Demirjian’s stages and Cameriere’s third molar maturity index to estimate legal adult age in Peruvian population

ObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of Demirjian’s stages (DS) and Cameriere’s third molar maturity index cut-off value (I_3M < 0.08) to estimate the age of majority on panoramic radiographs (OPTs) from the dental clinic of the Scientific University of the South (UCSUR), Lima, Peru.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted on the sample of 208 digital panoramic radiographs of patients aged 14–22 years examined during 2015 in UCSUR. The left lower third molars were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop® CS6. An effectiveness of specific DS and I_3M < 0.08 was evaluated by using accurate classification, sensitivity, specificity, positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios and Bayes post-test probability (p).ResultsOnly G and H stages were practical for classify adults and minors in the tested sample, while I_3M < 0.08 showed the best performance in both sexes. For I_3M < 0.08, the accurate classification, sensitivity and specificity were 0.96, 0.96, 0.96 and 0.90, 0.84 and 0.95 in males and females, respectively. Values of LR+, LR− and p were 24.96, 0.04, 0.97 and 15.68, 0.17, 0.95 in males and females, respectively.ConclusionThe specific cut-off value of third molar maturity index (I_3M < 0.08) showed to be more accurate in discriminating adults and minors in Peruvian sample when a test with high sensitivity and specificity is required.     

Combining dental and skeletal evidence in age classification: Pilot study in a sample of Italian sub-adults

BackgroundDental and skeletal maturation have proved to be reliable evidence for estimating age of children and prior studies and internationally accredited guidelines recommend to evaluate both evidence in the same subject to reduce error in age prediction. Nevertheless the ethical and legal justification of procedures that imply a double exposition of children stands as a relevant issue. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of age estimation provided by a combination of skeletal and dental methods applied in the same sample of children.Materials and methodsThe sample consisted of 274 orthopantomographies and left hand-wrist X-rays of Italian children, (aged between 6 and 17 years) taken on the same day. Greulich and Pyle’s (GP), Tanner-Whitehouse’s version 3 (TW3) and Willems’ (W) and the Demirjian’s (D) methods were respectively applied for estimating skeletal and dental age. A combination of skeletal and dental age estimates through Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is proposed to obtain a classifier respect to an age threshold.ResultsThe combination of D and TW3 obtained an improvement of accuracy in classifying female subjects respect to the 12 years threshold respect to the original methods (from about 77% using either original methods to 83.3% combining TW3 + D) as well as a consistent reduction of false positives rate (from 17% to 21% for original methods to 5.6% with TW3 + D). For males the LDA classifier (based on TW3 and W) enable a small improvement in accuracy, whilst the decreasing of false positives was as noticeable as for females (from 17.6 to 14.1% for original methods to 6.2% combining TW3 + W).ConclusionsAlthough the study is influenced by the limited size and the uneven age distribution of the sample, the present findings support the conclusion that age assessment procedures based on both dental and skeletal age estimation can improve the accuracy and reduce the occurrence of false positives.     

A correlative study of aortic valve rotation angle and thoracic aortic sizes using ECG gated CT angiography

ObjectiveVarious degrees of aortic valve rotation may be seen in individuals with no history of congenital cardiovascular malformations, but its association with aortic sizes has not been studied.MethodsGated computed tomographic (CT angiograms in 217 patients were studied (66.7 ± 15; 22–97 years old)). Aortic diameters were determined at 5 anatomic locations. The length of the aorta from sinus to left subclavian artery was measured. The angle of valve rotation was recorded by measuring the angle between a line connecting the midpoint of the non-coronary sinus to the anterior commissure and another line along the interatrial septum. Rotation angles were correlated with aortic measurements. Patients were separated into two groups based on aortic sizes and into three groups based on age. The threshold for aortic dilatation was set at maximum ascending aorta diameter ≥40 mm (≥21 mm body surface area [BSA] indexed).ResultsNo significant difference in rotation angles was seen between the three age groups or between genders. Rotation angles were significantly correlated with maximal, average, and BSA adjustment of the aortic root and ascending aortic measurements. The aortic root angles were significantly different between the dilated versus nondilated aortas. There was no significant association between the rotation angles and age, length of ascending aorta, or diameters of descending aorta. Multivariate adaptive regression splines showed 25° of aortic root rotation as the diagnostic cut off for ascending aorta dilation. Above the 25° rotation, every 10° of increasing rotation was associated with a 3.78 ± 0.87 mm increase in aortic diameter (p < 0.01) and a 1.73 ± 0.25 times increased risk for having a dilated aorta (p < 0.01).ConclusionRotation angles of the aortic valve may be an independent non-invasive imaging marker for dilatation of the ascending aorta. Patients with increased rotation angle of the aortic valve may have higher risk for development or acceleration of an ascending aortic dilatation.     

