Reliability of the color measurement of resin composites using images obtained using a stereoscopic loupe.

This study assessed the reliability of a color measurement method using images obtained from a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a stereoscopic loupe. Disc-shaped specimens were created using the composite Filtek Z350 XT (shades DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4) (n = 3). CIELAB color coordinates of the specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer SP60 over white and black backgrounds. Images of the same specimens were taken using a CCD camera attached to a stereoscopic loupe. The color of the image was measured (red-green-blue [RGB]) using an image processing software and converted to CIELAB coordinates. For each color coordinate, data from images were adjusted using linear regressions predicting those values from SP60. The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) and translucency parameter (TP00) of the specimens as well as the color differences (ΔE00) among pairwise shades were calculated. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Images obtained using the loupe tended to be darker and redder than the actual color. Data adjustment resulted in similar WID, ΔE00, and TP00 values to those observed for the spectrophotometer. Differences were observed only for the WID of shade DA3 and ΔE00 for comparing DA1 and DA3 over the black background. However, these differences were not clinically relevant. The use of adjusted data from images taken using a stereoscopic loupe is considered a feasible method for color measurement.

Morphometric Comparison of Two Implants with Different Macroscopy Placed Immediate in the Anterior Region of the Maxilla - A Randomized Clinical Trial with 6-Month of Follow Up.

Purpose - Compare the morphometric results of immediate implants (Type 1C) with a cylindrical (conventional) or triangular neck, in the anterior region of the maxilla, during 6 months of osseointegration. Materials and Methods - Prospective randomized clinical trial with a sample of 20 individuals randomly assigned to each group (10 triangular neck implants and 10 cylindrical neck implants). Consecutively direct measurements were performed: before (T-1) and after tooth extraction (T0), after implant placement (T1), after 1 month of the submerged implant healing (T2), when placing the healing abutment (T3), after placing the definitive crown (T3), and after 6 months of osseointegration (T4). Results - A significant difference between T1 and T3 in the buccal cortical thickness was identified (0.49Å}0.86mm). Although there was a significant increase in the buccal cortical thickness in both implants, this increase was greater for the triangular neck implants (cylindrical shape: 0.08Å}0.59 vs. triangular neck 0.90Å}0.91mm). It was also observed that implants placed below the buccal bone crest (í-1mm) promote less vertical buccal bone loss than implants placed Ñ-1mm at crest level (-0.65Å}0.52mm vs. -1.42Å}0.86mm). This observation needs to be further investigated in additional studies. Conclusions - The triangular neck implants present an increase in the cortical buccal thickness compared to the cylindrical implants. However, this increase does not fully compensate the remodulation after tooth loss.

Assessment of quality of life, psychosocial, and epidemiological aspects in patients diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life in patients diagnosed as having tuberculous uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects. METHOD: By conducting standardized interviews, clinical and demographic data were collected using a measure developed in this study. This measure was applied in addition to other measures, namely SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and NEI-VFQ-39, which were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and visual functioning. RESULTS: The study included 34 patients [mean age: 46.5 ± 15.1 years, female patients: 21 (61.8%)]. The mean of the VFQ-39 score was 74.5 ± 16.6 and that of SF-12 physical and mental component scores were 45.8 ± 10.1 and 51.6 ± 7.5, respectively, for the health-related quality of life. Anxiety symptoms were the most prevalent compared with depression symptoms and were found in 35.3% of the participants. CONCLUSION: Tuberculous uveitis affects several scales of quality of life, thereby affecting a population economically active with a social, psychological, and economic burden.

Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

BACKGROUND: Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. METHODOLOGY: In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. RESULTS: Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. CONCLUSION: Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

Color discrepancy of single-shade composites at different distances from the interface measured using cell phone images.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of substrate color and interface distance on the color adjustment of 2 single-shade composites, Vittra APS Unique and Charisma Diamond One. Materials and Methods: Dual disc-shaped specimens were created using Vittra APS Unique or Charisma Diamond One as the center composite, surrounded by shaded composites (A1 or A3). Color measurements were taken with a spectrophotometer against a gray background, recording the color coordinates in the CIELAB color space. Illumination with a light-correcting device and image acquisition using a polarizing filter-equipped cell phone were performed on specimens over the same background. Image processing software was used to measure the color coordinates in the center and periphery of the inner composite and in the outer composite. The color data were then converted to CIELAB coordinates and adjusted using data from the spectrophotometer. Color differences (ΔE00) between the center/periphery of single-shade and outer composites were calculated, along with color changes in single-shade composites caused by different outer composites. Color differences for the inner composites surrounded by A1 and A3 were also calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Results: The results showed that color discrepancies were lowest near the interface and when the outer composite was whiter (A1). Additionally, Charisma Diamond One exhibited better color adjustment ability than Vittra APS Unique. Conclusions: Color discrepancies between the investigated single-shade composites diminished towards the interface with the surrounding composite, particularly when the latter exhibited a lighter shade.

