bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reproducibility of the mandibular cortical index
Authors: Jowitt N , MacFarlane T , Devlin H , Klemetti E , Horner K
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To assess the reproducibility and diagnostic validity of Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI) when used by minimally trained observers.

METHODS

Four 'experts' and 45 final-year dental students classified the appearance of the lower border of the mandibular cortex in 30 panoramic radiographs using the MCI. Experts viewed the original radiographs. The students received instruction in the MCI and viewed slides of the radiographs in a lecture theatre.

RESULTS

For intra-observer agreement, the experts had significantly higher overall values of weighted kappa, indicating substantial agreement in MCI assessment, whereas the students showed moderate agreement. For inter-observer agreement, there was fair agreement between the experts and poor agreement between the students. Using the experts' MCI assessment as the 'gold standard', the mean sensitivity of the students in diagnosis of C3 was 0.71 (maximum 0.95, minimum 0.25) and mean specificity was 0.56 (maximum 0.9, minimum 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

The MCI has important limitations in terms of intra- and inter-observer agreement. Minimal training in its use, such as might be given in a lecture format to dentists, was ineffective and associated with poor inter-observer agreement and limited diagnostic validity in identifying signs of osteoporosis. More lengthy training and experience in using the MCI would be needed for it to be effective as a diagnostic tool in general dental practice.
Comparison of microscopy and radiography as gold standards in radiographic caries diagnosis
Authors: Wenzel A , Hintze H
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of the choice of gold standard on the diagnostic outcome of approximal caries detection in original and compressed digital radiographs.

METHODS

116 extracted teeth radiographed with a storage phosphor system constituted the original images. These images were compressed at 1:20 and 1:33 with the JPEG irreversible compression standard. Five radiologists scored the three sets of images for the presence of approximal caries on a five-rank confidence scale. The radiographic scores were validated by stereomicroscopy (the true gold standard). The individual ROC areas for the five observers were used to select the worst (obsworst) and the best (obsbest) performer: Their scores in the original images were used as the second and third 'gold standards' for the remaining observers. Mean ROC areas for the three observers with the three types of images were calculated using these two new 'gold standards'. Differences between the ROC areas when using microscopy, obsworst, and obsbest as the 'gold standard' were compared.

RESULTS

The mean ROC areas in the original images were 0.66, 0.74 and 0.91 using the true gold standard and obsbest and obsworst as the 'gold standards' respectively. The difference between the true gold standard and obsworst was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mean ROC areas using the true gold standard decreased with increasing compression whereas they were constant or increased using obsworst and obsbest as 'gold standards', respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Accuracy in approximal caries diagnosis was significantly higher when an observer was the 'gold standard' than when the true gold standard was obtained by microscopy. Paradoxically, the compressed, degraded images were more accurate than the originals when an observer was the 'gold standard' while they were less accurate with the true gold standard. Thus, results obtained using observers' scores from the radiographs which are being evaluated, as validation for the presence of caries may mislead the clinician.
Prediction of perceptibility curves of direct digital intraoral radiographic systems
Authors: Yoshiura K , Stamatakis H C , Welander U , McDavid W D , Shi X Q , Ban S , Kawazu T , Chikui T , Kanda S
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To derive and test a method to predict Perceptibility Curves (PCs) for direct digital intraoral radiographic systems.

METHODS

A test object was used to determine the performance of an average observer with respect to the threshold contrast and internal noise of the human visual system. These data were combined with system parameters to predict PCs mathematically.

RESULTS

Data on the performance of an average observer could be defined to obtain values of the effective threshold contrast as a function of background gray level. This function combined with the gamma-value of the system predicted PCs that agreed well with PCs obtained in the conventional way.

CONCLUSION

It is possible to predict PCs from a limited number of system parameters together with predetermined data on an average observer.
Aneurysmal bone cyst of the coronoid process of the mandible
Authors: Matsuura S , Tahara T , Ro T , Masumi T , Kasuya H , Yokota T
Published: October 2024

A rare case of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) involving the right coronoid process of the mandible in a 12-year-old girl is presented. The characteristic features with fluid-fluid levels within the lesion observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) was helpful in the preoperative diagnosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging of experimentally-induced sialadenitis in rat submandibular glands
Authors: Shimizu M , Sekine N , Nishimura K , Tokumori K , Saitoh M , Kanda S
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the features of magnetic resonance (MR) images of experimentally induced obstructive sialadenitis in rat submandibular glands with the histopathological changes.

METHODS

Changes in MR images of ligated and non-ligated rat submandibular glands were compared with the histopathological changes and wet weight ratios. Spin echo T1 weighted images (SE T1WI), fast spin echo T2 weighted images (FSE T2WI), and gradient echo T2 weighted images (GE T2WI) were obtained at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 21 days after duct ligation with a 0.3 T MR imaging system.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the signal intensity ratios of both ligated and non-ligated glands on each day, except at 21 days on GE T2WI. On SE T1WI, small interval changes of signal intensity ratios were observed on both glands, whereas there were large interval changes at 1 - 2 days, 4 - 7 days and 21 days after duct ligation with FSE T2WI. These three periods correlated highly with three phases of histopathological changes, swelling of acinar cells at 1 - 2 days, atrophy of acinar cells and increase of duct-like structures at 3 - 7 days, and proliferation of connective tissue at 21 days, and the changes in wet weight ratios. A similar tendency was observed on GE T2WI to FSE T2WI.

