Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do uso excessivo de uma placa de fósforo fotoestimulável (PSP) na densidade, ruído e contraste das radiografias. Foram adquiridas radiografias de um bloco de acrílico com uma PSP do sistema intraoral Express para avaliar a densidade e o ruído da imagem. Inicialmente, cinco imagens foram obtidas e exportadas (primeiro grupo). Após 400 exposições aos raios X e escaneamentos, outras cinco imagens foram obtidas e exportadas (segundo grupo). O mesmo procedimento foi feito após 800 (terceiro grupo), 1200 (quarto grupo), 1600 (quinto grupo) e 2000 aquisições (sexto grupo), resultando em 30 imagens a serem avaliadas. A média e o desvio padrão dos valores de cinza foram calculados para as imagens usando o software ImageJ. Para análise de contraste, foram adquiridas radiografias de uma escala de alumínio com uma nova PSP seguindo os mesmos intervalos de aquisição. A porcentagem de variação do contraste foi calculada. Outras duas PSP sem uso prévio foram utilizadas para avaliar a reprodutibilidade dos métodos. A comparação dos resultados entre os grupos de aquisição foi realizada pela Análise de Variância one-way (α=0,05). O Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC) avaliou a reprodutibilidade dos receptores. O ruído da imagem não diferiu entre os grupos (p>0,05). Houve um leve aumento na densidade após 400 aquisições e uma pequena diferença no contraste para todos os grupos de aquisição sem padrão de aumento ou diminuição (p<0,05). O ICC mostrou excelente confiabilidade para os métodos. Portanto, o uso excessivo da PSP afetou levemente a densidade e o contraste radiográfico. Objetivouse Objetivou se (PSP Inicialmente primeiro grupo. grupo . 40 escaneamentos segundo 80 terceiro grupo, , 120 quarto 160 quinto 200 sexto 3 avaliadas ImageJ calculada métodos oneway one way α=0,05. α005 α α=0,05 0 05 (α=0,05) (ICC receptores p>0,05. p005 p p>0,05 (p>0,05) p<0,05. p<0,05 (p<0,05) Portanto radiográfico 4 8 12 16 20 α00 α=0,0 (α=0,05 p00 p>0,0 (p>0,05 p<0,0 (p<0,05 1 2 α0 α=0, (α=0,0 p0 p>0, (p>0,0 p<0, (p<0,0 α=0 (α=0, p>0 (p>0, p<0 (p<0, α= (α=0 p> (p>0 p< (p<0 (α= (p> (p< (α (p

Abstract The study aimed to assess the influence of excessive use of a photostimulable phosphor plate (PSP) on the density, image noise, and contrast of radiographs. For that, radiographs of an acrylic block were acquired with a PSP of the Express intraoral system to assess the density and image noise. Initially, five images were obtained and exported (first group). After 400 exposures to X-rays and scannings of PSP, other five images were obtained and exported (second group). The same procedure was done after 800 (third group), 1200 (fourth group), 1600 (fifth group), and 2000 acquisitions (sixth group), resulting in 30 images to be evaluated. The mean and standard deviation of the gray values were calculated for the images using the ImageJ software. For contrast analysis, radiographs of an aluminum step-wedge were acquired with a new PSP following the same acquisition intervals. The percentage of contrast variation was calculated. Another two unused PSP receptors were employed to evaluate the method’s reproducibility. The comparison of the results among the acquisition groups was performed with one-way Analysis of Variance (α=0.05). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) assessed the reproducibility of the receptors. Image noise did not differ among the groups (p>0.05). There was a slight increase in density after 400 acquisitions and a slight difference in contrast for all acquisition groups without a pattern of increase or decrease (p<0.05). ICC showed excellent reliability for the methods. Therefore, excessive PSP use slightly affected the radiograph’s density and contrast. (PSP that Initially first group. group . group) 40 Xrays X rays second 80 third group, , 120 fourth 160 fifth 200 sixth 3 evaluated software analysis stepwedge step wedge intervals methods method s oneway one way α=0.05. α005 α α=0.05 0 05 (α=0.05) (ICC p>0.05. p005 p p>0.05 (p>0.05) p<0.05. p<0.05 (p<0.05) Therefore radiograph 4 8 12 16 20 α00 α=0.0 (α=0.05 p00 p>0.0 (p>0.05 p<0.0 (p<0.05 1 2 α0 α=0. (α=0.0 p0 p>0. (p>0.0 p<0. (p<0.0 α=0 (α=0. p>0 (p>0. p<0 (p<0. α= (α=0 p> (p>0 p< (p<0 (α= (p> (p< (α (p

