Effectiveness of using concept mapping by dental students in the radiographic interpretation of jaw diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Interpretation of dental radiographs is a difficult process, particularly for inexperienced students. This study introduced concept mapping for dental students to help in the radiographic interpretation of common jaw lesions. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of the concept map (CM) in radiographic interpretation, with a discussion of the diagnostic reasoning dilemma. METHODS: This study included 39 dental students. After a 1-h class for CM guidance and based on three group discussions and one-on-one feedback, the students completed and submitted CMs for three jaw diseases (ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, and simple bone cyst). All participants underwent a pretest and posttest of knowledge and diagnosis; all students but one completed an open-ended questionnaire regarding the use of CMs. RESULTS: Concept mapping effectively improved diagnostic accuracy. The participants' posttest scores were better than their pretest scores in both knowledge and diagnostic tests. Most of the students attempted radiographic interpretation through analytic reasoning. The time required for the students to draw a CM varied from student to student from 3-5 h to 1-3 days. CONCLUSION: This study shows that CMs can improve the radiographic diagnostic ability of dental students by providing a framework for analytic reasoning. Continuous research is warranted to improve the effectiveness of CM in oral radiographic interpretation in the dental student's class.

Estimating chronological age through learning local and global features of panoramic radiographs in the Korean population.

This study suggests a hybrid method based on ResNet50 and vision transformer (ViT) in an age estimation model. To this end, panoramic radiographs are used for learning by considering both local features and global information, which is important in estimating age. Transverse and longitudinal panoramic images of 9663 patients were selected (4774 males and 4889 females with a mean age of 39 years and 3 months). To compare ResNet50, ViT, and the hybrid model, the mean absolute error, mean square error, root mean square error, and coefficient of determination (R2) were used as metrics. The results confirmed that the age estimation model designed using the hybrid method performed better than those using only ResNet50 or ViT. The estimation is highly accurate for young people at an age with distinct growth characteristics. When examining the basis for age estimation in the hybrid model through attention rollout, the proposed model used logical and important factors rather than relying on unclear elements as the basis for age estimation.

Concept map-based learning in an oral radiographic interpretation course: Dental students' perceptions of its role as a learning tool.

OBJECTIVES: Concept mapping is used to promote critical thinking and meaningful learning in health professions education. This study aimed to evaluate dental undergraduates' perceptions of concept mapping as a learning tool for oral radiographic interpretation competency. METHODS: A total of 39 third-year undergraduates at a dental college participated in the oral radiological interpretation session. The students received 1 hour of instruction before creating their concept map (CM). Participants were provided an assignment of four relevant clinical cases to draw an individualised CM. The students' draft and final CM were submitted. The instructor evaluated the CMs to identify whether students could analyse, connect and organise the information in a meaningful way. Among them, 37 completed the questionnaire about their experiences and responses to concept mapping. RESULTS: Students perceived concept mapping positively. The instructor's feedback helped them recognise their misconceptions and fostered greater motivation to learn. Students attempted to integrate basic biomedical knowledge and clinical features through cross-linking. However, they also expressed negative attitudes toward concept mapping regarding time consumption and heavy burden. CONCLUSIONS: Concept mapping motivated students' directed learning and gave them the opportunity to recognise their misconceptions. This study suggests the potential use of CMs as an adjunctive learning strategy in the oral radiographic interpretation class.

Argyrodite configuration determination for DFT and AIMD calculations using an integrated optimization strategy.

When constructing a partially occupied model structure for use in density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations, the selection of appropriate configurations has been a vexing issue. Random sampling and the ensuing low-Coulomb-energy entry selection have been routine. Here, we report a more efficient way of selecting low-Coulomb-energy configurations for a representative solid electrolyte, Li6PS5Cl. Metaheuristics (genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, cuckoo search, and harmony search), Bayesian optimization, and modified deep Q-learning are utilized to search the large configurational space. Ten configuration candidates that exhibit relatively low Coulomb energy values and thereby lead to more convincing DFT and AIMD calculation results are pinpointed along with computational cost savings by the assistance of the above-described optimization algorithms, which constitute an integrated optimization strategy. Consequently, the integrated optimization strategy outperforms the conventional random sampling-based selection strategy.