CONCLUSIONS

As FSE T2WI showed large changes in signal intensity that correlated highly with histopathological three phases, it is recommended as the MR sequence of choice for diagnosing the degree of damage in obstructive sialadenitis.
Carotid artery calcification in the black population: a retrospective study on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Hubar J S
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification on panoramic radiographs in the Black population.

METHODS

Panoramic radiographs of 700 adult male and female Black dental outpatients from the Medical Center of Louisiana Charity Hospital were examined for any unusual radiopacity adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4.

RESULTS

Three (0.43%) of the 700 patients, with ages ranging from 46 - 77-years-old, had one or more unusual radiopacities in the region of interest. All three were female.

CONCLUSION

It is uncommon to find radiopacities adjacent to or just below the intervertebral space between C3 and C4 in the general Black population.
Detection of bone invasion by gingival carcinoma of the mandible: a comparison of intraoral and panoramic radiography and computed tomography
Authors: Nakayama E , Yoshiura K , Yuasa K , Tabata O , Araki K , Kanda S , Ozeki S , Shinohara M
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic radiography (PR), panoramic radiography combined with intraoral radiography (PR+IR), and CT in detecting the supero-inferior extent of tumor invasion of the mandible by gingival carcinoma.

METHOD

PR, PR+IR, and CT images of the mandible in 37 patients with gingival carcinoma were evaluated by five oral radiologists for the supero-inferior extent of bone invasion using ROC analysis. The mean ROC curve area (Az) of each observer for the different imaging modalities was analysed by nonparametric two-way ANOVA. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean Az for the detection of bone invasion were 0.88+/-0.03 for PR, 0.77+/-0.12 for PR+IR, and 0.87+/-0.03 for CT (P=0.0907). The mean Az for the detection of bone invasion beyond the alveolus was 0.89+/-0.07 for PR, 0.85+/-0.08 for PR+IR, and 0.83+/-0.06 for CT (P=0.5438). The mean Az for the detection of bone invasion beneath the mandibular canal were 0.94+/-0.04 for PR, 0.94+/-0.02 for PR+IR, and 0.91+/-0. 04 for CT (P=0.2466). No statistically significant differences were observed in Az between PR, PR+IR, and CT.

CONCLUSION

We consider that PR+IR should be adopted as the initial imaging modality to determine the extent of supero-inferior invasion of the mandible in gingival carcinoma.
A new method for the automated alignment of dental radiographs for digital subtraction radiography
Authors: Yoon D C
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To provide a robust and convenient method by which radiographic images can be spatially aligned for digital radiographic subtraction without the use of manually selected reference points.

METHODS

An automated method for image alignment is described which begins with the extraction of a large number of edge features (1500 or more pixels) from each of two radiographic images taken of the same anatomical region of a given patient. The features in the first radiograph are paired, pixel by pixel, with those in the second radiograph using a nearest neighbor criterion. The edge features in the first radiograph are aligned with those in the second radiograph by performing an affine transformation that is consistent with the projection geometry for a plantar parallel X-ray beam. Transformation parameters are determined which provide the smallest spatial alignment error between the two sets of equivalent features. These parameters are found by a closed-form analytic solution, thus enabling a computationally efficient implementation. The final transformation is then applied to the entire first image resulting in a close spatial match to the second image. The performance of three dentists using the automatic method was compared with their performance using a manual method of alignment for eight pairs of images.

RESULTS

The root mean squared error in image alignment for the automatic method was 14% lower than that with manual alignment. The variability for the automatic method was half that of the maximal method as measured by the residual error. The automatic method was also three times faster than the manual method.

CONCLUSIONS

This method could make digital subtraction more accessible to researchers and practising dentists. Batch mode implementation could enable the processing of large volumes of data. Restriction to a region of interest and improved feature extraction could further improve performance.
Evaluation of a new F speed dental X-ray film. The effect of processing solutions and a comparison with D and E speed films
Authors: Farman T T , Farman A G
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

To compare the properties of a new speed group F intra-oral X-ray film with those of three well established types both from groups D and E, and evaluate the impact of six commercially available processing solutions.

METHODS

Four types of dental X-ray film, Flow (Flow X-ray, West Hempstead, NY, USA), speed group F, Ektaspeed Plus (Eastman Kodak, Rochester NY, USA) and M2 Comfort (AgfaGevaert, Morstel, Belgium), both speed group E, and Ultra-speed (Eastman Kodak), speed group D, were exposed under standardised conditions and processed in six different processing solutions. Base plus fog density, characteristic curves, film density, speed, average gradient, contrast and latitude and spatial resolution were calculated.

