Bone Structure Research Articles

Evaluation of anterior teeth crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in patients with closed deep overbite using cone beam computed tomography

This retrospective study used cone-beam computed tomography to investigated the crown-root morphology and alveolar bone structure in incisors region in subjects with closed deep overbite and comparison the difference between gender and age. The CBCT images for 40 subjects (group C) with Angle II division 2 were selected from patients of the HeFei Stomatological Hospital from November 2023 to March 2024.20 individual normal occlusion subjects (group A),20 patients with Angle II division 1(group B) were included. The crown-root ratio of the maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth, crown-root angle and alveolar bone structure were measured on the CBCT images, the data were statistically analyzed. In addition to mandibular lateral incisor, the crown-root ratio of maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was higher than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The crown-root angle of maxillary anterior teeth in the Class II division 2 group was smaller than that in the individual normal occlusion group and the Class II division 1 (P < 0. 05). The alveolar bone thickness of the maxillary central incisor was comparatively smaller, while the alveolar bone height was relatively higher in the Class II division 2 group. Age and gender were associated with change in root lengths and crown-root angle for the Class II division 2 group (P < 0. 05). Patients with closed deep overbite malocclusion exhibit a significant difference compared to the controls for most measurements. The patients presenting with Class II division 2 malocclusion exhibit excessive inward positioning of the anterior teeth, resulting in evident crown-root angle, a large crown-root ratio, and minimal labial alveolar bone. In order to keep the tooth movement within the safe range of alveolar bone movement, it is necessary to strictly control the torque and use appropriate orthodontic force to reduce the risk of bone fenestration, bone dehiscence, gingival recession and root resorption.

Motor delay image recognition based on deep learning and human skeleton model

Children with developmental delays often exhibit gross motor delay during their early childhood. Identifying such delay typically requires standardized assessments, but these assessments are susceptible to subjective interpretation. To enhance objectivity and reliability in these assessments, this study proposes a novel method utilizing an AI model for identifying gross motor delay in children. The proposed method divides the assessment of gross motor skills into two components: static balance and dynamic balance. First, the Yolo target detection model and the Mediapipe human posture detection model are employed for preprocessing to determine skeletal joints and body positioning information. Subsequently, dimensionality reduction techniques are applied to extract key features. A sliding window method is then used to extract action features identifying static balance features of the human body (e.g., standing on one foot, standing on the left foot) and dynamic balance features (e.g., lifting the heels while walking, jumping on a mat). The machine learning classifier and LSTM-CNN are then used to categorize the static and dynamic balance feature data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieved accuracy scores of 80 % and 87 % for static and dynamic balancing skills, respectively.

Expediting the bioactivity of zinc sulfide nanoparticles with copper oxide as a nanocomposite

The regulatory role of zinc in bone formation extends to the activation of proteins associated with bone homeostasis. Furthermore, copper is well known for its antibacterial properties. This dual function underscores the significance of zinc and copper in maintaining a balance of bone structure and function. In light of the aforementioned, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were created in this instance using a straightforward coprecipitation technique. Copper oxide was used as a nanocomposite to improve the structural, morphological, and biological performance of zinc sulphide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed a transformation in the crystal structure from cubic to rhombohedral, along with increase in intensity. Fourier transforms infrared analysis indicated the presence of functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated a morphological shift from non-uniform to distinct spherical nanoparticles, impacting the enhancement of material properties. The pathogenic activity of the zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites was tested against nine bacterial strains. In antimicrobial testing, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites showed promising results, particularly against Klebsiella pneumoniae (zone of inhibition: 14 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 7 mm by standard) and Escherichia coli (zone of inhibition: 11 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 10 mm by standard) after 24 h with zone of inhibition matching or exceeding that of the standard (chloramphenicol). Zinc sulphide nanoparticles and zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were evaluated for their antifungal activity against fungal stains from Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus. After a 24-h period, it was discovered that zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites were effective against Aspergillus flavus (zone of inhibition: 19.4 mm at 100 µg/mL compared to 6.3 mm by standard) at all concentrations (25–100 mg/mL), with zones of inhibition identical to or greater than those of the standard (fluconazole). Certainly, based on these results, zinc sulphide/copper oxide nanocomposites could be promising materials for drug delivery.Clinical trial registration: Not applicable.

