title: A systematic method for predetermined scanning electron microscope analysis in dental science.
abstract: Scanning electron microscope evaluation could be criticized if the method adopted to correct for bias is not specified in the study design. Observers can draw conclusions from images unconsciously chosen to best support their research hypotheses, impairing the basic research principle of operator's impartiality. In this study, a systematic observation method has been described and verified for repeatability. The number and the observation points on a certain specimen have been predetermined using a scheme along with observation rules previously established in the research protocol. When our instrument is used at an operating magnification between 500x and 1,000x (corresponding to a frame of 250x190 micro and 120x90 micro, respectively), the method allowed 100% repeatable observation frames, with linear frame errors in finding an observation point of 12.5% in length and 16.8% in height. With modifications to accommodate research objective and statistical requirements, the method could be applied to many SEM observation study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. silvia.marchionni@unibo.it
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchionni
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baldissara
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Monaco
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scotti
mesh_terms: D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003813:Dentistry / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results