Three-dimensional dose and LET prediction in proton therapy using artificial neural networks.

Purpose: Challenges in proton therapy include identifying patients most likely to benefit; ensuring consistent, high-quality plans as its adoption becomes more widespread; and recognizing biological uncertainties that may be related to increased relative biologic effectiveness driven by linear energy transfer (LET). Knowledge-based planning (KBP) is a domain that may help to address all three.

Methods: Artificial neural networks were trained using 117 unique treatment plans and associated dose and dose-weighted LET (LET ) distributions.

Kinetic cavity preparation effects on secondary caries formation around resin restorations: a polarized light microscopic in vitro evaluation.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the effect of conventional handpiece and kinetic cavity preparation (KCP, air abrasion) techniques of cavity preparation on caries-like enamel lesion formation. After a fluoride-free prophylaxis, twelve human molars were examined macroscopically to ensure that buccal and lingual surfaces were caries-free. Unfilled cavities were prepared in mesiobuccal (conventional [CU]) and mesiolingual (air abrasion [AU]) enamel surfaces.

Lasers in pediatric and adolescent dentistry.

The advent of lasers has offered new possibilities for improved service for pediatric dentistry patients and their parents. The removal of tissues without anesthesia is a common benefit. Almost symptomless postoperative experiences are in marked contrast to conventional methods.

Using air-abrasive technology to diagnose and restore pit and fissure caries.

National Institute of Dental Research surveys indicate that the incidence of pit and fissure caries constitutes a higher proportion of the total caries incidence among U.S. teens and children than in the past.