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy combined to periodontal treatment: Experimental model

BackgroundAntimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been used as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis. It combines a photosensitizer with a light source to induce reactive oxygen species and kill microbial cells. PpNetNI is a protoporphyrin derivative, and it has a chemical binding site at biofilm and great affinity to microbial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aPDT as an adjuvant treatment for periodontitis.MethodsThirty healthy male rats Wistar (Rattus norvegicus) were used in this study (Approved by UNINOVE Ethical committee AN0029/2015). Periodontitis was induced by placing a cotton ligature around the first mandibular molar in a subgengival position. The contralateral mandibular first molar received neither a ligature nor any treatment, and was used as a control. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals received scaling and root planing (SRP) and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP group (received SRP and irrigation with PpNetNI, 10 μM) and aPDT group (PpNetNI 10 μM followed by LED irradiation). aPDT was performed with a LED (630 nm) with an output power of 400 mW (fluence-rate 200 mW/cm²; fluence 18 J/cm²). Rats were euthanized at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days postoperatively. The area of bone loss in vestibular region of the first molar was evaluated by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT, THORLABS LTD., Ely, UK). Data were analyzed statistically (ANOVA and Tukey tests, p < 0.05).ResultsThe animals treated by aPDT showed bone gain of approximately 30% compared to the SRP group following 7 days from the treatment.ConclusionaPDT promoted bone recovery 7 days after periodontal intervention.     

The Evans’ Index revisited: New cut-off levels for use in radiological assessment of ventricular enlargement in the elderly

Background and purposeAssessment of ventricular enlargement is subjective and based on the radiologist’s experience. Linear indices, such as the Evans Index (EI), have been proposed as markers of ventricular volume with an EI ≥ 0.3 indicating pathologic ventricular enlargement in any subject. However, normal range for EI measured on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are lacking in healthy elderly according to age and sex. We propose new age and sex specific cut-off values for ventricular enlargement in the elderly population.Materials and methods534 participants (53% women) aged 65–84 years; 226 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and 308 healthy elderly controls (CTR) from the AddNeuroMed and ADNI studies were included. The cut-off for pathological ventricular enlargement was estimated from healthy elderly categorized into age groups of 5 years range and defined as EI 97,5 percentile (mean + 2SD). Cut-off values were tested on patients with Alzheimer’s disease and a small sample of patients with probable idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) to assess the sensitivity.ResultsThe range of the EI in healthy elderly is wide and 29% of the CTR had an EI of 0.3 or greater. The EI increases with age in both CTR and AD, and the overall EI for women were lower than for men (p < 0.001). New EI cut off values for male/female: 65–69 years 0.34/0.32, 70–74 years 0.36/0.33, 75–79 years 0.37/0.34 and 80–84 years 0.37/0.36. When applying the proposed cut-offs for EI in men and women aged 65–84, they differentiated between iNPH and CTR with a sensitivity of 80% and for different age and sex categories of AD and CTR with a sensitivity and specificity of 0–27% and 91–98%, respectively.ConclusionThe range of the EI measurements in healthy elderly is wide, and a cut-off value of 0.3 cannot be used to differentiate between normal and enlarged ventricles in individual cases. The proposed EI thresholds from the present study show good sensitivity for the iNPH diagnosis.     