RESULTS

The choice of processing chemistry affected radiographic characteristics including speed grouping. The new F film was consistently the fastest. M2 Comfort could achieve F speed and Ultra-speed achieved E speed using Automat XR chemicals. The speed of Ektaspeed Plus was independent of the automatic processing solution used. Ultra-Speed film had the lowest base plus fog density and the widest latitude. Film contrast was similar irrespective of the film and solution combination.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of processing chemistry can affect radiographic characteristics. The new F film reduces patient exposure by one-half compared with E speed film with no detriment to image quality.
Precision and accuracy of measurements in digital panoramic radiography
Authors: Schulze R , Krummenauer F , Schalldach F , d'Hoedt B
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the precision and accuracy of digital measurements in digital panoramic radiography.

METHODS

A series of 70 digital panoramic radiographs were obtained of a dry skull in seven different positions with metallic pins and spheres fixed to the mandible. Three replicate measurements were performed with the mouse-driven cursor by one reader at 1:1 and 2:1 magnification. Precision was assessed with the reliability index (R) and Malony/Rastogi test and the effect of magnification on accuracy by paired Wilcoxon test.

RESULTS

Vertical measurements were less reproducible than horizontal measurements. There were significant differences in assessments between images at 1:1 and 2:1 magnification (P < 0.05). The maximum variation in mean difference was 0.4% of actual object length for pins and 1.2% for spheres. The difference did not exceed 0.1 mm. R was lower for 2:1 magnification and consistently lower for spheres compared with pins.

CONCLUSION

The most reliable measurements were obtained of linear objects in the horizontal plane. Digital measurements are sufficiently accurate for clinical use.
The value of magnetic resonance imaging in a fistula of Wharton's duct
Authors: Salerno S , Cannizzaro F , Lo Casto A , Barresi B , Speciale R
Published: October 2024

A 30-year-old woman developed a fistula of the Wharton's duct following excision of the submandibular gland. The contribution of conventional fistulography, MRI and MRI fistulography in detecting the exact extent of the fistula is discussed.
Sonographic analysis of rat submandibular glands in experimentally-induced sialadenitis
Authors: Shimizu M , Tokumori K , Saitoh M , Miwa K , Yoshiura K , Kanda S
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To correlate the sonographic features of experimentally-induced obstructive sialadenitis in rat submandibular glands with the histopathological changes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Changes in sonograms of ligated and non-ligated rat submandibular glands were compared with the wet weight and histopathology. Sonograms were obtained at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 21 days after duct ligation at 13 and 14 MHz for B-mode and for power Doppler mode respectively. Changes in gland size, echo intensity, distribution of internal echoes and vascularity were evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively.

RESULTS

Changes in size of the ligated glands were very similar to changes in wet weight. The ligated glands showed lower echo intensity than the non-ligated glands. The ligated glands showed higher echo intensity in the central portion at 4-7 days after duct ligation which resulted in heterogeneity of the glands. Vascularity of the ligated glands increased in the acute phase, and then decreased to the level of the non-ligated glands.

CONCLUSIONS

The three phases in the changes in ligated glands identifiable histopathologically can be differentiated by B-mode sonography. Power Doppler can differentiate the acute phase. Sonography therefore appears useful for the diagnosis of the degree of gland damage.
Imaging of malignant cervical lymphadenopathy.
Authors: Connor S E , Olliff J F
Published: October 2024

Diagnostic imaging is superior to clinical staging in the detection of malignant cervical lymphadenopathy, and thus helps influence therapy and prognosis. The imaging modalities of CT, MRI, US and PET each have their own diagnostic criteria, accuracy and limitations. Newer innovations such as functional imaging, novel MRI contrast agents and FNAC are being appraised with the aim of identifying the micrometastases which are currently radiologically occult.
Correlation between quantitative salivary gland scintigraphy and salivary secretion rates in children and young adults treated for hematological, malignant and metabolic diseases
Authors: Bågesund M , Richter S , Agren B , Dahllöf G
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To study the correlation between whole salivary secretion rates and different variables from the radionuclide time-activity curve and to determine a reliable region for background correction in salivary gland scintigraphy.

METHODS

Salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) was performed before bone marrow transplantation or more than 4 years later in 23 patients aged 13.5 (s.d. 4.9) years. Unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary secretion rates were measured before SGS. Six different methods for background correction were evaluated.

RESULTS

The unstimulated secretion rate was significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with the percentage stimulated secretion (S) and reaccumulation-slope (RS) after stimulation. The stimulated secretion rate was significantly correlated with RS, S and down-slope (DS). The temporal region above the parotid glands and the area above the thyroid gland was used for subtraction of background radiation for the parotid and submandibular glands respectively showed a strong correlation between repeated measurements of the variables analysed. The mean maximum uptake was 0.73-1.34% of total dose injected.

CONCLUSIONS

The salivary scintigraphic variables which correlated more strongly with salivary secretion rates were RS, S and DS. The temporal region above the parotid gland and the area above the thyroid gland can be used reliably for correction background radiation in the analysis of the time-activity curve in SGS of the parotid and submandibular glands respectively.
Comparison of observer performance in determining the position of endodontic files with physical measures in the evaluation of dental X-ray imaging systems
Authors: Vandre R H , Pajak J C , Abdel-Nabi H , Farman T T , Farman A G
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of substituting observers determining the accuracy of endodontic measurements for measurements of physical qualities in comparison of digital imaging systems.

