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Evaluate and compare the 5-year clinical performance of three high-viscosity glass ionomer restorative materials in small class II restorations.Forty patients, each with four class II restorations, were enrolled in this trial. A total of 160 restorations were placed, 25% for each material, as follows: three high-viscosity conventional glass ionomer restorative systems (Ketac Universal Aplicap, EQUIA Forte and Riva Self Cure HV) and a microhybrid resin composite system (Filtek Z250). Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and after 1, 3, and 5 years by two independent examiners using FDI criteria. Epoxy resin replicas were observed under scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine surface characteristics. Data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p 0.05).The success rates were 100% for resin composite, 97.4% for Ketac Universal, and 94.9% for both EQUIA Forte and Riva HV restorations. Statistically significant differences were observed between all groups in terms of surface luster and color match criteria (p 0.05). Statistically significant changes were found over time for all criteria except for fracture of material, postoperative hypersensitivity, recurrence of caries, tooth integrity, periodontal response, adjacent mucosa, and oral health criteria (p 0.05). SEM evaluations were in accordance with the clinical findings.Although drawbacks in surface luster and color match appeared over the 5-year evaluation period, the three high-viscosity glass ionomer restorative materials provided successful clinical performance in small to medium sized class II cavities compared to microhybrid resin composite.Glass ionomer restorations exhibited clinical performance similar to that of microhybrid resin composite restorations in small class II cavities subsequent to 5-year evaluation.

Objectives: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the efficiency of combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT), in the detection of the primary tumor origin in patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Methods: PET/CT were performed for 52 patients with CUP. These patients presented with metastatic lesions that were proven pathologically, and no primary site was detected by previous investigations. Results: The number of patients with true positive primary tumor sites was 29 (55.8%), 4 patients with false positive results (7.7%), 9 patients with true negative results (17.3%) and 10 patients with false negative results (19.2%). The sensitivity was 74.4%, specificity was 69.2% and accuracy was 73.1%. Our positive predictive value in this study was 87.9% and our negative predictive value for this study was 47.4%. Conclusions: This study showed an advantage of PET/CT in the detection of the site of the primary tumor in patients diagnosed with CUP. Keywords: Carcinoma of unknown primary, Detection of unknown primary tumor, 2-(18F)-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose, Combined computed tomography and positron emission tomography

Objectives To assess the influence of new light curing lab composite, lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic and yttrium-stabilized zirconia-based ceramic on the fracture resistance of maxillary premolars with class II inlay and onlay preparations. Methods Seventy sound maxillary premolars were divided randomly into seven main groups. The first group was left intact (control group). The remaining six groups were prepared with inlay and onlay cavities and restored with lab composite (SR Nexco), lithium-disilicate glass-ceramic (IPS e.max Press) and yttrium-stabilized zirconia-based ceramic (ICE Zirkon). The restorations were cemented with luting resin composite (Variolink N). All specimens were thermocycled 5000 cycles between 5°C ± 2°C and 55°C ± 2°C and were then cyclic loaded for 500 000 cycles. The specimens were subjected to a compressive load in a universal testing machine using a metal sphere until fracture occurred. The results were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc tests. The level of significance was set at P .05). However, statistically significant differences were found among the means of control group and the groups restored with lab composite inlays, lab composite onlays, pressable glass ceramic inlays and pressable glass ceramic onlays (P

Background and purpose Leukoencephalopathy with brain stem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) is a recently identified autosomal recessive disorder with early onset of symptoms and slowly progressive pyramidal, cerebellar and dorsal column dysfunction. LBSL is characterized by distinct white matter abnormalities and selective involvement of brainstem and spinal cord tracts. The purpose of this study is to assess the imaging features of the involved white matter tracts in cases of LBSL by MRI. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the imaging features of the selectively involved white matter tracts in sixteen genetically proven cases of leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and elevated brain lactate (LBSL). All patients presented with slowly progressive cerebellar sensory ataxia with spasticity and dorsal column dysfunction. MRI of the brain and spine using 1.5 T machine and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) on the abnormal white matter were done to all patients. The MRI and MRS data sets were analyzed according to lesion location, extent, distribution and signal pattern as well as metabolite values and ratios in MRS. Laboratory examinations ruled out classic leukodystrophies. Results In all cases, MRI showed high signal intensity in T2-weighted and FLAIR images within the cerebral subcortical, periventricular and deep white matter, posterior limbs of internal capsules, centrum semiovale, medulla oblongata, intraparenchymal trajectory of trigeminal nerves and deep cerebellar white matter. In the spine, the signal intensity of the dorsal column and lateral cortico-spinal tracts were altered in all patients. The subcortical U fibers, globi pallidi, thalami, midbrain and transverse pontine fibers were spared in all cases. In 11 cases (68.8%), the signal changes were inhomogeneous and confluent whereas in 5 patients (31.2%), the signal abnormalities were spotty. MRI also showed variable signal abnormalities in the sensory and pyramidal tracts in addition to the brainstem and cerebellar connections. Proton MRS showed consistent elevation of the lactate within the abnormal white matter. Conclusion Distinct MRI findings in the form of selective affection of subcortical and deep white matter tracts of the brain (involving the posterior limb of internal capsules and sparing the subcortical U fibers), dorsal column and lateral cortico-spinal tracts of the spinal cord should lead to the diagnosis of LBSL supported by the presence of lactate peak in 1H MRS. The disease can be confirmed by the analysis of the disease gene DARS2.

