Different Methods Of Measurement Research Articles

Comparison of magnification corrected optic disc size by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography

Abstract PURPOSE: Optic disc size measurement is essential for determining landmarks, lesions, and distances of the retina. Due to the size variability in nature and when measured with different instruments, newer methods to compare sizes between different instruments are needed. We aimed to determine the comparability of slit lamp, fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of optic disc size after correcting for both ocular and instrument magnification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, optic disc size was measured by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and OCT. Instrument and ocular magnification was calculated, and the measured size was corrected for both using the Littman formula. The corrected values were analyzed using Bland–Altman plots and intra-class correlation (ICC) for agreeability and correlation, respectively. Linear regression analysis was conducted to estimate the systematic errors and interconvertibility in cases of high correlation. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes were included for the analysis. Uncorrected and corrected values for each method had excellent correlation and agreeability (ICC absolute agreement >0.75, P < 0.01). Among magnification corrected values, slit lamp and OCT had excellent correlation and agreement (ICC consistency = 0.846, confidence interval 0.75–0.91, P < 0.01). This pair had R 2 = 0.73 on linear regression (P < 0.01). Linear regression formulas for interconverting uncorrected and corrected values for the three methods had variable accuracy (R 2 from 0.47 to 0.66). CONCLUSION: Uncorrected values of different methods for disc size measurement cannot be compared directly; they need ocular and instrument magnification correction. Among the three methods compared, the best interconvertible pairs of measurement were magnification corrected slit lamp and OCT values.

Effect of Ge4+-substituted on the structure characteristics and microwave/terahertz dielectric properties of ultra-low εr, high Q·f cordierite ceramics

In this study, Ge4+-substituted cordierite, Mg2Al4(Si1–xGex)5O18 ceramics, were successfully prepared by the traditional solid-state method to broaden its application potential. Notably, the excellent dielectric properties with εr = 4.90, Q·f = 128,200 GHz, and τf = −21.01 ppm °C–1 were achieved. The increase in εr value is mainly due to the heightened content of Ge4+ with high polarizability. The Q·f value improved by 2.21 times compared to the cordierite matrix, which can be primarily attributed to enhanced lattice energy, bond covalency, and hexagonal ring symmetry. The alteration in τf value arises from the variation of bond energy, bond strength, and distortion in the [MgO6] octahedra. These conclusions provide valuable insights for the design of silicate ceramics with higher Q·f values. In addition, the dielectric properties in the microwave and terahertz bands were compared. The higher Q·f and lower εr values in the terahertz band mainly result from the withdrawal of partial polarization mechanisms and differences in measurement methods. Mg2Al4(Si0.92Ge0.08)5O18 ceramics, demonstrating an ultra-low εr value of 4.54 and an ultra-high Q·f value of 286,533 GHz in the terahertz band, emerge as formidable contenders for future terahertz communications materials. Finally, a microstrip patch antenna was fabricated, achieving a bandwidth of 150 MHz at 4.78 GHz, which confirms the application in the n79 band for wireless communication.

Different Methods for Measurements and Estimation of Pulse Wave Velocity are not Interchangeable

BackgroundCarotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c–f PWV) is a gold standard for the arterial stiffness measurement and important biomarker for the assessment of the cardiovascular (CV) risk. Recent studies have focused on 24-h measurements of arterial stiffness and estimated PWV (ePWV). The aim of this study is to analyze agreement of office c–f PWV measurements (SphygmoCor) with 24-h oscillometric measurements (Mobil-O-Graph and Arteriograph), and with ePWV.ResultsThis study included 154 patients with primary hypertension (average age 38.75 ± 12.65). Arterial stiffness has been measured in the office with SphygmoCor and 24 h with two oscillometric methods (Mobil-O-Graph and Arteriograph). ePWV was calculated using validated equation. PWV values obtained in office (SphygmoCor) showed higher average values compared to both 24-h oscillometric measurements of PWV and ePWV. The mean values of 24-h PWV measured by Arteriograph were higher compared to values obtained with Mobil-O-Graph. The measurement of PWV over 24 h using the Arteriograph is the most accurate among the methods that were compared with the office PWV measurements (accuracy of 0.989). However, the most precise method was the Mobil-O-Graph (0.631), and the highest degree of agreement also was shown with the Mobil-O-Graph (concordance coefficient correlation (CCC) = 0.447). The smallest deviation (TDI) and the highest probability of overlapping (CP) were observed with ePWV (TDI = 45.524, CP = 0.322, respectively).ConclusionIn our group of young treated mild hypertensive patients with low CV risk, we found weak agreements between cfPWV and 24-h PWV. These methods are not interchangeable.

