Backward Rotation Research Articles

Immediate Effects of Two Different Methods of Trunk Elastic Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Trunk Impairment, Balance, and Gait in Stroke Patients.

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients often experience changes in their pelvic tilt, trunk impairments and decreased gait and balance. While various therapeutic interventions have been attempted to improve these symptoms, there is a need for interventions that are easy to apply and reduce the physical labor of physical and occupational therapists. We aimed to investigate the immediate effects of two different methods of trunk elastic taping on the pelvic inclination, trunk impairment, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 45 patients with chronic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: forward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (FRPPT, n = 14), backward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (BRPPT, n = 14), or placebo taping (PT = 14). This study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024. All the measurements were performed twice: before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. The pelvic inclination was assessed using the anterior pelvic tilt angle. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) was used to measure the trunk impairment. The balance and gait were evaluated using a force plate and walkway system. Results: The pelvic inclination was significantly different in the FRPPT and BRPPT groups compared to the PT group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The TIS and gait were significantly increased in the FRPPT group compared to the PT group (p < 0.05). The balance significantly improved in the FRPPT and BRPPT within groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Two different methods of posterior pelvic tilt taping improved the anterior pelvic tilt in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients compared with PT, and the FRPPT method also improved the trunk impairment and gait. Therefore, posterior pelvic tilt taping can be used as an intervention with immediate effect.

Changes of functional units in type IIA craniofacial microsomia before puberty-a preliminary computed tomography study

BackgroundThe natural growth of the mandible in craniofacial microsomia (CFM) remains a topic of considerable debate. This study aims to characterize the mandibular architecture and its natural growth in children with type IIA CFM using functional unit analysis. Materials and methods16 sets CT data of 8 unoperated children with unilateral IIA CFM with an interval ranging from 2 to 6 years (3.4±1.5 years,AVR±SD)were collected. The baseline skeletal units’ discrepancy in size, annual growth, and angular measurements were analyzed. ResultsThe condylar, coronoid, and body units were smaller (reaching 63%, 79%, and 90% of the unaffected side, respectively) while the angular unit was larger on the affected side. The condylar unit on the affected side grew slower than the unaffected side, at about 60% of its rate, and other units showed no statistically significant bilateral differences. The backward rotation angle of the affected body unit (BUA) increased from T1 to T2. ConclusionThis preliminary study suggests that the condyle unit is the center of mandible deformity in type IIA CFM and exhibits insufficient growth relative to the unaffected side . Meanwhile, the hemi-mandible on the affected side rotated posteriorly during growth, thus worsening spatial relation. Future studies with larger sample sizes that incorporate clinical assessments are needed to elucidate the progression of CFM.

Cephalometric differences in grades II and IV adenoid hypertrophy: A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to determine whether there were cephalometric changes between grades II and IV adenoid hypertrophy. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 6-12-year-old patients selected from the ear, nose, and throat department at Imam Al-Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Patients were classified into three groups (each = 40) based on endoscopic findings: control, grade II, and grade IV. The findings were confirmed with cephalometric radiographs. Specific cephalometric points were identified to measure sella-nasion-point A (SNA), sella-nasion-point B (SNB), point A-nasion-point B (ANB), sella-nasion-pogonion (SNPog), sella nasion plane-palatal plane (SNPP), palatal plane-mandibular plane (PPMP), sella nasion plane-mandibular plane (SNMP), saddle, articular, gonial angles, and the y-axis. Additionally, superior-posterior airway space (SPAS), posterior air way space (PAS), mandibular plane-hyoid bone (MP-H), third cervical vertebra-hyoid bone (C3-H), total anterior facial height (TAFH), total posterior facial height (TPFH), upper anterior facial height (UAFH), lower anterior facial height (LAFH), and the Jarabak ratio were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Welch tests indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three groups in SNA, SNB, SNPog, PPMP, SNMP, gonial angle, y-axis, SPAS, PAS, MP-H, and the Jarabak ratio. Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) and Games-Howell tests indicated a statistically significant difference between grade II and grade IV in SNA, SNMP, y-axis, SPAS, PAS, MP-H, and Jarabak ratio. The present study demonstrated that craniofacial changes start to occur at the moderate adenoid enlargement throughout the downward backward mandibular rotation. More changes would become evident at the severe stage; therefore, an urgent medical intervention and the establishment of nasal breathing by orthodontic treatment with breathing activity would be needed.