METHODS

Sensors from six digital imaging systems were compared for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE). A total of 45 canals in teeth from human cadavers were instrumented to their apical foramina. Endodontic files, ranging in size from size 8 to size 20, were glued in place at random distances from the apical foramina spanning a range of +/- 3 mm. The teeth were imaged with the six digital systems and dental X-ray film. Fifteen dentists independently measured the distance from the end of the file to the apical foramen. Results were expressed as the measurement error. Measurement error was compared to SNR, MTF and DQE for each digital system.

RESULTS

CDR (Schick, New York, NY, USA), Digora (Sordex, Helsinki, Finland) and Dexis (Provision Dental Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA) produced the highest SNR values followed closely by RVG-4 (Trophy, Croissy-Beavborg, France). Sens-A-Ray (Dent-X/Regam Medical Systems, Sundsvall, Sweden), Dexis and the RVG-4 produced the best MTF results. Dexis had the greatest DQE. The mean measurement errors (in mm) were: Film 0.65, Dexis 0.69, CDR 0.71, RVG-4 0.74, Digora 0.89, Sens-A-Ray 0.97, and Visualix-2 (Gendex, Monza, Italy) 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital systems closely approximate film in their accuracy when used for endodontic measurement providing that the assessment instruments have similar resolving power. DQE was the best physical predictor of system accuracy when compared with endodontic length measurements. MTF and SNR alone did not accurately predict observer precision.
Basic study of the measurement of bone mineral content of cortical and cancellous bone of the mandible by computed tomography
Authors: Iwashita Y
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To develop an algorithm for automatic separation of cortical from cancellous bone in the mandible and for measuring mandibular bone mineral content (BMC).

METHODS

A dried mandible was scanned together with a reference phantom by spiral CT. A new algorithm was developed specifically for the mandible and cross-sectional images reconstructed in the buccolingual plane. The cortical bone was extracted with a threshold of 80% of the peak height in the line-scan profile and the cancellous bone extracted separately. The volume and BMC were estimated. Images of cortical and cancellous bone were displayed in a plane approximating the orientation used for dental radiography and BMC expressed as aluminium-equivalents (Al-eqs).

RESULTS

The ratio of cortical to cancellous bone by volume was 22:78, and the ratio of the BMC 60:40. Comparison of BMC from reconstructed CT with Al-eqs showed good correlation but was 1.5 times higher with CT.

CONCLUSIONS

It is possible to separate cancellous from cortical bone automatically from CT images and to measure the BMC.
The prevalence of radiographically evident mandibular tori in the University of Iowa dental patients
Authors: Ruprecht A , Hellstein J , Bobinet K , Mattinson C
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the radiographic prevalence of mandibular tori and to determine the attributes which make tori radiographically evident.

METHODS

The prevalence of mandibular tori was determined from 1600 radiographic surveys of patients attending the College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, 200 for each decade of life from the first to the eighth. Dry skulls were evaluated at the National Museum of Natural History. Mandibular tori were measured, classified and radiographed to correlate the radiographic findings with the physical characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, 16.9% of the patient population had radiographically detectable mandibular tori with some cohorts within the population as high as 33%. Lobulated tori extending 4 mm or more mediolaterally were radiographically detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed one of the higher prevalence rates of mandibular tori in the literature for a population within the United States. Radiographic threshold analysis suggests that this group of Iowans has a high percentage of medium to large discretely lobulated tori.
A new method for the radiological investigation of residual ridge resorption in the maxilla
Authors: Kreisler M , Schulze R , Schalldach F , d'Hoedt B , Behneke A , Behneke N
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To develop a new method for assessing residual ridge resorption in the edentulous maxilla.

METHODS

Defined experimental and reference areas in the maxilla were drawn on transparent film laid over a panoramic radiograph and digitized. Bone areas were measured with an integrated planimetry program and expressed as a ratio R. The effect of positioning errors on reliability of the method was investigated on dry skulls. The correlation between the change in ratio and actual bone loss was examined by progressively reducing the height of an artificial residual ridge on one skull.

RESULTS

The coefficient of variation for the absolute ratio in different head positions was < 0.05 and its correlation coefficient of the change in R and the degree of resorption was r2 > or = 98.3%, P = 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of the experimental area with the reference area on serial panoramic radiographs appears suitable for the assessment of residual resorption in the maxilla.
Radiological and clinical features of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour
Authors: Kaplan I , Buchner A , Calderon S , Kaffe I
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To analyse systematically the radiographic features of the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour (CEOT).

METHOD

Clinical and radiological features of 67 cases of CEOT (four new and 63 from the literature) were analysed.

