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In this study, the radiopacity of chairside Computer-Aided Design-Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) milling materials was evaluated in comparison with dental structures. 105 specimens of 7 different thicknesses from 5 different types of chairside CAD-CAM milling materials: feldspar ceramic, hybrid ceramic, lithium disilicate glass-ceramic, zirconiareinforced lithium silicate ceramic and a resin nano-ceramic were used for this in vitro study. Digital radiographs were obtained using an aluminum step wedge, a specimen of a tooth slice and 3 specimens from each material. Radiodensity was determined for each material using dedicated software. Lava Ultimate and Vita Suprinity were found as having higher radiopacity, whilst Vita Mark II and Vita Enamic were lower in radiopacity in comparison with dental structures. The radiodensity of Emax CAD was between enamel and dentine. Radiopacity of each CAD-CAM milling material was different and both material's type and thickness significantly affected the radiopacity.

Though increased BMI represents a risk factor for developing heart failure, in heart failure (HF) patients it paradoxically increases survival. This effect was not studied in relationship with BNP and ACE mutations. Objective. To investigate the relationship between BNP fragment (8-29) plasmatic level, ACE I/D polymorphism and BMI in patients with chronic congestive heart failure. Methods. We studied 50 patients with HF, NYHA III and IV, mean age 64.96±13.24 years, 21 patients with BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 vs 29 patients with BMI<30 kg/m 2 . BMI, ACE polymorphism, the plasmatic levels of BNP fragment (8-29) were determined. Results. Mean plasmatic BNP fragment (8-29) level was 1891.02±1008.06 pg/mL, mean BMI value 29.09±7.59 kg/m², with a negative correlation between the two parameters (r=-0.46), stronger in women (r=-0.79 vs. r=-0.32 in men). Significant greater value of BNP fragment (8-29) was registered in nonobese patients (2130.77±866.58 pg/mL vs.1547.765±1135.744pg/mL, p<0.05). The distribution of ACE mutation was: DD allele 36%, II allele 24%, and ID allele 40%.In all three groups, the patients with BMI ≥ 30kg/m 2 presented lower values of BNP fragment (8-29) levels.Conclusion. In HF patients, there was an inverse correlation between BNP value and BMI, obese patients having lower BNP fragment (8-29) values, no matter the ACE polymorphism.