Background: Clinical instructors are expected to be excellent practitioners with great teaching skills. They play a vital role in teaching the next generation of respiratory therapists (RTs). Because clinical instructors impact the learning process of teaching the next generation, it is important to identify the effective teaching characteristics that contribute to the clinical success of the student from the perspective of RT faculty. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify effective behavioral teaching characteristics of clinical instructors that are deemed most and least important by RT faculty in the State of Georgia. METHODS: Data were collected through a descriptive survey. The survey was adapted and emailed to all RT faculty members listed on The Georgia Society for Respiratory Care (GSRC) website. The survey consisted of three main domains: professional competence, relationship with students, and personal attributes. Thirty-five behavioral teaching characteristics were presented on a five-point Likert scale according to importance. RESULTS: Nineteen responses were received out of forty emailed surveys, with a response rate of 47.5%. The majority of participants indicated a master degree as their highest degree. Almost 58% of the participants teach at programs that offer associate degree. The study findings indicated faculty members’ perceptions ranking of the most important behavioral teaching characteristics hold a lot of similarities and some differences. Among all provided teaching characteristics, “Facilitate critical thinking in clinical practice was perceived as the most important behavioral teaching characteristic with mean scores and S.D of (M 4.89, S.D ±0.31), respectively. In the domain of relationship with students, “Encourage students to feel free to ask questions or ask for help” was ranked the highest by the participants with a mean of 4.57 and S.D of ±0.50. In the personal attributes domain, “Able to collaborate with other disciplines” was ranked as the most important characteristic with mean scores and S.D respectively (M 4.68, S.D ±0.47). CONCULSION: Faculty from different program levels (associate, baccalaureate and master) agreed that “Facilitate critical thinking in clinical practice” was the most important characteristic. Based on these findings, it is highly recommend that clinical instructors strive to improve their attitudes toward students as the best way to achieve the goals of clinical teaching. They also showed the need for respiratory therapy programs to foster and to promote uniformly identified effective behavioral teaching characteristics.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:22:09Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 5384.pdf: 3646799 bytes, checksum: cae5edc100d549896cd5997951a21e99 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-06-21 / Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos / Lead (Pb) is an ubiquitous pollutant in the environmental ecosystem. Its distribution is mainly anthropogenic, coming from the burning of fossil fuels, mining and production of various industrial products. There is little knowledge of the effect of the Pb and its compounds on bone metabolism as well as potential therapies for frames contamination related to the lead. The aim of this study was to determine possible changes in the bones of adult rats contaminated with lead acetate correlated them to the effects of hydroxyapatite and the resveratrol in adult rats contaminated with lead acetate. The biomechanical, biometric, biophysical, microtomographic bone parameters, the radiographic density, the concentration of Pb and metalloproteinase activity in bone tissue were analyzed. The animals were distributed into 6 groups of 8 rats each: control, treated with saline 0.9% (0.1 ml/100g BM), hydroxyapatite, treat with hydroxyapatite (100 mg/kg BM), contaminated, treated with lead acetate (250 mg/kg BM), contaminated + hydroxyapatite, treated with lead acetate (250mg/kg BM) and hydroxyapatite (100mg/kg BM); the treatments were carry out once per week for 8 weeks by gastric gavage. The groups contaminated + resveratrol, treated with lead acetate (250 mg/kg BM) and resveratrol (0.7 mg/kg BM ) and DMSO, treated with dimethylsulfoxide (0.1 ml/100g BM), 5 times a week for 8 weeks by