Background This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of radiation exposure and storage time on the degree of conversion (DC%) and flexural strength (FS) of three different resin composites. In total, 90 disk-shaped, and 360 rod-shaped composite specimens were prepared to evaluate the DC% and FS, respectively. Specimens were divided into 18 groups (DC%: n = 5 and FS: n = 20) according to the three experimental factors of the study: 1—Radiation (no-exposure and exposure), 2—Resin composite material (Herculite XRV Ultra, Z250 XT and Grandio), and 3—Storage time (24 h in distilled water, 3-m and 6-m in 70% ethanol). Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) was used to determine the DC%. For FS, the specimens were subjected to a three-point bending test at 1 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA/Tukey HSD test. Significant level was set at P = 0.05. Results For DC%, there was no significant difference between no-radiation exposure and radiation exposure (P > 0.05). Herculite XRV Ultra revealed the highest statistically significant DC% (P < 0.05). The 24-h storage time revealed the least significant DC% (P < 0.05). For FS, radiation exposure showed a statistically significant higher value compared to no-radiation exposure (P < 0.05). Herculite XRV Ultra showed the least FS value (P < 0.05). The 24-h storage time showed the highest significant value (P < 0.05). Conclusions Radiation exposure has no significant impact on the DC% of the different resin composites, but it has a significant positive effect on the FS. Storage time had a significant effect on both DC% and FS.

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Purpose: Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical esophageal cancer is challenging. Although IMRT techniques using inverse planning algorithms are facilitating the treatment planning process, the irradiation dose to the normal tissues can a critical issue. This study was performed to investigate the effect of beam numbers and their directions and local optimization (1) dose conformity and homogeneity to the planning target volume (PTV) and (2) dose to the organ at risks (OARs). Methods: Four upper esophageal cancer cases were randomly selected for this treatment planning study. Eight IMRT plans were for each case with the same dose-volume constraints but with different beam numbers and arrangements. Local optimization using regular structures drawn automatically around the PTV with margins from 0.5-1.5 cm was performed. IMRT plans were evaluated with respect to isodose distributions, dose-volume histograms (DVHs) parameters, homogeneity index (HI), and conformity index (CI). The statistical comparison between the types of plans was done using the One Way ANOVA test. Results: results showed that IMRT using three or five beams was not sufficient to obtain good dose optimization. The seven field plans showed the best coverage for the PTV with tolerable doses for the OARs, and the beam orientation was very critical. Increasing beams (Bs) number from 7 to 13 did not show significant differences in the PTV coverage, while the mean lung dose was increased. The PTV coverage were 95. 1, 95.1, 98.1, 97.3, 97.3, 97.3, 97.0, and 97.0% for 3Bs, 5Bs, 7Bs, 9Bs, 13Bs, 7Bs(30), 7Bs(60) (beam angles were changed from 0 o to 30 o and 60 o ), and 7Bs(R) (seven IMRT plans with ring), respectively. The mean heart dose did not exceed 0.36 Gy with p < 0.05. For lung doses, the best plan was the one with 9Bs which reduced lung volume doses V20Gy (%) and V30Gy (%), and reduced mean lung dose from 5.4 to 4.5 Gy with p < 0.05 for 7Bs(R) plans. IMRT improved the homogeneity indices (p > 0.05), yet conformity was better with 9Bs and 7Bs(R) IMRT plans with p < 0.05. Conclusion: Seven equispaced coplanar intensity-modulated beams with an addition of a ring structure can produce desirable dose distributions to the PTV. Moreover, dose-volume of exposed normal lung can be reduced with 9Bs and 7Bs(R) IMRT plans.

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