Personalized 3D Printing of Artificial Vertebrae: A Predictive Bone Density Modeling Approach for Robotic Cutting Applications

Robotic vertebral plate cutting poses significant challenges due to the complex bone structures of the lumbar spine, which consist of varying densities in cortical and cancellous regions. This study addresses these challenges by developing a predictive model for robotic vertebral plate cutting force and bone quality recognition through the fabrication of artificial vertebrae with controlled, consistent bone density. To address the variability in bone density between cortical and cancellous regions, CT data are utilized to predict target bone density, serving as a foundation for determining the optimal 3D printing process parameters. The proposed methodology integrates a Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Back Propagation (BP) neural network, and genetic algorithm (GA) to systematically evaluate the effects of key process parameters, such as the filling density, material flow rate, and layer thickness, on the printed vertebrae’s density. A one-factor experimental approach and RSM-based central composite design are applied to build an initial bone density prediction model, followed by Sobol’s sensitivity analysis to quantify the influence of each parameter. The GA-BP neural network model is then employed to rapidly and accurately identify optimal printing parameters for different bone layer densities. The resulting optimized models are used to fabricate personalized artificial lumbar vertebrae, which are subsequently validated through robotic cutting experiments. This research not only contributes to the advancement in personalized 3D printing technology but also provides a reliable framework for developing patient-specific surgical planning models in robot-assisted orthopedic surgery.

Puerarin alleviates osteoporosis in rats by targeting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common chronic progressive bone disease that increases fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Research suggests that puerarin (Pue) may be an effective treatment for OP. This study examined the effects and underlying mechanisms of Pue in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy to simulate PMOP and were then treated with subcutaneous injections of Pue. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using a bone densitometer. Micro-CT scans assessed femur bone structure and various parameters were calculated: bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface density (BS/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and bone surface area-to-bone volume ratio (BS/BV). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe femoral tissue pathology. Serum levels of bone formation metabolism-related markers-osteocalcin (OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP)-were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expression levels of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in bone tissue were evaluated using Western blotting assay. The results showed improved bone density and reduced bone loss in rats treated with Pue. There were also significant increases in serum levels of OC and BALP, indicating enhanced osteogenesis. Furthermore, there was a decrease in activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway in femoral tissue, suggesting a pathway inhibition. These findings indicate that Pue may combat osteoporosis by promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.

Glass catfish inspired subaquatic abrasion-resistant anti-fouling window fabricated by femtosecond laser electrodeposition

Abstract Transparent materials utilized as underwater optical windows are highly vulnerable to various forms of pollution or abrasion due to their intrinsic hydrophilic properties. This susceptibility is particularly pronounced in underwater environments where pollutants can impede the operation of these optical devices, significantly degrading or even compromising their optical properties. The glass catfish, known for its remarkable transparency in water, maintains surface cleanliness and clarity despite exposure to contaminants, impurities abrasion, and hydraulic pressure. Inspired by the glass catfish's natural attributes, this study introduces a new solution named subaquatic abrasion-resistant and anti-fouling window (SAAW). Utilizing femtosecond laser ablation and electrodeposition, the SAAW is engineered by embedding fine metal bones structures into a transparent substrate and anti-fouling sliding layer, akin to the sturdy bones among catfish’s body. This approach significantly bolsters the window's abrasion resistance and anti-fouling performance while maintaining high light transmittance. The sliding layer on the SAAW’s surface remarkably reduce the friction of various liquid, which is the reason that SAAW owns great anti-fouling property. The SAAW demonstrates outstanding optical clarity even after enduring hundreds of sandpaper abrasion, attributed to the fine metal bone structures bearing all external forces and protect the sliding layer of SAAW. Furthermore, it exhibits exceptional resistance to biological adhesion and underwater pressure. In a green algae environment, the window remains clean with minimal change in transmittance over one month. Moreover, it retains its wettability and anti-fouling properties when subjected to a depth of 30 meters of underwater pressure for 30 days. Hence, the SAAW prepared by femtosecond laser ablation and electrodeposition presents a promising strategy for developing stable optical windows in liquid environments.

