Search

The aim of the study was to collect data about the prevalence and risk factors of apical periodontitis in a population of endodontically treated patients. The study group included 151 patients (52 males, 99 females; mean age 48.36 ± 15.708 yrs.) with 391 endodontically treated teeth (mean follow-up of 5.25 ± 1.759 yrs.). According to the initial tooth diagnosis, root-filled teeth were divided into Group A, root-filled teeth treated for pulpitis or for the purpose of prosthetic pulpectomies (vital pulp group), and Group B, root-filled teeth with non-vital pulp (necrotic pulp). Clinical and radiographic evaluation of the root and its periapical area were performed to establish the success/failure of endodontic therapy, the quality of the root canal fillings (length, density, taper), and coronal restoration. The presence of recurrent caries, periodontal pathology, or endo-periodontal lesions were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for apical periodontitis and calculate their odds ratios (ORs). For the root-filled vital pulp tooth group, the highest risks for apical periodontitis are associated with inadequate homogeneity (OR 30.938), periodontitis (OR 9.226), and over-filling (OR 8.800). For the root-filled non-vital pulp tooth group, the highest risks are associated with periodontitis (OR 4.235) and age over 60 yrs. (OR 4.875). For the necrotic pulp tooth group, multivariate analysis identified an age > 60 yrs., filled molars, intracanal posts, poor coronal restoration quality, under-filling, and periodontitis as significant combined risk factors. Inadequate root canal filling and periodontitis in both groups were risk factors associated with most cases of apical periodontitis. Other risk factors include age > 60 yrs., poor coronal restoration quality, and the presence of intracanal posts in root-filled teeth with necrotic pulp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying an osseointegrated dental implant could become vitally important in case some other clinician tries to restore it and plays a vital role in forensic odontology. However, existing ways to identify them are very crude and nonspecific. In addition, they are not focusing on implants used frequently in India. Aims: The aim of this study was to design a guidance system to identify different implant systems and their subtypes used in India and to evaluate the efficiency of this guidance system to identify an unknown dental implant. Materials and Methods: Radiographs of the 15 most common dental implant systems used in India were analyzed and categorized based on their morphological appearance under the headings. Nontapered or tapered/threaded or not, neck design, thread length, shape, etc., were observed on intraoral periapical radiographs, and a guidance system in the form of a flow chart was made. Based on the flow chart, 15 randomized assessor-blinded radiographs were tested for the accuracy of the guidance system that was developed. The Chi-square test was used at a 95% confidence interval to determine the accuracy of the guidance system used for the identification of assessor-blinded radiographs. Results: The newly designed dental implant identification guidance system effectively identified 14 out of 15 unknown implant radiographs among implant systems and subtypes used in this study. Nonparametric Chi-square test was applied and the results were highly significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The guidance system developed has the potential to identify the implant system mentioned in this study based on its radiographic appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since late December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been rapidly spread across the globe. The early, safe, sensitive, and accurate diagnosis of viral infection is required to decrease and control contagious infection and improve public health surveillance. The diagnosis generally is made by detecting SARS‐CoV‐2‐related agents, including a range of nucleic acid detection‐based, immunoassay‐based, radiographic‐based, and biosensor‐based methods. This review presents the progress of various detection tools for diagnosing COVID‐19 and addresses the advantages and restrictions of each detection method. Given that diagnosis of a contagious various like SARS‐COV‐2 can improve patient survival rates and break the transmission chain, there is no surprise that significant efforts should be made to reduce the limitations of tests that lead to false‐negative results and to develop a substantial test for COVID‐19 diagnosis. Significance statement: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and spread worldwide quickly. The early and sensitive viral infection diagnosis is important for improve public health surveillance. The diagnosis generally is based on nucleic acid, immunoassay, radiographic, and biosensor methods. This review presents the various detection methods for detection of coronavirus disease 2019 with advantages and restrictions