Motor performance differentiates individuals with Lewy body dementia,Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease

IntroductionDifferential diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is challenging. Comparative motor profiles of these neurodegenerative disorders may aid in earlier diagnosis but have not been extensively studied.MethodsGroups were rigorously matched by age, education, and sex. DLB/PDD participants were matched by Mini-Mental State Examination Score to individuals with AD and by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor scores to individuals with PD. Gait, balance, dual task walking and hand dexterity measures were compared between a combined group (n = 21) of individuals with Lewy body dementia (LBD) consisting of those with DLB (n = 11) and PDD (n = 10) to individuals with PD (n = 21) or AD (n = 21).ResultsIndividuals at the same disease stage with LBD walked significantly slower with shorter stride lengths (p < 0.05), demonstrated poorer balance on both the Tinetti and Berg Balance Scale, and poorer performance on dual-task and figure-of-eight walking compared to PD and AD (p < 0.05 for all) groups. Upper extremity coordination on the 9-hole peg test differentiated LBD from both PD and AD and was the only motor test in which individuals with AD performed worse than those with PD. Tinetti balance subscores were significantly lower in PDD compared to DLB participants (10.4 ± 2.3 versus 12.8 ± 2.3; p = 0.027).ConclusionsMotor features distinguish individuals with LBD from those with AD and PD. Measures of gait, balance and finger dexterity provide an additional means of differentiating individuals with LBD from those with AD and PD.     

Can the Y balance test identify those at risk of contact or non-contact lower extremity injury in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic games?

ObjectivesLower extremity (LE) injuries are common in Gaelic games and lead to a significant economic and injury burden. Balance is considered a predictor of injury in other sports, however no research has examined its effect on LE injury in Gaelic games. This study aims to present normative data for the Y Balance Test (YBT), determine whether the YBT can identify those at risk of contact and non-contact LE and ankle injuries and generate population specific cut-off points in adolescent and collegiate Gaelic games.DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsA convenience sample of 636 male adolescent (n = 293, age = 15.7 ± 0.7 years) and collegiate (n = 343, age = 19.3 ± 1.9 years) Gaelic footballers and hurlers were recruited. The YBT was completed and injuries were assessed at least weekly over one season. Univariate and logistic regression was performed to examine if the YBT can classify those at risk of LE-combined and ankle injuries. ROC curves were used to identify cut-off points.ResultsGaelic players performed poorly in the YBT and between 31-57% of all players were identified as at risk of injury at pre-season using previously published YBT cut-off points. However, poor YBT scores were unable to ascertain those at risk of contact or non-contact LE-combined and ankle injuries with sufficient sensitivity. High specificity was noted for contact LE-combined and non-contact ankle injuries.ConclusionsThe YBT as a sole screening method to classify those at risk of LE and ankle injuries in Gaelic games is questionable. However, the YBT may be a useful preliminary screening tool to identify those not at risk of contact LE-combined or non-contact ankle injury. Generalising published cut-off points from other sports is not supported.     

Declining use of brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer

PurposeTo analyze the recent trends in the utilization of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy (BT) for the treatment of prostate cancer.Methods and MaterialsUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, information was obtained for all patients diagnosed with localized prostate adenocarcinoma between 2004 and 2009 who were treated with radiation as local therapy. We evaluated the utilization of BT, EBRT, and combination BT + EBRT by the year of diagnosis and performed a multivariable analysis to determine the predictors of BT as treatment choice.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2009, EBRT monotherapy use increased from 55.8% to 62.0%, whereas all BT use correspondingly decreased from 44.2% to 38.0% (BT-only use decreased from 30.4% to 25.6%, whereas BT + EBRT use decreased from 13.8% to 12.3%). The decline of BT utilization differed by patient race, SEER registry, median county income, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk categorization (all p < 0.001), but not by patient age (p = 0.763) or marital status (p = 0.193). Multivariable analysis found that age, race, marital status, SEER registry, median county income, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk category were independent predictors of BT as treatment choice (all p < 0.001). Moreover, after controlling for all available patient and tumor characteristics, there was decreasing utilization of BT with increasing year of diagnosis (odds ratio for BT = 0.920, 95% confidence interval: 0.911–0.929, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur analysis reveals decreasing utilization of BT for prostate cancer. This finding has significant implications in terms of national health care expenditure.     