Molecular epidemiology of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract Introduction/Objective The study accessed the prevalence of Escherichia coli in diabetic diabetic foot infection(DFI) and diabetic foot osteomyelitis(DFOM).A single retrospective single centre was conducted on patients diagnosed with E.coli isolated from deep DFI and DFOM at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital over 2 year period. Methods/Case Report Phylogenetic backgrounds,virulence factors(VFs) and antibiotic resistance profiles were determined.Whole genome analysis of E.coli strains isolated from same periods were performed. From two years study period,35 E.coli strains isolated from 33 patients were analysed,73% were isolated from DFOM Results (if a Case Study enter NA) The majority of the strains belonged to the virulent B2 and D phylogenetic groups(82%).These isolates exhibited a significant higher average of VFs number greater than strains belonging to the other groups (p&amp;lt;0.0001).papG2 gene was significantly more detected in strains belonging to B2 phylogeny isolated from DFI compared to DFOM(p=0.003) The most prevalent antibiotic resistance pattern was observed for ampicillin(82%)cotrimoxazole(45%) and ciprofloxacin (33%).The genome analysis of strains isolated at two periods in DFOM showed a decrease of the genome size and this decrease was more important for the strains isolated at 9 months(versus 4 months) Conclusion Shared mutation on the putative acy-CoA dehydrogenase-encoding gene aidB was observed on both strains. E.coli isolated from DFOM werA shared highly genetically diverse with different pathogenicity traits.Their adaptation on the bone structure could require genome reduction and some important modifications in the balance virulence and resistance of the bacteria

Developing a STEM Curriculum Through the Community History of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to Enhance the Ability to be a Tour Guide and the Local Consciousness of Elementary School Students

The objective of this research is 1) To study in-depth knowledge about the historical context of the Ban Prohm Thin Tai community, 2) To design an educational management approach a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students, and 3) To study the outcomes of using the community-based historical education approach through the STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students. This research is Action Research. The sample in the study consists of (1) a group of informants regarding the community history of Ban Phrom Thin Tai, comprising 12 people, (2) A group of experts evaluating the curriculum management of learning includes 5 individuals including science teachers, educators, and curriculum experts, and (3) The experimental group using the learning management approach comprises 23 elementary school students selected through purposive sampling, totaling 40 participants. 1) A deep study of the historical knowledge related to the community of Ban Prohm Thin Tai revealed that this area has archaeological sites that have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Over time, it developed into an urban community during historical times, characterized by the construction of moats and earthen embankments influenced by Indian culture. Furthermore, archaeological excavations have unearthed prehistoric human skeletons and various artifacts such as pottery fragments, rings, beads, and axes. These discoveries indicate that the area around Ban Prohm Thin Tai has a long history of civilization, making it worthy of preservation as a heritage for future generations. 2) Designing guidelines for a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students found that, the researchers have developed a comprehensive approach to a STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students. This approach is termed the STEM+H model, which includes (1) Science, integrated history (2) Technology, integrated history (3) Engineering, integrated history (4) mathematics, and integrated history. The overall suitability of the model was found to be highly effective based on the evaluation results. 3) A study of the results of using the STEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai to enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students found that the approach of the TEM Curriculum through the community history of Ban Prohm Thin Tai can enhance the ability to be a tour guide and the local consciousness of Elementary School students.

EXPERIENCE OF CLINICAL AND RADIOGRAPHIC CORRELATION IN PATIENTS WITH PAIN SYNDROME OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION IN ATRICULATION-OCCLUSIVE DISORDERS