Lower-limb coordination changes following a 6-week training intervention that elicited enhancements to maximum velocity sprint performance.

Alterations to intra- and inter-limb coordination with improved maximal velocity performance remain largely unexplored. This study quantified within-day variability in lower-limb segmental coordination profiles during maximal velocity sprinting and investigated the modifications to coordination strategies in 15 recreationally active males following a 6-week period comprised of a multimodal training programme [intervention group (INT); n=7] or continued participation in sports (control group; n=8). The INT demonstrated a large decrease (effect size=-1.54) in within-day coordination profile variability, suggesting potential skill development. Thigh-thigh coordination modifications for the INT were characterised by an earlier onset of trail thigh reversal in early swing (26 versus 28% stride) and lead thigh reversal in late swing (76 versus 79% stride), rather than increases in overall time spent in anti-phase. Moreover, an increase in backward rotation of thigh relative to shank (effect size, 95% CIs: 0.75, 0.17 to 1.33) and shank relative to foot (0.76, -0.17 to 1.68) during late swing likely facilitated more aggressive acceleration of the limb, contributing to reduced touchdown distance and more favourable lower-limb configuration at initial ground contact. These novel findings provide empirical support for the role of longitudinal coordination modifications in improving maximal velocity performance.

Structural basis for EROS binding to human phagocyte NADPH oxidase NOX2

Essential for reactive oxygen species (EROS) protein is a recently identified molecular chaperone of NOX2 (gp91phox), the catalytic subunit of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Deficiency in EROS is a recently identified cause for chronic granulomatous disease, a genetic disorder with recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. Here, we report a cryo-EM structure of the EROS-NOX2-p22phox heterotrimeric complex at an overall resolution of 3.56Å. EROS and p22phox are situated on the opposite sides of NOX2, and there is no direct contact between them. EROS associates with NOX2 through two antiparallel transmembrane (TM) α-helices and multiple β-strands that form hydrogen bonds with the cytoplasmic domain of NOX2. EROS binding induces a 79° upward bend of TM2 and a 48° backward rotation of the lower part of TM6 in NOX2, resulting in an increase in the distance between the two hemes and a shift of the binding site for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). These conformational changes are expected to compromise superoxide production by NOX2, suggesting that the EROS-bound NOX2 is in a protected state against activation. Phorbol myristate acetate, an activator of NOX2 in vitro, is able to induce dissociation of NOX2 from EROS with concurrent increase in FAD binding and superoxide production in a transfected COS-7 model. In differentiated neutrophil-like HL-60, the majority of NOX2 on the cell surface is dissociated with EROS. Further studies are required to delineate how EROS dissociates from NOX2 during its transport to cell surface, which may be a potential mechanism for regulation of NOX2 activation.

Comprehensive 3-dimensional Positional and Morphological Analyses of Condyle and Glenoid Fossa in Patients with Skeletal Class II Malocclusion following Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

This study aimed to comprehensively and quantitatively characterize 3-dimensional (3D) positional and morphological changes of the condyle and glenoid fossa in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Twenty eligible patients treated at our institution from January 2016 to December 2021 with more than 12 months of postoperative follow-up were retrospectively enrolled. Radiographic data of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for each patient were collected at 3 stages: 1 week preoperatively (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and at least 12 months postoperatively (T2). Positional changes, surface and volumetric alterations of condyle, and bone remodeling in glenoid fossa were measured and compared based on voxel- and surface registrations in visual 3D methods. Most patients exhibited a tendency for condyles to shift posteriorly, laterally, superiorly, and rotated outward, downward, and forward immediately after surgery. Posterior, medial, superior movement and outward, upward, and backward rotation of condyles were observed during follow-up (T1-T2). Bone resorption frequently occurred in the posterior area of condylar surfaces, while bone remodeling was more common in the anterior region of the glenoid fossa. Reduced volume of the condyle was found in most cases, which was not associated with the amount of mandibular advancement. Overall, the condyle and its corresponding glenoid fossa remained relatively stable during the follow-up. Our results reveal positional and morphological alterations in the condyle and the glenoid fossa after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal class II malocclusion. These changes predominantly fall within the spectrum of physical adaption.