ABSTRACT: Generally, primary methods of identification as the fingerprint analysis, dental analysis or DNA examination are indicated for the establishment of the identity of a corpse. In situations with poor body conservation, such as in advanced stage of putrefaction or skeletonization, imaging exams like medical and dental computed tomography can assist in the process of identification. The frontal sinuses present anatomical characteristics that allow the establishment of the identity of an in dividual. In this case report we used the technique of three-dimensional construction of the frontal sinuses through the generation of solid figures representative of the sinus morphology. After the comparative analysis of the antemortem and postmortem tomography of the alleged victim, we could establish similarities in both the variations in size, shape, symmetry and contour of borders, and the presence and number of septa, allowing us to infer that the two images described belong to the same individual, thus establishing the identity of the corpse found.

RESUMEN: Generalmente, los métodos primarios de identificación como el análisis dactiloscópico, el análisis dental o el examen de ADN están indicados para el establecimiento de la identidad de un cadáver. En situaciones de mala conservación del cuerpo, como en etapa avanzada de putrefacción o esqueletización, los exámenes de imagen como la tomografía computarizada médica y dental pueden ayudar en el proceso de identificación. Los senos frontales presentan características anatómicas que permiten establecer la identidad de un individuo. En este reporte de caso utilizamos la técnica de construcción tridimensional de los senos frontales a través de la generación de figuras sólidas representativas de la morfología sinusal. Tras el análisis comparativo de la tomografía antemortem y postmortem de la presunta víctima, pudimos establecer similitudes tanto en las variaciones de tamaño, forma, simetría y contorno de márgenes, como en la presencia y número de septos, lo que nos permite inferir que las dos imágenes descritas pertenecen al mismo individuo, estableciéndose así la identidad del cadáver encontrado.

Abstract: Evaluating factors that may influence the nose dimensions and, therefore, contribute to the singularity of a person, is important for obtaining a precise facial reconstruction (FR) in forensic anthropology. Thus, the aim in this study was to evaluate the influence of sex, skeletal class, and facial type on nose dimensions of Brazilian individuals using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. CBCT images of 54 males and 67 females were classified according to skeletal class (class I, II, or III) and facial type (brachycephalic, dolichocephalic and mesocephalic). Linear and angular measurements of the nose were performed using the CS 3D Imaging software. The measurements obtained for males and females were compared by one-way ANOVA. Two-way ANOVA was used to compare the measurements in the different skeletal classes and facial types. Significance level was set at 5%. All linear measurements were greater in males (p < 0.05); the angular measurements, however, did not differ between sexes (p > 0.05). Linear and angular measurements of class III males were significantly different from the other classes; the same was observed for the angular measurements in females (p < 0.05). Regarding facial types, some linear measurements were significantly greater in dolichocephalics males (p < 0.05). For females, there was no influence of facial type (p > 0.05), except for the nasal convexity angle. Nose dimensions differed in specific points among different skeletal classes and facial types, and there was sexual dimorphism in all linear nose dimensions. This information may be applicable for nose reconstructions, allowing more reliable FR.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar medidas mandibulares obtidas de 225 tomografias computadorizadas do “Biobanco Osteológico e Tomográfico da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba Universidade Estadual de Campinas”, visando verificar a existência de relação entre essas medidas, o dimorfismo sexual e a ancestralidade. Métodos: Buscou-se estabelecer um modelo matemático capaz de estimar sexo e ancestralidade. Destas tomografias, 126 eram do sexo masculino, 94 do sexo feminino e 5 estavam sem identificação, com idades entre 15 e 100 anos, e ancestralidade conhecida para o fenótipo cor da pele (branco, negro, pardo e amarelo). Foram realizadas medidas entre os pontos: kondylion lateral direito e kondylion lateral esquerdo; kondylion lateral direito e pogônio; kondylion lateral esquerdo e pogônio; borda mesial do forame mentoniano direito e borda mesial do forame mentoniano esquerdo. Analisou-se também a área delimitada pelo triângulo formado pelas medidas entre kondylion lateral direito e kondylion lateral esquerdo; kondylion lateral direito e pogônio; e kondylion lateral esquerdo e pogônio. O teste t de Student para variâncias homogêneas demonstrou que houve diferença estatística nas médias em função do sexo, à exceção da medida de área, que não foi utilizada no modelo. Resultados: Foi possível estabelecer um modelo matemático com acurácia de 69,2%. Não houve diferença estatística nas médias em função da ancestralidade. Conclusão: Conclui-se que as medidas investigadas auxiliam no processo de estimativa do sexo, porém não foram adequadas para estimar a ancestralidade. A metodologia proposta deve ser expandida para outros grupos populacionais para que possa ser aperfeiçoada.

