Cone beam computed tomography in dentomaxillofacial radiology: a two-decade overview

Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate and summarise features of currently and formerly available cone beam CT (CBCT) devices from 1996 to 2019. Additionally, a recommendation for standardised reporting of CBCT characteristics was provided.Methods and materials:Information about the features of all available CBCT devices was obtained from the manufacturers’ available data. Moreover, site visits to newly developed CBCT machines’ manufacturers were performed in order to obtain relevant information.Results:A total of 279 CBCT models from 47 manufacturers located in 12 countries (Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Thailand, and USA) could be listed. Overall, wide variations in CBCT features and technical specifications were identified.Conclusions:CBCT in dentomaxillofacial radiology is a generic term applicable to a broad range of CBCT machines and features. Experimental outcomes and literature statements regarding radiation doses, imaging performance and diagnostic applicability of dental CBCT cannot be simply transferred from one CBCT model to another considering a wide variation in technical characteristics and clinical diagnostic performance. The information tabulated in the present study will be later provided on the International Association of DentoMaxilloFacial Radiology website (www.iadmfr.one).     

Occurrence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in water buffaloes and meat cattle in Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil

Serum samples from 169 water buffaloes and 121 beef cattle were analyzed for antibodies to T. gondii by an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Positive results were obtained in 27.2% of water buffaloes and 17.4% of cattle. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences between the prevalence in cattle and buffalo (p ≤ 0.05). The highest titres found in positive animals were 1:256 (buffaloes) and 1:64 (cattle). In both bovine species, toxoplasmosis frequency in young animals (less than 2 years old) was lower compared to older individuals, although the differences seen in cattle were not statistically significant.     

Biomechanical effect of one session of low-level laser on the bone–titanium implant interface

Low-level laser (LLL) has been used on peri-implant tissues for accelerating bone formation. However, the effect of one session of LLL in the strength of bone–implant interface during early healing process remains unclear. The present study aims to evaluate the removal torque of titanium implants irradiated with LLL during surgical preparation of implant bed, in comparison to non-irradiation. Sixty-four Wistar rats were used. Half of the animals were included in LLL group, while the other half remained as control. All animals had the tibia prepared with a 2 mm drill, and a titanium implant (2.2?×?4 mm) was inserted. Animals from LLL group were irradiated with laser (gallium aluminum arsenide), with a wavelength of 808 nm, a measured power output of 50 mW, to emit radiation in collimated beams (0.4 cm²), for 1 min and 23 s, and an energy density of 11 J/cm². Two applications (22 J/cm²) were performed immediately after bed preparation for implant installation. Flaps were sutured, and animals from both groups were sacrificed 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after implant installation, when load necessary for removing implant from bone was evaluated by using a torquimeter. In both groups, torque values tended to increase overtime; and at 30 and 45 days periods, values were statistically higher for LLL group in comparison to control (ANOVA test, p?<?0.0001). Thus, it could be suggested that a single session of irradiation with LLL was beneficial to improve bone–implant interface strength, contributing to the osseointegration process.     

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis: report of five cases in Chile

Background Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is an acquired autoimmune sub‐epidermal vesiculobullous disease characterized by continuous linear IgA deposit on the basement membrane zone, as visualized on direct immunofluorescence microscopy. LABD can affect both adults and children. The disease is very uncommon, with a still unknown incidence in the South American population. Materials and methods All confirmed cases of LABD by histological and immunofluorescence in our hospital were studied. Results  The confirmed cases were three females and two males, aged from 8 to 87 years. Precipitant events associated with LABD were drug consumption (non‐steroid inflammatory agents in two cases) and ulcerative colitis (one case). Most of our patients were treated with dapsone, resulting in remission. Discussion Our series confirms the heterogeneous clinical features of this uncommon disease in concordance with a larger series of patients reported in the literature.     

Pulmonary infection due to Pseudozyma aphidis in a patient with burkitt lymphoma: first case report

Fungal infections are being increasingly reported in patients with malignancies. Pseudozyma aphidis is an opportunistic yeast usually isolated from plants and rarely from human samples. In this study, we report the first case of pulmonary infection due to P. aphidis in a Burkitt lymphoma patient.     

Evaluation and correlation of the physicochemical properties of carvedilol

Carvedilol is an antihypertensive drug with non-selective blockade (moderate selectivity for β1 and β2 adrenoceptors) and vasodilating properties due to α receptor blockade. Its molecule has one chiral centre; therefore, the drug has two enantiomers. Furthermore, it presents different polymorphs depending on the synthesis route and crystallization procedure. Carvedilol is a weak base that is substantially insoluble in water, acidic solutions, and gastric and intestinal fluids; it is classified as a Class II drug in the Biopharmaceutical Classification System. The solubility of carvedilol varies according to the solvent pH. This study aimed to evaluate and correlate the physicochemical and processability properties of carvedilol. Samples of the active ingredient from three different manufacturers were characterized according to their flowability, particle size and apparent density and using microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, intrinsic dissolution and powder dissolution tests. It was determined that the tested samples presented the same polymorphic form, did not present good flowability, and presented different particle size distributions. The tests to evaluate flowability and compressibility were shown to be discriminative, and slight differences among the samples were noted.     

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp after aplasia cutis congenita in a 9‐year‐old patient: A 5‐year follow‐up

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare inflammatory skin disease that occurs mainly in elderly adults with a history of trauma to the scalp, but a few cases of EPDS in children have been reported. We report a rare case of EPDS after aplasia cutis congenita in a child.