The Influence of Radiographic Parameter on the S2 Alar-Iliac Screw Virtual Trajectory in Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Patients: A Computed Tomography Study.

S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw had been widely used in the pelvic fusion for degenerative lumbar scoliosis (DLS) patients. However, whether S2AI screw trajectory was influenced by sagittal profile in DLS patients had not been comprehensively investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the associations between the optimal S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screw trajectory and sagittal spinopelvic parameters in DLS patients. Computed tomography (CT) scans of pelvis were performed in 47 DLS patients for three-dimensional reconstruction of S2AI screw trajectory from September 2019 to November 2021. Five S2AI screw trajectory parameters were measured in CT reconstruction images, including: 1) angle in the transverse plane (Tsv angle); 2) angle in the sagittal plane (Sag angle); 3) maximal screw length; 4) screw width; and 5) skin distance. The lumbar Cobb angle, lumbar apical vertebral translation (AVT); global kyphosis (GK); thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); sagittal vertical axis (SVA); sacral slope (SS); pelvic tilt (PT); and pelvic incidence (PI) were measured in standing X-ray films of the whole spine and pelvis. Both Tsv angle and Sag angle had significant positive associations with SS (p < 0.05) but negative associations with both PT (p < 0.05) and LL (p < 0.05) in all cases. Patients with SS less than 15° had both smaller Tsv angle and Sag angle than those with SS equal to or more than 15° (p < 0.05). The decreased LL would lead to the backward rotation of the pelvis, resulting in a more cephalic and less divergent trajectory of S2AI screw in DLS patients. For DLS patients with lumbar kyphosis, spine surgeons should avoid both excessive Tsv and Sag angles for S2AI screw insertion, especially when using free-hand technique.

Effects of modified twin block appliance in growing Class II high angle cases: A cephalometric study

Background Class II malocclusions represent anteroposterior dysplasia usually resulting from mandibular retrusion. Along with a retropositioned mandible, it can be associated with either upward or backward jaw rotation. High angle cases are often associated with a short ramal height, steeper mandibular plane, and large gonial angle. Twin block is a commonly used myofunctional appliance that incorporates bite planes that direct the occlusal forces in a more favorable direction for correction of the retrognathic mandible. We aimed to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes following modified twin block appliance therapy in high-angle cases. Methods A cephalometric study was performed on 15 growing (10-14 years) high angle (Frankfort mandibular angle 28-35°) Class II Division I malocclusion patients undergoing twin block therapy. Skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes were evaluated by cephalometric analysis using Dolphin software. Results Pre- and post-treatment changes in cephalograms were assessed by analysis of variance and paired t-test. Significant changes in the position of the mandible (angle between Sella-Nasion-Point B [SNB] increased by 3.9 degrees, P=0.02), Wits appraisal (decreased by 1.54 mm, P=0.04), maxillo-mandibular relationship (angle between Point A-Nasion-Point B [ANB] decreased by 3.74 degrees, P=0.02) were observed. Soft tissue changes like the nasolabial angle were also significant, increasing by 3.8 degrees (P=0.04) and lower lip relation to E-line (reduction in lower lip protrusion) by 2 mm (P=0.04). Vertical parameters showed non-significant changes, like the Frankfort mandibular angle (FMA) increased by 0.07 degrees, (P=0.67), the angle between Sella-Nasion and Gonion-Gnathion (SN-Go-Gn) increased by 0.33 degrees, (P=0.67), Y-axis increased by 0.2 degrees, (P=0.32). The upper incisor inclination decreased non-significantly from 115.27±1.33 to 113.42±1.65 degrees, (P=0.12) and lower incisor increased non-significantly from 100.13±2.23 to 101.80 ±1.37 degrees, (P=0.08). Conclusions Modified twin block appliance can be used to successfully treat Class II Division I high angle cases with good vertical control.

Bifurcated Polymorphic Transition and Thermochromic Fluorescence of a Molecular Crystal Involving Three-Dimensional Supramolecular Gear Rotation.