ABSTRACT Objetive: The objective of this study was to analyze mandibular measurements obtained from 225 computed tomography scans of the Osteological and CT Biobanks of Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba Universidade Estadual de Campinas, aiming to verify the existence of a relationship between these measures and sexual dimorphism and ancestry. Methods: We sought to establish a mathematical model capable of estimating sex and ancestry. Of these scans, 126 were male, 94 were female and 5 were unidentified, aged 15 to 100 years, and ancestry known for the skin color phenotype (white, black, brown and yellow). Measurements were made between the following points: right lateral condylion and left lateral condylion; right lateral condylion and pogonion; left lateral condylion and pogonion; mesial border of right mental foramen and mesial border of left mental foramen. The area delimited by the triangle formed by the measurements between right lateral condylion and left lateral condylion was also analyzed; right lateral condylion and pogonion; and left lateral condylion and pogonion. Student t test for homogeneous variances showed that there was statistical difference in the means as a function of sex, except for the area measure, which was not used in the model. Results: It was possible to establish a mathematical model with accuracy of 69.2%. There was no statistical difference in the averages as a function of ancestry. Conclusion: It is concluded that the measures investigated help in the process of estimating sex, but were not adequate to estimate ancestry. The proposed methodology should be expanded to other population groups so that it can be improved.

ABSTRACT The use of natural substances and micronutritional approaches has been suggested as a therapeutic alternative to benefit the bone healing associated with no side effects. Nevertheless, the influence of micronutritional interventions with therapeutic proprieties on the bone repair has yet to be intensely evaluated, and no evidence is available exploring the impact of micronutrient supplementation on the peri-implant bone healing. Objective This study investigated the effect of micronutrients supplementation on the bone repair around implants. Material and Methods One screw-shaped titanium implant was inserted in each tibia of each rat, which were assigned to: daily administration, for 30 d, of the placebo solution (Placebo group-n:18) or micronutrients supplementation (Micronutrients group-n:18), based on calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3 intake. After, the animals were sacrificed. One of the implants was removed by applying a counter-torque force to evaluate the force to rupture the bone-implant interface. The other implant was evaluated by microcomputed tomography (CT) examination to determine the bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and the bone volume (BV/TV). Results No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for both counter-torque values and microCT parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion Within the limits of this study, micronutrients supplementation did not provide additional benefits to the bone healing around dental implants.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a rapidly evolving technology that provides high spatial resolution of the craniofacial complex in three dimensions (3D). During the last decade, the number of publications related to CBCT in the literature has increased significantly, but the fundamental question is whether this technology leads to better results. CBCT and the application in orthodontics is very important as this new technology evolves ever faster and new images are needed to answer some cases, for example cases of recurrence. The tomographic image will allow us to give a different view compared to conventional images, and this view goes hand in hand with the movements for correcting malocclusion or facial disproportion

La Tomografía Computarizada Cone Beam (TCCB) es una tecnología en rápido desarrollo que proporciona imágenes de alta resolución espacial del complejo craneofacial en tres dimensiones (3D). Durante la última década, el número de publicaciones relacionadas a la TCCB en la literatura se ha incrementado de manera significativa, pero la cuestión fundamental es si esta tecnología conduce a mejores resultados. La TCCB y su aplicación en la ortodoncia es muy importante ya que esta nueva tecnología va evolucionando cada vez más rápido y nuevas imágenes se necesitan para responder algunos casos como los de recidiva. La imagen tomográfica nos va permitir tener una visión diferente comparando con las imágenes convencionales, y esta visión va de la mano con los movimientos realizados para la corrección de la maloclusión o desproporción facial.

