ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Crohn Disease/pathology , Ileal Diseases/pathology , Intestine, Large/pathology , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Chi-Square Distribution , Contrast Media , Female , Gadolinium DTPA , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Regression Analysis , Severity of Illness Index , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Dental Amalgam/chemistry , Dental Polishing/methods , Analysis of Variance , Carbon Compounds, Inorganic , Dental Alloys/chemistry , Dental Polishing/instrumentation , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Rubber , Silicates , Silicon Compounds , Surface Properties , Zinc OxideABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate , Composite Resins/chemistry , Resin Cements , Hardness , Light , Materials Testing , Polymethacrylic Acids/chemistry , Polyurethanes/chemistry , Surface Properties , Time FactorsABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Dental Amalgam/chemistry , Dental Polishing/instrumentation , Analysis of Variance , Dental Restoration, Permanent , Hardness , HumansABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Physical Therapy Modalities , Splints , Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome/therapy , Breathing Exercises , Humans , Relaxation TherapyABSTRACT
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.