The predictive value of computed tomography in the detection of reflux esophagitis in patients undergoing upper endoscopy

BackgroundReflux esophagitis (RE) may mimic symptoms requiring cross-sectional imaging.MethodsFrom 565 patients who had CT and esophagogastroduodenoscopy within four days apart, CT scans of 72 patients with RE confirmed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 108 matched patients without RE were evaluated for distal esophageal wall characteristics.ResultsIn RE patients the distal esophageal wall thickness was greater (5.2 ± 2.0 mm) compared to patients without RE (3.5 ± 1.2 mm, p < 0.0001) with AUC of 0.78 and 56% sensitivity, 88% specificity for a 5.0 mm cut-off.ConclusionsThere is a moderate association between distal esophageal wall thickness on CT and RE diagnosed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy as the reference standard.     

Ultrasound measurements on acromio-humeral distance and supraspinatus tendon thickness: Test–retest reliability and correlations with shoulder rotational strengths

ObjectivesTo establish the test–retest reliability of ultrasound measurements on acromio-humeral distance (AHD) and supraspinatus tendon thickness; and to explore their relationships with shoulder rotational strengths.DesignTest–retest observational study.MethodsThirty-seven individuals (age: 21.5 ± 1.4 years) participated in this study. Twenty-four were University volleyball players with 15 healthy and 9 players with shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Thirteen participants were healthy untrained individuals. Ultrasound measurements of AHD and supraspinatus tendon thickness were taken, and isokinetic testing of concentric shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) at a speed of 90°/s was performed.ResultsThe measurement of the AHD and the supraspinatus tendon thickness indicated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.922, and ICC = 0.933 respectively), and the minimum detectable difference (MDD) were 2.10 mm and 0.64 mm respectively. A cut-off AHD distance of 23.9 mm had a sensitivity of 0.67 and specificity of 0.71 (area under curve (AUC): 0.70; p = 0.05) in identifying individuals with and without SIS. Hence, individuals with AHD larger than 23.9 mm had greater possibility of having SIS. Positive correlations were found in AHD with supraspinatus tendon thickness (r = 0.36, p < 0.05) and shoulder external rotational strengths (r = 0.47–0.62, all p < 0.05) and ER/IR ratios (r = 0.56–0.58, all p < 0.05).ConclusionsUltrasound measurements of AHD and tendon thickness have excellent reliability. The reported cut-off AHD highlighted the potential role of ultrasound measurements in volleyball players for early identification of SIS. The AHD was related to the supraspinatus tendon thickness and shoulder external rotation strengths. Our findings provide a scientific basis for muscle training in overhead athletes such as volleyball players.     

Child,family and environmental correlates of children's motor skill proficiency

ObjectivesTo identify factors associated with children's motor skills.DesignCross-sectional.MethodsAustralian preschool-aged children were recruited in 2009 as part of a larger study. Parent proxy-report of child factors (age, sex, parent perception of child skill, participation in unstructured and structured activity), self-report of parent factors (confidence in their own skills to support child's activity, parent–child physical activity interaction, parent physical activity) and perceived environmental factors (play space visits, equipment at home) were collected. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (ActiGraph GT1M accelerometer) and motor skills (Test of Gross Motor Development-2) were also assessed. After age adjustment, variables were checked for association with raw object control and locomotor scores. Variables with associations of p < 0.20 were entered into two multiple regression models with locomotor/object control as respective outcome variables.ResultsMotor skills were assessed for 76 children (42 female), mean [SD] age = 4.1 [0.68]; 71 completed parent proxy-report and 53 had valid MVPA data. Child age, swimming lessons, and home equipment were positively associated explaining 20% of locomotor skill variance, but only age was significant (β = 0.36, p = 0.002). Child age and sex, unstructured activity participation, MVPA%, parent confidence, home equipment (all positively associated), and dance participation (inversely associated) explained 32% object control variance. But only age (β = 0.67, p < 0.0001), MVPA% (β = 0.37, p = 0.038) and no dance (β = ?0.34, p = 0.028) were significant.ConclusionMotor skill correlates differ according to skill category and are context specific with child level correlates appearing more important.     

