Caliper Research Articles

Estimation of stature from foot dimensions: A comparative study between Hausas and Yorubas in Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Anthropometry is the measurement of variables such as foot height, length and width of human body. The current study was conducted to estimate stature from foot dimensions among Hausas and Yorubas of Faculty of Basic Medical Science in Bayero University, Kano. The objectives were to obtain height and foot dimensions; determine sexual dimorphism, correlation and to estimate stature. The materials used were stadiometer and a digital vernier caliper. Sampling was done randomly. The sample size was 400 subjects (200 Hausas and 200 Yorubas). Statistical significance was deemed acceptable at p<0.05. It was observed that all the variables have significant sexual dimorphism. Among the Hausas, all the variables correlated strongly with each other except for BMI and all foot dimensions. There was a weak negative correlation that is statistically significant between BMI and height. Among the Yorubas, weight, height and BMI correlated strongly with one another, and also all foot dimensions correlated strongly with weight and height except LFB and weight where there was a weak positive correlation that is statistically significant. There was a weak positive correlation that is statistically significant between RFB and BMI while LFB and BMI correlate strongly with each other. Both foot lengths do not correlate with BMI. A significant relationship was found between the selected forensic parameters and the foot dimensions among Hausas and Yorubas of Faculty of Basic Medical Science in Bayero University, Kano.

Morphometric Study of Humerus in Southern Indian Population

Anthropometry involves measurement of proportions of the human body such as muscles, adipose tissue and bone. The present study was aimed at determining the humeral lengths segments and comparing it with its entire length of humerus in southern part of Indian population. This can be helpful in approximating stature of individuals using typical regression equation. We also compared the data obtained with previous studies conducted on various people in the world, which are valuable both forensic and archaeological studies. One hundred and nineteen fully ossified dried and processed humerus bones (60 right, 59 left humerus) obtained from two medical colleges in Tamil Nadu state SRM medical college, hospital and research centre and Sri Ramachandra Medical College. The morphometric detail of the parts of humerus were measured using digital Vanier caliper. The 6 segments’ length precisely, from utmost proximal point of the head of humerus to the utmost distal point of the circumference of the head as section 1 (Sa-Sb), from the distal point of the circumference of the head to the convergence of two areas of muscle attachment as section 2 (Sb-Sc), and from the convergence of two areas of muscle attachment to the deltoid tuberosity as section 3(Hc-Hd), from deltoid tuberosity to upper margin of olecranon fossa as section 4(Sd-Se), From upper margin of olecranon fossa to the lower margin of the fossa as section 5 (Se-Sf), and from the lower margin of olecranon fossa to most distal point of trochlea as section 6 (Sf-Sg) and maximum length of humerus were measured to the nearest millimeter. The values obtained for the distance of each sections were 35.22±3.939mm, 44.53±5.025mm, 66.27±6.805mm, 125.54±11.429mm, 20.51±1.726mm, and 18.51±1.633mm respectively on the left side, making a total of 310.5763±23.257mm. The values obtained on the right distance segments are as fellow 34.48±3.223mm, 47.05±6.31mm, 67.10±6.942mm, 125.54±11.429mm, 20.51±1.726mm and 17.90±2.447mm respectively on the right side, making a total 311.767±23.435mm. In conclusion present study shows that there is no significant difference obtained for the morphometric measurements between left and right segments except in segment 2.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of 3C antibiotic paste with triple antibiotic paste as root canal filling material for primary teeth: An in-vitro study

Root canal infection in primary teeth is polymicrobial in nature. Most resistant micro-organisms, such as E.faecalis survive in chronic infection of the root canal at the periapical area and are difficult to remove by various root canal irrigants. C.albicans has been found in chronic infections of root canals of primary teeth due to its ability to invade dentinal tubules. The multiple bacteria strains which cause endodontic infections, make it difficult to clean root canals with a single effective antibiotic. Hence Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) has been previously introduced, consisting of ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline. Although this mixture aids in pulp regeneration and has been used to disinfect root canal systems, it is linked to tooth discolouration. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of a newly formulated 3C antibiotic paste (consisting of Ciprofloxacin, Clindamycin, and Cefaclor) with conventional TAP against E. faecalis and C. albicans. In this in-vitro laboratory study, pure culture of C. albicans and E. faecalis will be grown on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SD) agar and Brain heart infusion agar (BHI) agar respectively and will be suspended for 24 hours at 37°C. For comparison of antimicrobial efficacy, the zone of inhibition will be for the 3C antibiotic paste against conventional TAP (control) for E. faecalis and C. albicans, and will be determined using digital calliper in millimetre after every 24 and 72 hours. We hypothesise that the newly formulated 3C paste will have better antimicrobial efficacy when compared with conventional TAP. It is expected that a newly formulated 3C paste will prove to be the successful as root canal filling material for primary teeth.