This study evaluated the stress distribution based on the canine pillar geometry in human skull, using a finite element analysis. Computed tomography of human skull was used to build a finite element model, which was composed by all bony structures of canine pillar: canine eminence, canine fossa, frontal process of maxilla, glabellum and superciliary arch. A support on the bite contact of maxillary canine tooth and a resultant force of the masticatory muscles was applied in the simulation. Equivalent Von-mises and maximum principal stresses were analyzed along the structures that compose the canine pillar geometry. Von-mises stress presented high stress concentrated at the canine fossa and frontal process of maxilla. Maximum principal stress showed compression areas at the canine fossa and part of frontal process and tensile stress at canine eminence and part of the frontal process. In conclusion, the different stress areas means different force concentrations transmitted along the canine pillar geometry during a peak canine bite.

Este estudio evaluó la distribución de la tensión sobre la geometría del pilar canino en el cráneo humano, utilizando análisis de elementos finitos. Se usó la tomografía computarizada de cráneo humano para construir un modelo de elementos finitos compuesto por todas las estructuras óseas del pilar canino: eminencia canina, fosa canina, proceso frontal del maxilar, glabela y arco superciliar. Se aplicó en la simulación un soporte ubicado sobre el contacto de mordida del diente canino maxilar y una fuerza resultante de los músculos de la masticación. Tensiones Equivalentes de Von-Mises y tensiones principales máximas fueron analizadas a lo largo de las estructuras que componen la geometría de pilar canino. La tensión de Von-Mises fue alta y concentrada en la fosa canina y proceso frontal del maxilar. La tensión principal máxima mostró áreas de compresión en la fosa canina y parte del proceso frontal y la tensión de tracción en la eminencia canina y parte del proceso frontal. Las diferentes áreas de tensión significan diferentes concentraciones de tensiones transmitida a lo largo de la geometría del pilar canino durante una mordedura canina máxima.

This paper aimed to analyze stress distribution in human zygomatic pillar during masseter muscle contraction using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A three-dimensional model and hemi facial skull were produced based on CT-scan data. An adult male skull with structural anatomy integrity was used as model. Muscles forces were applied at origin of elevator muscles and supports was applied at the occlusal surfaces at first and second molars to simulate a masticatory load and stimulate the zygomatic pillar. Supports were applied to the occlusal contacts. Symmetry conditions were placed at the mid-sagittal plane. For the top and back cutting plane, constraints were used. Equivalent Von-Mises Stress and Maximum Principal Stress analysis were performed from the stress fields along the zygomatic pillar. It was represented by stress concentration at the alveolar process, zygomatic bone, frontal and temporal process of zygomatic bone and superciliary arch. Stress line indicates distribution of stress from maxilla toward the frontal and temporal bone. The stresses occurred due to resultant occlusal forces is mainly supported by the zygomatic bone, non-uniformly distributed and predominantly through the zygomatic pillar. This study contributed to better understanding of stress distribution in zygomatic pillar to understand the influence of chewing on zygomatic pillar morphology and also be useful for clinical practice.

El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar la distribución de la tensión en el pilar cigomático humano durante la contracción del músculo masetero utilizando análisis de elementos finitos tridimensionales. Un modelo de tres dimensiones de dientes del hemicráneo facial fueron producidos sobre la base de datos de CT-scan. Se utilizó como modelo un cráneo adulto de sexo masculino con la integridad de la anatomía estructural. Fuerzas musculares se aplicaron en el origen de los ascensores de los músculos de la mandíbula y soportes se aplicaron a la superficie oclusal del primer y segundo molar para simular una carga masticatoria y estimular el pilar cigomático. Condiciones de simetría se colocaron en el plano mediano. Se utilizaron restricciones en los planos superior y posterior. El análisis de las tensiones equivalentes von-Mises y máximo director se realizó a través del campo de esfuerzos a lo largo del pilar cigomático. Fue representada la concentración de esfuerzos en el proceso alveolar, hueso cigomático, proceso frontal y temporal del hueso cigomático y el arco superciliar. La línea de tensión indica la distribución de la tensión del maxilar hacia el hueso frontal y temporal. Las tensiones se produjeron debido a las fuerzas oclusales resultantes, que se apoyan principalmente por el hueso cigomático, distribuidas de manera no uniforme y sobre todo a través del pilar cigomático. Este estudio ha contribuido a una mejor comprensión de la distribución de la tensión en el pilar cigomático para entender la influencia de la masticación sobre la morfología de este pilar y ser de utilidad en la práctica clínica.