RESULTS

There were 27 (41%) males and 39 (59%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 1 : 1.5. Age ranged from 13 - 77 years (mean 43.5 years), with a peak in the fourth and fifth decades. The mandible was involved in 74% of the cases and 69% of all lesions were in the posterior area. The mixed radiolucent-radiopaque pattern was the most frequent (65%), with 32% radiolucent and 3% radiopaque. Coronal clustering of the radiopaque material was found in 12% and in one case, a 'driven snow' pattern of the radiopaque material was clearly recognizable. Lesions were unilocular in 58%, multilocular in 27% and not loculated in 15%. The unilocular type was more frequent in the maxilla than in the mandible. Borders were well defined and corticated in 20%, defined but not corticated in 59% and diffuse in 21%. Sixty per cent were associated with impacted teeth. Lesions larger than 3 cm tended to be more frequent in the mandible, mixed radiolucent-radiopaque and to have a higher proportion of diffuse borders than the smaller lesions.

CONCLUSION

Radiographic features which have been considered characteristic of CEOT, coronal clustering and 'driven snow' patterns, are seen in only a small percentage of cases.
Advanced imaging in renal osteodystrophy of the oral and maxillofacial region
Authors: Asaumi J , Aiga H , Hisatomi M , Shigehara H , Kishi K
Published: October 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography was performed in one and two patients, respectively, with renal osteodystrophy (ROD). Conventional radiographs clearly depicted the characteristics of ROD of the oral and maxillofacial region. CT and MRI did not add any more information.
Comparison of computed tomography with conventional radiography for midfacial fractures.
Authors: Tanrikulu R , Erol B
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical effectiveness of computed tomography (CT) with conventional radiography in midfacial fractures.

METHODS

The conventional radiographs (CM) and CT scans of 40 consecutive patients with complex midfacial fractures were assessed independently by two examiners. The number and site of fractures of the orbit, zygoma and maxilla were compared by the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed Rank test. The best method for classification of the fracture was determined.

RESULTS

Coronal CT (CCT) proved superior in the diagnosis of orbital fractures (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between any of the imaging methods for fractures of the zygoma. Axial CT (ACT) was the most effective method in imaging of maxillary fractures (ACT-CM; P<0.001, ACT-CCT; P<0.01). CCT was the most useful in classification of orbital and maxillary fracture.

CONCLUSION

CCT is superior to CM for the assessment of complex midface fractures
Variability in measurement of radiomorphometric indices by general dental practitioners
Authors: Devlin C V , Horner K , Devlin H
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To assess the variability of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in measurement of radiomorphometric indices on panoramic radiographs following basic instruction and to examine whether the variability could be reduced by more individualised instruction.

METHODS

Nine GDPs measured Gonion Index (GI), Antegonion Index (AI), Mental Index (MI) and Mandibular Cortical Index (MCI) on copies of 10 panoramic radiographs following a lecture on osteoporosis and the use of radiomorphometric indices. Their measurements were related to expert-derived measurements of the same copy radiographs. Mean differences and limits of agreement (2x standard deviation of differences) were calculated for quantitative indices (GI, AI, MI) and agreement of GDPs with expert-derived MCI assessments was determined using weighted kappa. Following individualised feedback to GDPs, all measurements were repeated after 2 weeks and the statistical analysis repeated.

RESULTS

There was extensive variation amongst GDPs in measurement of GI, AI and MI and in assessment of MCI. There was a general tendency of GDPs to record thicker mandibular cortices than did the experts. Limits of agreement were wide relative to the mean values of each quantitative index at both readings. Agreement of the GDPs with experts in assessment of MCI was moderate at both readings, but with a wide range in assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Variability in measuring radiomorphometric indices amongst the GDPs was high and was not predictably improved by individualised instruction. This study casts considerable doubt on the potential value of radiomorphometric indices given their lack of precision.
Detection of simulated internal tooth resorption using conventional radiography and subtraction imaging
Authors: Holmes J P , Gulabivala K , van der Stelt P F
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional radiography with digital subtraction imaging in the detection of simulated internal resorption.

METHODS

Simulated resorption cavities were created by the sequential use of progressively larger round burs (ISO size range 006-016) in the labial wall of the coronal or apical thirds of the pulp chamber of the maxillary incisors of two cadavers. Five viewers examined 120 pairs of radiographs, one of each pair being baseline (no lesion) and the other with or without a lesion. The process was then repeated with subtraction images of the pairs of radiographs. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the two imaging modalities.

RESULTS

Using conventional radiography, the minimum lesion size detectable coronally was in the 'medium' range (ISO size 010 and 012 round burs), but only 'large' lesions (ISO size 014 and 016) could be detected in the apical region. The overall diagnostic accuracy of subtraction imaging was superior to conventional radiography but only significant (P<0.05) for coronal lesions.