Mucocele in the maxillary sinus involving the orbit: A report of 2 cases.

Mucocele of the paranasal sinuses is a benign, slow-growing, expansile lesion. Maxillary sinus mucoceles are usually associated with painless bulging of the cheek; however, orbital expansion is rarely observed. Maxillary sinus mucoceles can be classified as primary or secondary according to their etiology. An impediment to sinus ostium ventilation is thought to be the cause of primary mucocele, while sequestering of residual mucosa after surgery in the wound and long-term retention of tissue fluid have been suggested to lead to the formation of secondary mucocele. This report presents 2 cases of primary and secondary mucoceles, with a focus on radiographic features. As primary and superiorly positioned secondary maxillary sinus mucoceles are uncommon and their close proximity to the orbit predisposes the patient to significant morbidity, the authors expect that this report will contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of maxillary sinus mucocele involving the orbit.

Optimal Composition of Li Argyrodite with Harmonious Conductivity and Chemical/Electrochemical Stability: Fine-Tuned Via Tandem Particle Swarm Optimization.

A tandem (two-step) particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is implemented in the argyrodite-based multidimensional composition space for the discovery of an optimal argyrodite composition, i.e., with the highest ionic conductivity (7.78 mS cm-1 ). To enhance the industrial adaptability, an elaborate pellet preparation procedure is not used. The optimal composition (Li5.5 PS4.5 Cl0.89 Br0.61 ) is fine-tuned to enhance its practical viability by incorporating oxygen in a stepwise manner. The final composition (Li5.5 PS4.23 O0.27 Cl0.89 Br0.61 ), which exhibits an ionic conductivity (σion ) of 6.70 mS cm-1 and an activation barrier of 0.27 eV, is further characterized by analyzing both its moisture and electrochemical stability. Relative to the other compositions, the exposure of Li5.5 PS4.23 O0.27 Cl0.89 Br0.61 to a humid atmosphere results in the least amount of H2 S released and a negligible change in structure. The improvement in the interfacial stability between the Li(Ni0.9 Co0.05 Mn0.05 )O2 cathode and Li5.5 PS4.23 O0.27 Cl0.89 Br0.61 also results in greater specific capacity during fast charge/discharge. The structural and chemical features of Li5.5 PS4.5 Cl0.89 Br0.61 and Li5.5 PS4.23 O0.27 Cl0.89 Br0.61 argyrodites are characterized using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This work presents a novel argyrodite composition with favorably balanced properties while providing broad insights into material discovery methodologies with applications for battery development.

McCune-Albright syndrome with acromegaly: A case report with characteristic radiographic features of fibrous dysplasia.

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a rare multisystem disorder characterized by a clinical triad of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia (FD), skin pigmentation, and hyperfunctioning endocrinopathies. A 42-year-old man visited our medical hospital for the treatment of intermittent headaches and was diagnosed with MAS with acromegaly. This patient showed various clinical features of MAS, including pituitary adenoma, polyostotic FD, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The FD lesions showed characteristic radiographic features, such as widespread, sclerotic bony lesions in the cranial bones, mixed radiolucent-radiopaque multilocular lesions in the mandible, and radiolucent lesions in the axial and appendicular skeleton. Over the years, the patient had been hospitalized multiple times due to accidental bony fractures associated with the fragile bony state of FD. This report presents a retrospective description of a case of MAS, with a review of the relevant literature.

Characteristic features of fungus ball in the maxillary sinus and the location of intralesional calcifications on computed tomographic images: A report of 2 cases.

