This randomized control pilot study quantified the efficacy of interactive virtual reality golf training on balance performance among community mobile older person. Eight older women were assigned randomly to a conventional mat exercises program group (n = 4, mean age = 51 ± 1.6 years old) or an experimental group that participated in interactive virtual reality golf (n = 4, mean age = 53.5 ± 1.4 years old). Balance assessments of all participants included Multi-Directional Reach Test (MDRT), Step Up Test (SUT), Double Leg Static Balance (DLSB) with eyes open and closed and excursion of centre of pressure (COP) sway quantified with a force plate. One subject dropped out from the experimental group and three subjects from the conventional mat exercise group due to work commitments to complete the once a week study for four weeks. No significant differences in base-line balance abilities were found between groups. The experiment group did not have significant improvements in balance capability compared with control subjects (MDRT p = 0.16-0.66; SUT p = 0.05; COP during DLSB p = 0.18-0.66). However, virtual reality golf intervention improved medial-lateral sway by 57.24% during DLSB compared to 14.99% after floor-mat exercises. The improvement in COP during DLSB after interactive virtual reality golf hints towards improved postural control. Further studies with a larger population should explore using off-the shelf interactive virtual reality sports for balance training. This novel technology can complement rehabilitation programs.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare the density of gutta-percha root fillings obturated with the following techniques: cold lateral (CL) compaction, ultrasonic lateral (UL) compaction, and warm vertical (WV) compaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three extracted mandibular first molars, with two separate mesial canals in each, were selected. After instrumentation, the canals were stratified into three groups based on canal length and curvature, and underwent obturation with one of the techniques. No sealer was used in order to avoid masking any voids. The teeth were imaged pre- and post-obturation using micro-computed tomography. The reconstructed three-dimensional images were analyzed volumetrically to determine the amount of gutta-percha present in every 2 mm segment of the canal. P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall mean volume fraction of gutta-percha was 68.51 +/- 6.75% for CL, 86.56 +/- 5.00% for UL, and 88.91 +/- 5.16% for WV. Significant differences were found between CL and UL and between CL and WV (p < 0.05), but not between UL and WV (p = 0.526). The gutta-percha density of the roots treated with WV and UL increased towards the coronal aspect, but this trend was not noted in the CL group. CONCLUSIONS: WV compaction and UL compaction produced a significantly denser gutta-percha root filling than CL compaction. The density of gutta-percha was observed to increase towards the coronal aspect when the former two techniques were used.
Dental Pulp Cavity* ; Gutta-Percha* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Masks ; Molar ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare the density of gutta-percha root fillings obturated with the following techniques: cold lateral (CL) compaction, ultrasonic lateral (UL) compaction, and warm vertical (WV) compaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three extracted mandibular first molars, with two separate mesial canals in each, were selected. After instrumentation, the canals were stratified into three groups based on canal length and curvature, and underwent obturation with one of the techniques. No sealer was used in order to avoid masking any voids. The teeth were imaged pre- and post-obturation using micro-computed tomography. The reconstructed three-dimensional images were analyzed volumetrically to determine the amount of gutta-percha present in every 2 mm segment of the canal. P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: The overall mean volume fraction of gutta-percha was 68.51 +/- 6.75% for CL, 86.56 +/- 5.00% for UL, and 88.91 +/- 5.16% for WV. Significant differences were found between CL and UL and between CL and WV (p < 0.05), but not between UL and WV (p = 0.526). The gutta-percha density of the roots treated with WV and UL increased towards the coronal aspect, but this trend was not noted in the CL group. CONCLUSIONS: WV compaction and UL compaction produced a significantly denser gutta-percha root filling than CL compaction. The density of gutta-percha was observed to increase towards the coronal aspect when the former two techniques were used.
Dental Pulp Cavity* ; Gutta-Percha* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Masks ; Molar ; Tooth ; Ultrasonics

Objective: To assess whether carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases the incidence of dementia. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE from inception to 14 August 2022. Two authors independently selected studies, assessed the quality of included studies, and extracted data. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion with a third author. Only cohort study with an enough follow-up period was included for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Results: Thirty-three full texts were initially searched, but only three studies met our inclusion criteria, and they were comprised of 134,563 participants who were initially free of dementia. The follow-up period ranged from 9 to 12 years. We found that CO poisoning increased the risk of dementia incidence (adjusted hazard ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.56 to 4.36, p=0.0003). Subgroup analysis showed that the increased dementia risk was significant in males but not in females, and the highest risk was in young age group, followed by in middle age group, but not in the old one. Conclusion Overall the evidence from prospective cohort studies supported a link between CO exposure and an increased dementia risk, although all the included studies were limited to Taiwanese population.

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.