CONCLUSION

Subtraction radiography may be a useful tool for detecting and monitoring the progress of internal root resorption.
The use of panoramic radiography in a dental accident and emergency department
Authors: Sewell J , Drage N , Brown J
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To determine the rate of appropriate requests for panoramic radiography (PR) in a Dental Accident and Emergency Department and the implications for patient dose.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-one requests for PR during July 1998 were assessed by two dental radiologists and categorised as appropriate or inappropriate based on established selection criteria. Incidental findings that might alter patient management were also noted.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven requests (58%) were considered appropriate and 114 (42%) inappropriate. The most common inappropriate request was to assess disease localised to one or two teeth. Dental students were involved in 186 requests and 76 of these (41%) were inappropriate. The estimated saving in collective radiation dose over the month of the study if appropriate radiographs had been taken, would have been approximately 540 microSv, a reduction of 70%. Three out of 114 (3%) inappropriate, PRS showed minor incidental findings.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of requests for PR were inappropriate. In most of these cases, periapical radiographs would have provided more detail with less radiation dose. The large number of inappropriate requests involving dental students has implications for educators. The use of local selection criteria based on currently accepted guidelines would have reduced the dose substantially.
Comparison of five methods for the derivation of spectra for a constant potential dental X-ray unit
Authors: Lankipalli B R , McDavid W D , Dove S B , Wieckowska E , Waggener R G , Mercier J R
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To compare the diagnostic X-ray spectra derived by different methods for a constant potential dental X-ray unit.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five methods of deriving X-ray spectra for a constant potential dental X-ray unit were compared: measurement by spectrometer using cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) detector, calculation by Monte Carlo simulation, calculation by two different, semi-empirical methods and estimation from transmission data. The dental X-ray set was a Heliodent MD unit (Sirona, Charlotte, NC, USA) operable at 60 or 70 kV. A semiconductor detector was used in the spectrometer measurements and an ionization chamber dosimeter in the transmission measurements. From the five methods, photon-fluence spectra were derived. Based on the photon-fluence spectra, average energies and transmission curves in aluminum were calculated.

RESULTS

For all five methods, the average energies were within 2.4% of one another. Comparison of the transmission curves showed an average difference in the range of 1 to 6%.

CONCLUSION

All of the five methods of deriving spectra are in extremely good agreement with each other.
Scintigraphic evaluation of chronic osteomyelitis of the mandible in SAPHO syndrome
Authors: Sato T , Indo H , Kawabata Y , Agarie R , Ishigami T , Noikura T
Published: October 2024

A patient with SAPHO syndrome (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis) was evaluated by combined scintigraphy. (99m)Tc HMDP scintigraphy showed accumulation in the sternum and lumbar vertebrae as well as the right mandible, whereas (67)Ga citrate showed an accumulation in the right mandible, but not in the sternum or lumbar vertebrae. These results are consistent with chronic osteomyelitis in the mandible.
The effect of the number of iterative restorations on tuned aperture computed tomography for approximal caries detection.
Authors: Abreu M , Tyndall D A , Ludlow J B , Nortjé C J
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the number of iterative restorations performed on TACT images affects observers' ability to detect dental caries.

METHODS

Eight TACT basis images of 40 extracted human posterior teeth were acquired using a CCD sensor. TACT slices of each tooth were generated and subsequently submitted to 1, 2 or 3 iterative restorations. Stacks of images from the three experimental conditions were presented to six observers in a balanced order, on a high-resolution 21' color monitor. Observers scored the presence or absence of approximal caries using a 5-point confidence scale. Observers' assessments were compared with the results of histological examination. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated and possible significant differences between observers and between modalities tested by ANOVA. The level of significance was set at alpha=0.05. Interobserver reliability was calculated as intraclass correlation.

RESULTS

Mean areas under the ROC curves (A(z)) for the three experimental conditions were 0.791 (one iterative restoration), 0.81 (two iterative restorations), and 0.778 (three iterative restorations). ANOVA did not demonstrate any significant difference between modalities (P=0.25) but did so between observers (P=0.031). Interobserver reliability was similar for all experimental conditions tested.

CONCLUSIONS

Varying the number of iterative restorations from one to three does not affect observers' ability to detect approximal caries with TACT slices.
Unilateral fibroadipose degeneration of the masticatory muscles
Authors: Pomatto E , Castellano S , Bianchi S D
Published: October 2024

A unique case of fatty replacement of the masticatory muscles, causing progressive limitation of mouth opening, is presented. Both CT and MRI revealed an almost total substitution of the masticatory muscles with fatty tissue, confirmed by the histopathology at surgery. Myotomy of masseter and internal pterygoid muscles and coronoidotomy improved his symptoms. There is no known cause of fibroadipose replacement of muscle fibres.
Imaging of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. A new radiographic classification
Authors: El-Hakim Ibrahim E , Metwalli S A
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVES

To compare the pre-operative clinical and radiographic findings of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis with those found at operation and propose new classification.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients were treated for TMJ ankylosis. There were 18 unilateral and 12 bilateral cases. All patients underwent pre-operative clinical and radiographic examination, (consisting of a panoramic radiograph, axial and coronal CT. The surgical findings were compared with the imaging features.

