Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI); a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate intake of natural antioxidants may improve female fertility. The aim of this study was to examine the link between female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 125 women with recently diagnosis of reduced ovarian reserves (AMH < 1.1) as the case group and 125 women with normal ovarian reserve as the control group in Rasht, Iran. The amount of food intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the DAI was calculated to estimate the antioxidant capacity of the diet. RESULTS: Regarding dietary intake, the infertile women had a lower intake of potassium (2789.25 ± 777 vs. 2593.68 ± 443 mg/d, P = 0.02), magnesium (204.12 ± 66 vs. 189.73 ± 34 mg/d, P = 0.03), copper (0.93 ± 0.40 vs. 0.82 ± 0.20 mg/d, P < 0.01), vitamin C (133.99 ± 46 vs. 122.62 ± 24 mg/d, P = 0.02), and fiber (14.53 ± 3 vs. 13.44 ± 2 g/d, P < 0.05), and a higher intake of cholesterol (205.61 ± 58 vs. 227.02 ± 46 mg/d, P < 0.01) than the control group (All P < 0.05). The DAI was negatively associated with infertility (OR: 0.94, CI 95%: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.03). The association remained significant after adjustments for age, BMI, the underlying diseases, fertility frequency, IVF failure, and calorie intake. CONCLUSION: Following an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the risk of infertility. More longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and discover the underlying mechanisms.

Patients' and providers' perceptions of the impact of health literacy on communication in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent form of chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. Pulmonary rehabilitation, including self-management education, highlights the importance of good patient-provider communication in establishing optimal care. There is a growing awareness of the potential impact of health literacy (HL) on the patients' access to and understanding of medical information. This study was designed to explore the patients' and health care professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of the role of HL in health communication. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 12 patients and 20 HCPs at a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center in Metropolitan Toronto. Although the term health literacy was not familiar to many patients, the contribution of knowledge to patient well-being was consistently identified by patients and HCPs. Barriers to communication included provider time constraints and the use of medical jargon. For providers they also included patient characteristics, language, culture and awareness of health resources. Approaches that might improve communication incorporated family support, peer support, better print and visual teaching material and a trusting empathic patient-provider relationship. The findings provide an increased understanding of patients' and providers' perceptions of HL as a barrier to effective communication of medical information to patients with COPD as well as approaches that might improve this communication.

Growing awareness of the importance of health literacy in individuals with COPD.

Good communication will impact clinical practice by assisting patients in understanding health information as well as medical recommendations. Health literacy is important for communication between healthcare professionals and patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). In this article we review the concepts, definitions and measurement tools used to evaluate health literacy and recommend ways in which this information may be integrated into clinical practice. Increased awareness of health literacy will assist clinicians to improve patients' knowledge of their disease and adherence to healthcare recommendations.

Shaping ability of NiTi rotary versus stainless steel hand instrumentsin simulated curved canals

Objectives: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare shaping ability of NiTi rotary Mtwo and FlexMasterwith stainless steel hand K-Flexofile in simulated curved root canals.Study Design: Forty-five simulated canals in resin blocks were prepared with Mtwo, FlexMaster and stainlesssteel hand K-Flexofile (15 blocks in each group). Using pre- and post- instrumentation images, straightening of thecanal curvature was determined with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 5measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Changes of working length (WL) were also recorded. The datawere analyzed statistically using paired T-test and one way ANOVA.Results: The mean material removal from the inner canal wall was different from the outer canal wall at all measuringpoints for each system (p < 0.0001) except for FlexMaster at WL-9 (p = 0.123) and K-Flexofile at WL-5 (p= 0.093). The mean ratio of material removal (inner/outer) at all measuring points was different for all systemsexcept for FlexMaster and Mtwo at 3, 5 mm (p = 0.984, p = 0.242), and K-Flexofile and rotary systems at 1, 3 mmfrom the apex (p = 0.565, p = 0.218) (p = 0.794, p = 0.693). A mean loss of working length of 0.02 mm for Mtwoand 0.01 mm for FlexMaster and K-Flexofile was measured although the difference was not significant.Conclusions: In the apical points of the curvature (1, 3 mm), there was no significant difference between threesystems. At point 5mm from the apex, K-Flexofile remained better centered, while in the coronal points (7, 9 mm)NiTi rotary systems achieved better canal geometry (AU)

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Prevalence of odontogenic sinus tracts in 728 endodontically treated teeth

Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sinus tracts in endodontically treatedteeth in an Iranian population. The second aim was to seek and analyze the relationship between the clinicallydetected sinus tracts and factors such as sex, age, tooth type and location.Study design: A total of 728 patients` records and radiographs were reviewed of 427 females and 301 males fordemographic data, preoperative pulpoperiapical status of treated teeth and the presence of sinus tract. Data wereanalyzed using chi-square test.Results: No significant differences were found for the prevalence of sinus tracts between two genders. Data showedthat the highest prevalence of sinus tracts was in 10-19 year age group. Of 725 treated teeth, 107 teeth had sinustracts (14.7%). Most odontogenic sinus tracts were associated with mandibular anterior teeth. Of 348 teeth withpreoperative status of periapical inflammation and radiolucency, 107 teeth (30.75%) had an odontogenic sinustract.Conclusion: Data showed that almost one in seven teeth referred for root canal treatment had a sinus tract (AU)

Prevalence of odontogenic sinus tracts in 728 endodontically treated teeth.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sinus tracts in endodontically treated teeth in an Iranian population. The second aim was to seek and analyze the relationship between the clinically detected sinus tracts and factors such as sex, age, tooth type and location. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 728 patients' records and radiographs were reviewed of 427 females and 301 males for demographic data, preoperative pulpoperiapical status of treated teeth and the presence of sinus tract. Data were analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: No significant differences were found for the prevalence of sinus tracts between two genders. Data showed that the highest prevalence of sinus tracts was in 10-19 year age group. Of 725 treated teeth, 107 teeth had sinus tracts (14.7%). Most odontogenic sinus tracts were associated with mandibular anterior teeth. Of 348 teeth with preoperative status of periapical inflammation and radiolucency, 107 teeth (30.75%) had an odontogenic sinus tract. CONCLUSION: Data showed that almost one in seven teeth referred for root canal treatment had a sinus tract.

