Significance: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) could become a treatment option for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer when the current high morbidity rate associated with red light PDT and variable PDT dose can be overcome through a combination of intravesical instillation of the photosensitizer and the use of green light creating a steep PDT dose gradient. Aim: To determine how a high PDT selectivity can be maintained throughout the bladder wall considering other efficacy determining parameters, in particular, the average optical properties of the mucosal layer governing the fluence rate multiplication factor, as well as the bladder shape and the position of the emitter in relationship to the bladder wall. Approach: We present three irradiance monitoring systems and evaluate their ability to enable selective bladder PDT considering previously determined photodynamic threshold values for the bladder cancer, mucosa and urothelium in a preclinical model, and the photosensitizer's specific uptake ratio. Monte Carlo-based light propagation simulations performed for six human bladders at the time of therapy for a range of tissue optical properties. The performance of one irradiance sensing device in a clinical phase 1B trial is presented to underline the impact of irradiance monitoring, and it is compared to the Monte Carlo-derived dose surface histogram. Results: Monte Carlo simulations showed that irradiance monitoring systems need to comprise at least three sensors. Light scattering inside the bladder void needs to be minimized to prevent increased heterogeneity of the irradiance. The dose surface histograms vary significantly depending on the bladder shape and bladder volume but are less dependent on tissue optical properties. Conclusions: We demonstrate the need for adequate irradiance monitoring independent of a photosensitizer's specific uptake ratio.
Statement of the Problem:Digital workflows (CAD/CAM) have been introduced in dentistry during recent years. No published information exists on dentists' use and reporting of this technology.Purpose: The purpose of this survey was to identify the infiltration of CAD/CAM technology in UK dental practices and to investigate the relationship of various demographic factors to the answers regarding use or non-use of this technology.Materials and Methods: 1031 online surveys were sent to a sample of UK dentists composing of both users and non-users of CAD/CAM. It aimed to reveal information regarding type of usage, materials, perceived benefits, barriers to access, and disadvantages of CAD/CAM dentistry. Statistical analysis was undertaken to test the influence of various demographic variables such as country of work, dentist experience, level of training and type of work (NHS or private).
Highlights the importance of dentist-technician communication.Concludes that dentists must ensure that written prescriptions contain all the necessary information so that the dental technician can fabricate fixed prostheses correctly and without delay.Recommendations for improved communication are made with the ultimate goal of better patient service.
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