Pancreatic cancer in patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis: Computed tomography findings – a retrospective analysis of 48 patients

ObjectiveChronic calcifying pancreatitis (CCP) is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer (PC). Symptoms of PC are non-specific in patients with CCP, and diagnostic imaging can be difficult. Some studies have shown that diagnosis may take several months, leading to delays in treatment (Lin et al., 2015; Lennon et al., 2014) [2], [3]. The aim of this study was to describe the radiological signs of PC in patients with CCP.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study was conducted between January 2004 and December 2014. Patients with CCP who were being monitored for PC were included. Each patient diagnosed with PC was matched with two CCP controls who did not develop PC.ResultsWe studied 48 patients with CCP (30 men (62%) and 18 women (38%), mean age 69.4 years). Sixteen patients (with 18 tumor sites) who developed PC (1.52%) were compared with 32 controls who did not develop PC. A hypodense mass was observed in all of the patients with PC, predominantly in the pancreatic head (61.2%). No such masses were observed in the controls (p < 0.001). The average mass size was 36.3 mm, and the masses were observed to push aside the calcifications in all patients (p < 0.001). Calcifications were very abundant (>10) in 33.3% of the patients with PC and in 71.9% of the controls (p = 0.0076). The main pancreatic duct (MPD) was dilated in all of the patients with PC (average diameter 8.6 mm; homogeneous in 83.3%) and in only 46.9% of the controls (average 7.4 mm; homogeneous in 37.5%) (p > 0.05). Dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts and common bile duct was observed in 15 (94.4%) of the patients with PC and in none of the controls (p < 0.0001). The average alcohol consumption was 1 g/day (0–5 g/day) in the PC group and 4.6 g/day (0–20 g/day) in the control group. In addition, the average smoking history was 14.25 pack-years (0–40 PY) in the PC group and 27.70 PY (0–60 PY) in the control group.ConclusionThe presence of a pancreatic mass in a patient with CCP is suggestive of malignancy, especially when few pancreatic calcifications are observed (that are pushed aside by the tumor) and when the tumor causes dilation of the common bile duct and main pancreatic duct.     

Automatic detection of one-on-one tackles and ruck events using microtechnology in rugby union

ObjectivesTo automate the detection of ruck and tackle events in rugby union using a specifically-designed algorithm based on microsensor data.DesignCross-sectional study.MethodsElite rugby union players wore microtechnology devices (Catapult, S5) during match-play. Ruck (n = 125) and tackle (n = 125) event data was synchronised with video footage compiled from international rugby union match-play ruck and tackle events. A specifically-designed algorithm to detect ruck and tackle events was developed using a random forest classification model. This algorithm was then validated using 8 additional international match-play datasets and video footage, with each ruck and tackle manually coded and verified if the event was correctly identified by the algorithm.ResultsThe classification algorithm’s results indicated that all rucks and tackles were correctly identified during match-play when 79.4 ± 9.2% and 81.0 ± 9.3% of the random forest decision trees agreed with the video-based determination of these events. Sub-group analyses of backs and forwards yielded similar optimal confidence percentages of 79.7% and 79.1% respectively for rucks. Sub-analysis revealed backs (85.3 ± 7.2%) produced a higher algorithm cut-off for tackles than forwards (77.7 ± 12.2%).ConclusionsThe specifically-designed algorithm was able to detect rucks and tackles for all positions involved. For optimal results, it is recommended that practitioners use the recommended cut-off (80%) to limit false positives for match-play and training. Although this algorithm provides an improved insight into the number and type of collisions in which rugby players engage, this algorithm does not provide impact forces of these events.     