This report presents 2 cases of sinus fungus ball and describes the characteristic radiographic features of fungus ball in the maxillary sinus. Two female patients, aged 62 and 40 years, sought consultations at a dental hospital for the treatment of dental implants and tooth pain, respectively. Panoramic radiography and small field-of-view (FOV) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) did not provide detailed information for the radiographic diagnosis of fungus ball due to the limited images of the maxillary sinus. Additional paranasal sinus computed tomographic images showed the characteristic features of fungus ball, such as heterogeneous opacification and intralesional calcification of the maxillary sinus. The calcified materials of the fungus balls were located in the middle and superior regions of the maxillary sinus. It is necessary to use large-FOV CBCT for the detection of calcified materials in the upper maxillary sinus to confirm the diagnosis of fungus ball.

Case series of cleidocranial dysplasia: Radiographic follow-up study of delayed eruption of impacted permanent teeth.

This report describes 3 cases of cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) and presents relevant findings on long-term follow-up radiographic images of impacted permanent teeth with delayed eruption. Radiographic images of 3 CCD patients were reviewed retrospectively. These images were mainly composed of panoramic and skull radiographs, and the follow-up periods were 3, 13, and 13 years, respectively. The distinct features revealed by the images were described, and the eruption state of impacted permanent teeth was evaluated. The features common to the 3 cases were multiple supernumerary teeth, the presence of Wormian bone, underdevelopment of the maxilla and the maxillary sinus, and clavicular hypoplasia. The eruption of impacted permanent teeth was not observed without proper dental treatment in adult CCD cases, even after long time periods had elapsed. When proper orthodontic force was applied, tooth movement was observed in a manner not significantly different from the general population.

Smartphone use and schema-based learning in dentomaxillofacial radiology practice: a case report from one College of Dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the students' satisfaction and awareness of competency towards smartphone use and schema-based learning in dental radiology practice. METHODS: Third year students undertaking a dental radiology practicum at a dental school were divided into two groups: one group received traditional clinical training, whereas the other group used smartphones in classes and received new training using schema assignments. At the end of the course, students' satisfaction with the training and self-awareness of their competency were surveyed, and their achievement was assessed. RESULTS: Although students' satisfaction with smartphone-based training was generally high, it was less than that of students trained by traditional instruction. However, most students that received smartphone-based training had higher self-scored competency before than after training. The smartphone group scored higher on true/false or multiple-choice questions, whereas the traditional group scored higher on short-answer questions. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone education with schema based assignment proved to be attractive in dental radiology, but students showed less satisfaction, and need to meet the requirements of evidence-based practice. Although the full use of smartphone education with schema is not recommended in dental education, we think that it could be try to use as a supplementary approach with traditional didactic method to facilitate student's exploration and self-study to cope with rapid change in educational environment.

Fibrous dysplasia of the maxilla in an elderly female: Case report on a 14-year quiescent phase.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is an uncommon skeletal disorder in which normal bone is replaced by abnormal fibro-osseous tissue. Mainly, FD is found in children, and by adulthood it usually becomes quiescent. Our case showed FD of more than 14-year duration in the left maxilla. Our evaluation was that growth ceased in adulthood and had achieved the static stage. Because FD cases in elderly patients are rarely reported, we hereby present a monostotic FD case in a 65-year-old female. We presented sequential radiographic images and scintigraphic images of this case, and combined them with a literature review that emphasized the progression of the disease.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in a multiple myeloma patient: A case report with characteristic radiographic features.

A 59-year-old male who had suffered from multiple myeloma for nine years and had been administered bisphosphonates for seven years visited a dental hospital for pain relief due to extensive caries in his left maxillary molars. The molars were extracted, leaving an exposed wound for three months. The radiograph showed sequestra formation and irregular bone destruction in the left maxilla. Sudden pain and gingival swelling in the right mandibular molar area occurred six months later. The interseptum of the right lower second molar was observed to be necrotic during surgery. These findings coincided with the features of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ). In this case, the long intravenous administration of bisphosphonates and tooth extraction were likely the etiologic factors of BRONJ in a patient with multiple myeloma; moreover, the bilateral occurrence of BRONJ is a characteristic feature.