This article examines the imaging anatomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), describes the technique of calculating the gaps between the fossa and the head, their comparison based on TMJ computed tomography (CT) data, and their comparison with clinical signs of TMJ dysfunction. The aim was to determine CT diagnostic criteria for persistent functional displacement of the lower jaw in patients with TMJ functional disorders in occlusal-articulation disorders at the stage of orthopedic treatment planning. Research materials and methods. A clinical and radiological examination of 150 patients with functional disorders of the masticatory apparatus and occlusal disorders, who were included in the experimental group, and 30 practically healthy persons – the control group, was carried out. The results. The presence of a pain syndrome was primarily determined - 60 patients (40.00%) complained of pain in the TMJ area, masticatory muscles or headache, and in 19 (31.67%) of them, complaints of pain bothered more than half year TMJ pain was found in 30 (20.00%) patients, in masticatory muscles in 43 (28.67%), headache in 47 (31.33%). Hypertonus of the masticatory muscles was established - 94 - 62.67% with their hypertrophy - 46 - 30.67%, both unilateral and bilateral, which were observed simultaneously with the parafunction of the masticatory muscles (34 - 22.67%). Palpatory functional stable displacement of the lower jaw was determined in 135 (90.00%) patients of the research group, in 57 (42.22%) of them significant pain syndrome was present in 46 (80.70%). At the same time, deviation or deflexion was established in 74 (49.33%) patients of the experimental group, restriction of mouth opening in 52 (32.67%) patients; crunching and clicking in the TMJ - 112- 74.67%. The presence of bilateral posterior displacement of the heads of the lower jaw was established in 103 (68.67%) patients with TMJ dysfunction, of which 42 (40.77%) came to the doctor with complaints of orofacial pain, and in 22 (14.67%) significant displacement, 17 (77.27%) of them had a pain syndrome; unilateral posterior displacement of the heads of the lower jaw in 32 (21.33%) patients with TMJ dysfunction, 16 (50.00%) of them have a pain syndrome, and 11 of them have a significant displacement; in 16 (10.67%) one-sided posterior displacement with simultaneous anterior displacement in the contralateral joint was established with a subjective assessment of the absence of pain syndrome. Presence of a significant displacement in at least one joint was established in 72 (48.00%) patients with TMJ dysfunction, 63 (87.50%) of them had a pain syndrome. Conclusions. CT enables a comprehensive assessment of bone structures and their connection in the TMJ and is a valuable tool for planning orthopedic treatment and evaluating its effectiveness in dynamics.

Analysis of Prescribing Patterns of Drugs Used in Osteoarthritis in Tertiary Care Center

Background: Osteoarthritis (O.A.) is a common degenerative lesion of the articular cartilage that corresponds to hypertrophy deterioration of bone structure is osteoarthritis. The treatment is mainly focused on the management of pain. Methods: An Observational study was conducted among 163 patients visiting Orthopedics Out Patient Department at GMC Hospital. The duration of study was for 6 months from Jan 2024-Jun 2024. The analysis of collected data was done by SPSS version Software. Descriptive Statistics tools like frequency, Percentage were used to express the findings. Results: We found that female was (68.7%) in comparison to male (31.3%). Oral route (79%) was most commonly preferred route of drugs administration than topical route (21%). Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) (41.78%), Vitamins and minerals (22.5%), Antiulcers (19.5%), Symptomatic Slow-acting Drugs in Osteoarthritis (SYSODA) (6.82%), Muscle Relaxants (5.02%) and Others (4.07%) were Prescribed groups of drugs. Diclofenac (19.52%) was most commonly prescribed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs followed by Aceclofenac (11.37%). Average no. of drugs prescribed was 5.12, % of drugs Prescribed from National List of Essential Medicine (NLEM) was 79.88%, % of drugs prescribed by generic name was 0% and Average dispensing time was 225.13 sec. Conclusion: Osteoarthritis (O.A) was mostly common in female than male. Lumbar was most commonly affected site of Osteoarthritis. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs was most commonly prescribed groups of drugs. Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Prescribing Pattern, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Diclofenac, Symptomatic Slow-acting Drugs in Osteoarthritis.

Lipid and Corticosteroid Biomarkers Under the Influence of Bisphosphonates.

Detecting the use of bisphosphonates (BPs) in equine athletes is of interest to regulators and laboratories due to the threat to welfare issues for the potential to provide analgesic effects and manipulating bone structure. The detection of BPs in biological matrices is challenging due to erratic biological elimination and inconsistent analytical recoveries. Therefore, complementary approaches are needed to provide evidence of their misuse in racehorses. BPs have two sub-classes: nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous. This study investigated plasma elimination following administration of one example from each sub-class, together with changes in endogenous eicosanoid and corticosteroids. Zoledronic acid (ZA) and tiludronic acid (TA) were administered by IV infusion to 8 thoroughbred horses with an 11-month washout period between each administration. Sample preparation for quantification of BPs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) utilised a two-step solid phase extraction (SPE) consisting of polymeric reversed-phase followed by weak anion exchange prior to derivatisation using trimethyl orthoacetate. Endogenous biomarkers were analysed after protein precipitation and SPE with polymeric reversed-phase prior to liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) using data independent acquisition. The LC-MS/MS analysis showed ZA was undetectable after 8 h post-administration while TA was detected up to the final collection point of 28 days post-administration. The LC-HRMS analysis utilised targeted (i.e., prior inclusion list of compounds) approaches to monitor level changes of eicosanoid and corticosteroid biomarkers. Putative biomarkers were identified and now subject to validation for translation into routine sample analysis for improved retrospectivity to detecting BP misuse in equine plasma.