The ability of molecules to move and rearrange in the solid state accounts for the polymorphic transition and stimuli-responsive properties of molecular crystals. However, how the crystal structure determines the molecular motion ability remains poorly understood. Here, we report that a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular gear network in the green-emissive polymorph 1G of a dialkylamino-substituted anthracene-pentiptycene π-system (1) enables an unusual bifurcated polymorphic transition into a yellow-emissive polymorph (1Y) and a new green-emissive polymorph (1G*) via 3D correlated supramolecular rotation. The 90° forward correlated rotation causes the molecular conformation between the octyl and the anthracene units to change from syn to anti, the ladder-like supramolecular columns to constrict, and the gear network to disengage. This cooperative molecular motion is marked by the gradual formation of an intermediate state (1I) across the entire crystal from 170 to 230 °C, which then undergoes bifurcated (forward or backward rotation) and irreversible transitions to form polymorphs 1Y and 1G* at 230-235 °C. Notably, 1G* is similar to 1G but lacks gear engagement, preventing its transformation into 1Y. Nevertheless, 1G can be restored by grinding 1Y or 1G* or fuming with dichloromethane (DCM) vapor. This work illustrates the correlation between the crystal structure and solid-state molecular motion behavior and demonstrates how a 3D molecular gear system efficiently transmits thermal energy to drive the polymorphic transition and induce fluorochromism through significant conformational and packing changes.

Mechanism of proton-powered c-ring rotation in a mitochondrial ATP synthase

Proton-powered c-ring rotation in mitochondrial ATP synthase is crucial to convert the transmembrane protonmotive force into torque to drive the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Capitalizing on recent cryo-EM structures, we aim at a structural and energetic understanding of how functional directional rotation is achieved. We performed multi-microsecond atomistic simulations to determine the free energy profiles along the c-ring rotation angle before and after the arrival of a new proton. Our results reveal that rotation proceeds by dynamic sliding of the ring over the a-subunit surface, during which interactions with conserved polar residues stabilize distinct intermediates. Ordered water chains line up for a Grotthuss-type proton transfer in one of these intermediates. After proton transfer, a high barrier prevents backward rotation and an overall drop in free energy favors forward rotation, ensuring the directionality of c-ring rotation required for the thermodynamically disfavored ATP synthesis. The essential arginine of the a-subunit stabilizes the rotated configuration through a salt bridge with the c-ring. Overall, we describe a complete mechanism for the rotation step of the ATP synthase rotor, thereby illuminating a process critical to all life at atomic resolution.

Jumping Performance and Behavior of the Globular Springtail Dicyrtomina minuta.

Springtails are among the most abundant arthropods on earth and they exhibit unique latch-mediated spring-actuated jumping behaviors and anatomical systems. Despite this, springtail jumps have not been well described, especially for those with a globular body plan. Here, we provide a complete description and visualization of jumping in the globular springtail Dicyrtomina minuta. A furca-powered jump results in an average take-off velocity of 1 ms-1 in 1.7 ms, with a fastest acceleration to liftoff of 1938 ms-2. All jumps involve rapid backwards body rotation throughout, rotating on average at 282.2 Hz with a peak rate of 368.7 Hz. Despite body lengths of 1-2 mm, jumping resulted in a backwards trajectory traveling up to 102 mm in horizontal distance and 62 mm in vertical. Escape jumps in response to posterior stimulation did not elicit forward-facing jumps, suggesting that D. minuta is incapable of directing a jump off a flat surface within the 90° heading directly in front of them. Finally, two landing strategies were observed: collophore-anchoring, which allows for an immediate arrest and recovery, and uncontrolled landings where the springtail chaotically tumbles. In comparison to other fast jumping arthropods, linear performance measures globular springtail jumps place them between other systems like fleas and froghoppers. However, in angular body rotation, globular springtails like D. minuta surpass all other animal systems. Given the extraordinary performance measures, unique behavioral responses, and understudied nature of these species, globular springtails present promising opportunities for further description and comparison.