Effect of Different Disinfecting Agents on Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Heat-cure Acrylic Denture Material: An In Vitro Study.

The current study aimed to determine the impact of three different disinfectants on the surface roughness and color stability of heat-cure acrylic denture material. Using a stainless-steel mold, disc-shaped wax patterns with dimensions of 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick (in accordance with ADA Specification No. 12) were created and prepared for a total of 75 acrylic samples. Dimensions of all 75 acrylic samples were checked with a digital Vernier caliper. About 25 samples of denture base material were immersed in three different chemical disinfectants: Group I: immersed in chlorhexidine gluconate solution, group II: immersed in sodium hypochlorite solution, and group III: immersed in glutaraldehyde solution. All samples were scrubbed daily for 1 minute with the appropriate disinfectant and submerged for 10 minutes in the same disinfectant. Between disinfection cycles, samples were kept in distilled water at 37°C. Color stability was measured using a reflection spectrophotometer. Surface roughness values were measured by a profilometer at baseline following 15 days and 30 days. After 15 days, the color stability was better in chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (4.88 ± 0.24) than sodium hypochlorite solution (4.74 ± 0.18) and glutaraldehyde solution group (4.46 ± 0.16). The mean surface roughness was less in glutaraldehyde solution group (2.10 ± 0.19), followed by chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (2.48 ± 0.09) and sodium hypochlorite solution group (2.64 ± 0.03). After 30 days, the color stability was significantly better in chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (4.40 ± 0.02), followed by sodium hypochlorite solution (4.06 ± 0.16) and glutaraldehyde solution group (3.87 ± 0.17). The mean surface roughness was significantly lesser in glutaraldehyde solution group (2.41 ± 0.14), followed by chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (2.94 ± 0.08) and sodium hypochlorite solution group (3.02 ± 0.13). In conclusion, the color stability was significantly better in chlorhexidine gluconate solution group than sodium hypochlorite solution and glutaraldehyde solution group. But the surface roughness was significantly lesser in the glutaraldehyde solution group, followed by the chlorhexidine gluconate and sodium hypochlorite solution group. The maintenance of the prosthesis requires the use of a denture disinfectant; therefore, it is crucial to select one that is effective but would not have a negative impact on the denture base resin's inherent characteristics over time. How to cite this article: Kannaiyan K, Rakshit P, Bhat MPS, et al. Effect of Different Disinfecting Agents on Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Heat-cure Acrylic Denture Material: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(11):891-894.

Comparison of central corneal thickness measured by automatic and manual analysis of optical coherence tomography.

To compare central corneal thickness (CCT) measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) using an automatic algorithm (A-OCT) vs. manual measurements (M-OCT) with respect to the gold standard ultrasound pachymetry (USP). CCT measurements were performed on both eyes of 28 healthy subjects at four times of the day. A-OCT used an automatic software analysis of the corneal image, M-OCT was performed by two operators by setting a digital calliper on the corneal borders, and USP was performed after corneal anesthesia. Measurements were compared using a three-way repeated measures ANOVA. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between OCT measurements and USP. Both A-OCT and M-OCT significantly underestimated the USP measures, with the mean difference, i.e., the systematic error, being larger for A-OCT (- 19.0µm) than for M-OCT (- 6.5µm). Good reproducibility between the two operators was observed. Bland-Altman plots showed that both OCT methods suffered from proportional errors, which were not affected by time and eye. Measuring CCT with OCT yielded lower values than USP. Therefore, clinicians should be aware that corneal thickness values may be influenced by the measurement method and that the various devices should not be used interchangeably in following up a given patient. Intriguingly, M-OCT had less systematic error than A-OCT, an important outcome that clinicians should consider when deciding to use an OCT device.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Minimize Orthodontic Relapse in Rabbits.

