in the control group were extracted, scaled (n = 2), and then re-implanted into their respective fresh extraction sockets. At 4 weeks, a clinical, radiographic, and histologic assessment was performed. Results: Clinical evaluation revealed no mobility in any of the test or control implants and no radiographic evidence of significant bone loss or active disease. Based on the MicroCT analysis, direct bone to implant contact was observed in some areas with an apparent periodontal ligament space. Implant-related inflammation, on average, was similar among all groups, with low numbers of infiltrates. Implant-related inflammatory reaction was generally minimal and not interpreted to be adverse. Conclusion: The proposed novel composite materials revealed that not only do these materials demonstrate high biocompatibility, but also their successful integration in the alveolus is likely secondary to a partial ligamentous attachment. The current investigation may lead to the use of calcium silicate-based materials as custom dental implants. Further research on this novel composite’s biomechanical properties is necessary to develop the optimal material composition for use as a load-bearing dental implant. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Retromolar canal infiltration as a supplement to the inferior alveolar nerve block injection: an uncontrolled clinical trial

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the success rate of retromolar canal (RMC) infiltration following the failure of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injections for the anesthesia of mandibular first molars with acute irreversible pulpitis. Materials and methods: An IANB injection was administered for 50 patients with acute irreversible pulpitis. Lip numbness was set as the sign of anesthesia and further evaluated and confirmed with pulp sensibility tests after 10–15 min. Access cavity preparation was commenced unless the patient felt any pain; in this case, an RMC infiltration injection was given. The success rate was determined through the patients’ recording of the presence, absence, or reduction of pain severity during access cavity preparation using the Heft-Parker visual analog scale. Results: Seven patients (14%) did not experience any pain by pulp sensibility tests and during access cavity preparation after IANB injection. Twenty-five (58.1%) of the remaining 43 patients who had the RMC infiltration injection had reduced pain, and four patients (9.3%) experienced no pain after the RMC infiltration. Fourteen patients (32.5%) experienced no change in pain. Chi-squared test results revealed that the percentage of patients with reduced pain was higher than that of other patients (P \u3c 0.001). Conclusions: RMC infiltration, along with IANB, significantly reduced the pain felt by patients and increased the success of the anesthetic technique for root canal treatment of mandibular first molars with acute irreversible pulpitis. Clinical relevance: The administration of RMC infiltration can enhance the success of the IANB technique for anesthetizing mandibular first molars exhibiting acute irreversible pulpitis

Moderately Acidic pH Promotes Angiogenesis: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Introduction: This study evaluated the effect of different pH values of 4.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, and 9.4 on angiogenesis. Methods: Endothelial cells were isolated from the mice molar teeth and placed in 42 Matrigel (Corning, NY)-coated wells, which were prepared and divided into 6 groups (n = 7). Synthetic tissue fluid was prepared and divided into 6 parts, and their pH values were adjusted to 4.4, 5.4, 6.4, 7.4, 8.4, and 9.4. A 2-mL volume from each group was diluted in the growth medium at a ratio of 1:3 and used for tubulogenesis assay. Forty-two 6-week-old mice in 6 groups (n = 7) were used for choroidal neovascularization (CNV). A 2-μL volume from each group or saline (control) was delivered by intravitreal injection on the day of laser application and 1 week later. Data on the number of nodes, the total length of the branches, and CNV areas (μm2) were determined using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) and analyzed with 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests. The correlation was assessed between the tested variables. Results: The number of nodes decreased with changes in pH values as follows: 6.4 \u3e 5.4 \u3e 7.4 \u3e 8.4 \u3e 9.4 \u3e 4.4. The total branch length decreased with pH value changes as follows: 6.4 \u3e 4.4 \u3e 6.4 \u3e 7.4 \u3e 8.4 \u3e 9.4, and the CNV areas decreased with pH value changes as follows: 6.4 \u3e 5.4 \u3e 4.4 \u3e 7.4 \u3e 8.4 \u3e 9.4. Conclusions: Moderately acidic pH values (5.4 and 6.4) enhanced angiogenesis, whereas moderately alkaline pH values (8.4 and 9.4) suppressed angiogenesis

Effect of thermocycling on the surface texture and release of titanium particles from titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) plates and dental implants: An in vitro study

Statement of problem: The release of titanium (Ti) particles from the surface of endosseous dental implants is not well understood. Purpose: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of thermocycling on the surface texture and release of Ti particles from the surface of dental implants. Material and methods: Three MSI dental implants and 3 Ti alloy (Ti6Al4V) plates were divided into 6 subgroups (n=3). Specimens in each group were subjected to 0 (control group), 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 thermocycles. After each cycling process, artificial saliva was collected, and the concentrations of released Ti particles were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry (ICP-MS). The surfaces of the dental implants and Ti plates were evaluated before and after thermocycling by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM images were analyzed by using the ImageJ software program. Data were analyzed by mixed-model ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (α=.05). Results: The greatest Ti release was seen after 2000 thermocycles. After increasing the number of cycles, additional Ti particles were released. SEM images of the surfaces of the dental implants and Ti plates displayed significant changes in surface texture. Conclusions: Thermocycling continuously removed the protective TiO2 layer on the surface of dental implants, resulting in the release of Ti particles. The surface treatment and texture did not affect the release of Ti particles