Sex-Specific Association Patterns of Bone Microstructure and Lower Leg Arterial Calcification

In conversations about bone loss and the importance of calcium homeostasis, patients frequently inquire about the association with arterial calcifications. Although a relationship between bone loss and the occurrence of vascular calcifications is suspected, it is not yet fully investigated and understood. This study aims to analyze associations between bone mineralization, structure, and vascular calcification at the lower leg in patients with low bone mineral density in HR-pQCT. We retrospectively analyzed 774 high-resolution quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans of the distal tibia for the presence of vascular calcifications. After sex-specific propensity score matching for age and BMI to account for confounders, 132 patients remained for quantification of bone microstructure, bone density, lower leg arterial calcification (LLAC), and laboratory parameters of bone turnover. The interactions between bone parameters and vascular calcification were quantified by regression analyses. The calcium metabolism was not different between individuals with and without LLAC, nor oral calcium supplementation. Female patients with LLAC had a higher cortical perimeter (p = 0.016) compared to female patients without LLAC, whereas male patients with LLAC had lower cortical pore diameter than male patients without LLAC (p = 0.027). The appearance of LLAC was sex specifically associated with bone parameters. In female patients, only plaque density was associated with HR-pQCT bone parameters and age, whereas in male patients, plaque volume was associated with HR-pQCT parameters of the distal tibia. Female patients exhibit an increasing plaque density depended on age and trabecular thinning. Decreasing cortical pore diameter and trabecular number along with increasing bone mineralization are linked to increasing plaque volume in male patients.

A 3D-Planned Inward Fragmentation Technique for the Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Case Series.

Background/Objectives: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (M3Ms) carries significant risks, especially regarding the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D-planned inward fragmentation technique (3Dp-IFT) to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and preserve bone structure in cases involving complex M3M impactions. Methods: Twenty-three patients aged between 18 and 36 years requiring M3M removal were included. Preoperative planning involved the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise localization of the furcation area, followed by the creation of a 3D navigation template using PlastyCAD software version 1.7. The surgical procedure was performed under local anesthesia, with meticulous endoscopic assistance to ensure accurate access and minimize trauma. Postoperative outcomes, such as bone loss, pain, swelling, and mouth opening range, were carefully measured. The data were systematically organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. Results: No disturbances to the IAN or lingual nerve were observed. The mean buccal bone loss was 2.2 mm, with a standard deviation of 1.2 mm. Postoperative pain and swelling were generally low, with significant reductions within the first week. The use of the 3D navigation template significantly improved surgical access, enhancing safety and minimizing complications. Conclusions: The 3Dp-IFT technique represents a significant advancement in the minimally invasive removal of M3M by allowing precise access to critical anatomical areas while minimizing bone loss and postoperative complications. This approach is particularly beneficial for complex cases involving M3M near the IAN, thereby improving surgical safety and patient outcomes.

Ongoing Work with Adult Skeletal Age Estimation

Improving adult age-at-death estimates using visible features of the human skeleton has been the subject of much research because such assessments are critical elements of forensic investigations and bioarchaeological studies. Beginning in 2014, a National Institute of Justice (NIJ)–funded research team developed a set of age-informative skeletal traits; collected reference data from collections in the United States, Portugal, Thailand, and South Africa; evaluated traits for their applicability; and developed alternative ways to generate age estimates from those traits. Here we present a comparison of two ways to produce age estimates: Stephen D. Ousley’s machine learning approach available as beta version computer software (TA3-ML) and an analytical procedure that originated with the version of transition analysis introduced two decades ago with different skeletal characteristics (TA3-TA). The two approaches are evaluated using the same 41 modern Portuguese and American skeletons. Both methods rely on NIJ-project skeletal data (TA3), but the number of traits used differs, as do reference sample sizes and compositions. Estimates generated through TA3-TA more closely approximate reported ages throughout adulthood than those from TA3-ML. Nevertheless, there remains a problem with underestimation in the TA3-TA approach, and neither method is ready for widespread implementation. Ongoing work is being directed toward resolving these issues by adjusting the mix of NIJ-project traits used in TA3-TA.

