“
“P>Aim\n\nTo compare the percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and voids and the influence of isthmuses in mesial root canals of mandibular molars filled with different techniques.\n\nMethodology\n\nCanals in 60 mesial roots

of mandibular first molars were prepared with ProTaper instruments to size F2 (size 25, 0.08 taper) and filled selleck inhibitor using a single-cone, lateral compaction, System B or Thermafil techniques. An epoxy resin sealer was labelled with Rhodamine-B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. The percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and area of voids was calculated at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the apex, using Image Tool 3.0 software. Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (P < 0.05). The influence of isthmuses on the presence or absence of voids was evaluated using the Fisher test.\n\nResults\n\nAt the 2 mm level, the percentage of gutta-percha, sealer and voids was similar amongst the System B, lateral compaction and single-cone techniques. The single-cone

technique revealed significantly selleck less gutta-percha, more sealer and voids in comparison with the Thermafil technique at the 2 and 4 mm level (P < 0.05). The analysis of all sections (2, 4 and 6 mm) revealed that more gutta-percha and less sealer and voids were found in root canals

filled with Thermafil and System B techniques (P < 0.05). The Fisher test revealed that the presence of isthmuses increased the occurence of voids in the lateral compaction group only (P < 0.05).\n\nConclusion\n\nGutta-percha, sealer filled area and voids were dependent on the canal-filling technique. The presence of isthmuses may influence the quality of root filling.”
“Background: IWR-1-endo in vitro Validated quality indicators can help health-care professionals to evaluate their medical practices in a comparative manner to deliver optimal clinical care. No international set of quality indicators to measure the organizational aspects of palliative care settings exists.\n\nAim: To develop and validate a set of structure and process indicators for palliative care settings in Europe.\n\nDesign: A two-round modified RAND Delphi process was conducted to rate clarity and usefulness of a previously developed set of 110 quality indicators.\n\nSetting/participants: In total, 20 multi-professional palliative care teams of centers of excellence from seven European countries.\n\nResults: In total, 56 quality indicators were rated as useful.