of each method. Among various available methods for SARS‐CoV‐2 laboratory diagnosis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction is the most widely used method; however, this method has several restrictions. So, a combined strategy harmonizing laboratory methods is crucial to guide patient care, prevention, and management of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of panoramic radiography (PR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in radiographic diagnosis of maxillary sinus (MS) diseases. MS diseases (mucosal thickening, mucus retention cyst, polyp sinusitis, mucocele and tumoral formations) was carried out on both PR and CBCT images belonging to 625 patients. Analyzes were performed separately for right and left maxillary sinus, and total of 1250 PR and CBCT images. While a diagnosis of disease was made in 42.96% of a total of 1250 MS according to CBCT. According to PR, diagnosis was made in 58.72%. The 537 diagnoses where lesion presence was determined on CBCT in our study were compared over PR, and it was observed that, there was the right diagnosis (true positive) in 106 (19.73%) of these including respectively mucus retention cyst (n = 88), polyp (n = 16), 1 sinusitis and 1 tumor, and there was an incorrect diagnosis (false positive) in 221 (41.15%). In 42.92% of the MS that were identified as healthy based on CBCT, the correct diagnosis was also made on PR (true negative). The use of CBCT instead of PR in the diagnosis of pathological or inflammatory diseases contributes to a more accurate radiographic differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hip laxity is one of the most frequent orthopedic disorders in dogs, and it is one of the main underlying reasons for canine hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia is a progressive disease influenced by inheritance. Veterinarians can take timely preventive/therapeutic measures when hip laxity is diagnosed early, and prevent the participation of dysplastic dogs in breeding programs to reduce the prevalence of the disease. Effective treatment strategies can increase the welfare of dogs by reducing the severity of the disease at older ages. In this study, we aimed to assess the reproducibility of the protocols reported for the radiographic assessment of canine hip dysplasia in 8- and 12-month-old Rottweilers. Five observers investigated eight radiographic parameters at each examination time. According to the results, there were high interobserver agreements at both ages for the measurable parameters, such as the center edge angle (CEA), dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS), distraction index (DI), and Norberg angle (NA), whereas the observers recorded poor to moderate agreements for the subjective values, such as the grading of the dorsal acetabular rim (GDAR), grading of the degenerative joint disease (GDJD), location of the center of the femoral head (LCFH), and sclerosis of the cranial acetabular rim (SCAR). Hip laxity is one of the predisposing factors of canine hip dysplasia. The early diagnosis of hip laxity allows veterinarians to prevent the participation of dysplastic dogs in breeding programs, which could lower the disease's prevalence due to its genetic background. Furthermore, it allows them to plan preventive/therapeutic procedures for mild/near-normal hips to reduce the symptoms of the disease at older ages. A reliable screening program must be repeatable and reproducible, and intra- and inter-observer studies can help us to determine the best methods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radiographic parameters used for the early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in Rottweilers at 8 and 12 months of age with five observers to assess the interobserver agreements. According to our findings, there were high interobserver agreements at both ages for the quantitative values, such as the center edge angle (CEA), dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS), distraction index (DI), and Norberg angle (NA), whereas we recorded from poor to moderate agreements for the qualitative values, such as the grading of the dorsal acetabular rim (GDAR), grading of the degenerative joint disease (GDJD), location of the center of the femoral head (LCFH), and sclerosis of the cranial acetabular rim (SCAR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pedicle sign is a radiographic indicator of spinal metastases. However, it is not only the pedicle sign that is important in radiographic diagnosis of bone metastases. In the present study, the radiological features of symptomatic spinal metastases in patients without the pedicle sign were retrospectively examined. Materials and Methods: Among 186 patients with symptomatic spinal metastases who visited our department between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017, 64 without the pedicle sign and with avail- able computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in the first visit were en- rolled and