RESULTS

Post-contrast coronal CT was the best imaging modality for planning surgery as it displayed the anatomical relationship between the ankylosed segment and the surrounding vital structures, particularly where the sphenoid and temporal bones were involved.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical planning should be based on coronal and axial CT. A new classification of TMJ ankylosis based on the CT findings is proposed.
Recurrent conventional cemento-ossifying fibroma of the mandible
Authors: Knutsen B Mork , Larheim T A , Johannessen S , Hillestad J , Solheim T , Koppang H Stromme
Published: October 2024

Cemento-ossifying fibromas are slow growing, benign lesions. Recurrence is considered rare. A mandibular periapical radiolucent lesion in a 30-year-old female was diagnosed histologically as a cemento-ossifying fibroma and excised. A recurrence was found 2 years and 6 months postoperatively. CT demonstrated that the recurrent lesion was larger than indicated by conventional radiography.
Denervation atrophy of the masticatory muscles in a patient with nasopharyngeal cancer: MR examinations before and after radiotherapy
Authors: Ariji Y , Fuwa N , Tachibana H , Ariji E
Published: October 2024

We report on a patient with denervation atrophy of the masticatory muscles due to nasopharyngeal cancer who received therapeutic irradiation. Magnetic resonance imaging has significantly contributed to aid diagnosis of this pathology. Masticatory muscle atrophy should be a definitive finding of perineural invasion caused by head and neck tumors. Radiologists should be familiar with this appearance to avoid confusion with tumor invasion of the muscle.
Spontaneous resolution of simple bone cysts.
Authors: Damante J H , Da S Guerra E N , Ferreira Jr O
Published: October 2024

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether spontaneous resolution of simple bone cysts (SBC) is possible.

METHODS

Ten patients were diagnosed as SBC on clinical and radiographic criteria and followed up for 1 to 7 years (mean 3.8). The degree of resolution was assessed subjectively by four radiologists and objectively by changes in the grey level histogram.

RESULTS

All cases remained asymptomatic over the follow-up period. One of the lesions was considered static, two were increased, six remodeled and one resolved. The mean difference in grey levels between the lesion and the contralateral normal mandible decreased in 8 out of 10 cases.

CONCLUSION

It is probable that SBC resolves spontaneously. A protocol for clinical and radiographic diagnosis and follow-up is proposed.
Retraction: Two-step naked-eye detection of lectin by hierarchical organization of soft nanotubes into liquid crystal and gel phases
Authors: Kameta Naohiro , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: October 2024

Retraction of ‘Two-step naked-eye detection of lectin by hierarchical organization of soft nanotubes into liquid crystal and gel phases’ by Naohiro Kameta et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 6816–6819, https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CC01464F.
Retraction: Qualitative/chiral sensing of amino acids by naked-eye fluorescence change based on morphological transformation and hierarchizing in supramolecular assemblies of pyrene-conjugated glycolipids
Authors: Kameta Naohiro , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: October 2024

Retraction of ‘Qualitative/chiral sensing of amino acids by naked-eye fluorescence change based on morphological transformation and hierarchizing in supramolecular assemblies of pyrene-conjugated glycolipids’ by Naohiro Kameta et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, 51, 11104–11107, https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CC03843J.
Engineering galactose oxidase for efficient cascade synthesis of l-guluronic acid from d-glucose
Authors: Wang Qingxiu , Liu Weisong , Chang Lijing , Zhang Kuncheng , Shen Yanbing , Zhang Lingling
Published: October 2024

A synthetic pathway of l-guluronic acid and rational design of galactose oxidase.
Assessment of the cytotoxicity micro- and nano-plastic on human intestinal Caco-2 cells and the protective effects of catechin
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Yang Zhongneng , Ren Xiao-Min , Zhang Zhenghuan , He Huan , Pan Xuejun
Published: October 2024

This study found that PS-M/NPs have a size-dependent cytotoxic effect on the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2, mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, catechins were shown to mitigate these adverse effects.
CoQ10 bioaccessibility and Caco-2 cell uptake improved with novel medium chain triglyceride encapsulation
Authors: Li Ziqi , Kopec Rachel E.
Published: October 2024

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a key component of the electron transport chain, is better micellarized and absorbed by intestinal cells following novel encapsulation with MCTs + phospholipid.
Electrothermally powered synergistic fluorescence-colour/3D-shape changeable polymer gel systems for rewritable and programmable information display
Authors: Xie Junni , Yue Chaojun , Chen Shaohuang , Jiang Zhenyi , Wu Shuangshuang , Yang Weiqing , Zhang Kai , Chen Tao , Wang Yunan , Lu Wei
Published: October 2024

Bioinspired electrothermally activated polymer gel systems with synergistic fluorescence-colour/3D shape changing properties are developed for rewritable and programmable information displays.
Bioinspired microrobots and their biomedical applications
Authors: Xu Ke , Yuan Gaolong , Zheng Jianchen , Zhang Yuzhao , Wang Jingang , Guo Hongji
Published: October 2024

Inspired by nature, the design of bioinspired microrobots with the ability to mimic biological structures or functions has great potential for biomedical applications.
p-Block metal atom-induced spin state transition of Fe–N–C catalysts for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Chen Jiana , Zhou Tingyi , He Changjie , Luo Zhaoyan , Shi Chuan , Zhang Lei , Zhang Qianling , He Chuanxin , Ren Xiangzhong
Published: October 2024