Color matching and color recovery in large composite restorations using single-shade or universal composites.

This study assessed the color-matching ability and color recovery of unprepared teeth when using single-shade composites and a universal composite in large restorations. Buccal and palatine surface colors of molars were measured with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB) before preparing round cavities (6 mm in diameter, 2 mm in depth). The cavities were randomly filled with a single-shade composite (Omnichroma, Diamond One, or Vittra APS Unique) or a universal composite (Filtek Universal). Color measurements of the restored cavities were taken, and overall color differences (ΔEab and ΔE00) and differences in the whitening index for dentistry (ΔWID) from baseline were calculated. Additionally, visual assessments of a color match to the surrounding enamel were performed by forty evaluators (laypersons and undergraduate students of dentistry) in a viewing booth under illuminant D65, with rating scores from 0 (no color mismatch) to 4 (not acceptable). Data were analyzed using RM or one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results showed that the restorations generally exhibited whiter colors (WID ranged from 27.9 to 41.3) than the unprepared teeth (WID ranged from 15.9 to 19.3). The composite Filtek Universal demonstrated the lowest color discrepancy (ΔWID = 8.6; ΔE00 = 10.8; and ΔE00 = 6.2), and no significant differences were observed among the evaluated single-shade composites. Furthermore, all composites showed similar and adequate color matches to the surrounding enamel. However, it is important to note that despite their ability to match the surrounding enamel reasonably, none of the composites evaluated in large restorations fully recovered the color observed in unprepared teeth.

Probable sleep and awake bruxism in adolescents: A path analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bruxism has a multifactorial etiology, including the influence of sleep characteristics and chronotypes. AIM: To identify the pathways that influence the occurrence of probable sleep bruxism (PSB) and probable awake bruxism (PAB) in adolescents. DESIGN: A total of 403 adolescents, aged 12-19 years, participated in the study. Parents/caregivers filled out a questionnaire about sociodemographic issues and the adolescent's health conditions, and the adolescents about sleep characteristics, occurrence of bruxism (based on previous study and the International Consensus of Bruxism), and chronotype (Circadian Energy Scale). Clinical examinations were performed. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and path analysis. RESULTS: PSB and PAB are related to each other, with moderate and positive correlation (ß = .390). Poor sleep quality and higher household income had a direct effect on both PSB (ß = -.138; ß = .123, respectively) and PAB (ß = -.155; ß = .116, respectively). Chronotype had a direct effect on PSB, in such a way that adolescents with a morningness chronotype tend to have PSB (ß = -.102). Adolescents that drool on the pillow (ß = .184) and/or have agitated sleep (ß = .104) tend to have PSB. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality, household income, morningness chronotype profile, drooling on the pillow, and agitated sleep influence the paths taken by PSB. PAB was influenced by the quality of sleep and family income.

Influence of a gray background and the illuminant on tooth shade selection.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Visual shade selection in dentistry may be influenced by factors that include the background color and the illuminant. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the influence of using a gray background and a light-correcting device on visual shade selection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two experienced clinicians assessed the incisor color of 30 volunteers using the VITA 3D-MASTER shade guide. Visual analyses were carried out using or not (control) a gray background, with and without (control) a light-correcting device (Smile Lite). Furthermore, the use of a polarizing filter was evaluated. Data from a clinical spectrophotometer were defined as the standard instrumental analysis. The agreement and the similarity (based on the whitening indexes of tabs) were evaluated between instrumental and visual analyses. Statistical testing was conducted through ordinal logistic regression and repeated-measures ANOVA. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to confirm the data distribution, and homogeneity of variance was assessed with the Levene test (α=.05) RESULTS: The use of Smile Lite resulted in lighter tabs than indicated by the instrumental analysis, and the opposite was observed in its absence. The polarizing filter did not affect the results (P>.05). For similarity, the illuminant improved the results (P<.001). The gray background reduced the differences between visual and instrumental analysis only in the absence of the Smile Lite (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The color similarity between visual and instrumental analysis improved with the use of a light-correcting device with or without a polarization filter. A gray background was useful only without the light-correcting device.