Skeletal, Dental and Soft Tissue Effects of Twin Block Appliance in Different Facial Divergence Cases

IntroductionClass II malocclusions refer to a discrepancy in the sagittal plane associated with either backward or upward rotation of the jaw. A backwardly positioned mandible is usually managed using a Twin block appliance which contains a bite plane to direct the occlusal forces in a more favorable direction. Our aim was to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes using twin-block appliance therapy in different facial divergence patients. MethodsA cephalometric study was conducted among two groups with 15 patients in each group. Group 1 have a Frankfort Mandibular plane Angle (FMA) of 18-25 degree while Group 2 have an FMA of 28 to 33 degree with Class II Division I malocclusion. All of them were treated with twin block appliances with modifications done according to FMA. Cephalometric analysis was done using Dolphin software (Dolphin Imaging 11.95) to evaluate skeletal, dental, and soft tissue changes after twin block therapy. ResultsAnalysis of variance and paired t-test were used to evaluate pre and post-treatment changes in cephalograms. The position of the mandible, maxillomandibular relation, and mandibular length was changed by 3.99 degrees, 5.23 degrees, and 4.04mm respectively in horizontal growers, while by 2.9 degrees, 1.74 degrees, and 1.07mm respectively in vertical growers. An increment in FMA by 4.59 degrees in horizontal growers with good vertical control and a little increment in FMA by 1.07 degrees in vertical growers were seen. Conclusions The twin block appliance is effective in skeletal, dental, and soft tissue correction in patients with different facial divergences.

Hip joint stress distribution changes depending on three-dimensional pelvic orientation: Finite-element analysis

BackgroundPelvis experiences changes in its orientation due to the alignment of the hip joint and spine, and its orientation might affect both joints. Pelvic tilt on the sagittal plane has been widely discussed; however, the pelvis is oriented also on the coronal and horizontal planes. This study aimed to examine how stress distribution on intact hip joint changes under the three-dimensional pelvic orientation. MethodsComputed tomography data of five patients with unilateral pelvic girdle were analyzed. Thirteen models were evaluated by the MECHANICAL FINDER: neutral position at 0°; 10° and 20° anterior and posterior pelvic tilt; 10° and 20° pelvic hike and drop; 10° and 20° pelvic forward and backward rotation. Stress assessment was performed in four parts of the acetabulum: anterosuperior, posterosuperior, posteroinferior, and central parts. ResultsCompared with the neutral position, the mean value of the equivalent stress and maximum principal stress in the anterosuperior part significantly increased by 1.51 times and 1.57 times at 20° posterior tilt, respectively. The maximum principal stress in the anterosuperior part significantly increased by 1.44 times at 20° hike. A significant increase of 1.45 times was found in the maximum principal stress in the anterosuperior part at 20° forward rotation. ConclusionsLocal stress accumulated in the anterosuperior acetabulum at the posterior pelvic tilt, pelvic hike, and pelvic forward rotation, which might lead to hip overload. The effect of posterior pelvic tilt appears to be greater for the hip joint than at the pelvic hike or forward rotation.

Outcome differences after orthodontic camouflage treatment in hypo- and hyperdivergent patients – A retrospective cephalometric investigation

ObjectivesTo compare differences in outcome in skeletal and dental parameters in hypo- and hyperdivergent Class II patients after extraction of upper first premolars and comprehensive orthodontic treatment.Materials and methods37 Class-II-patients with dental camouflage treatment were divided into a hypo- (n = 18) or a hyperdivergent (n = 19) group depending on the mandibular plane angle (hypo: < 34° or hyper: ≥ 34°). Lateral cephalograms were available before (T1) and after (T2) treatment and were analyzed with customized measurements. Data from a growth survey served as a control and were used to calculate the actual treatment effect. Data were analyzed by one-sample Student’s t-tests and independent Student’s t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe measurements showed similar changes in both groups. The effects were mainly dentoalveolar. Hypodivergent patients showed an almost equal increase in anterior and posterior facial height, while hyperdivergent patients only showed an increase in anterior facial height.ConclusionsIn hyperdivergent patients, the anterior facial height increases despite camouflage treatment. This indicates a tendency towards bite opening and backward rotation of the mandible. Hypodivergent patients do not experience deepening of the bite.Clinical relevanceIn hyperdivergent patients with upper first premolars extraction the anterior facial height increased differently than in hypodivergent patients. This should be considered if a bite opening is a possible contraindication to treatment.