Glandular odontogenic cyst mimicking ameloblastoma in a 78-year-old female: A case report.

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare, potentially aggressive jaw lesion. The common radiographic features include a well-defined radiolucency with distinct borders, presenting a uni- or multilocular appearance. A cystic lesion in the posterior mandible of a 78-year-old female was incidentally found. Radiographs showed a unilocular lesion with a scalloped margin, external root resorption of the adjacent tooth, and cortical perforation. This lesion had changed from a small ovoid shape to a more expanded lesion in a period of four years. The small lesion showed unilocularity with a smooth margin and a well-defined border, but the expanded lesion produced cortical perforation and a lobulated margin. The provisional diagnosis was an ameloblastoma, whereas the histopathological examination revealed a GOC. This was a quite rare case, given that this radiographic change was observed in the posterior mandible of an elderly female. This case showed that a GOC can grow even in people in their seventies, changing from the unilocular form to an expanded, lobulated lesion. Here, we report a case of GOC with characteristic radiographic features.

A magnetic resonance imaging study on changes in rat mandibular bone marrow and pulp tissue after high-dose irradiation.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is appropriate for detecting early changes in the mandibular bone marrow and pulp tissue of rats after high-dose irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The right mandibles of Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated with 10 Gy (Group 1, n=5) and 20 Gy (Group 2, n=5). Five non-irradiated animals were used as controls. The MR images of rat mandibles were obtained before irradiation and once a week until week 4 after irradiation. From the MR images, the signal intensity (SI) of the mandibular bone marrow and pulp tissue of the incisor was interpreted. The MR images were compared with the histopathologic findings. RESULTS: The SI of the mandibular bone marrow had decreased on T2-weighted MR images. There was little difference between Groups 1 and 2. The SI of the irradiated groups appeared to be lower than that of the control group. The histopathologic findings showed that the trabecular bone in the irradiated group had increased. The SI of the irradiated pulp tissue had decreased on T2-weighted MR images. However, the SI of the MR images in Group 2 was high in the atrophic pulp of the incisor apex at week 2 after irradiation. CONCLUSION: These patterns seen on MRI in rat bone marrow and pulp tissue were consistent with histopathologic findings. They may be useful to assess radiogenic sclerotic changes in rat mandibular bone marrow.

Attitude of the Korean dentists towards radiation safety and selection criteria.

PURPOSE: X-ray exposure should be clinically justified and each exposure should be expected to give patients benefits. Since dental radiographic examination is one of the most frequent radiological procedures, radiation hazard becomes an important public health concern. The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitude of Korean dentists about radiation safety and use of criteria for selecting the frequency and type of radiographic examinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 267 Korean dentists. Five questions related to radiation safety were asked of each of them. These questions were about factors associated with radiation protection of patients and operators including the use of radiographic selection criteria for intraoral radiographic procedures. RESULTS: The frequency of prescription of routine radiographic examination (an example is a panoramic radiograph for screening process for occult disease) was 34.1%, while that of selective radiography was 64.0%. Dentists' discussion of radiation risk and benefit with patients was infrequent. More than half of the operators held the image receptor by themselves during intraoral radiographic examinations. Lead apron/thyroid collars for patient protection were used by fewer than 22% of dental offices. Rectangular collimation was utilized by fewer than 15% of dental offices. CONCLUSION: The majority of Korean dentists in the study did not practice radiation protection procedures which would be required to minimize exposure to unnecessary radiation for patients and dental professionals. Mandatory continuing professional education in radiation safety and development of Korean radiographic selection criteria is recommended.

Eosinophilic granuloma in the anterior mandible mimicking radicular cyst.