Dentists' incorrect behavior with regards to Oral Radiology, as reported in the literature, has been related to inadequate training of undergraduates. AIM: This study assessed dental undergraduates' knowledge of Oral Radiology. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 30 questions pertaining to three domains - General Principles, Radiobiology/Radioprotection and Technique/Interpretation - was used as data collection instrument. A total of 195 students answered the questionnaires. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between second-, third- and fourth-year students (p>0.05) when the whole questionnaire and the General Principles domain (p>0.05) were considered. The Technique/Interpretation domain presented a borderline statistical significance level (p=0.051), with more correct answers attributed to second-year students. A statistically significant difference (p<0.05) was seen for the Radiobiology/Radioprotection domain, in which the fourth-year students performed better. CONCLUSIONS: Dental undergraduates' knowledge of Oral Radiology did not increase or decrease significantly comparing the undergraduate years. However, with the exception of the Technique/Interpretation domain, students of more advanced undergraduate years answered more correctly the questions. Nevertheless, the Technique/Interpretation domain should be reinforced throughout the undergraduate course.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a aplicabilidade do método de análise para determinar a idade vertebral proposto por Caldas et al., 2007 em crianças de baixa renda. A amostra se constituiu de radiografias cefalometricas e carpais de 76 meninos e 64 meninas com idade entre 7,0 a 14,9 anos que vivem em zona rural de um município sergipano. Os corpos das vértebras C3 e C4 foram traçadas e mensuradas e em seguida as idades ósseas foram estimadas. A idade media estimada para as meninas foi de 10,62 anos e a idade óssea carpal foi de 11,28 anos; o erro médio de 1,42 anos. A idade media estimada para os meninos foi de 10,44 anos e a idade óssea carpal foi de 10,57 anos com erro médio de 1,18 anos. Baseado nos resultados, o modelo proposto por Caldas et al. (2007) não pode ser aplicada na população estudada, e portanto novos modelos de regressão foram desenvolvidos.

This study evaluated the applicability of the regression method for determining vertebral age developed by Caldas et al. (2007) by testing this method in children from low-income families of the rural zone. The sample comprised cephalometric and hand-wrist radiographs of 76 boys and 64 girls aged 7.0 to 14.9 years living in a medium-sized city in the desert region of the northeastern region of Brazil, with an HDI of 0.678. C3 and C4 vertebrae were traced and measured on cephalometric radiographs to estimate the bone age. The average age, average hand-wrist age and average error estimated for girls and boys were, respectively, 10.62 and 10.44 years, 11.28 and 10.57 years, and 1.42 and 1.18 years. Based on these results, the formula proposed by Caldas et al. (2007) was not applicable to the studied population, and new multiple regression models were developed to obtain the children's vertebral bone age accurately.

A interpretação radiográfica é essencial para o diagnóstico da reabsorção cervical invasiva (RCI) e a dificuldade em distingui-la da reabsorção radicular interna tem sido destacada na literatura. Este trabalho relata o uso da tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico (TCFC) no diagnóstico da RCI. Os casos descrevem como a TCFC pode ser utilizada no diagnóstico diferencial e relatam também como esta tecnologia pode providenciar relevantes informações sobre a localização e natureza das reabsorções radiculares, limitadas pelas radiografias convencionais. Como resultado, o tratamento do canal radicular não foi inicialmente considerado. Os pacientes serão acompanhados e após curto período de tempo novos exames tomográficos serão realizados no intuito de detectar pequenas alterações. Observa-se que ambos os casos beneficiaram-se com o uso da TCFC no diagnóstico de RCI, pois esta modalidade de imagem determinou a real extensão da reabsorção e possíveis pontos de comunicação com o espaço periodontal.

A radiographic interpretation is essential to the diagnosis of invasive cervical resorption (ICR) and the difficulty in distinguishing this lesion from internal root resorption has been highlighted in the literature. This paper reports the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the diagnosis of ICR. The cases reports describe how CBCT can be used to make a differential diagnosis and also show that the use of this technology can provide relevant information on the location and nature of root resorption, which conventional radiographs cannot. As a result, the root canal treatment was not initially considered. The patients will be monitored and will undergo a scan after a short period of time to detect any small changes. It was observed that both cases benefited from CBCT in the diagnosis of ICR, because this imaging modality determined the real extent of resorption and possible points of communication with the periodontal space.