The Relationships of Dust and Total Masses of Luminous Infrared Galaxies with Their Far Infrared and Total Luminosities Using Two Methods of Distance Measurements

This research aims to determine the nature of the relationships among luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) by using different methods of distance measurement (distance modulus “dm” and luminosity distance “dl”). We used data from the following sources: NASA Extragalactic Database (NED) and the HYPERLEDA database, where this data was used to study the nature of the relationships and the extent to which they relate to each other. The program (statistica-win-program) was employed, which helped us know the strength of the association between the variables. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there was a strong correlation between dust mass (Mdust dm & Mdust dl) and luminous infrared (LFIRdm, LIRdm) & (LFIRdl, LIRdl), where the partial correlation coefficient was equal to (R⋍0.7) and the slope was linear. There was also a positive correlation between (LFIRdm, LFIRdl)& ( ) where the partial correlation coefficient was (R⋍0.4) with a linear slope. The relationship between (LIR)& ( ) was a positive relation in the modulus distance case (dm), where its correlation was equal to (R⋍0.4), but in another case (luminosity distance), the relation was very weak, and the correlation was (R⋍0.2). The relationship between total masses ( ) & (LFIRdm, dl­­) in both cases of distance (dm) & (dl) was good, and the partial correlation coefficient was equal to (R⋍0.4) with a linear slope. The relationship between (LIR) & ( ) in both cases of distance was also positive, and the partial correlation coefficient was equal to (R⋍0.3). There was an inverse relationship between the ratio fluxes (F100/F60) & ( ), as well as a very tight partial correlation coefficient, which was equal to (R⋍-0.9) with a slope of (-1).

Comparative digital study using four methods of measurements of the tibial distal anatomical axes for determining the anatomical-mechanical angle in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture.

This study evaluates the amplitude of the anatomical-mechanical angle (AMA-angle) using 4 measuring methods of the tibial distal anatomical axes (DAA) previously described, comparing the literature results to determine if there are significant differences in patients with cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture. This study was comprised of 30 tibiae (29 dogs), including 1 bilateral case. A retrospective study was selected for this research. DAA measurements were performed on all surgically confirmed cases of canine CrCL rupture at Hospital Veterinário de Especialidades Bruselas from 2019 to 2022. Four different published methods (identified by surname of the corresponding author of the original publication) were compared. Tibial measurements were made using Veterinary Preoperative Orthopedic Planning Pro software (https://vpop-pro.com/) on mediolateral radiographic projections obtained from a digital database. The mean (range) in the DAA method conducted by Hulse obtained a AMA-angle of 5.4° (3.3 to 8.1°), 3.0° (0 to 5.8°) for Osmond et al, 3.2° (0.9 to 6°) for Miles, and 5.9° (2.4 to 8.8°) for Tudury. Differences among the means of the AMA-angle of the authors methods were found with a statistical difference (P < .05), except between Osmond and Miles. The mean AMA-angle with the Osmond method concurred with previous study results that determined the magnitude using the same measurement method of DAA in patients with CrCL rupture. The AMA-angle magnitude has been associated with higher sensitivity and specificity for predicting the development of CrCL rupture compared to other anatomical factors evaluated; therefore, future comparisons with different methods of measurement of the DAA between healthy and affected patients are recommended to determine whether any of them can increase the percentage value as a predictive factor for the occurrence of this condition.

