Background: This study aims at determining the biological effect of 75/25 w/w nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAp/CS) scaffolds on bone regeneration, in terms of fraction of bone regeneration (FBR), total number of osteocytes (Ost), and osteocyte cell density (CD), as well as its biodegradability. Methods: Two critical-size defects (CSDs) were bilaterally trephined in the parietal bone of 36 adult Sprague-Dawley rats (18 males and 18 females); the left remained empty (group A), while the right CSD was filled with nHAp/CS scaffold (group B). Two female rats died postoperatively. Twelve, 11, and 11 rats were euthanized at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-surgery, respectively. Subsequently, 34 specimens were resected containing both CSDs. Histological and histomorphometric analyses were performed to determine the FBR, calculated as [the sum of areas of newly formed bone in lateral and central regions of interest (ROIs)]/area of the original defect, as well as the Ost and the CD (Ost/mm²) in each ROI of both groups (A and B). Moreover, biodegradability of the nHAp/CS scaffolds was estimated via the surface area of the biomaterial (BmA) in the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week post-surgery. Results: The FBR of group B increased significantly from 2nd to 8th week compared to group A (P = 0.009). Both the mean CD and the mean Ost values of group B increased compared to group A (P = 0.004 and P < 0.05 respectively). Moreover, the mean value of BmA decreased from 2nd to 8th week (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Based on histological and histomorphometric results, we support that 75/25 w/w nHAp/CS scaffolds provide an effective space for new bone formation.

Background: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate for the first time the effect of 75/25 w/w nano-Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan (nHAp/CS) scaffolds on Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) in rat calvarial critical-sized defects (CSDs). Material and Methods: Six adult Sprague Dawley rats, 3 males and 3 females, were used. Two CSDs, full thickness and 5mm in diameter, were trephined in both sides of the parietal bone. The right CSD was filled with nHAp/CS scaffold, while the left CSD remained empty, as the control group. The wound was sutured in layers. Rats were euthanized with diethyl ether inhalation at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after surgical procedure. Histological and histomorphometric analysis was performed within distinct regions of interest (ROI): the lateral area inward of the middle sagittal seam; the lateral area outward of the middle sagittal seam and the central area. Results: The mean surface of newly formed bone (in mu m(2)) in the lateral area inward of the middle sagittal seam of all rats was significantly higher (P=0.039) in the experimental group (91733.00 +/- 38855.60) than the control group (46762.17 +/- 25507.97). The NOex-c, defined as total number of osteocytes (OST) in newly formed bone surface in experimental group [experimental OST] minus the total number of osteocytes in newly formed bone surface in control group [control OST], was significantly greater (P=0.029) at 4th week post-surgery. Within the experimental group, a statistically significant increase (P=0.042) in the surface of newly formed bone was noticed in rats euthanized in 4th week compared with rats euthanized in 2nd week after surgery in the lateral area inward of the middle sagittal seam. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that 75/25 w/w nHAp/CS scaffolds should be considered as a suitable biomaterial for GBR.

This study aimed to assess and analyze the morphology and dimensions of the nasopalatine canal (NPC), as well as the adjacent buccal osseous plate (BOP), and to investigate the effect of gender, edentulism, NPC types, absence of maxillary central incisors (ACI) and age on the NPC and BOP, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 124 CBCT examinations (67 female and 57 male patients) were retrospectively included and evaluated. The assessment of the dimensions of the NPC, as well as the dimensions of the adjacent BOP, was performed by three Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologists on reconstructed sagittal and coronal CBCT sections under standardized conditions. Regarding the dimensions of the NPC and the adjacent BOP, the mean values were significantly higher among males than females. Furthermore, edentulous patients showed a significant reduction in BOP dimensions. Additionally, NPC types showed a significant effect on the length of the NPC, and the ACI had a significant effect on reducing BOP dimensions. Age had a significant effect on the diameter of the incisive foramen, with the mean values generally increasing with an increasing age. CBCT imaging of this anatomical structure contributes significantly to its full assessment.

This study aimed to estimate scattered radiation and its spatial distribution around three cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) devices, in order to determine potential positions for an operator to stand if they needed to be inside the CBCT room. The following devices were tested: Morita Accuitomo (CBCT1), Newtom Giano HR (CBCT2), Newtom VGi (CBCT3). Scattered radiation measurements were performed using different kVp, mA, and Field of View (FOV) options. An anthropomorphic phantom (NATHANIA) was placed inside the X-ray gantry to simulate clinical conditions. Scattered measurements were taken with the Inovision model 451P Victoreen ionization chamber once placed at fixed distances from each irradiation isocenter, away from the primary beam. A statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was found in the mean value of the scattered radiation estimations between the CBCT devices. Scattered radiation was reduced with a different rate for each CBCT device as distance was increased. For CBCT1 the reduction was 0.047 μGy, for CBCT2 it was 0.036 μGy, and for CBCT3 it was 0.079 μGy, for every one meter from the X-ray gantry. Therefore, at certain distances from the central X-ray, the scattered radiation was below the critical level of 1 mGy, which is defined by the radiation protection guidelines as the exposure radiation limit of the general population. Consequently, an operator could stay inside the room accompanying the patient being scanned, if necessary.

BACKGROUND:Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) of the jaws is a rare malignancy often clinically and radiographically mimicking odontogenic or inflammatory conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis. Because imaging findings are frequently nonspecific, recognition of characteristic radiographic patterns may facilitate earlier diagnostic suspicion and appropriate biopsy-based investigation. This study evaluated cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging characteristics of primary NHL of the maxilla and mandible in patients with histopathologically confirmed disease and no initial suspicion of malignancy. CASE REPORT:Six patients with histopathologically confirmed primary NHL of the jaws were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical findings and medical histories were reviewed. CBCT images were evaluated for lesion location, border definition, internal architecture, and effects on adjacent anatomical regions. Diagnosis was established by biopsy, with histopathological and/or immunohistochemical confirmation. Most patients had unremarkable medical history. Common findings included paresthesia, tooth mobility, and facial swelling. Mandible was more frequently affected than maxilla. All lesions appeared as osteolytic areas with ill-defined and/or moth-eaten borders, causing cortical destruction and infiltration into adjacent structures. Involvement of the mandibular canal was observed in mandibular cases, whereas maxillary cases demonstrated extension into the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity. Floating teeth and/or spiked-tooth appearance were identified in several cases, reflecting aggressive disease. CONCLUSIONS:Primary NHL of the jaws demonstrates nonspecific but aggressive radiographic features on CBCT that may overlap with odontogenic and inflammatory conditions. However, a recurring pattern characterized by ill-defined osteolysis, cortical involvement, and floating-teeth or spiked-tooth appearance should raise suspicion for malignancy. Recognizing these imaging features may support timely biopsy-oriented evaluation and histopathological confirmation, particularly when clinical and radiographic findings are atypical for routine odontogenic disease.