intraperitoneal injections. The contamination with lead acetate promoted incorporation of it in bone tissue leading to a reduction in bone strength of femurs and vertebrae, reduction of vertebral trabecular contingent, and increased activity of metalloproteins type 2. The treatment with hydroxyapatite (100 mg/kg MC) as well with resveratrol (0.7 mg/kg MC) prevented the deleterious effects of lead contamination at the proposed dose, including reducing the activity values of metalloproteins type 2 to levels similar to that of control group. Therefore, the results point to hydroxyapatite and resveratrol as potential treatment agents in lead contamination, preventing damage to the quality of bone tissue caused by this element. / Chumbo (Pb) é um poluente ubíquo no ecossistema cuja distribuição ambiental é principalmente antropogênica, oriunda da queima de combustíveis fósseis, mineração e fabricações industriais diversas. Há pouco conhecimento do envolvimento do Pb e seus compostos sobre o metabolismo ósseo bem como das potenciais terapias para quadros de contaminação relacionadas ao chumbo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as alterações ósseas causadas pelo acetato de chumbo correlacionado-as aos efeitos da hidroxiapatita e do resveratrol em ratos adultos contaminados com acetato de chumbo. Foram analisados os parâmetros biomecânicos, biométricos, biofísicos, microtomográficos ósseos, a densidade radiográfica, a concentração de Pb e a atividade de metaloproteinases no tecido ósseo. Os animais foram distribuidos em 6 grupos com 8 ratos cada: controle, tratados com salina 0,9% (0,1 ml/100g MC), hidroxiapatita, tratados com hidroxiapatita (100 mg/kg MC), contaminado, tratados com acetato de chumbo (250 mg/kg MC) e contaminado + hidroxiapatita, tratados com acetato da chumbo (250 mg/kg MC) e hidroxiapatita (100 mg/kg MC), 1 vez por semana, por 8 semanas pelo método de gavagem gástrica. Grupo contaminado + resveratrol, tratados com acetato da chumbo (250 mg/kg MC) e resveratrol (0,7 mg/kg MC) e DMSO, tratado com dimetilsulfóxido (0,1 ml/100g MC), 5 vezes por semana, por 8 semanas por meio de injeções intraperitoneais. A contaminação com acetato de chumbo promoveu incorporação de chumbo no tecido ósseo provocando redução da resistência óssea de fêmures e vértebras e do contingente trabecular das vértebras analisadas, promovendo aumento da atividade de metaloproteinases tipo 2. Tanto o tratamento com 100 mg/kg MC de hidroxiapatita quanto o de 0,7 mg/kg MC de resveratrol preveniram os efeitos deletérios da contaminação com chumbo na dose proposta, inclusive reduzindo os valores de atividade de metaloproteinases tipo 2 para níveis semelhantes ao do grupo controle. Portanto, os resultados apontam a hidroxiapatita e o resveratrol como potenciais agentes de tratamento preventivo na contaminação com chumbo, evitando os prejuízos à qualidade do tecido ósseo provocadas por este elemento.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:21:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao - Aureo Honorato e Melo.pdf: 333429 bytes, checksum: 7ff45b837da001c1e75ec7d4524dae41 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-10-05 / Glass ionomer cements are generally represented by a combination of a powder, which main components are alumina (Al2O3 ), silica (Si2O3 ) and calcium fluoride (CaF2 ), and a liquid, which is an aqueous solution basically compound of polyacrilic acid and tartaric acid. Its excellent features have been described since the 1960 s, and some of these are the radiopacity and fluoride release. The aim of this work is to study the radiopacity measured by radiographic exposures of the following restorative glass ionomers: Vidrion R (SS White Manufacturing Ltd, Gloucester, England); Chemfil (DENTSPLY DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany); Vitro Molar (DFL); Maxxion R (FGM Dental products Ltd); Riva self cure powder and liquid and Riva self cure in capsules (Riva SC, SDI Ltd, Bayswater, Australia) and to make comparisons among them. Then, different radiographic densities from an aluminum scale were attained and they could be compared and used in the clinical work. The specimens were made using standard glass plates (25,4 x 76,2 x 1,0 mm) manufactured by Global Trade Technology and they were perforated by a 5mm bur (number 