The purpose of the present study was to discover how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could reduce orthodontic relapse by altering the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), type I collagen (Col I), and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the gingival supracrestal fibers in rabbits. This study involved 44 male rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) randomly divided into the normal group (K0), the orthodontic group without HBOT (K1), and the orthodontic group with HBOT (K2). Following orthodontic separation of the two upper central incisors, a retention phase and relapse assessment were performed. The HBOT was performed for a period of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after retention. HIF-1α transcription was assessed employing real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas Col I and MMP-1 proteins were examined using immunohistochemistry. The orthodontic relapse was measured clinically using a digital caliper. We used the one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc for multiple comparisons to measure differences between pairs of means; a p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. HBOT significantly increased the HIF-1α mRNA expression (p = 0.0140), increased Col I (p = 0.0043) and MMP-1 (p = 0.0068) on the tensioned and pressured side of the gingival supracrestal fibers, respectively, and clinically decreased the relapse (p = 3.75 × 10-40). HBOT minimizes orthodontic relapse by influencing HIF-1α expression, collagen synthesis (Col I), and degradation (MMP-1). This result suggests that HBOT has the potential to be used as an adjunctive method in the orthodontic retention phase.

Association of Papacarie Duo® and low-level laser in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT).

Dental caries is a multifactorial, non-communicable disease. Effective treatment options for minimally invasive removal of carious tissue include Papacarie Duo® gel and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). aPDT involves a combination of a light source and photosensitizer. Given that Papacarie Duo® contains a percentage of blue dye, this study aims to explore the antimicrobial potential of Papacarie Duo® when associated with a light source against Streptococcus mutans strains. The chosen light source was a low-power diode laser (λ = 660nm, E = 3J, P = 100 mW, t = 30s). To assess antimicrobial capacity, planktonic suspensions of Streptococcus mutans were plated on Brain Heart Infusion Agar (BHI) to observe the formation of inhibition halos. The studied groups included methylene blue (0.005%), Papacarie Duo®, distilled water (negative control), 2% chlorhexidine (positive control), Papacarie Duo® + laser, and methylene blue (0.005%) + laser. Following distribution onto plates, each group was incubated at 37°C for 48h under microaerophilic conditions. Inhibition halos were subsequently measured using a digital caliper. The results showed that chlorhexidine had the greatest antimicrobial effect followed by the group of irradiated methylene blue and irradiated Papacarie Duo®. All experimental groups demonstrated antimicrobial potential, excluding the negative control group. The study concludes that Papacarie Duo® exhibits antimicrobial properties when associated with a low-power diode laser.

An anthropometric assessment method for facial profile determination in forensics

Objectives: It is extremely difficult for forensic experts to identify the individuals, especially during mass disasters and natural calamities such as earthquakes. In most cases, the facial profile is completely destroyed and the dentition is the only source or tool which helps in identifying the individuals and their gender. The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate inner intercanthal distance (IICD), outer intercanthal distance (OICD), interalar distance (IAD), and bizygomatic width (BZW) to the maxillary intercanine distance (MICD) to determine facial profile and gender. Material and Methods: The study was carried out after informed consent and involved 100 subjects who satisfied the inclusion criteria. Five parameters were measured: IICD, OICD, IAD, BZW, and MICD using digital Vernier caliper. The data were summarized in table form and were statistically analyzed using Pearson correlation. Results: OICD was more in females, whereas MICD was more in males. Significant correlation was observed between IICD and BZW (r = 0.224, P = 0.014), IICD and IAD (r = 0.411, P = 0.001), BZW and MICD (r = 0.229, P = 0.022), and IAD and MICD (r = 0.247, P = 0.013); negative correlation was observed between OICD and MICD (r = −0.023, P = 0.818). Conclusion: MICD can be used as a tool for the determination of facial profile and gender, although a larger sample size is required for further study.