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement pitfalls: parathyroid hormone spikes with carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone fragments in primary hyperparathyroidism—a case report

BackgroundIntraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring is a critical surgical adjunct for determining the extent of surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), with reported false-positive and false-negative rates of up to 10%. Surgeons must understand the parathyroid hormone (PTH) dynamics and select the appropriate IOPTH protocol and interpretation criteria for curative surgery.Case presentationWe present the case of a 64-year-old woman with a large cystic parathyroid tumor and PHPT who experienced a significant delay in IOPTH decrease but was cured without additional surgery. The patient’s basal intact PTH was 96.2 pg/mL, which decreased to 93.3 pg/mL at 25 min and 72.4 pg/mL at 55 min after removal of the parathyroid tumor. In an attempt to elucidate its pathophysiology, 1–84 PTH levels were measured in stored serum. These results can also be attributed to the relatively low basal PTH levels, intact PTH spike, and high ratio of large carboxyl-terminal PTH fragments present. The patient had normal intact PTH and calcium levels at the 9-month postoperative visit.ConclusionsAs detailed reports on these phenomena are scarce, we discuss the causes of false-negative IOPTH results in terms of PTH production, secretion, metabolism, and differences in measurement methods to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Multi-source domain transfer learning with small sample learning for thermal runaway diagnosis of lithium-ion battery

Data-driven thermal runaway diagnosis based on small amounts of thermal runaway data often struggles to produce satisfactory accuracy. However, in actual application scenarios, obtaining real thermal runaway data has a high cost. To this end, we propose a diagnostic method for multi-source domain transfer learning with few-shot learning (MDTL-FSL), which combines the ideas of small sample learning and adversarial learning. Use multiple different but related thermal runaway case data to obtain common diagnostic knowledge to achieve thermal runaway diagnosis. First of all, in order to avoid negative migration of the algorithm model caused by large differences in data distribution between multi-source domains, a data distribution difference measurement method under segmented pressure differences is proposed. This measurement method is simple and effective from multi-source domains. Select the source domain with a small difference in data distribution from the target domain. Secondly, the adversarial learning idea is integrated into multi-source domain transfer learning to learn temporal invariant features. Then, due to the small number of samples in each source domain in the multi-source domain under the thermal runaway scenario, a source domain reorganization mechanism was designed to find the decision boundary based on meta-learning ideas to achieve small-sample learning in the multi-source domain. Finally, we used cells produced by different battery manufacturers to trigger thermal runaway. By comparison and verification with other data-driven algorithms, the results show that the MDTL-FSL model proposed in this article has higher accuracy. At the same time, we use batteries of different types and capacities to trigger thermal runaway under different working conditions. The MDTL-FSL algorithm can issue early warnings before thermal runaway occurs, thereby effectively ensuring the safe operation of the energy storage system.

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.

Possibilities of Measuring and Detecting Defects of Forged Parts in Die Hot-Forging Processes.

This paper presents research results in the field of industrial die forging, mostly related to the use of advanced measuring techniques and tools, numerical simulations, and other IT tools and methods for a geometrical analysis of the forged items as well as detection of forging flaws and their prevention, and optimization of the hot-forging processes. The results of the conducted investigations were divided into three main areas. The first area refers to the application of, e.g., optical scanners and programs related to their operation, data analysis, including the construction of virtual gauges, measurements of selected geometrical features of both the manufactured forgings and their physical and virtual models, as well as an analysis of the durability of the forging tools based on the proprietary reverse scanning method. The second area presents the results of measurements and analyses performed with the use of finite element modeling and by means of some special functions in the calculation packages, such as contact, flow lines, trap, or fold, for the detection of forging defects and an analysis of the force parameters. In turn, the third area presents a combination of different methods of measurement and analysis, both FEM and scanning, as well as other IT methods (physical modeling, image analysis, etc.) for the analysis of the geometry and defects of the forgings. The presented results point to the great potential of these types of tools and techniques in forging industry applications as they significantly shorten the time and increase the accuracy of the measurement, as well as providing a lot of valuable information, physical variables, and technological parameters that are difficult or impossible to determine either analytically or through experimental means. The use and development of these techniques and methods are fully justified, both in the aspect of science and the increased effectiveness and efficiency of production.