5, Black & Decker, Brazil) especially used for glass. For the radiopacity evaluation, the samples were radiographed using three different types of films, which are the following: Kodak Dental Intraoral ESpeed Film (EASTMAN KODAK Co., Rochester, N.Y.); Contrast DFL DV-58 (DFL Ltd); and Agfa Dentus M2 Confort (Heraeus Kulzer Inc.). A 99,5% pure aluminum step wedge and a Gnatus XR 6010 X-ray equipment were utilized in this work. The data were collected by 5 examiners, who were properly calibrated, and analyzed by Friedman and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The results showed no statistical differences among the averages of each examiner comparing the cements and the films. And the results also showed that all the cements present radiographic density average values below 1. / Os propósitos deste trabalho foram estudar a radiopacidade de cimentos de ionômero de vidro restauradores a partir de tomadas radiográficas e comparálas entre si. Para a consecução, obtiveram-se a partir de uma escala de alumínio, densidades radiográficas comparáveis e possíveis de serem utilizadas no trabalho clínico. Corpos-de-prova cilíndricos foram obtidos utilizando-se lâminas de vidro de 25,4 x 76,2 x 1,0 mm perfuradas por uma broca número 5 com 5,0 mm de diâmetro. As radiografias dos corpos-deprova foram obtidas em três marcas de filmes. Foi utilizado neste experimento uma escala de alumínio padronizada denominada penetrômetro e um aparelho de raios-X Gnatus XR 6010. Os dados foram coletados por cinco examinadores devidamente calibrados e analisados pelos testes de Friedman e de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que existiu diferença estatisticamente significante nas médias conseguidas por cada examinador nos grupos formados pelos cimentos e pelos filmes. Também mostrou que todos os cimentos apresentaram valores médios de densidade radiográfica menor que 1.

A presente tese demonstra, a partir da avaliação convencional pelo método das Funções de Transferência de sistemas de imagem radiológica, que é necessário obter imagens de fenda em diversas orientações no campo para que essa análise tenha um significado mais real no caso de sistemas não isotrópicos. Isso provém da não linearidade na variação entre as FTMs obtidas para diversas direções 0 e 90&#176C relativas ao eixo do tubo de raios-X. Essa verificação, entretanto, representa um sério problema prático, pois indica um aumento no grau de complexidade de um método que, embora considerado o mais preciso pela maioria dos pesquisadores, tem sido utilizado apenas por laboratórios muito bem equipados. Assim, visando solucionar esse problema, esta tese propõe um novo método de simulação por computador que calcula a FEL e a FTM devidas ao ponto focal, dispensando, portanto, todo o complexo aparato experimental convencionalmente utilizado, o que contribui para tornar acessível à avaliação pelas funções de transferência a qualquer unidade radiológica. Por fim, faz parte desse trabalho também uma investigação do significado físico das variações registradas entre as FTMs e um estudo formal desenvolvido acerca dos conceitos da característica de campo e da magnificação lateral. / From the conventional evaluation by the radiological systems Transfer Functions, this work shows that it is necessary to obtain slit images at several field orientations so that this annalysis has a more real significance for non-isotropic systems. This is achieved from the non-linearity on the variations among the MTFs obtained in several directions between 0 and 90&#176C relative to the X-ray tube axis. This notification, however, represents a serious practical matter, because it shows an increase on the complexity of a method which has been used just by well structured laboratories, although many researchers have considered it the most accurate. Hence, in order to solve this problem, we present a new computer simulation method which calculates the LSF and the MTF due to the focal spot, without all the conventional complex experimental apparatus. This makes the evaluation by the transfer functions suitable to any radiological unit. Finally, it is also part of this work an investigation of the physical meaning of the variations among the MTFs and a formal study about the field characteristics and the lateral magnification concepts.