their data were analyzed. One author evaluated radiographs for findings suggestive of spinal metastases, CT to assess bone destruction, and MRI to evaluate the extent of lesions. Clinical vari- ables were also examined and compared between patients with and without bone changes on radiography. Results: Bone changes strongly suggesting bone metastasis, other than the pedicle sign, were observed in 31 out of 64 patients: bone cortical disappearance in 20, increased radiolucency of the central area in the vertebral body in 8, an irregular osteoblastic change in 5, and asymmetrical vertebral collapse in 10. An analysis of CT data revealed that intertrabecular, mildly osteolytic, and mildly osteoblastic types were more frequent in patients without any changes suggestive of bone metastases on radiographs. Conclusion: Radiographic findings other than the pedicle sign are useful for diagnosing bone metastases. The key to a radiographic diagnosis of spinal metastases is to pay attention to changes in the bone cortex of all vertebral components on radiographs in addition to the pedicle [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To evaluate sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of a radiographic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE)-diagnosis among medical specialists. Methods Three paediatricians, three paediatric radiologists and three paediatric orthopaedic surgeons completed two rounds of a survey of anteroposterior and frog-leg lateral radiographs of patients with a diagnosis of SCFE (25), femoroacetabular impingement (four), Legg-Calvé-Perthes (11) or no hip pathology (ten). Intra- and interobserver agreement among specialties regarding the diagnosis of a SCFE were assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient (μ). Diagnostic accuracy of SCFE relative to the benchmark, a combination of the radiographic diagnosis based on Klein's line, clinical symptoms and surgical treatment, was assessed computing sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Results Intraobserver agreement between the surveys was moderate among paediatricians (μ-range, 0.44 to 0.52), moderate to almost perfect among orthopaedic surgeons (μ-range, 0.79 to 0.88) and almost perfect among paediatric radiologists (μ-range, 0.83 to 1.00). Interobserver agreement for survey 1 and 2 was slight among paediatricians (mean μ, 0.19), substantial among orthopaedic surgeons (mean μ, 0.77) and almost perfect among paediatric radiologists (mean μ, 0.86). Sensitivity of SCFE-diagnosis was high among radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons (88% to 100% for both specialties), but lower for paediatricians (24% to 76%). Specificity was high among radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons (72% to 84%), however, variable among paediatricians (56% to 80%). Accuracy of a SCFE-diagnosis was highest in radiologists (84% to 92%), followed by orthopaedic surgeons (80% to 88%) and paediatricians (48% to 78%). Conclusion SCFE can be detected on radiographs by different medical specialties. Intra- and interobserver agreement, specificity, sensitivity and accuracy for radiographic SCFE-diagnosis amongst paediatric radiologists and orthopaedic surgeons are better than that of general paediatricians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lymph Node Metastasis (LNM) is the most unfavourable outcome and a criterion of inoperability in Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Computerised Tomography (CT) scans are commonly used for preoperative evaluation of LNM. However, the accuracy of CT scan in LNM detection has not been clearly evaluated. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CT scan for preoperative LNM detection in CCA. Materials and Methods: This diagnostic test study was based on an ongoing prospective cohort study (Cholangiocarcinoma Screening and Care Program, CASCAP) in nine tertiary care hospitals in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The subjects were patients with suspected CCA based on ultrasound examination. CT scan was done to evaluate the lesion and LNM. For operable subjects, the lymph nodes were dissected and sent for pathological diagnosis. The results were then compared with the radiographic results. Results: The CT scan accurately detected the presence or absence of LNM in 78 of 127 CCA subjects (61.4%, 95% CI 52.4-69.9), resulting in a sensitivity of 50.8% (95% CI 37.9-63.6) and a specificity of 71.9% (95% CI 59.2-82.4). The positive and negative predictive values were 64.0% (95% CI: 49.2-77.1) and 59.7% (95% CI: 47.9-70.8), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.14-2.86) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.51-0.92). Conclusion: The CT scan has limited accuracy in the preoperative diagnosis of LNM. Therefore, surgeons should be aware of the number of false positives in determining inoperable patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Odontogenic cysts and ameloblastomas are the most commonly occurring lesions arising from odontogenic epithelium in the oral cavity. Clinical and radiographical findings have their limitations in correctly diagnosing these lesions which may significantly affect the treatment and prognosis of patients. Hence, histological diagnosis along with their classification is mandatory in these cases. This study was designed to see the relative frequency of histologically diagnosed odontogenic lesions in comparison to their provisional clinical diagnosis. Methods: A total of 114 blocks containing odontogenic lesions along with their clinical records were acquired from Morbid Anatomy and Histopathology department at University of Health Sciences Lahore and a local private laboratory from year 2011 - 2015. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was performed on section for final diagnosis. Results: In a total of 114 patients, 32 (28.02%) differed in their initial clinical and final histological diagnosis. From a total of 32 lesions, 4 unicystic ameloblastomas were provisionally diagnosed as dentigerous cysts, 8 OKCs were provisionally diagnosed as multicystic ameloblastoma, 7 dentigerous cysts were provisionally diagnosed as radicular cysts, 4 OKCs were provisionally diagnosed as dentigerous cysts and 9 ameloblastomas were provisionally diagnosed as OKCs. Conclusion: Owing to the propensity for misdiagnosis, all the cystic lesions from the oral cavity should be sent to the laboratory for their final diagnosis for better treatment and prognosis in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of Takayasu's arteritis with isolated pulmonary artery stenosis in the presence of active hepatitis B and latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a middleaged Asian woman who initially presented with severe dyspnea on exertion and recurrent syncope, occasional burning chest pains, and fatigue. Therapy of the active hepatitis B and latent M. tuberculosis infection together with a course of methotrexate led to a slight reversal of the symptoms, as angioplasty with or without stenting was not an option. The constellation described here hints at the possible link between hepatitis B and M. tuberculosis infection and the development of Takayasu's arteritis. The case also supports the little evidence available indicating that treatment of active hepatitis B infection could positively influence the course of Takayasu's arteritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A descriptive investigation of 150 children under 5 years with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of condensing pneumonia -- selected by means of a simple random sampling--, admitted in the Pneumology room and that of the Progressive Cares to the Severely ill Patient at the Children Southern Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba was carried out from January to December, 2012. In the series the variable age, sex, severity of the clinical pattern and associated complications were related to the results of the thorax X rays, according to topographical localization, and it was obtained that 66.6% of the patients presented located swelling in the right lung, predominant in all ages, the pleural effusion was the most frequent complication (8.0%) which was relevant in the children with a damaged left lung (16.6%). Although the condensing pneumonias prevailed in the right lung, the severity of the clinical pattern and the complications were more frequent in those who presented a swollen left lung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To assess the agreement between periapical radiograph ( PA) and cone-beam computed tomography ( CBCT) for periapical assessment of root filled maxillary and mandibular molars. Methodology Periapical radiograph and CBCT ( iCat) images of 60 previously root filled molars (30 maxillary and 30 mandibular) were obtained at a review clinic. Agreement between PA and CBCT assessments of (i) number of canals per tooth, (ii) number of lesions per tooth, (iii) mesial-distal dimension of lesions, (iv) coronal-apical dimension of lesions and (v) presence of ' J'-shaped lesions were determined in comparison analyses and correlation analysis. Results There were significant differences between PA and CBCT assessment for the mean number of canals ( P < 0.001) and periapical lesions ( P < 0.001), mean mesial-distal ( P < 0.001) and coronal-apical dimension of the lesion (if present; P < 0.001) and the mean number of ' J'-shaped lesions ( P < 0.05). The magnitude of the statistical differences (or bias) was greater for maxillary than mandibular molars regarding the number and size of the lesions identified. Correlation values were weaker between PA and CBCT assessments of maxillary molars than for mandibular molars in all parameters assessed. Conclusion There were substantial disagreements between PA and CBCT for assessing the periapical status of molar teeth, especially for the maxillary arch. The findings have implications in periapical diagnosis and for evaluating the outcome of endodontic