Shaping ability of NiTi rotary versus stainless steel hand instruments in simulated curved canals.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this in-vitro study was to compare shaping ability of NiTi rotary Mtwo and FlexMaster with stainless steel hand K-Flexofile in simulated curved root canals. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-five simulated canals in resin blocks were prepared with Mtwo, FlexMaster and stainless steel hand K-Flexofile (15 blocks in each group). Using pre- and post- instrumentation images, straightening of the canal curvature was determined with a computer image analysis program. Material removal was measured at 5 measuring points, beginning 1 mm from the apex. Changes of working length (WL) were also recorded. The data were analyzed statistically using paired T-test and one way ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean material removal from the inner canal wall was different from the outer canal wall at all measuring points for each system (p<0.0001) except for FlexMaster at WL-9 (p=0.123) and K-Flexofile at WL-5 (p=0.093). The mean ratio of material removal (inner/outer) at all measuring points was different for all systems except for FlexMaster and Mtwo at 3, 5 mm (p=0.984, p=0.242), and K-Flexofile and rotary systems at 1, 3 mm from the apex (p=0.565, p=0.218) (p=0.794, p=0.693). A mean loss of working length of 0.02 mm for Mtwo and 0.01 mm for FlexMaster and K-Flexofile was measured although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: In the apical points of the curvature (1, 3 mm), there was no significant difference between three systems. At point 5mm from the apex, K-Flexofile remained better centered, while in the coronal points (7, 9 mm) NiTi rotary systems achieved better canal geometry.

The accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel handK-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file

Objectives: Today many clinicians use both stainless-steel hand K-files and nickel- titanium rotary files during endodontic treatment. It is of great importance for the clinician to have confidence in the accuracy of an apex locator even if these files were used interchangeably. The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file.Study design: Twenty straight and single canals of maxillary central teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared;actual working length were determined and compared with electronic working length obtained by means of apex locator Raypex5 using stainless-steel hand K-file and nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. Data was analyzed by paired T-test.Results: There was no significant difference between 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file for the mean differences between actual and electronic working length (p=0.126).Conclusions: Under the conditions of this in-vitro study, Raypex5 registered more measurements in acceptable range using 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file. It is possible to use them interchangeably without compromising the working length (AU)

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The accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file.

OBJECTIVES: Today many clinicians use both stainless-steel hand K-files and nickel- titanium rotary files during endodontic treatment. It is of great importance for the clinician to have confidence in the accuracy of an apex locator even if these files were used interchangeably. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty straight and single canals of maxillary central teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared; actual working length were determined and compared with electronic working length obtained by means of apex locator Raypex5 using stainless-steel hand K-file and nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. Data was analyzed by paired T-test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file for the mean differences between actual and electronic working length (p=0.126). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this in-vitro study, Raypex5 registered more measurements in acceptable range using 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file. It is possible to use them interchangeably without compromising the working length.

A novel approach in assessment of root canal curvature.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this in vitro study was to introduce a new method to describe root canal curvatures and to assess the degree of curvature of human permanent mandibular teeth with curved root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty five mesial root canals of mandibular first and second molar teeth were selected. Access cavities were prepared. After inserting a K-file size #10 into each canal, radiographs were taken. Canal curvature was determined by measuring the Schneider angle, canal access angle, as well as the canal radius, length, height and curvature starting distance on scanned radiographs using a computerized image processing system. Data was evaluated statistically using Pearson correlation. RESULTS: The mean canal access angle (CAA) and Schneider angle (S) were 8.04(◦) (3.46) and 19(◦) (6.99), respectively. The Pearson correlation analysis found significant positive correlation between S and CAA (r=0.826, P<0.0001). Negative correlations were found between radius and length (r= -0.4, P<0.0001), radius and Schneider angle (r= -0.4, P<0.0001), radius and CAA (r= -0.24, P=0.004) and CAA and curvature starting distance (r= 0.4, P<0.0001). There was no correlation between height and distance (r=0.013, P=0.789), as well as CAA and height (r=0.654, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of this study, the results indicated that the shape of root canal curvature can be more accurately described using two angles, Schneider in combination with Canal access angle. The related parameters included radius, length, distance and height of curvature. [Iranian Endodontic Journal 2009;4(4):131-4].

The effect of file size on the accuracy of the raypex 5 apex locator: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Determining the proper length of the root canals is essential for successful endodontic treatment. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of file size on the accuracy of the Raypex 5 electronic apex locator for working length determination of uninstrumented canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty maxillary central incisors with single straight canals were used. Following access cavity preparation, electronic working length by means of Raypex 5 apex locator and actual working length were determined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with repeated measurements and LSD test. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between electronic and actual working lengths when a size 15 K-file was used. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of the present study, a size 15 K-file is a more suitable size for de-termining working length.