Expression of IL-17RA in Innate Cells of Patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and its Clinical Implications.

Summary: Background. Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by B-cell dysfunction and immunoglobulin production deficiency. Dysregulation of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and its receptor IL-17RA have been reported in various immune disorders. This study aimed to investigate the expression of IL-17RA in innate immune cells of CVID patients and its correlation with clinical manifestations. Methods. A cross-sectional study included 22 CVID patients and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. IL-17RA expression was assessed in various immune cell subsets using flow cytometry. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and statistical analysis was performed. Results. CVID patients had elevated IL-17RA expression in neutrophils, non-classical monocytes, and dendritic cells compared to healthy controls. Patients with a history of intestinal microbial colonization, particularly with Campylobacter jejuni and Giardia intestinalis, showed significantly higher IL-17RA expression in innate cells. Elevated IL-17RA expression in monocytes and dendritic cells also correlated with higher fecal calprotectin levels in CVID patients, regardless of microbial colonization. Conclusions. The study suggests that despite previous reports of reduced circulating Th17 cells and IL-17 levels in CVID patients, IL-17RA expression in innate cells may be elevated, potentially indicating altered IL-17 signaling. This heightened IL-17RA expression could contribute to a persistent pro-inflammatory state, possibly due to microbial translocation or other inflammatory factors. The association of IL-17RA expression with gastrointestinal microbial colonization and its correlation with fecal calprotectin underscores the complexity of IL-17RA's role in CVID pathophysiology. Further research in larger cohorts could elucidate the implications of IL-17RA expression in both infectious and non-infectious inflammatory aspects of CVID.

Effect of gingival barrier brands on operator perception, cervical adaptation, and patient comfort during in-office tooth bleaching: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Light-cured resins are widely used as gingival barriers to protect the gums from highly concentrated peroxides used in tooth bleaching. The impact of barrier brand on clinical outcomes is typically considered negligible. However, there is limited evidence on the effects of different brands on operator experience, barrier adaptation, and patient comfort. OBJECTIVE: This clinical trial assessed the impact of four commercial gingival barrier brands (Opaldam, Topdam, Lysadam, and Maxdam) on operator perception, adaptation quality, and patient comfort. METHODS: Twenty-one undergraduate students placed gingival barriers in a randomized sequence using blinded syringes. Photographs of the barriers were taken from frontal and incisal perspectives. After bleaching procedures, operators rated handling features and safety using Likert scale forms. Two experienced evaluators independently assessed barrier adaptation quality on a scale from 1 (perfect) to 5 (unacceptable). The absolute risk of barrier-induced discomfort was recorded. Data were analyzed using Friedman and Chi-square tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Opaldam and Topdam received the highest scores in most handling features, except for removal, which was similar among all brands. No significant difference was observed in barrier adaptation quality between the evaluated brands. Discomforts were mainly reported in the upper dental arch, with Maxdam having the highest absolute risk (35% for this arch and 24% overall). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that gingival barrier brands can influence operator perception and patient comfort. Opaldam and Topdam were preferred by operators, but all brands demonstrated comparable adaptation quality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was nested in a randomized clinical trial registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-9gtr9sc.

COVID-19 infection and vaccination in patients with hereditary angioedema: a multicentric study.