The aims of this study were to develop a computerized program for objectively evaluating skeletal maturation on cephalometric radiographs, and to apply the new method to Brazilian subjects. The samples were taken from the patient files of Oral Radiological Clinics from the North, Northeast, Midwest and South regions of the country. A total of 717 subjects aged 7.0 to 15.9 years who had lateral cephalometric radiographs and hand-wrist radiographs were selected. A cervical vertebral computerized analysis was created in the Radiocef Studio 2 computer software for digital cephalometric analysis, and cervical vertebral bone age was calculated using the formulas developed by Caldas et al.17 (2007). Hand-wrist bone age was evaluated by the TW3 method. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test were used to compare cervical vertebral bone age, hand-wrist bone age and chronological age (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between cervical vertebral bone age and chronological age in all regions studied. When analyzing bone age, it was possible to observe a statistically significant difference between cervical vertebral bone age and hand-wrist bone age for female and male subjects in the North and Northeast regions, as well as for male subjects in the Midwest region. No significant difference was observed between bone age and chronological age in all regions except for male subjects in the North and female subjects in the Northeast. Using cervical vertebral bone age, it might be possible to evaluate skeletal maturation in an objective manner using cephalometric radiographs.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estabelecer dois novos métodos para meninas e meninos brasileiros, no intuito de determinar de forma objetiva a maturação esquelética das vértebras cervicais em radiografias cefalométricas laterais. Foram selecionados 128 meninas e 110 meninos, com faixa etária variando entre 7 e 15,9 anos, pertencentes à Clínica de Radiologia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba da Universidade de Campinas (Unicamp). Os corpos da terceira e quarta vértebras cervicais foram traçados e medidos e fórmulas de regressão foram criadas no intuito de se estabelecer a idade óssea das vértebras cervicais. Uma outra amostra composta por telerradiografias em normal lateral e radiografias carpais de 55 meninas e 54 meninos com a mesma faixa etária foi utilizada para verificar a confiabilidade das fórmulas criadas, em comparação à idade óssea determinada pelo método de Tanner et al.15 (2001) (TW3) em radiografias carpais. A análise da amostra feminina e masculina (ANOVA) revelou não haver diferença estatística significativa entre idade óssea da vértebra cervical, idade esquelética e idade cronológica, indicando que as fórmulas desenvolvidas podem ser utilizadas nesta população (p = 0,5721 e p = 0,6007 para meninas e meninos, respectivamente). Os corpos da terceira e quarta vértebras cervicais aumentaram de forma acelerada dos 10 aos 13 anos nas meninas. A análise da amostra masculina revelou aumento acelerado de C3 dos 12 aos 15 anos. A vértebra C4, no entanto, não aumentou em tamanho. Utilizando a idade óssea de vértebras cervicais, é possível avaliar a maturidade esquelética de forma objetiva em radiografias cefalométricas laterais.

The aim of this study was to establish two new formulas for objectively evaluating skeletal maturation of cervical vertebrae in female and male Brazilian subjects using lateral cephalometric radiographs. The sample included 128 girls and 110 boys, aged 7.0 to 15.9 years, from the files of the Oral Radiology Clinic, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (Unicamp), SP, Brazil. The cervical vertebral bodies of C3 and C4 were traced and measured and regression formulas were developed in order to determine cervical vertebral bone age. Another sample of lateral teleradiographs and hand-wrist radiographs of 55 girls and 54 boys (aged 7.0 to 15.9 years) was used to verify the reliability of the developed regression formulas, as compared with bone age assessed using the Tanner et al.15 (2001) Method (TW3) in hand-wrist radiographs. The analysis of both the boys’ and girls’ data (ANOVA) showed no statistical difference between cervical vertebral bone age, bone age, and chronological age, indicating that these formulas can be used in this population (p = 0.5721 and p = 0.6007 for girls and boys, respectively). Female cervical vertebral bodies of C3 and C4 increased in an accelerated manner from 10 to 13 years. Analysis of the male sample showed that C3 measurements increased in an accelerated manner from 12 to 15 years. The C4 measurements, however, did not increase at all. Using cervical vertebral bone age it is possible to evaluate skeletal maturation objectively in cephalometric radiographs.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar dois sistemas digitais de armazenamento de fósforo e filme convencional, assim como verificar a concordância interexaminadores em diagnóstico radiográfico de cáries oclusais e proximais. Dois sistemas radiográficos digitais e filme convencional foram usados para avaliar 144 superfícies dentais com e sem cavitação; as radiografias foram analisadas e classificadas em uma escala de 4 pontos. Participaram como examinadores 13 alunos de graduação e um radiologista odontológico. Para validar esta pesquisa foram realizadas análises em microscopia ótica. Os resultados mostraram não haver diferença significante entre os sistemas radiográficos, entretanto, todos tiveram diferenças significantes quando comparados a microscopia óptica, com exceção do sistema Digora® nas superfícies proximais quando o radiologista foi o examinador. Na avaliação interexaminadores, foi obtido concordância moderada, e entre os alunos e o radiologista obteve-se nível sofrível a moderado. Com relação a validade (sensibilidade, especificidade, preditivos positivos e preditivos negativos), os valores foram semelhantes entre os alunos e o radiologista, com exceção dos valores de sensibilidade nas superfícies oclusais. Os estudantes obtiveram um maior numero de resultados falso-positivos e o radiologista odontológico obteve um maior numero de resultados falso-negativos.