Considerando-se a localização intra-óssea das lesões periapicais, o diagnostico clinico e dificultado e a avaliação radiográfica não fornece informações suficientes para o diagnostico de um periodonto apical sadio pós-tratamento. Dessa maneira, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os achados radiográficos e por tomografia computadorizada de feixe cônico com a avaliação microscópica após tratamento de canais radiculares em dentes de cães e avaliar a participação das metaloproteinases da matriz (MMPs) na lesão periapical e nos tecidos em processo de reparação, assim como em cistos e granulomas periapicais obtidos de humanos. A seguir, os mecanismos envolvidos na cementogênese apical foram investigados utilizando células do ligamento periodontal de humanos. Foram induzidas lesões periapicais em dentes de cães e o tratamento endodôntico foi realizado em sessão única ou apos utilização de um curativo de demora a base de hidróxido de cálcio [Ca(OH)2]. Avaliações radiográficas e tomográficas foram realizadas previamente, após a indução das lesões periapicais e 180 dias apos o tratamento endodôntico. Os tecidos periapicais foram avaliados por meio de microscopia de luz, imunofluorescência, imunoistoquímica e RT-PCR em tempo real. In vitro, células do ligamento periodontal foram utilizadas para avaliar os efeitos da estimulação com Ca(OH)2 nos processos de migração, proliferação, diferenciação celular e mineralização. As vias de sinalização envolvidas na diferenciação cementoblastica foram investigadas por meio de inibidores bioquímicos da via das proteínas quinases ativadoras de mitose (MAPK), bloqueadores de canais de cálcio e silenciadores de RNA para proteínas quinases reguladas por sinal extracelular (ERK-1 / ERK-2). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a tomografia computadorizada permitiu a detecção de lesões periapicais com maior sensibilidade e acuracia que a radiografia periapical convencional, utilizando-se a avaliação microscópica como padrão-ouro. Histologicamente, as lesões periapicais experimentalmente induzidas apresentaram bactérias distribuídas pelo sistema de canais radiculares e lacunas de reabsorção do cemento e estavam associadas a desorganização das fibras colágenas e alta expressão de MMPs. A presença das MMPs em processos inflamatórios periapicais de humanos (cistos e granulomas) foi confirmada. Nos dentes com lesão periapical submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico em sessão única o desfecho do tratamento endodôntico foi caracterizado pela manutenção ou progressão da lesão periapical e alta expressão de MMPs. Por outro lado, nos dentes submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico utilizando o Ca(OH)2 como curativo de demora, maior numero de espécimes apresentaram regressão da lesão periapical e houve modulação da expressão de MMPs pelo tratamento. Neste grupo foi evidenciada neoformação de cemento no forame apical. Células do ligamento periodontal estimuladas com Ca(OH)2 expressaram proteínas especificas de cementoblastos (CEMP-1, CAP) e foram capazes de sintetizar nódulos de mineralização, mediados via ERK MAPK. A ação do Ca(OH)2 ocorreu via canais de cálcio, uma vez que o bloqueio destes canais inibiu a fosforização de ERK-1 e ERK-2 e, portanto, a expressão de CEMP-1 e CAP. CEMP-1 estimulou a migração, proliferação e mineralização mediada por células, exercendo um papel central na cementogenese, uma vez que o bloqueio de CEMP-1 inibiu a migração celular e mineralização. Juntos, estes resultados permitem concluir que a tomografia computadorizada e superior a radiografia periapical convencional para detecção de lesões periapicais refratarias ao tratamento de canais radiculares. Ainda, o tratamento endodôntico realizado utilizando o hidróxido de cálcio como curativo de demora propiciou um reparo apical e periapical mais favorável do que o tratamento endodôntico em sessão única, possivelmente devido a capacidade do Ca(OH)2 induzir a diferenciação de células do ligamento em células com um fenótipo cementoblastico e posterior mineralização. / Clinical diagnosis of apical periodontitis is difficult due to the intraosseous nature of the disease and radiographic evaluation does not provide sufficient information to determine a healthy apical periodontium following root canal therapy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the radiographic and cone beam computed tomographic findings with microscopic evaluation following root canal treatment in dogs teeth. Then, the presence of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in apical