A retrospective clinicopathological study of lung adenocarcinoma: Total tumor size can predict subtypes and lymph node involvement

PurposeTo analyze the predictive ability of total tumor size in lung adenocarcinoma subtype and lymph node involvement.Materials and methods1018 patients, ≤ 3 cm tumor, were enrolled. The maximum diameter and other variables of each tumor were measured.ResultsThe optimal cut-off value for total tumor size in differentiating AIS and MIA from IAC was < 1.15 cm, in distinguishing lymph node involvement, it was 1.65 cm.ConclusionsTotal tumor size could be a reliable predictor of lung adenocarcinoma subtype and lymph node involvement irrespective of ground glass, part solid and solid characteristics.     

Intra-individual gait speed variability in healthy children aged 1–15 years

IntroductionGait speed is one of the most commonly and frequently used parameters to evaluate gait development. It is characterized by high variability when comparing different steps in children. The objective of this study was to determine intra-individual gait speed variability in children.MethodsGait speed measurements (6–10 trials across a 3 m walkway) were performed and analyzed in 8263 children, aged 1–15 years. The coefficient of variation (CV) served as a measure for intra-individual gait speed variability measured in 6.6 ± 1.0 trials per child. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of age and body height on changes in variability. Additionally, a subgroup analysis for height within the group of 6-year-old children was applied.ResultsA successive reduction in gait speed variability (CV) was observed for age groups (age: 1–15 years) and body height groups (height: 0.70–1.90 m). The CV in the oldest subjects was only one third of the CV (CV 6.25 ± 3.52%) in the youngest subjects (CV 16.58 ± 10.01%). Up to the age of 8 years (or 1.40 m height) there was a significant reduction in CV over time, compared to a leveling off for the older (taller) children.DiscussionThe straightforward approach measuring gait speed variability in repeated trials might serve as a fundamental indicator for gait development in children. Walking velocity seems to increase to age 8. Enhanced gait speed consistency of repeated trials develops up to age 15.     

Evaluation of temperature change during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with two different photosensitizers in dental caries

IntroductionMany attempts have been made in elimination of bacteria in infected and demineralized dentin to not only provide efficient bactericidal potential, but to have minimal damage for tooth structure. The aim of this study was to assess the temperature change during aPDT with ICG and TBO compared with conventional Diode laser irradiation.Materials and methods48 premolar teeth which were selected for this study. A class I cavity was drilled in each teeth, with dimensions of 2 mm width, 4 mm length and depth of 2.5–3.5 mm, providing a dentinal wall of approximately 0.5 mm for pulp chamber. Then teeth were randomly allocated in 4 experimental groups (n = 12); Group 1: TBO + LED, Group 2: ICG + Diode Laser, Group 3: Diode laser with output power of 0.5 W, Group 4: Diode laser with output power of 1 W. Thermocouple device was held by experimenter hand and the sensor was in pulp chamber of the teeth. Heat generated during irradiation was reported on LCD screen by NUX Plus software. Repeated measure ANOVA was used in order to compare the temperature before and after laser application. Tukey HSD was used to compare the results between groups.ResultsTemperature was risen for about 0.54 ± 0.05 °C for group 1, 1.67 ± 0.14 °C for group 2, 4.21 ± 0.83 °C for group 3, and 4. 50 ± 0.32 °C for group 4. The difference between group 1 & 2, 1 & 3 and 1 & 4 was significant (p < 0.0001).ConclusionAccording to results of this study, Diode (with or without photosensitizer- 0.5 and 1 W) can be safely used as alternative approach for disinfection after caries removal in thermal point of view.     