Effect of Disinfection Technique of Spraying and Soaking Peronema canescens Jack 1% on Changes in Alginate Dimensions

Background: Alginate prints can be a medium of transmission that has the potential for cross-infection. Prevention of cross-infection can be done by spraying and soaking disinfection. Alginate molds in contact with water can cause the material to expand. Sungkai leaves (Peronema canescens jack) which contain antibacterials, can be a disinfection agent. Objective: This research is to determine the effect of spraying and soaking disinfection techniques with 1% sungkai leaf extract on changes in the dimensions of alginate molds. Methods: Making alginate mold samples totaling 72 samples, consisting of 6 groups and measured within 5, 10, 15 minutes. Test changes in dimensions of the alginate mold using digital calipers were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test followed by the Mann-Whitney test. Results: there was no effect of spraying with 1% sungkai leaf extract (Peronema canescens jack) on changes in the dimensions of the alginate mold within 10 minutes (p0.05), and there was an effect of soaking within 10 minutes on the dimensions of the alginate mold. Conclusion: disinfection by spraying and soaking with 1% sungkai leaf extract against changes in the dimensions of the alginate mold still complies with ADA specifications at the clinical tolerance limit below 0.5%.

Indigenous knowledge and nutritional and morphological characterization of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) varieties in Western Ethiopia.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moecnh) is a versatile crop that is widely grown in western Ethiopia, despite that it is less researched. This study, therefore, investigates the traditional knowledge, nutritional, and morphological characteristics of two commonly grown okra varieties (Kenketse and Sharma) in west Ethiopia. A semi-structured questionnaire, checklist, and observations were used to collect primary data from households, key informants, and farms. In addition, proximate composition parameters like moisture content, total ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, utilizable carbohydrates, and gross energy fruits were measured through laboratory analysis. Fruit morphological traits, including fruit dimensions such as length and width, were determined using a digital Vernier caliper. For data analysis, SPSS software was used. The results revealed that the entire plant is used for both food and ethnomedicinal purposes. Curing ailments such as stomach pain, constipation, wound/cut, heart discomfort, back pain, malaria, diarrhea, and amoebae were among the medical benefits of okra. The proximate composition (%) on a dry matter basis of okra fruits differed significantly (p < .05) by cultivar type and drying method. Moisture (3.69%-5.24%), total ash (6.60%-8.01%), crude fat (4.87%-8.58%), crude protein (4.06%-5.23%), crude fiber (12.85%-15.26%), utilizable carbohydrate (56.42%-67.63%), and gross energy contents (326-341 kcal) were the ranges of the various proximate and energy levels. Morphological characteristics of fruit and leaf length, width, and length-to-width ratio varied with cultivar type, where Sharma had more than double the length of Kenketse (70.1 vs. 187.1 mm). Despite being an undervalued native vegetable crop in Ethiopia, the study's findings show that okra is a multipurpose vegetable for promoting human health and ensuring food and nutritional security. Therefore, stepping up its production, marketing, and consumption could help alleviate the food shortage and improve human nutrition and health in the study areas.

Corneal Epithelial Thickness Mapping: A Major Review.

The corneal epithelium (CE) is the outermost layer of the cornea with constant turnover, relative stability, remarkable plasticity, and compensatory properties to mask alterations in the underlying stroma. The advent of quantitative imaging modalities capable of producing epithelial thickness mapping (ETM) has made it possible to characterize better the different patterns of epithelial remodeling. In this comprehensive synthesis, we reviewed all available data on ETM with different methods, including very high-frequency ultrasound (VHF-US) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in normal individuals, corneal or systemic diseases, and corneal surgical scenarios. We excluded OCT studies that manually measured the corneal epithelial thickness (CET) (e.g., by digital calipers) or the CE (e.g., by confocal scanning or handheld pachymeters). A comparison of different CET measuring technologies and devices capable of producing thickness maps is provided. Normative data on CET and the possible effects of gender, aging, diurnal changes, refraction, and intraocular pressure are discussed. We also reviewed ETM data in several corneal disorders, including keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, recurrent epithelial erosion, herpes keratitis, keratoplasty, bullous keratopathy, carcinoma in situ, pterygium, and limbal stem cell deficiency. The available data on the potential role of ETM in indicating refractive surgeries, planning the procedure, and assessing postoperative changes are reviewed. Alterations in ETM in systemic and ocular conditions such as eyelid abnormalities and dry eye disease and the effects of contact lenses, topical medications, and cataract surgery on the ETM profile are discussed.