Summary: Background. Due to similarities between the pathophysiological mechanisms of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and COVID-19, it has been hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger HAE attacks or, alternatively, that HAE patients may experience different of COVID-19 disease severity. Furthermore, the potential for COVID-19 vaccination to trigger angioedema attacks in patients with HAE is still not completely defined. The objective is to characterize the exacerbations and clinical manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection and describe the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with HAE.Methods. Retrospective observational, descriptive, non-interventional, multicenter study conducted in four Allergy Units and Departments in Central Portugal between March 2020 and July 2022. HAE patient data were obtained from electronic medical records. Results. The study included 34 patients (67.6% female): 26 with HAE type 1, 5 with HAE type 2, and 3 with HAE with normal C1 inhibitor. Most patients with HAE type 1 and 2 were receiving long-term prophylaxis. Among the 32 patients who received COVID-19 vaccination, 86 doses, were administered with one angioedema attack (1.2%) associated with vaccination. A small increase in the average number of attacks was observed in the year following COVID vaccination (7.1 versus 6.2 in the previous year, p = 0.029), however, this difference is unlikely to be clinically significant, as the context of the COVID-19 pandemic likely introduced numerous confounders. During the study period, 16 HAE patients had COVID-19, all presenting with mild disease. Four out of 16 patients (25%) reported angioedema attacks during COVID-19, and 43.8% during the convalescence period (3 months after infection). Conclusions. Patients with HAE can safely receive COVID-19 vaccination. The severity of COVID-19 infection does not appear to be increased in HAE patients.

Effects of enamel moistening and repositioning guide color on tooth whitening outcomes: A clinical trial.

This clinical trial investigated the effects of pre-application enamel moistening on the impact of a 37% carbamide peroxide whitener on tooth color changes and the influence of repositioning guide colors. Forty participants were randomly assigned to in-office tooth bleaching with either moistened enamel (experimental) or dry enamel (control). The whitener was applied for 45 min over two sessions. Tooth color was visually measured or assessed using a spectrophotometer with purple or green silicone guides. Tooth bleaching was assessed using CIE76 (ΔEab ) and CIEDE2000 (ΔE00 ) formulas and by whitening and bleaching index score changes. Moistening the enamel did not significantly affect tooth color. However, the guide color choice only impacted tooth color when measured instrumentally. At baseline, the green guide resulted in statistically significantly whiter teeth than the purple guide. Less pronounced differences in the b* coordinate between baseline and final measurements were found using the green guide. The green guide also produced lower ΔEab values and less change in indexes. In conclusion, moistening the enamel did not significantly impact tooth color changes. However, the repositioning guide color influenced the tooth bleaching measured instrumentally, except for ΔE00 .

Assessment of quality of life, psychosocial, and epidemiological aspects in patients diagnosed with tuberculous uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the quality of life in patients diagnosed as having tuberculous uveitis and its association with sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial aspects. Method: By conducting standardized interviews, clinical and demographic data were collected using a measure developed in this study. This measure was applied in addition to other measures, namely SF-12, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and NEI-VFQ-39, which were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, and visual functioning. Results: The study included 34 patients [mean age: 46.5 ± 15.1 years, female patients: 21 (61.8%)]. The mean of the VFQ-39 score was 74.5 ± 16.6 and that of SF-12 physical and mental component scores were 45.8 ± 10.1 and 51.6 ± 7.5, respectively, for the health-related quality of life. Anxiety symptoms were the most prevalent compared with depression symptoms and were found in 35.3% of the participants. Conclusion: Tuberculous uveitis affects several scales of quality of life, thereby affecting a population economically active with a social, psychological, and economic burden.

Reliability of the color measurement of resin composites using images obtained using a stereoscopic loupe

Abstract This study assessed the reliability of a color measurement method using images obtained from a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and a stereoscopic loupe. Disc-shaped specimens were created using the composite Filtek Z350 XT (shades DA1, DA2, DA3, and DA4) (n = 3). CIELAB color coordinates of the specimens were measured using the spectrophotometer SP60 over white and black backgrounds. Images of the same specimens were taken using a CCD camera attached to a stereoscopic loupe. The color of the image was measured (red-green-blue [RGB]) using an image processing software and converted to CIELAB coordinates. For each color coordinate, data from images were adjusted using linear regressions predicting those values from SP60. The whiteness index for dentistry (WID) and translucency parameter (TP00) of the specimens as well as the color differences (ΔE00) among pairwise shades were calculated. Data were analyzed via repeated-measures analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test (α = 0.05). Images obtained using the loupe tended to be darker and redder than the actual color. Data adjustment resulted in similar WID, ΔE00, and TP00 values to those observed for the spectrophotometer. Differences were observed only for the WID of shade DA3 and ΔE00 for comparing DA1 and DA3 over the black background. However, these differences were not clinically relevant. The use of adjusted data from images taken using a stereoscopic loupe is considered a feasible method for color measurement.