Relationship Between Craniocervical Posture and Vertical Face Pattern in Class II Division 1 Malocclusion

Objectives: To evaluate the cervical inclination and craniocervical posture (CCP) in a sample of Class II Division 1 malocclusion with different vertical patterns among adult population in Lahore. Methods: A total of 70 adult skeletal Class II division 1 cases (ANB0 &gt; 4) with Dental Class II malocclusion (molar relation half cusp or full cusp Class II) and Overjet &gt; 5mm, were enrolled in this study. Clinical examination and lateral cephalograms taken in natural head position were traced to classify the malocclusion, determine vertical pattern and evaluation of craniocervical posture Results: Results of the study showed that extended craniocervical posture (forward cervical inclination with backward head rotation) was found in 47.1 % of the study group and was significantly correlated to the vertical pattern of the face (r = 0.496, p =0.000). This indicated that the CCP is not only related to sagittal craniofacial relations but also vertical pattern of the face and as the vertical pattern of face increased the cervical spine inclined forward and the head rotated backwards on spine. Flexed head posture was found to be the least prevalent. Subjects with high vertical pattern of facial development had extended CCP whereas subjects with normal vertical pattern mainly had normal CCP Conclusion: Results of this study suggest a significant relationship between Type of malocclusion and craniocervical posture. There was a moderately strong relationship between vertical pattern of the patient and cervical inclination and craniocervical posture which was highly significant.

Numerical Investigation of Vortex-Induced Vibrations of a Rotating Cylinder near a Plane Wall

Numerical simulations are carried out to investigate the vortex-induced vibrations of a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) near-wall rotating cylinder. Considering the effects of gap ratio, reduced velocity and rotational rate, the amplitude response, wake variations and fluid forces are analyzed, with the Reynolds number of 200 and the mass ratio set to 1.6. The correlative mechanism in the wake–hydrodynamics–vibration is revealed. The results show that the influence of the wall dominates the vortex-induced vibration of the cylinder. The effect of the wall on the vibration weakens as the gap ratio increases, and the effect of the wall on the vibration is negligible when H/D &gt; 1.1. The forward rotation of the cylinder enhances the wall effect, while the backward rotation presents the reverse effect. The vortex-induced vibration of the cylinder is suppressed when 0 &lt; α &lt; 1, and the amplitude range is concentrated at Vr ∈ (3, 5). The wake mode can be divided into five modes, and the wake modes are clarified under different rotation rates and reduced velocities.

Cranial structure and condylar asymmetry of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectiveThe aim of this prospective cross sectional study was to evaluate the cranial structure and condylar asymmetry of adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed after 25 years of age compared to a healthy adult control group.MethodsEighteen adult patients (57.4 ± 11.4 years) with RA were compared with a control group. Cephalometric analysis and the Habets method for the calculation of the condylar asymmetry were used. The main cephalometric data investigated were focused on the diagnosis of hyperdivergent cranial structure (NSL/ML, NL/ML), backwards rotation of the mandible (Fh/ML), short vertical ramus (Ar:Go), steep mandibular plane (ML/Oc).ResultsThe cephalometric data considered were not significantly different in the RA vs controls except for the steepness of the occlusal plane (NL/Oc), which was steeper in the patients group (P < 0.02) and the ramus of the mandible which was greater in patients. The asymmetry of the condyles was significant (P < 0.003) and different from the control group, but that of the ramus was not.ConclusionsIn this study, RA patients diagnosed after 25 years of age did not show a different pattern of growth with respect to the control group. As expected, the condyles showed a difference being asymmetrical in RA patients due to the high turnover of this joint reacting to severe systemic inflammation in conditions of continuous functional work, load and forces. This study follows a previous study with the same research plan conducted on young JIA patients who showed a different pattern of growth of the skull leading to a severe hyperdivergent cranial structure with backward rotation of the mandible; this is mainly due to the insufficient growth of the condylar site exposed to the inflammatory process during development. Unlike JIA patients, this study showed that RA patients follow an individual growth pattern not affected by inflammation, even if they show joint asymmetry.