periodontitis and during the healing phase following treatment was evaluated and compared to the expression of MMPs in periapical cysts and granulomas obtained from human. Finally, the mechanisms involved in apical cementogenesis were investigated using human periodontal ligament cells. Apical periodontitis was induced in dogs teeth and then root canal treatment was performed in a single visit or using calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] as the root canal dressing. Tomographic and radiographic evaluations were performed prior to and following induction of apical periodontitis, and 180 days following root canal therapy. Periapical tissues were evaluated by conventional light microscopy, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and real time RT-PCR. In vitro, periodontal ligament cells were used to evaluate the effects of Ca(OH)2 treatment on cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. The signaling pathways triggered by treatment with Ca(OH)2 were investigated using mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) biochemical inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK-1 / ERK-2) silencing RNAs. Based on the results obtained, apical periodontitis was detected with higher sensitivity and accuracy by means of cone beam computed tomography compared to conventional periapical radiographs, using microscopic evaluation as the gold standard. Histological evaluation revealed that teeth with apical periodontitis presented microorganisms throughout the root canal system and in areas with resorption of cementum. Apical periodontitis was characterized by collagen fiber disorganization and high expression of MMPs. The presence and activity of MMPs was confirmed in periapical inflammatory diseases (cysts and granulomas) obtained from humans. Root canal treatment outcome was characterized by maintenance or progression of apical periodontitis and high expression of MMPs in teeth submitted to root canal treatment in a single visit, whereas root canal treatment outcome in teeth submitted to root canal treatment using Ca(OH)2 as the root canal dressing, higher number of teeth presented reduced apical periodontitis and lower expression of MMPs. In this group, cementum neogenesis was evident in the apical foramina. Periodontal ligament cells stimulated with Ca(OH)2 expressed cementoblastic specific proteins (CEMP-1, CAP) and were able to synthesize mineralized nodules via ERK MAPK. The effects of Ca(OH)2 occurred via calcium channels, since their blockade prevented ERK-1 and ERK-2 phosphorylation and therefore expression of CEMP-1 and CAP. CEMP-1 stimulated cell migration, proliferation, and mineralization and it was central to cementogenesis because blockade of activity of CEMP-1 prevented cell migration and mineralization. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that cone beam computed tomography is superior to conventional periapical radiography for detection of refractory apical periodontitis. Furthermore, the root canal treatment using Ca(OH)2 as the root canal dressing permitted a more favorable outcome than the root canal treatment performed in a single visit, probably due to the ability of Ca(OH)2 induce cementoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells and mineralization.

Background: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting primarily the spine and its adjacent structures. The disease is characterized not only by destructive joint changes but also by excessive osteoproduction, which can lead to gradual ankylosis of the spine and thus significantly reduce the mobility and quality of life. The pathogenesis of the disease is not yet fully understood, but a strong genetic background is suggested, along with dysregulation of tissue metabolism resulting from an imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mechanisms. We are still lacking biomarker with sufficient sensitivity and specificity which could help to identify early diagnosis, to monitor subchondral damage, and to differentiate rapidly progressing patients. The aim of this work was to determine the levels of potential biomarkers of connective tissue metabolism, fat metabolism and new promising biomarkers for both disease subtypes, their relationship to disease activity and progressive structural changes. Results: We have shown increased serum/plasma levels of connective tissue metabolism biomarkers (especially matrix metalloproteinase mediated metabolites), which were able to differentiate patients with early and late forms of axSpA from healthy individuals (HC), were...