Reliability of different methods of measurement of working length in endodontics

They compared measurements using radiographic images and mathematical calculations, computed tomography and electronic foraminal locator in vivo, comparing them with the real measurement determined by digital calipers after tooth extraction in 12 dental elements of patients of both sexes indicated. for tooth extraction due to advanced periodontal disease. The patients underwent Cone Beam Computed Tomography examination to determine the real length of the tooth. Afterwards, periapical radiographs were taken to establish the apparent length of the tooth. Subsequently, isolation of the operative field, the teeth had their canals accessed, emptied and subjected to conventional measurement by subtracting 3 millimeters from the radiographic vertex in this radiograph. Afterwards, a file was introduced inside the root canal, taking a new radiograph, measuring on this radiograph the distance between the tip of the instrument and the radiographic vertex, adding this measurement to the actual size of the instrument minus 0.5 millimeter as safety margin determined for the working length. Simultaneously, the canal was measured with an electronic foraminal locator. Next, the teeth were sealed and extracted, placed in containers with saline solution. The extracted teeth were measured using a digital caliper and these measurements were recorded in tables. It was concluded that odontometry using computed tomography represented the method that came closest to the real values of the dental elements, constituting the electronic locator with little significant difference in relation to the tomographic examination. Conventional dentistry, especially in anterior elements, showed a considerable degree of distortion.

The association of anal sphincter morphology and somatotype characteristics with the pathogenesis of hemorrhoidal disease

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the changes that may occur in the morphology of the anal sphincter muscles in hemorrhoidal disease. The relationship between the somatotype features of individuals and the disease were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with 76 stage IV hemorrhoidal disease patients and 75 controls. Internal (IAS) and external (EAS) anal sphincter muscle thicknesses were measured at the middle anal canal level and in four quadrants (anterior, posterior, right, left), puborectalis muscle thicknesses were measured at the upper anal canal level and in two quadrants (right, left) by using 3D-endoanal ultrasonography (3D-EAUSG). Anal triangle dimensions were measured with a digital caliper and the area was calculated with the relevant formula. Somatotype features of individuals were determined according to the Heath-Carter formula. Results: It was observed that the external anal sphincter muscle thicknesses were higher in the right and posterior quadrants of the patients compared to the control group. The internal anal sphincter muscle thicknesses were thicker in the right and anterior quadrants in the patient group. Somatotype features of individuals in the patient and control groups were similar. Conclusions: The thickenings in some quadrants of the anal sphincter muscles in the patient group can be considered as a result of hemorrhoidal disease. However, the fact that there is no difference in terms of the mean value cannot confirm its relationship with the disease. Therefore, it can be concluded that individual somatotype differences do not have any effect on the pathogenesis of hemorrhoidal disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis in Adult Women: A Functional Approach to the Stomatognathic System.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect the articular cartilage, and are characterized by signs and symptoms that can affect the functions of the human body. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles, molar bite force, and mandibular mobility in adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A total of 42 women were distributed into 3 groups: rheumatoid arthritis group (ARG, n=14); osteoarthritis group (OAG, n=14); and a healthy control group (CG, n=14). Electromyography was used to evaluate mandibular tasks at rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and dental clenching during maximum voluntary contraction, with and without parafilm, and a dynamometer was used to analyse the right and left molar bite forces. A digital caliper was used to measure the range of mandibular movement for maximum mouth opening, right and left laterality, and protrusion. Statistical analyses were performed, including analysis of variance and Tukey's test (P&lt;0.05). Electromyography showed no significant differences between the groups when evaluating the masticatory muscles during the mandibular tasks. Significant difference was observed between the ARG and CG, however, in the maximum right (P=0.007) and left (P=0.02) molar bite forces. Significant difference was observed in the maximum mouth opening of the ARG and OAG groups compared with that of the CG (P=0.009), suggesting that adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis experience functional alterations in the stomatognathic system, particularly in molar bite force and maximum mouth opening.