Effect of inclined pile on seismic response of bridge abutments undergoing liquefaction—Induced lateral displacement: Case study of Nishikawa bridge in the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake

It is reported that the inclined pile could be either beneficial or detrimental for the abutment they support in the condition of liquefaction—induced lateral displacement. To clarify the effect of inclined pile on seismic response of bridge abutments undergoing liquefaction—induced lateral displacement, numerical analyses were carried out on the damaged abutment that was supported by inclined piles and that was displaced riverwards 100 mm–150 mm due to soil liquefaction during 2011 Great East Japan earthquake. Accordingly, a fully coupled dynamic effective stress finite element model was developed for the soil—pile—superstructure system. It was found that the shear failure of the bridge abutment was initialized from the inclined piles and then followed by the middle vertical pile. Moreover, the earthquake—induced liquefaction caused substantial lateral displacement of soils around the piles and thus dominated the backward rotation of the abutments supported by inclined piles. Additionally, the exclusion of the deck pinning effect may lead to a marked increase in the lateral displacement and rotation of abutments. If the abutment were supported by vertical piles, a much larger lateral displacement was expected and the promotion of the earth pressure behind the abutment was the main cause of the forward rotation of the piled abutment.

Profile Changes in Class III Malocclusion using Protraction Facemask in Indonesian Young Patients (Cephalometric Study)

Background: The prevalence of Class III malocclusion is highest in Southeast Asia. In countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia, the prevalence is as high as 15.80%. Treatment timing and options are very important in treating Class III malocclusion. A protraction facemask or also known as reverse headgear is one of the most used appliances as an interceptive tool for Class III malocclusion in young patients. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the profile changes in treating Indonesian young patients using a protraction facemask. Methods: The sample consisted of 63 subjects, 25 males and 38 females. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed using CephaloMetrics AtoZ™ ver. 12 (Yasunaga Computer Systems, Co. Inc., Hanando-Minami, Fukui, Japan). A total of 16 traditional cephalometric measurements (13 skeletal measurements and 3 dental measurements) were used to describe changes between pretreatment and posttreatment cephalograms. All recorded data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, USA). Results: SNA (p˂0.030), ANB (p=0.000), and Wits appraisal values (p=0.000) showed significant differences out of all measurements. FMA and occlusal plane also showed changes and indicated that a facemask is helpful with treatment. Conclusion: Timing, duration, and patient compliance are very important in the management of Class III skeletal malocclusion using a protraction facemask. The use of facemask therapy among Indonesian pediatric patients resulted in an anterior and downward movement of the maxilla, backward rotation of the mandible, and a better orthopedic response.

Evaluation of efficacy of utility arch with inter-maxillary elastics for treating skeletal deep bite with retroclined upper incisors in the mixed dentition: a clinical randomized controlled trial.

To investigate the effectiveness of utility arch (UA) with inter-maxillary elastics compared with fixed anterior bite plane (FABP) for treating deep bite in brachy-facial children. This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants were children aged between 9 and 12 years with deep bite and a hypodivergent skeletal pattern. The sample was divided into the following two groups: (1) a UA group that was composed of patients with UAs with posterior inter-maxillary elastics and (2) an FABP group as a control. Outcomes were skeletal and dentoalveolar variables on cephalometric X-rays. A total of 28 patients (13 boys, 15 girls) with a mean age of 10.66 years were enrolled. The treatment duration was 8.16 months in the UA group and 7.22 months in the FABP group. After treatment, the angle between the anterior cranial base and the mandible in the vertical plane increased significantly (P = .000) in both groups (about 1.97 degrees in the UA group and 2.75 degrees in the FABP group). Overbite decreased significantly in both groups (-2.1 m in the UA group and -3.64 m in the FABP group), but it decreased less significantly in the UA group than in the FABP group. The upper incisors flared significantly after treatment with both appliances (6.6 degrees in the UA group and 5.9 degrees in the FABP group). Treatment of deep bite in children with a horizontal growth pattern by each of the appliances used in this study is effective. The mandible showed minor, significant backward rotation after treatment. The overbite decreased less in the UA group than in the FABP group.