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Accurate determination of working length during endodontic therapy is a crucial step in achieving a predictable outcome. This is determined by the use of electronic apex locators, tactile perception, and knowledge of average tooth lengths and/or dental radiography whether digital or conventional is utilized. It is the aim of this study to determine if there is a difference between Schick digital radiography and Kodak Insight conventional film in accurately determining working lengths when modifying exposure time and source-film/sensor distance. Twelve teeth with size 15 K-flex files at varying known lengths from the anatomical apex were mounted in a resin-plaster mix to simulate bone density. Each tooth was radiographed while varying the source-film/sensor distance and exposure 122 time. Four dental professionals examined the images and films independently. Ten images and 10 films were selected at random and re-examined to determine each examiner?s repeatability. The error in working length was calculated as the observed value minus the known working length for each tooth type. A mixed-effects, full-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to model the error in working length. Included in the ANOVA model were fixed effects for type of image, distance, exposure time, and all two-way and three-way interactions. The repeatability of each examiner for each film type was assessed by estimating the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The repeatability of each examiner on digital film was good with ICCs ranging from 0.67 to 1.0. Repeatability on the conventional film was poor with ICCs varying from -0.29 to 0.55.We found there was an overall difference between the conventional and digital films (p < 0.001). After adjusting for the effects of distance and exposure time, the error in the working length from the digital image was 0.1 mm shorter (95% CI: 0.06, 0.14) than the error in the working length from the film image. There was no difference among distances (p = 0.999) nor exposure time (p = 0.158) for film or images. Based on the results of our study we conclude that although there is a statistically significant difference, there is no clinically significant difference between digital radiography and conventional film when exposure time and source-film/sensor distance are adjusted.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Accurate determination of working length during endodontic therapy is critical in achieving a predictable and successful outcome. Working length is determined by the use of electronic apex locators, tactile perception, knowledge of average tooth lengths and dental radiography. Due to the increasing use of digital radiography in clinical practice, a comparison with conventional film in working length determination is justified. The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference between Schick digital radiography and Kodak Ultra-speed film in the accurate determination of working lengths when vertical angulation of the object is variable. Twelve teeth with #15 K-flex files at varying known lengths from the anatomical apex were mounted in a resin-plaster mix to simulate bone density. A mounting jig for the standardization of projection geometries allowed for exact changes in vertical angulation as it related to the object (tooth) and the film/sensor. Each tooth was imaged using Schick CDR and Kodak Ultra-speed film at varying angles with a consistent source-film distance and exposure time. Four dental professionals examined the images and films independently and measured the distance from the tip of the file to radiographic apex and recorded their results. The error in working length was calculated as the observed value minus the known working length for each tooth type. A mixed-effects, full-factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was used to model the error in working length. Included in the ANOVA model were fixed effects for type of image, vertical angulation, and the interaction of angle and film type. Tooth type and examiner were included in the model as random effects assuming a compound symmetry covariance structure. The repeatability of each examiner, for each film type, was assessed by estimating the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The ICC was determined when 12 randomly selected images and radiographs were reevaluated 10 days after initial measurements. The repeatability of each examiner for Schick CDR was good with ICCs ranging from 0.67 to 1.0. Repeatability for the conventional film was poor with ICCs varying from -0.29 to 0.55. We found the error in the working length was not significantly different between film types (p = 0.402). After adjusting for angle, we found that error in the working length from the digital image was only 0.02 mm greater (95-percent CI: -0.03, 0.06) than the conventional film. Furthermore, there was not a significant difference among the angles (p = 0.246) nor in the interaction of image type with angle (p = 0.149). Based on the results of our study, we conclude that there is not a statistically significant difference in determining working length between Schick CDR and Kodak Ektaspeed film when vertical angulation is modified.