PET/CT Reconstruction and Its Impact on [Measures of] Metabolic Tumor Volume

In oncological imaging, the use of metabolic tumor volume (MTV) for further prognostic differentiation and the development of risk adapted strategies appears promising. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate ultra-high definition (UHD) and ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) PET/CT reconstructions for their potential impact on different methods of MTV measurement. We analyzed positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) scans of 40 Hodgkin lymphoma patients before first-line treatment who had undergone fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT. The MTVs were determined taking an SUV of 4.0 (MTV4.0) as a fixed threshold or 41% of the single hottest voxel (MTV41%) as an adaptive threshold for automated lymphoma delineation in both UHD and OSEM reconstructions. We then compared the absolute and relative differences between MTV4.0 and MTV41% in UHD and OSEM reconstructions. The relative distribution of MTV4.0 and MTV41% in relation to the reconstruction method applied was recorded and respective differences were tested for statistical significance using the paired sample t-test. A comparison of MTV4.0 and MTV41% showed smaller relative and absolute differences in MTV between different reconstruction settings for the MTV4.0 method. Conversely, the absolute as well as the relative differences between MTVs obtained from different reconstructions settings were significantly greater when the MTV41% method was applied (p<0001). MTV4.0 brings higher robustness between different reconstruction settings, while with MTV41% the deviation between volumes obtained with different reconstruction settings is greater. For clinical routine and for multicenter settings, the MTV4.0 therefore appears most promising.

Comparison of computer-aided and manual measurements in the evaluation of carpal alignment.

The purpose of this study was to compare computer-aided analysis and different methods of manual measurements in the evaluation of carpal alignment. The radioscaphoid, radiolunate, radiocapitate and radiometacarpal angles were measured on cone-beam computed tomography (CT) scans of 30 healthy wrists by automated software (Disior Ltd.) and by hand surgeons using lateral radiographs reconstructed from the CT data. Hand surgeons were either given (n = 6) or not given (n = 7) prior instructions on how to perform the measurements. Inter- and intra-observer reliability of manual measurements ranged from good to excellent (intra-class correlation coefficients [ICC] 0.77-0.99), being highest in specialists with standardized methods and in reconstructed radiographs with bone overlap digitally removed. Computer-aided software provided excellent intra-observer reliability (ICC 0.94-1.00) consistently and values that were highly comparable (mean difference range 1°-7°) with the manual measurements made in optimal settings. Computer-aided software provides an accurate and repeatable method to measure carpal alignment in CT scans, minimizing observational errors.

Different methods for hepatic flow measurements: a narrative review

Hepatic blood flow measurement constitutes an essential tool for successful hepatic surgery, especially in situations where graft patency needs to be controlled, such as for instance during and after liver transplantation. In addition, because of its complex intrinsic regulation, the hepatic circulation may be seriously affected in the perioperative setting not only because of systemic hemodynamic alterations but also secondary to the administration of various drugs including anesthetic agents. Unravelling and understanding such effects implies studies involving measurement of hepatic blood flow. Therefore, knowledge and understanding of various tools for estimation of hepatic blood flow is important for correct interpretation of findings from experimental and clinical studies before potential implementation in daily clinical practice. This review summarizes the different techniques, their strengths and limitations, and potential applications in clinical practice and research.