Domain Transfer-Based Hypergraph Convolutional Network for Posture Anomaly Detection in Physical Education Teaching

Human skeleton-based posture anomaly detection has been widely applied in the field of physical education teaching. The existing spatio-temporal graph convolutional networks (ST-GCN) can fully utilize the local and global information of the human skeleton for action recognition, but the entire model requires a large amount of computation and the modeling of high-order relationships between joint points of the human skeleton is insufficient. To this end, this paper proposes a novel domain adaptive hypergraph convolutional network for basketball posture anomaly analysis by exploiting 2D skeleton information. First, we designed an effective hypergraph convolution feature extraction network to improve the high-order dependency modeling. To further improve the performance of the hypergraph convolutional network, we introduce domain adaptive learning technology to supervise the feature extraction learning of the target domain (2D skeleton) through the source domain (3D skeleton). At last, we construct a basketball action teaching analysis dataset for model evaluation. We conducted a large number of comparative experiments on the public dataset NTU RGB+D and our self-built dataset. All the results showed that our proposed hypergraph convolutional model effectively extracts features of 2D human skeletons, and by introducing domain adaptive learning, the performance of basketball anomaly detection is further improved.

Sex Differences in Fat Distribution and Muscle Fat Infiltration in the Lower Extremity: A Retrospective Diverse-Ethnicity 7T MRI Study in a Research Institute Setting in the USA.

Background: Fat infiltration in skeletal muscle is related to declining muscle strength, whereas excess subcutaneous fat is implicated in the development of metabolic diseases. Methods: Using multi-slice axial T2-weighted (T2w) MR images, this retrospective study characterized muscle fat infiltration (MFI) and fat distribution in the lower extremity of 107 subjects (64M/43F, age 11-79 years) with diverse ethnicities (including White, Black, Latino, and Asian subjects). Results: MRI data analysis shows that MFI, evaluated by the relative intensities of the pixel histogram profile in the calf muscle, tends to increase with both age and BMI. However, statistical significance was found only for the age correlation in women (p < 0.002), and the BMI correlation in men (p = 0.04). Sex disparities were also seen in the fat distribution, which was assessed according to subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and the fibula bone marrow cross-sectional area (BMA). SFT tends to decrease with age in men (p < 0.01), whereas SFT tends to increase with BMI only in women (p < 0.01). In contrast, BMA tends to increase with age in women (p < 0.01) and with BMI in men (p = 0.04). Additionally, MFI is positively correlated with BMA but not with SFT, suggesting that compromised bone structure may contribute to fat infiltration in the surrounding skeletal muscle. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight a sex factor affecting MFI and fat distribution, which may offer valuable insights into effective strategies to prevent and treat MFI in women versus men.

Anthropological and forensic significance of facial soft tissue thickness in Montenegrin population

A lack of soft tissue leads to difficulties in facial reconstruction and further identification in the absence of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), finger print and dental data. If these data are not available, then identification based on facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) is the next reliable method. There is no data in the literature about facial soft tissue thickness in Montenegrin population. Once the measurement is performed, a software algorithm based on the multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) imaged bone structures and use of FSTT would be able to provide a useful picture of the face for identification purposes. This prospective research was performed by MDCT head examinations of 83 adults aged 18–85, living in Montenegro. The FSTT was measured at eight central points (glabella (GL), nasion (NA), rhinion (RHI), mid-philtrum (MID), upper lip (UL), lower lip (LL), mental eminence (ME), and the point beneath the chin (BC)), and five bilateral points (frontal tubers (FT), supraorbital (SO), external orbital marginal point (EX), zygomatic arch (ZY), and middle masseter (MST)). It was observed that the points RHI, MID, UL, LL, ME, FT, SO and MST are thicker in men compared to women. With an increase in BMI, FSTT in the central points also increases, as well as bilaterally at the ZY, FT, SO and MST points. With aging, there is an increase of the thickness of the FSTT at the RHI and bilaterally at the EX and ZY, while at the MID, LL and MST, the thickness decreases with aging, in both sexes.

A Blissful Role of Probiotic Therapy as an Adjunct to Periodontal Surgery in the Treatment of Periodontitis.