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:22:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Parte 1.pdf: 1874528 bytes, checksum: 7e46501ade5b782c1d4f3f9926c18a43 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-11-30 / Control of the process of repair or progression of periapical lesions after endodontic treatment is monitored by conventional or digital radiography. In this research digital subtraction radiography (DSR) was used that uses the subtraction of images longitudinally, in which the change in the alveolar bone is visualized against a uniform gray background. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the repair process of periapical lesions after endodontic treatment by using DSR; (2) to quantify by means of point/pixel (picture element), area (histogram) and linear measures (profile line), the gain or loss of mineral density in the area of the lesion, using the average of the pixel values; (3) to compare the diagnostic information, suggestive of the repair process, obtained through a subjective evaluation of DSR with a conventional radiographic evaluation and digitalized image and (4) to evaluate the contribution of DSR to an early identification of the repair of periapical lesions after endodontic treatment. The sample consisted of twelve patients with a total of seventeen periapical lesions. The x-rays were digitalized and submitted to DSR using DSR&#61650; software. The pixel values of the subtracted images were determined by using Image Tool&#61650; software. Both the conventional x-rays as well as the digitalized and subtracted images were qualitatively evaluated. The results showed a gain in mineral density with a mean&#61617;dp of 133.49&#61617;5.17, 130.27&#61617;5.77 and 129.41&#61617;4.46 for the points/pixel, histogram and profile line tools, respectively. In the evaluation of numerical gain Pearson s Coefficient of Correlation (r) presented these values: mean of points/histogram = 0.746; mean of points/profile line = 0.724 and histogram/profile line = 0.860. When the numerical values were transformed into percentile gain mean&#61617;dp of 0.67&#61617;4.01, 1.21&#61617;4.33 and 1.16&#61617;3.36 were obtained for the points/pixels, histogram and profile line tools, respectively. In the evaluation of the percentile gain Spearman s Coefficient of Correlation (rs) showed the following values: mean of points/histogram = 0.697; mean of the points/profile line = 0.646 and histogram/profile line = 0.844. In the qualitative analysis, the frequency of success in the ordering of the correct sequence of the repair process using conventional radiography, digitalized image and DSR was 37.3%, 31.4% and 31.4%, respectively. One concluded, therefore, that: (1) the process of repair of periapical lesions after endodontic treatment can be evaluated quantitatively by means of longitudinal analysis using DSR; (2) any one of the three tools can be used to quantify the repair, considering that correlation exists between the time of repair and the increase of the value of pixel; (3) the comparative evaluation between the subjective methods using conventional radiography, digitalized image and SDR, it showed that all had been capable to evidence the process of repair of periapical lesions from the first radiography (15 days), not having difference between them and (4) the quantitative evaluation by SDR obtained to after evidence the beginning of the repair with 15 days the beginning of the endodontic treatment, even so this repair was really effective from 105 days after the beginning of the endodontic treatment. / O controle do processo de reparo ou progressão de lesões periapicais pós-tratamento endodôntico é monitorado pelo exame radiográfico convencional ou digital. Nesta pesquisa foi utilizada a subtração digital radiográfica (SDR), que utiliza a subtração de imagens longitudinalmente, na qual a mudança no osso alveolar é visualizada contra um plano de fundo (background) cinza homogêneo. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: (1) avaliar o processo de reparo de lesões periapicais pós-tratamento endodôntico por meio de SDR; (2) quantificar por meio de ponto/pixel (picture element), área (histograma) e medida linear (perfil linha) na área da lesão, o ganho ou perda de densidade mineral por meio da média dos valores dos pixels; (3) comparar as informações diagnósticas, sugestivas do processo de reparo, obtidas por meio da avaliação subjetiva da SDR com a avaliação radiográfica convencional e imagem digitalizada; e (4) avaliar a contribuição da SDR na identificação precoce do reparo de lesões periapicais pós-tratamento endodôntico. A amostra constituiu-se de doze indivíduos totalizando dezessete lesões periapicais. As radiografias foram digitalizadas e submetidas à SDR utilizando o programa DSR&#61650;. As imagens subtraídas tiveram os valores de pixel determinados utilizando o programa Image Tool&#61650;. Tanto as radiografias convencionais quanto as imagens digitalizadas e subtraídas foram avaliadas qualitativamente. Os resultados evidenciaram ganho de densidade mineral com média&#61617;dp de 133,49&#61617;5,17; 130,27&#61617;5,77; 129,41&#61617;4,46 para as ferramentas ponto/pixel; histograma e perfil linha respectivamente. Na avaliação do ganho numérico o Coeficiente de Correlação de Pearson (r) mostrou valores de: média dos pontos/ histograma = 0,746; média dos pontos/ perfil linha = 0,724 e histograma/ perfil linha = 0,860. Quando os valores numéricos foram transformados em ganho percentual foram obtidas média&#61617;dp de 0,67&#61617;4,01; 1,21&#61617;4,33; 1,16&#61617;3,36 para as ferramentas ponto/pixel; histograma e perfil linha respectivamente. Na avaliação do ganho percentual o Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman (rs) mostrou valores de: média dos pontos/ histograma = 0,697; média dos pontos/ perfil linha = 0,646 e histograma/ perfil linha = 0,844. Na análise qualitativa, a freqüência de acertos na ordenação da seqüência correta do processo de reparo usando radiografia convencional, imagem digitalizada e SDR foi de 37,3%; 31,4% e 31,4% respectivamente. Concluiu-se, portanto, que: (1) o processo de reparo de lesões periapicais pós-tratamento endodôntico pode ser avaliado quantitativamente por meio de análise longitudinal com SDR (2) qualquer uma das três ferramentas pode ser utilizada para quantificar o reparo, considerando que existe correlação entre o tempo de reparo e o aumento do valor de pixel; (3) a avaliação comparativa entre os métodos subjetivos, usando radiografia convencional, imagem digitalizada e a SDR, mostrou que todos foram capazes de evidenciar o processo de reparo de lesões periapicais desde a primeira radiografia (15 dias), não havendo diferença entre eles e (4) a avaliação quantitativa por meio de SDR conseguiu evidenciar o início do reparo com 15 dias após o início do tratamento endodôntico, embora esse reparo fosse realmente efetivo a partir de 105 dias após o início do tratamento endodôntico.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) combines the application of the sciences of phys-ics, mathematics, chemistry, and biology to create a comprehensive process, that can be used for inspection, examination, and testing of materials or components to find flaws, defects or discontinuities at the surface, subsurface areas, or inner volume of the component under test. NDT maintains the serviceability of the component after inspection, without causing any damage to its original form or usefulness. In addition to the need for safety, NDT is used to ensure the efficiency and durability of the equipment. NDT is carried out to ascertain that the compo-nents or materials being used are not damaged or faulty and are fit to be used by any personnel. The result of testing can show whether the components need to be repaired or if they are safe for operation. The first NDT method to evolve in the industrial age was X-ray testing (RT). This innovation was discovered by German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895. His experiments involved cathode rays which led to not only the discovery of X-ray but to the first Nobel Prize. Among all NDT methods, RT is no exception, so there are still many issues for optimizations even today. One of them is the measurement of the focal spot of X-ray tubes. The size of the focal spot is critical for imaging because it deter-mines the spatial resolution in the X-ray image. The classical way to image focal spots of X-ray tubes is by pinhole imaging using a camera obscura. This is caused by the fact, that X-ray radiation cannot be imaged by lenses like optical wavelengths. This pinhole imaging has been standardized since a long time, e.g., by EN 12543:1999, ASTM E 1165:1992, IEC 336:1982, and DIN 6823:1962. But this method has a natural lower limit, which is defined by the diameter of the pin-hole (today min. 10 µm). Focal spot sizes lower than this diameter cannot be im-aged and measured correctly. Meanwhile, the development of algorithms of Computed Tomography allows a similar approach for focal spot imaging but using pinholes with a much larger diameter than the focal spot size to be imaged. In such a large hole the edge unsharpness of the hole rim by the focal spot size can be measured in different directions, and a first derivative following a CT recon-struction will deliver a nearly identical focal spot image compared to classical pin-hole imaging. There is principal no lower focal spot size limit anymore. Computa-tional problems must be analyzed and application and parameter range for practi-cal focal spot measurements have to be determined.