Lens Diameter, Anterior Chamber Depth, and Vitreous Depth in Adult Patients: A Nigerian Study

Context: The awareness of the diversity of ocular biometry is vital in the management of glaucoma and pathologies of the lens. Aim: To establish the normal globe biometric parameters of adults in Delta State, Nigeria. Setting and Design: An observational retrospective cross-sectional study at the Radiology Department of Teaching Hospital in Delta State. A purposive sampling technique was adopted. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical approval, ocular biometry was conducted on 150 adult brain MRI scans (75 males and 75 females) using a digital caliper. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed and summarized in descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics were employed for comparison across gender, side, and age groups, as well as to determine the association between variables. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: The anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous depth, superoinferior (SI), and anteroposterior (AP) lens diameters were symmetrical. All the parameters lacked sexual dimorphism, while the AP and SI lens diameters significantly varied between the 10 year’s age groups (P &lt; 0.05). Age had a significant positive correlation with the AP and SI lens diameters and a negative association with ACD and vitreous length. The vitreous length had a significant positive link with the ACD and SI lens diameter (P &lt; 0.05). The AP lens diameter had a significant negative correlation with ACD and vitreous length (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The normal ocular biometry obtained can be used within the studied population to help in the diagnosis of ocular conditions, management of cataracts, and the design of intraocular lenses.

Influence of root canal taper on the measurement of two different electronic apex locators.

This research aimed to analyze the influence of root canal taper on the accuracy of two Electronic Apex Locators (EALs). Twenty-five disto-vestibular roots from extracted human upper molars belonging to the tooth bank were used in this study. To determine the File Position (FP), access was made using a spherical diamond tip #1014, and the crowns were sectioned using a diamond tip #3080. The initial anatomic file used was a size K #10, which was introduced into the root canal until its tip was visualized (foraminal patency) with the aid of a clinical microscope (16X magnification). Teeth without foraminal patency and calcifications were excluded from the study. Odontometric readings were performed using two different EALs (Root ZX II and Romiapex A-15), considering the electronic reference point 0.0 (apex) for each device. All measurements were taken in triplicate, and the arithmetic mean of the three values was used. Digital calipers were used to record the measurements, which were then entered into an Excel spreadsheet. After visual verification using file K #10, the canals were instrumented with a #25.01 file to standardize the apical region, then successively instrumented with files #25.02, #25.04, #25.06, #25.08, #25.10, and #25.12, with electronic odontometry checked after each instrumentation using #25.02. Measurement 0.0 was adopted, with error margins of ±0.5 and ±1.0. Discrepancies between visual and electronic readings were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests, with significance considered when P<0.05. Using the 0.0 mark and a ±1.0 error margin, it was observed that readings from the devices were similar in canals with different tapers (P>0.05), showing a tendency towards underestimation. However, when using the measurement variation margin of ±0.50, a statistically significant difference was found in the Romiapex A-15 group (P=0.0248) when comparing the results of the two EALs. Therefore, it was concluded that the canal taper did not significantly influence the accuracy of the evaluated EALs, using the reference point 0.0. When using the ±0.5 variation margin, the Romiapex A-15 device showed greater accuracy, and finally, at the ±1.0 error margin, both EALs exhibited excellent precision. Key words:Endodontics, Odontometry, Eletronic Apex Locator, Root Canal Preparation.

Carpal tunnel syndrome prediction with machine learning algorithms using anthropometric and strength-based measurement.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) stands as the most prevalent upper extremity entrapment neuropathy, with a multifaceted etiology encompassing various risk factors. This study aimed to investigate whether anthropometric measurements of the hand, grip strength, and pinch strength could serve as predictive indicators for CTS through machine learning techniques. Enrollment encompassed patients exhibiting CTS symptoms (n = 56) and asymptomatic healthy controls (n = 56), with confirmation via electrophysiological assessments. Anthropometric measurements of the hand were obtained using a digital caliper, grip strength was gauged via a digital handgrip dynamometer, and pinch strengths were assessed using a pinchmeter. A comprehensive analysis was conducted employing four most common and effective machine learning algorithms, integrating thorough parameter tuning and cross-validation procedures. Additionally, the outcomes of variable importance were presented. Among the diverse algorithms, Random Forests (accuracy of 89.474%, F1-score of 0.905, and kappa value of 0.789) and XGBoost (accuracy of 86.842%, F1-score of 0.878, and kappa value of 0.736) emerged as the top-performing choices based on distinct classification metrics. In addition, using variable importance calculations specific to these models, the most important variables were found to be wrist circumference, hand width, hand grip strength, tip pinch, key pinch, and middle finger length. The findings of this study demonstrated that wrist circumference, hand width, hand grip strength, tip pinch, key pinch, and middle finger length can be utilized as reliable indicators of CTS. Also, the model developed herein, along with the identified crucial variables, could serve as an informative guide for healthcare professionals, enhancing precision and efficacy in CTS prediction.