Background: Autologous bone marrow mesenchymal cells that include stem cells (MSCs) are a clinically attractive cellular therapy option to try to treat severe spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To study the possible value of MSCs injected intrathecally to enhance rehabilitation. Methods: This case control, convenience sample included 64 patients, at a mean of 3.6 years after SCI. Forty-four subjects received monthly intrathecal autologous MSCs for 6 months and 20 subjects, who would not agree to the procedures, served as controls. All subjects received rehabilitation therapies 3 times weekly. Subjects were evaluated at entry and at 12 months after completing the 6-months intervention. By the ASIA Impairment Scale, ASIA grading of completeness of injury, Ashworth Spasticity Scale, Functional Ambulation Classification, and bladder and bowel control questionnaire. Results: No differences were found in baseline measures and descriptors between the MSC group and control group. Although a higher percentage of the MSC group increased motor scores by 1-2 points and changed from ASIA A to B, no significant between-group improvements were found in clinical measures. Adverse effects of cells included spasticity and, in 24 out of the 43 patients developed neuropathic pain. One subject with a history of post-infectious myelitis developed encephalomyelitis after her third injection. Conclusion: Autologus MSCs may have side effects and may be contraindicated in patients with a history of myelitis. Their utility in treating chronic traumatic SCI needs further study in pre-clinical models and in randomized controlled trials before they should be offered to patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Biotin-responsive basal ganglia disease is an autosomal recessive neurometabolic disorder presenting with subacute encephalopathy that can cause death if left untreated. The purpose of this study is to assess the neuroimaging and clinical features of the disease before and after treatment with biotin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging features of 15 genetically-proved Middle Eastern cases of biotin-responsive basal ganglia disease. Brain MR imaging was done at the onset of symptoms in all cases and within 2–8 weeks after biotin and thiamine therapy in 14 patients. The MR imaging datasets were analyzed according to lesion location, extent, and distribution. RESULTS: Brain MR imaging showed bilateral lesions in the caudate nuclei with complete or partial involvement of the putamen and sparing of the globus pallidus in all cases. In 80%, discrete abnormal signals were observed in the mesencephalon, cerebral cortical-subcortical regions, and thalami. In 53%, when the disease was advanced, patchy deep white matter affection was found. The cerebellum was involved in 13.3%. The signal abnormality of the mesencephalon, cortex, and white matter disappeared after treatment whereas the caudate and putamen necrosis persisted in all patients, including those who became asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Biotin-responsive basal ganglia disease is a treatable underdiagnosed disease. It should be suspected in pediatric patients with unexplained encephalopathy whose brain MR imaging shows bilateral and symmetric lesions in the caudate heads and putamen, with or without involvement of mesencephalon, thalami, and cortical-subcortical regions, as the therapeutic trial of biotin and thiamine can be lifesaving.

Purpose To compare the sensitivities of MRI, FDG-PET and ictal/SPECT in localization of the epileptogenic substrate in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Patients and methods This study included 137 patients who received surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy. MRI, FDGPET and ictal 99mTc-HMPAO SPECT were retrospectively reviewed regarding their sensitivity in lateralization of the epileptogenic zone compared to video/EEG, pathological results and surgical outcome. Results 104 MR-positive and 33 MR-negative patients were enrolled. In the MR-positive group, MRI, PET and ictal/SPECT were concordant to video/EEG in 72%, 83% and 73%, respectively. When compared to pathological diagnosis, they correctly lateralized the epileptogenic zone in 70%, 87%, and 73%, respectively. In patients with good surgical outcome, they correctly localized the epileptogenic zone in 79%, 88%, and 78%, respectively. In the MR-negative group, PET and ictal/SPECT were concordant with video/EEG in 82% and 58%, respectively and matching with pathological diagnosis in 85% and 56%, respectively. Conclusion PET is the most sensitive method in lateralization of the epileptogenic substrate. The use of MRI, PET and ictal/SPECT as a multimodality approach improves lateralization of the affected zone particularly in cases with negative MR findings and distinguishes patients who will benefit from surgery.

Purpose To study the benefit of combining clinical and radiological assessments in the diagnosis of inherited muscle diseases. Subjects and methods This cross sectional study included 45 patients presenting with manifestations of muscle disease. They were subjected to thorough clinical assessment and MRI examination of thigh and leg muscles. Independent clinical and radiological assessments were performed followed by combining the clinical categorization and radiological signs together to assess the strength of collaborating the clinico-radiological assessments in diagnosis of rare muscle diseases. Results Clinical assessment suggested the diagnosis in 42% of the cases and radiological assessment blind to clinical data suggested the diagnosis in 20% of the cases. Combining both was able to suggest the diagnosis in 56% of the cases. Also the radiological assessment supported the clinical diagnosis of some rare muscle diseases uncommonly reported in Egypt. Conclusion Combining clinical and radiological assessments of muscle diseases is helpful to suggest a reliable diagnosis, especially in circumstances where genetic diagnosis is expensive or not accessible.