The purpose of this research was to compare two digital storage phosphor systems and conventional film, as well as verify the interexaminer agreement in radiographic diagnosis on occlusal and proximal cavities. Two digital systems and conventional radiographic film were used to evaluate 144 tooth surfaces with and without cavities; the radiographs were analyzed and scored in a scale of 4 points. Thirteen undergraduates and an oral radiologist participated as examiners. A light microscopy analysis was accomplished in order to validate the research. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the radiographic systems, however all of them had significant differences when compared to light microscopy, except for the Digora system on the proximal surface when the radiologist was the examiner. In the interexaminer evaluation, a moderate agreement level was obtained, and a fair to moderate level was obtained between the students and the oral radiologist. Regarding the validation (sensitivity, specificity, positive predict and negative predict) the values were similar between students and the oral radiologist, except for the sensitivity value on the occlusal surface. The students had the highest number of false-positive results and the oral radiologist the highest number of false-negative results.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar densidade linear utilizando o sistema de radiografia digital direta intrabucal para verificar o ganho de densidade óssea em fraturas de ratos sob os efeitos da Dexametasona. Trinta (30) ratos Wistar machos, adultos jóvens de 200 g em média foram usados. Os animais foram submetidos á anestesia geral por inalação de éter etílico e 01 costela de cada animal foi fraturada através de técnica cirúrgica. Os ratos foram divididos em grupos de 03 repetições para cada grupo em cada período de tempo: Grupo Controle: administração intraperitoneal de soro fisiológico 01 hora antes da intervenção cirúrugica. Grupo 1: administração intraperitoneal de Dexametasona 0.1mg/Kg de peso 01 hora antes da intervenção e duas doses pós operatórias a cada 12 horas. Os animais foram sacrificados com 02, 03, 04, 07 e 14 dias. As partes contendo o hemi tórax da costela com a fratura foram removidas e submetidas aos raios x, onde as imagens foram analisadas através do sistema Digora. Os resultados mostraram que no grupo Controle e no Grupo 1 houve um ganho gradual na densidade linear. O método utilizado para análise forneceu dados estatisticamente significativos durante o período de tempo analisado. Assim concluimos que o método de radiografia dentária digital pode ser utilizado para análise de densidade linear de fraturas. As doses utilizadas de Dexametasona neste experimento não foram suficientes para alterar a densidade óssea no reparo de fraturas em ratos.

The objective of this study was to assess bone density measurements for analysis of repairing fractures in rats using direct digital radiography under Dexamethasone effects. Thirty (30) young adult male Wistar rats were used, with an average weight of 200g, which were submitted to general anesthetics by ethyl ether. One rib of each animal was fractured by surgical technique. The rats were divided into 2 groups, named Control group - intraperitoneal administration of saline solution 1 hour prior to operation, and Group 1: intraperitoneal administration of Dexamethasone 0.1mg/Kg of weight 1 hour prior to operation, and two postoperative doses every 12 hours. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 3, 4, 7 and 14 days. The parts containing the hemi-thorax with the fractured rib were removed and submitted to direct digital radiography, where the linear density of the two extremities of the fracture were analyzed by the Digora System. The results showed that in the control group and in Group 1 there was a gradual and significant increase in linear density. The method used made it feasible to supply data that were statistically significant in assessing the gain in bone density during the period of time analyzed. In conclusion, direct digital radiograph is useful for bone density analysis for fracture repairing. The dose of Dexamethasone was not sufficient to alter the gain in bone density at the extremities of fracture.