A comparison of the antibacterial activity of the two methods of photodynamic therapy (using diode laser 810 nm and LED lamp 630 nm) against Enterococcus faecalis in extracted human anterior teeth

BackgroundFailure of endodontic treatment is usually due to an inadequate disinfection of the root canal system. Enterococcus faecalis has been widely used as a valuable microbiological marker for in-vitro studies because of its ability to colonize in a biofilm like style in root canals, invading dentinal tubules and resistance to some endodontic treatments.The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effects of two methods of photodynamic therapy using a light emitting diode lamp (LED lamp, 630 nm) and a diode laser (810 nm) on E. faecalis biofilms in anterior extracted human teeth.MethodsFifty six single-rooted extracted teeth were used in this study. After routine root canal cleansing, shaping and sterilization, the teeth were incubated with E. faecalis for a period of two weeks. Teeth were then divided into two experimental groups (nu = 23) and two control groups (nu = 5). Teeth in one experimental group were exposed to a diode laser (810 nm), and in the other group samples were exposed to a LED lamp (630 nm). Intracanal bacterial sampling was done, and bacterial survival rate was then evaluated for each group.ResultsThe Colony Forming Unit (CFU) in LED group (log 10 CFUs = 4.88 ± 0.82) was significantly lower than the laser group (log CFUs = 5.49 ± 0.71) (p value = 0.021). CFUs in positive control group (Log 10 CFUs = 10.96 ± 0.44) were significantly higher than the treatment group (p ˂ 0.001). No bacterial colony was found in negative control group.ConclusionThe results of this research show that photodynamic therapy could be an effective supplement in root canal disinfection. PDT using LED lamp was more effective than diode laser 810 nm in reducing CFUs of E. faecalis in human teeth.     

Drivers of adolescent adiposity: Evidence from the Australian LOOK study

ObjectivesTo contribute to our understanding of the drivers of body composition during adolescence we sought to employ valid and reliable measures to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between percentage body fat (%BF) and physical activity (PA), moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), total energy, sugar and fat intake.DesignLongitudinal cohort study.MethodsWe measured 556 (289 male) participants at age 12.4 (SD 0.4) years, and 269 (123 males) at 16.3 (SD 0.4) years, for %BF (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry); habitual PA, MVPA, ST (accelerometry); and dietary intake (‘multi-pass’ weekday and weekend 24-h recall). Accounting for likely under-reporting of energy intake (Goldberg cut-off), general linear mixed modelling was used to generate relationships with %BF.ResultsCross-sectional analyses indicated that 10 min more MVPA per day was associated with 0.6 lower %BF (95%CI 0.4–0.9, p < 0.001), and 10 min less ST/day with 0.07 lower %BF (95%CI 0.00–0.15, p < 0.001), independently of PA. In contrast, %BF was unrelated to total energy (p = 0.4), sugar intake (p = 0.2) or fat intake (p = 0.9). Longitudinal analysis showed that if PA was increased by 3% (10,000 counts/day) over the 4 years, then %BF was reduced by 0.08 (95%CI 0.05–0.12, p = 0.06).ConclusionsThe independent relationships of %BF with PA and ST, but absence of relationships with energy, sugar or fat intake, suggest that general community campaigns in a developed country directed at reducing adolescent obesity through modifications to energy intake and output would benefit from a more concerted focus on the latter.     

Sleep quality is associated with walking under dual-task,but not single-task performance

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the relationship between sleep behavior and gait performance under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) walking conditions in community- dwelling older adults.MethodsWalking under ST and DT conditions was evaluated in 34 community-dwelling older adults, 64.7% women, mean age 71.5 (SD ± 5.8). Gait-speed and gait-variability data were collected using the OPAL wearable sensors of the Mobility Lab. Sleep behavior (sleep efficiency [SE] and sleep latency [SL]) was assessed using actigraphy, over 5 consecutive nights.ResultsLower SE was associated with decreased gait speed and increased stride-length variability during DT (rs = 0.35; p = 0.04; rs = −0.36; p = 0.03, respectively), whereas longer SL was associated with increased stride-length variability during DT (rs = 0.38; p = .03). After controlling for age and cognition, SE accounted for 24% and 33% of the variability in stride length and stride time. No associations were found between sleep and gait measures under ST walking.ConclusionsLower SE is associated with decreased gait speed and increased gait variability under DT conditions that are indicative of an increased risk for falls in older adults. Our findings support clinical recommendations to incorporate the evaluation of sleep quality in the context of risk assessment for falls.