care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The optimal management of a caries lesion involves a precise and reliable diagnosis along with an appropriate treatment decision. The traditional diagnostic method continues being the visual-tactile and it is focused in the detection of cavitated lesions. Currently, caries classification systems that include the early caries lesions and allow for non-operative or operative treatment decisions are known. The radiography is known as a complement for the current diagnosis of dental caries. The agreement between the visualtactile and the radiographic caries tests varies depending upon the caries prevalence. Purpose: To compare the number of proximal caries lesions detected radiographically and the visual-tactile method. Methods: Visual-tactile (DMF-S criteria) and radiographic (bite-wing x-rays) examinations were conducted in 40 16-to-35 year olds. Results: The mean DMF-T was 4.9±3.4 (D: 0.2±0.4; M: 0; F: 4.9±3.4). The visual-tactile exam in the posterior teeth showed a mean DF-S of 5.0±4.0 (D: 0.2±0.5), and the radiographic of 16.0±3.4 (Radiolucency in dentine: 2.9±1.7; in enamel: 13.1±3.3). The level of agreement (Kappa coefficient) between the visual-tactile and the radiographic methods was insignificant (0.0012-0.08). Conclusion: The radiographic exam detects 220 % more proximal caries lesions than the visual-tactile exam in posterior teeth, which allows emphasizing the importance of the radiographic examination for the detection of dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To gain further insights and resolve conflicting results in the literature regarding prevalence, predominant location and morphologic variability of maxillary sinus septa. Material and Methods Electronic and hand searching of English literature identified 33 investigations published from 1995 to 2011. Septa were defined as at least 2-4 mm in height. Results Septa were present in 28.4% of 8923 sinuses investigated (95% confidence interval: 24.3-32.5%). Prevalence was significantly higher in atrophic sinuses compared with dentate maxillae ( p < 0.001). Septa were located in premolar, molar and retromolar regions in 24.4%, 54.6% and 21.0% respectively. Orientation of septa was transverse in 87.6%, sagittal in 11.1% and horizontal in 1.3% of cases. Septa height measured 7.5 mm on average. Complete septa (dividing the sinus into two separate cavities) were found in only 0.3%. Other rare conditions included multiple septa in one sinus (4.2%) and bilateral septa (17.2%). Septa diagnosis using panoramic radiographs yielded incorrect results in 29% of cases. Conclusions In view of their high overall prevalence and significant morphologic variability, 3D radiographic imaging prior to sinus floor augmentation may help to reduce complication rates in the presence of maxillary sinus septa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to assess the significance of herniation pits in the femoral neck for radiographic diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Eighty hips in 62 patients (bilateral in 18) with neutral pelvic orientation were enrolled. Herniation pits were diagnosed when they were located at the anterosuperior femoral neck, close to the physis, and with a diameter of >3 mm. The five radiographic signs of FAI were used: lateral center edge angle (LCE) >39°, acetabular index (AI) ≤0, extrusion index (EI) <25%, acetabular retroversion, and pistol-grip deformity. Patients with radiographs suggesting FAI were retrospectively correlated with their clinical symptoms. Positive radiographic signs were observed in 7 hips with LCE, 7 with AI, and 80 with EI criteria. Only 3 hips out of 80 (3.8%) showed all of the signs. The acetabular retroversion and pistol-grip deformity were seen in 12/80 and 3/80 hips, respectively. The total number of hips that met radiographic criteria for FAI, including pincer type and cam type, was 18 (23%). However, none of these hips were clinically diagnosed with FAI. All symptomatic hips (11/80) presented only with nonspecific pain, and 2 hips out of 11 showed radiographic signs of FAI. The low frequency of positive radiographic signs suggesting FAI with related symptoms among patients with herniation pits suggests that herniation pits have limited significance in the diagnosis of FAI. Therefore it can be concluded that an incidental finding of herniation pits does not necessarily imply a correlation with FAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term diagnostic consistency of two examiners, an endodontist and a radiologist, and to make comparisons with findings recorded by an observer with more recent scientific and clinical experience in endodontics. Methodology Three groups, each consisting of 20 full mouth series of intraoral radiographs, with 79, 93 and 85 endodontically-treated roots, respectively, were successively evaluated for periapical disease. Evaluations were at first performed separately by the three observers. Disagreement and difficult, borderline