Color matching and color recovery in large composite restorations using single-shade or universal composites

Abstract This study assessed the color-matching ability and color recovery of unprepared teeth when using single-shade composites and a universal composite in large restorations. Buccal and palatine surface colors of molars were measured with a spectrophotometer (CIELAB) before preparing round cavities (6 mm in diameter, 2 mm in depth). The cavities were randomly filled with a single-shade composite (Omnichroma, Diamond One, or Vittra APS Unique) or a universal composite (Filtek Universal). Color measurements of the restored cavities were taken, and overall color differences (ΔEab and ΔE00) and differences in the whitening index for dentistry (ΔWID) from baseline were calculated. Additionally, visual assessments of a color match to the surrounding enamel were performed by forty evaluators (laypersons and undergraduate students of dentistry) in a viewing booth under illuminant D65, with rating scores from 0 (no color mismatch) to 4 (not acceptable). Data were analyzed using RM or one-way ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results showed that the restorations generally exhibited whiter colors (WID ranged from 27.9 to 41.3) than the unprepared teeth (WID ranged from 15.9 to 19.3). The composite Filtek Universal demonstrated the lowest color discrepancy (ΔWID = 8.6; ΔE00 = 10.8; and ΔE00 = 6.2), and no significant differences were observed among the evaluated single-shade composites. Furthermore, all composites showed similar and adequate color matches to the surrounding enamel. However, it is important to note that despite their ability to match the surrounding enamel reasonably, none of the composites evaluated in large restorations fully recovered the color observed in unprepared teeth.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a habilidade de combinação de cores e recuperação de cor de dentes não preparados ao utilizar resinas compostas de única tonalidade e uma resina composta universal em grandes restaurações. As cores das superfícies bucais e palatinas de molares foram medidas com um espectrofotômetro (CIELAB) antes de preparar cavidades esféricas (6 mm de diâmetro, 2 mm de profundidade). As cavidades foram preenchidas aleatoriamente com uma resina composta de única tonalidade (Omnichroma, Diamond One ou Vittra APS Unique) ou com uma resina composta universal (Filtek Universal). Foram realizadas medições das cores das cavidades restauradas e calculadas as diferenças de cor globais (ΔEab and ΔE00)) e as diferenças no índice de clareamento para odontologia (ΔWID) em relação à cor inicial. Além disso, foram realizadas avaliações visuais da correspondência de cor com o esmalte circundante por quarenta avaliadores (leigos e estudantes de odontologia) em uma cabine de visualização sob iluminante D65, com pontuações de 0 (nenhuma discrepância de cor) a 4 (não aceitável). Os dados foram analisados usando RM ou ANOVA unidirecional (α = 0,05). Os resultados mostraram que as restaurações geralmente apresentavam cores mais brancas (WID variou de 27,9 a 41,3) do que os dentes não preparados (WID variou de 15,9 a 19,3). A resina composta Filtek Universal demonstrou a menor discrepância de cor (ΔWID = 8,6; ΔE00 = 10,8; and ΔE00 = 6,2), e não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre as resinas compostas de única tonalidade avaliadas. Além disso, todas as resinas compostas apresentaram correspondência de cor similar e adequada com o esmalte circundante. No entanto, é importante observar que, apesar de sua capacidade de corresponder razoavelmente com o esmalte circundante, nenhuma das resinas compostas avaliadas em grandes restaurações recuperou completamente a cor observada nos dentes não preparados.

Influence of repositioning guides' color and usage on precision in tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer

Abstract Repositioning guides are commonly employed in clinical studies to ensure consistent tooth color measurements. Yet, their influence on measured color remains uncertain. Objective This study evaluated the impact of repositioning guides' color and usage on tooth color measurement using a clinical spectrophotometer. Methodology In total, 18 volunteers participated in this study, in which the color of their upper left central incisor and upper left canine was measured with or without repositioning guides (control). The guides were made from pink, blue, or translucent silicone, as well as an acetate-based bleaching tray. Tooth color was measured in triplicates using a clinical spectrophotometer based on the CIELAB system. The standard deviations of these readings were used to estimate reproducibility, and color differences (ΔE00) between the measurements with guides and the control were calculated. Results Repositioning guides had a minimal effect on L* values and no effect on b* values. The use of pink silicone increased a* values, whereas blue or translucent silicone reduced them. Irrespective of the evaluated tooth, the lowest ΔE00 values were observed for the translucent silicone and bleaching tray. The usage of guides only affected data variability for the L* color coordinate. Conclusion Using repositioning guides can significantly impact the precision of tooth color measurement with a clinical spectrophotometer.