Herein, we successfully implanted p-block metal single sites (SnN4, SbN4) into the Fe–N–C system to vary the spin states of Fe species and investigated the ORR performance of active metal centers with varying effective magnetic moments.
Hyperbranched TEMPO-based polymers as catholytes for redox flow battery applications
Authors: Ehtiati Koosha , Anufriev Ilya , Friebe Christian , Volodin Ivan A. , Stolze Christian , Muench Simon , Festag Grit , Nischang Ivo , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: October 2024

Hyperbranched TEMPO-based polymers are investigated as catholytes for redox flow batteries revealing relatively low viscosity, rapid diffusion, and fast charge transfer. Remaining challenges are the polymers being prone to crossover and having a low cycling stability.
Accurate and sensitive dual-response fluorescence detection of microRNAs based on an upconversion nanoamplicon with red emission
Authors: Huang Lingling , Zhou Yi , Xu Liang , Ruan Xin , Huang Zhao , Ke Yue , Lin Lisong , Tang Qiuling
Published: October 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common type of oral cancer.
Functionalizable poly-terthiophene/Cu2O heterojunction constructed in situ for sensitive photoelectrochemical detection of long non-coding RNA markers
Authors: Pang Xuehui , Liu Rui , Lv Xiaoyi , Lu Wenjun , Sun Lebin , Wang Qiuyan , Li Zhen , Kang Qing , Xie Jiandong , Pang Yingxin , Zhou Feimeng
Published: October 2024

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor based on the poly-2,2,5,2-terthiophene (pTTh)/Cu2O heterojunction was constructed and applied for the detection of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TROJAN, a biomarker of triple-negative breast cancer.
2D-based electrode materials for supercapacitors – status, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Hegazy H. H. , Khan Junaid , Shakeel Noshaba , Alabdullkarem Eman A. , Saleem Muhammad Imran , Alrobei Hussein , Yahia I. S.
Published: October 2024

To address the inherent challenges such as restacking, limited ion-accessibility, scalability, stability, and the intricate balance between surface area and conductivity, this article delves into emerging strategies and prospects.
Development, cross-validation and greenness assessment of capillary electrophoresis method for determination of ALP in pharmaceutical dosage forms – an alternative to liquid chromatography
Authors: Mlinarić Zvonimir , Turković Lu , Babić Ivor , Silovski Tajana , Kočevar Glavač Nina , Sertić Miranda
Published: October 2024

Novel CE and HPLC methods for the determination of ALP in pharmaceutical dosage forms were developed, validated according to ICH guidelines, applied to real pharmaceutical samples, cross-validated and greenness assessment was performed.
New triazole-based hybrids as neurotropic agents
Authors: Sirakanyan Samvel N. , Spinelli Domenico , Geronikaki Athina , Hakobyan Elmira K. , Petrou Anti , Kartsev Victor G. , Yegoryan Hasmik A. , Paronikyan Ervand G. , Zuppiroli Luca , Jughetsyan Hasmik V. , Paronikyan Ruzanna G. , Arakelyan Tatevik A. , Hovakimyan Anush A.
Published: October 2024

Herein, we describe the synthesis and biological activity of new hybrids linked to 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-triazole units.
Structural properties of conductive polymer blends interfaced with water: computational insights from PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Guruge Amali G. , Makki Hesam , Troisi Alessandro
Published: October 2024

The PEDOT:PSS–water interface was modeled using atomistic MD simulations. The morphological changes in the PEDOT- and PSS-rich phases caused by water permeation were investigated, predicting how these changes influence the material's conductivity.
Abnormal anti-thermal quenching of Mn2+ and reverse thermal response of Mn2+/Mn4+ luminescence in garnet phosphor for wide-range temperature sensing
Authors: Balhara Annu , Gupta Santosh K. , Patra G. D. , Naidu Boddu S. , Sudarshan Kathi
Published: October 2024

This work demonstrated the potential application of cryogenic and above room temperature dual-mode luminescence ratiometric and lifetime thermometry based on the diverse thermal quenching behavior of Mn2+ and Mn4+ ions.
Exploring changes in residents' daily activity patterns through sequence visualization analysis
Authors: Peng Xiaoran , Hu Ruimin , Wang Xiaochen , Huang Nana
Published: October 2024

The analysis of people's daily activities has played a crucial role in various applications, such as urban geography, activity prediction, and homogeneous population detection. However, limited studies have explored changes in the residents’ activity patterns in a particular region across various periods. To explore the changes, a methodological framework of sequence visualization analysis based on machine learning that extracts the activity patterns across various periods using sequence analysis, visualizes the activity patterns by calculating the frequency of different activities at time points and categorizes them through graphical similarity, and then compares the activity patterns in terms of activity and demographic characteristics is proposed. Empirical testing on the New York Metropolitan data of the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) is conducted for 2001, 2009, and 2017. The findings reveal significant intra‐similarities, inter‐differences, and distinct changes in activity patterns across three periods for different social populations in the New York Metropolitan. From the perspective of information analysis, this work is anticipated to enhance the understanding of travel needs for diverse social populations in a particular region, thereby facilitating targeted policy adjustments for the departments concerned.