Background Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that alters the alveolar bone structure, requiring treatment ranging from non-surgical to surgical periodontal therapies based on its severity. Surgical interventions, such as the modified Widman flap procedure and the open flap technique combined with methods like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), and bone grafts, aim to reduce periodontal pockets and regenerate lost tissues. The presence of pathogenic bacteria and the absence of beneficial bacteria contribute to periodontitis, with probiotics-live microorganisms that offer health benefits emerging as a promising adjunct in periodontal therapy. Probiotics can inhibit harmful organisms and enhance the oral mucosal lining, potentially improving clinical outcomes when used alongside surgical procedures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining probiotics with open flap debridement (OFD) in managing chronic periodontitis, comparing it to OFD alone. Methodology Eighty individuals were recruited in this double-blind, randomization clinically controlled, split-mouth trial. The enrolled individuals were categorized in a random manner into either Group A (OFD) or Group B (OFD with probiotic therapy, OFD + P). Results Based on the results, significant differences were observed between the OFDand OFD + Pgroups. At baseline, the mean probing pocket depth (PPD) was 6.49 mm in the OFD group and 5.68 mm in the OFD + P group. After three weeks, the PPD decreased to 4.71 mm in the OFD group and 3.95 mm in the OFD + P group, with a p-value of 0.021, indicating a significant difference. By 12 weeks, the PPD was 3.20 mm for OFD and 2.74 mm for OFD + P, though the difference was not statistically significant (p-value 0.108). For relative attachment level (RAL), a significant difference was noted after three weeks with a p-value of 0.018; however, differences at baseline and 12 weeks were not significant. The gingival index (GI) did not show significant differences between the groups at any time point. Within-group analyses revealed significant improvements in PPD, RAL, and GI for both groups over time, with all p-values < 0.001. The OFD + P group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the OFD group in PPD and RAL after three weeks. Conclusion The use of probiotics in managing periodontal disease offers a cost-effective and convenient treatment option for periodontitis. Its integration into periodontal therapy should be emphasized for its potential benefits across all age groups, benefiting both periodontal surgeons and general dentists. Further research is needed to understand how well probiotics persist in the oral microflora and their precise effects on periodontal health. The future of periodontal therapy could greatly benefit from probiotics as a natural, food-based approach to enhancing immunity and improving oral health.

Sex estimation by CT image analysis of the rib cage in a Mediterranean population.

Sexual dimorphism in the human species is key to the development of sex estimation techniques in the human skeleton. This dimorphism is manifested, as in other regions of the skeleton, in the bones that constitute the thoracic cage, according to the existing bibliography. In this aspect, the study of the human skeleton through 3D images has also proved to be useful for the development and validation of sex estimation methodologies for the reconstruction of the osteobiological profile.For this purpose, a sample of 240 thoracic CT scans of adult individuals was selected from a collection of 3D images belonging to the University of Granada, provided by the Castilla-La Mancha Health Service (SESCAM). Different measurements of the thoracic bones (ribs R2 to R5 width, sternum length and width, and clavicles width) have been taken with OsiriX software, with the aim of developing discriminant functions for sex estimation.The obtained results are positive, allowing sex estimation through 3D images of the thorax with up to 89.6% accuracy through discriminant functions, which shows the usefulness of image analysis for the reconstruction of the osteobiological profile.

Biomimetic mineralization of collagen from fish scale to construct a functionally gradient lamellar bone-like structure for guided bone regeneration

Wide used guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane materials, such as collagen, Teflon, and other synthesized polymers, present a great challenge in term of integrating the mechanical property and degradation rate when addressing critical bone defects. Therefore, inspired by the distinctive architecture of fish scales, this study utilized epigallocatechin gallate to modify decellularized fish scales following biomimetic mineralization to fabricate a GBR membrane that mimics the structure of lamellar bone. The structure, physical and chemical properties, and biological functions of the novel GBR membrane were evaluated. Results indicate that the decellularized fish scale with 5 remineralization cycles (5R-E-DCFS) exhibited a composite and structure similar to natural bone and had a special functionally gradient mineral contents character, demonstrating excellent mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and degradation properties. In vitro, the 5R-E-DCFS membrane exhibited excellent cytocompatibility promoting Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation up-regulating the expression of osteogenic-related genes and proteins. Furthermore, in vivo, the 5R-E-DCFS membrane promoted the critical skull bone defects of SD rats repairment and regeneration. Therefore, this innovative biomimetic membrane holds substantial clinical potential as an ideal GBR membrane with mechanical properties for space-making and suitable degradation rate for bone regeneration to manage bone defects.