Impact XP-endo finisher on the 1-year follow-up success of posterior root canal treatments: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical relevance of using the XP-endo Finisher as a supplementary tool to improve the success of root canal treatment of posterior teeth with apical periodontitis, as assessed by 1-year follow-up. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 92 posterior teeth with apical periodontitis. Root canal treatment was performed using a single reciprocating file, with or without the supplementary use of the XP-endo Finisher. The status of apical periodontitis was assessed using the periapical index (PAI) at baseline and 1 year follow-up. Changes on PAI indicated that the lesions were healed, healing, or not healed. Successful treatments were defined as healed or healing lesions without clinical symptoms. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used for data analysis (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the distribution of healing status between the XP-endo Finisher group and the control group (p = 0.690). The success rates were also similar, with 81% in the XP-endo Finisher group and 78% in the control group. However, gender had a significant impact on success rates, with higher rates observed in females. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the XP-endo Finisher file as a supplementary tool did not affect the success rate of root canal treatment in posterior teeth with apical periodontitis. The findings indicate that the XP-endo Finisher file has limited clinical relevance in improving treatment outcomes for root canal treatment in posterior teeth with apical periodontitis. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry under identification number RBR-76w7cj (June 19, 2018).

Size exclusion chromatography for screening yeastolate used in cell culture media.

Yeastolate is often used as a media supplement in industrial mammalian cell culture or as a major media component for microbial fermentations. Yeastolate variability can significantly affect process performance, but analysis is technically challenging because of its compositional complexity. However, what may be adequate for manufacturing purposes is a fast, inexpensive screening method to identify molecular variance and provide sufficient information for quality control purposes, without characterizing all the molecular components. Here we used Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) and chemometrics as a relatively fast screening method for identifying lot-to-lot variance (with Principal Component Analysis, PCA) and investigated if Partial Least Squares, PLS, predictive models which correlated SEC data with process titer could be obtained. SEC provided a relatively fast measure of gross molecular size hydrolysate variability with minimal sample preparation and relatively simple data analysis. The sample set comprised of 18 samples from 12 unique source lots of an ultra-filtered yeastolate (10 kDa molecular weight cut-off) used in a mammalian cell culture process. SEC showed significant lot-to-lot variation, at 214 and 280 nm detection, with the most significant variation, that correlated with process performance, occurring at a retention time of ∼6 min. PCA and PLS regression correlation models provided fast identification of yeastolate variance and its process impact. The primary drawback is the limited column lifetime (<300 injections) caused by the complex nature of yeastolate and the presence of zinc. This limited long term reproducibility because these age-related, non-linear changes in chromatogram peak positions and shapes were very significant.

Prevalence of lectures about dental esthetics and female speakers in three Brazilian conferences.

This study analyzed the prevalence of lectures involving esthetics in the scientific program of Brazilian dental conferences and the gender distribution of speakers. All lectures presented in three dental conferences (Bahia, São Paulo, and Goiás states) held from 2016 to 2020 were evaluated. Three investigators individually divided the lectures according to the specialties recognized by the Brazilian Federal Council of Dentistry (FCD) based on their titles. The lectures were also classified as involving or not esthetics, and the speaker`s gender was recorded. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed, and Chi-square tests assessed possible associations between factors. The words most cited in the titles of the lectures were "esthetic" (13.6%), "dentistry" (9.9%), and "treatment" (8.1%). Oral diseases were barely mentioned in the titles (up to 1.3%). The highest number of lectures was observed for the specialty of Restorative Dentistry (22.3%), followed by Prosthodontics (18.5%). Approximately one-third of lectures involved some aesthetic aspect, but this percentage ranged from 71.9 to 78.6% for the two specialties with more lectures. Regarding the speaker`s gender, the inequity was higher for lectures involving esthetics (81.6% of males) than for topics unrelated to esthetics (66.7%). More male speakers than females were observed for all specialties. The highest gender gap was observed for Pediatric Dentistry with 62.4% male speakers, although only 10.6% of FCD registered specialists were men. In conclusion, the Brazilian dental conferences analyzed seemed to favor offering lectures dealing with esthetic topics and male speakers.