Eosinophilic granuloma is a common expression of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and corresponds with typical bone lesions. The radiographic appearance of eosinophilic granuloma in the jaw is variable and not specific. It may resemble periodontitis, radicular cyst, or malignancies. The purpose of this report is to describe the characteristic radiographic features of eosinophilic granuloma of a 39-year-old male. The lesion in the anterior mandible was first diagnosed as radicular cyst because the radiographic findings were ovoid radiolucent lesion with well-defined border. However, careful interpretation revealed a non-corticated border and floating tooth appearance that were the characteristic radiographic features for the differential diagnosis. Early clinical signs of eosinophilic granuloma can occur in the jaw and a bony destructive lesion might be mistaken for periodontitis or an odontogenic cystic lesion; therefore, careful interpretation of radiographs should be emphasized.

The influence of alendronate on the healing of extraction sockets of ovariectomized rats assessed by in vivo micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Many dental patients take bisphosphonates to reduce the risk of hip and vertebral fractures. In vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to examine the longitudinal inhibitory effect of alendronate on the healing of extraction sockets in ovariectomized rats. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty 5-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups: sham-operated (n = 5), and 2 ovariectomized (OVX) groups: saline treated (0.1 mL/100 g/d, n = 7) and alendronate treated (1 mg/kg/d, n = 8). Before micro-CT scanning, the left maxillary first molars of the rats were extracted. In vivo micro-CT (spatial resolution 50 x 50 mum) of the jaw was performed at baseline and at 2-week intervals for 6 weeks. Alveolar-bone radiographic densities and dimensions were analyzed with repeated measures analysis of variance. The bony healing patterns of the extraction sockets were also evaluated in each group. RESULT: The radiographic socket densities of the sham-treated and OVX-alendronate groups significantly increased during the first 4 weeks after extraction (P < .05). At 2 weeks, the radiographic densities of the sockets in the OVX-saline group increased, but the increase was significantly lower than for the other groups at 4 weeks (P < .05). Newly formed bone was identified in the extraction sockets in all groups 2 to 6 weeks after extraction. There was a significant loss of alveolar ridge height at the second week postextraction compared with baseline, and at the fourth week compared with the second week (P < .05) except in the alendronate group. CONCLUSION: Alendronate appears to promote the healing of extraction sockets in estrogen-deficient rats and helps resist the loss of alveolar bone adjacent to extraction sockets.

A case report of Gardner syndrome with hereditary widespread osteomatous jaw lesions.

Gardner syndrome (GS) is an abnormality of familial adenomatous polyposis accompanied by characteristic jaw lesions. Gardner syndrome intestinal polyps have a 100% risk of undergoing malignant transformation; consequently, early identification and surgical intervention of the disease are important to prolong the life of the patient. We present a case of GS in a 55-year-old woman. Familial adenomatous polyposis, osteomatous jaw and ocular lesions, several dental abnormalities, and an abdominal desmoid tumor are the characteristic features of this case. This case demonstrates the presence of unusual, widespread, hereditary, osteomatous jaw lesions that caused diagnostic confusion with familial gigantiform cementoma.

Age and trabecular features of alveolar bone associated with osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of clinical features, combined with optical density measurements and morphologic analysis of periapical images, for identifying individuals with low lumbar or femoral bone mineral density. STUDY DESIGN: Study subjects consisted of 37 females and 29 males. Bone mineral densities (BMD) of lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Clinical variables included subjects' age, height, and weight. Optical density and morphologic features were measured from subjects' posterior maxilla and mandible. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to assess agreement between actual and predicted BMD status. RESULTS: The combination of clinical and morphological analysis of trabecular pattern are associated with femoral/lumbar BMD. Significant associations were found in the maxilla and mandible. The most important clinical variable was age. CONCLUSION: This study showed that morphologic analysis of periapical radiographs, combined with clinical variables, can assist in identifying individuals with low femoral/lumbar BMD.