Use of athletic tape in the speech-language-hearing treatment of post-stroke facial paralysis in the acute phase.

To verify the efficacy of using athletic tape associated with myofunctional therapy in the speech-language-hearing treatment of facial palsy after stroke in the acute phase. Randomized controlled clinical study with 88 patients with facial palsy in the acute phase of stroke. The sample was allocated in: Group 1: rehabilitation with orofacial myofunctional therapy and use of athletic tape on the paralyzed zygomaticus major and minor muscles; Group 2: rehabilitation alone with orofacial myofunctional therapy on the paralyzed face; Group 3: no speech-language-hearing intervention for facial paralysis. In the evaluation, facial expression movements were requested, and the degree of impairment was determined according to the House and Brackmann scale. Movement incompetence was obtained from measurements of the face with a digital caliper. After the evaluation, the intervention was carried out as determined for groups 1 and 2. The participants of the three groups were reassessed after 15 days. The statistical analysis used was the generalized equations. The groups were homogeneous in terms of age, measure of disability and functioning, severity of neurological impairment and pre-intervention facial paralysis. Group 1 had a significant improvement in the measure from the lateral canthus to the corner of the mouth, with better results than groups 2 and 3. The athletic tape associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy had better results in the treatment of facial paralysis after stroke in the place where it was applied.

Evaluation of the agreement of horizontal and vertical linear measurements obtained from digital models, printed models and direct measurements.

The use of arch models is essential in diagnosis and planning in orthodontics. The demand for digital and printed models has increased among professionals. The aim of the study was to assess the agreement of horizontal and vertical linear measurements obtained from digital models, printed models, and direct measurements. Intraoral scans of 30 individuals were obtained. Digital measurements were performed using the STL files. From printed models, the measurements were done using a digital caliper, and the real measurements were done directly to the mouth of respective patients. The one-sample t test showed no discrepancy between the paired sets of measurements, with the value of 0 (p>0.05). The evaluation of the measurements was done using Bland-Altman analysis in pairs. The three methods showed agreement in horizontal and vertical measurements. Linear regression analyses showed no proportional bias in the data (p>0.05). The horizontal and vertical measurements evaluated showed agreement when measured on digital models, printed models and directly in the individuals' mouths.

Improving mixed-reality neuronavigation with blue-green light: a comparative multimodal laboratory study.

This study aimed to rigorously assess the accuracy of mixed-reality neuronavigation (MRN) in comparison with magnetic neuronavigation (MN) through a comprehensive phantom-based experiment. It introduces a novel dimension by examining the influence of blue-green light (BGL) on MRN accuracy, a previously unexplored avenue in this domain. Twenty-nine phantoms, each meticulously marked with 5-6 fiducials, underwent CT scans as part of the navigation protocol. A 3D model was then superimposed onto a 3D-printed plaster skull using a semiautomatic registration process. The study meticulously evaluated the accuracy of both navigation techniques by pinpointing specific markers on the plaster surface. Precise measurements were then taken using digital calipers, with navigation conducted under three distinct lighting conditions: indirect white light (referred to as no light [NL]), direct white light (WL), and BGL. The research enlisted two operators with distinct levels of experience, one senior and one junior, to ensure a comprehensive analysis. The study was structured into two distinct experiments (experiment 1 [MN] and experiment 2 [MRN]) conducted by the two operators. Data analysis focused on calculating average and median values within subgroups, considering variables such as the type of lighting, precision, and recording time. In experiment 1, no statistically significant differences emerged between the two operators. However, in experiment 2, notable disparities became apparent, with the senior operator recording longer times but achieving higher precision. Most significantly, BGL consistently demonstrated a capacity to enhance accuracy in MRN across both experiments. This study demonstrated the substantial positive influence of BGL on MRN accuracy, providing profound implications for the design and implementation of mixed-reality systems. It also emphasized that integrating BGL into mixed-reality environments could profoundly improve user experience and performance. Further research is essential to validate these findings in real-world settings and explore the broader potential of BGL in a variety of mixed-reality applications.