cases were subjected to joint evaluation. Intra- and interexaminer comparisons were made. For two of the observers the observations were compared with findings recorded several years before for the same cases in the same radiographs. Results The intra- and interobserver long-term reliability of the two original examiners resulted in 83% overall agreement, the kappa values were 0.54, 0.57 and 0.53. Comparisons between all three observers disclosed 82%, 85% and 86% agreement and kappa values 0.55, 0.58 and 0.60. The joint evaluations and decisions did not indicate a dominating influence from any of the observers. Conclusions The long-term reliability of the two original observers was judged as being satisfactory. All three observers judged the overall disease status of the material in the same way. The joint discussions of selected cases might reduce observer variation to an acceptable level, avoid a number of false recordings and increase the reliability and validity of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim To assess the reliability of routine single radiographs in the diagnosis of inflammatory apical root resorption by correlating the radiographic and histological findings. Methodology The material comprised serial and step serial sections of plastic-embedded root-apices with attached apical periodontitis lesions that were prepared for a previous study and the diagnostic radiographs. The histological sections of 114 specimens were analysed by light microscopy and categorized into three groups: (i) those without any resorption (0); (ii) those with moderate resorption (+); and (iii) those with severe resorption (+ +). The radiographs were examined by a separate examiner and graded with a similar categorization of no resorption (0); moderate (+); and severe (+ +) apical resorption. Results Radiographically, 19% of the teeth were diagnosed as having apical inflammatory root resorption, whereas histologically, 81% of the teeth revealed apical inflammatory root resorption. A correlative radiographic and histological assessment (n = 104) revealed a coincidence of diagnosis in 7% of the specimens and noncoincidence of diagnosis in 76% of the specimens. Conclusions The results indicate that routine single radiographs are not sufficiently accurate or sensitive to consistently diagnose apical root resorptive defects developing as a consequence of apical periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manual restraint of animals for radiographic examination is common worldwide. • The negative effects of low doses of ionizing radiation on living tissues is known. • Radiographic diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia is a common procedure. • Hands-free diagnostic methods can reduce human exposure to ionizing radiation. Hip dysplasia (HD) is one of the most common hereditary orthopaedic diseases in dogs, with serious implications for the quality of life of the affected animals. Radiographic screening is essential for the selection of breeding stock in some at-risk breeds, and radiography is also used in the diagnosis of clinical HD cases. A definitive diagnosis of HD is based on radiographic examination, and the most commonly used view is the ventrodorsal hip extended projection, sometimes in combination with various hip stress-based techniques. Radiographic images require high quality positioning and dogs are usually anesthetized and often manually restrained to facilitate optimal positioning. The 'as low as reasonably achievable' (ALARA) principle used in human radioprotection is not always fulfilled in veterinary practice, except in the UK, where human exposure to ionizing radiation in veterinary medicine is strictly regulated. While each dose of ionizing radiation is small, doses accumulate over a lifetime, which can eventually result in substantial radiation exposure. Therefore, manual restraint should be avoided and mechanical immobilization, sedation or general anaesthesia should be used. This review examines the biological effects of human exposure to ionizing radiation and common sources of veterinary exposure. The diagnostic quality of imaging methods for the diagnosis of canine HD is compared between manually restrained and hands-free dog positioning. Hands-free radiographic techniques are available to assess hip laxity, degenerative joint changes and hip osseous structure while preserving image quality, and can be used to select animals for breeding or for the diagnosis of HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

108 carious and noncarious first permanent molar teeth were scaled with Nuva-Seal® Presealant and the latest postsealant radiographs were rated for occlusal caries penetration time intervals from 2 to 5 years. With sealants that were sound at the most recent recall visit, there was a significant decrease in the rating of caries penetration. With sealants evaluated as being defective, there was a slight increase in caries penetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]