Instrumented microindentation – a versatile technique in the field of wood science and technology

Hardness is an important mechanical property of wood or other wood-based materials and it is also very important in the case of wood coatings. Different indentation methods for measurements of hardness and other mechanical properties have been utilised already for a long time. In the last 50 years the instrumented indentation was developed. Here, an indenter tests the surface of a specimen with a controlled load and movement, in order to assess its mechanical properties. Three ranges of instrumented indentation tests are distinguished. In the macro range, the force is higher than 2 N, in the micro range it is below 2 N and the depth of indentation must exceed 0.2 μm. When the indentation depth is lower than 0.2 μm, the indentation technique is called nanoindentation. There can be found thousands of scientific papers about applications of instrumented nanoindentation in research of a large variety of materials. Instrumented microindentation remained somehow in the shadow of nanoindentation, but yet, it is a highly versatile technique with potentials to study various (micro)mechanical properties. In this review, examples of possible applications of instrumented microindentation are presented, with a focus on investigations of wood, wood-based composites, surface coated wood and polymeric films. In the second part of this paper, as an illustration, investigations of a self-healing wood paint are shown. The cyclic method and a single-load indentation confirmed the different mechanical properties and good scratch resistance of the self-healing paint.

Peripheral pulse harmonic analysis and its clinical application: A systematic review

IntroductionPulse harmonic analysis is a quantitative and objective methodology within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to evaluate pulse characteristics. However, interpreting pulse wave data is challenging due to its inherent complexity. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and comparison of existing human pulse wave harmonic analysis methods to elucidate their patterns and characteristics. MethodsA systematic review of clinical research reports published from 1990 to 2021 was conducted, focusing on variations in harmonic characteristics across different medical conditions and physiological states. Keyword searches included terms related to analysis methods (e.g., "Pulse Spectrum," "harmonic analysis," "harmonic index") and measured indicators (e.g., "vascular response," "PPG," "Photoplethysmography," "aortic," "arterial," "blood pressure"). Supplementary research using PubMed's Mesh terms specifically targeted "Pulse wave analysis" within the methods and statistical analysis domain. Articles were filtered based on predefined criteria, including human participants and research related to pulse pressure or vascular volume changes. Conference papers, animal studies, and irrelevant research were excluded, with literature evaluation scales selected based on the retrieved research reports. ResultsInitially, 6487 research reports were identified, and after screening, 50 reports were included in the review. The analysis revealed that low-frequency harmonics increase following vigorous activity or sympathetic excitation but decrease during rest or parasympathetic excitation. Cardiovascular patients exhibited elevated first harmonics associated with the liver meridian, while diabetes patients displayed weakened third harmonics related to the spleen meridian. Liver dysfunction was linked to changes in the first harmonic, and cancer patients showed signs of liver and kidney yin deficiency in the first and second harmonics. These findings underscore the potential of harmonic analysis for TCM disease diagnosis and organ assessment. Moreover, individuals with conditions such as liver dysfunction, cancer, and gynecological disorders displayed distinct intensity patterns across harmonics one through ten compared to healthy controls, albeit with some variations. Heterogeneity in these studies mainly stemmed from differences in measurement methods and study populations. Additionally, research suggested that factors like blood circulation and cognitive activity influenced harmonic intensity. ConclusionsIn summary, this report consolidates prior research on pulse wave harmonics analysis, revealing unique patterns associated with various physiological conditions. Despite limitations, such as limited sample sizes in previous studies, the observed associations between physiological states and harmonics hold promise for potential clinical applications. This study lays a solid foundation for future applications of arterial wave harmonics analysis, promoting wider adoption of this analytical approach.

Does endometrial compaction before embryo transfer affect pregnancy outcomes? a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is no clear evidence of clinical significance of endometrial compaction, which can be measured by a reduction in endometrial thickness (EMT) during the follicular-luteal transition before the day of embryo transfer. In this study, we aim to determine whether endometrial compaction has an effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success. We searched PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases for studies published in English up to March 2023. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. The random effects model and fixed effects model was used to pool the risk ratio (RR) with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A subgroup analysis was performed based on different methods of ultrasonic measurement and different endometrial compaction rates (ECR). Stata 17.0 software was used for meta-analysis. Pregnancy outcomes, which included clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and spontaneous abortion rate, were evaluated. In this study, 18 cohort studies were included, involving 16,164 embryo transfer cycles. Pooled results indicated that there was no significant difference between the endometrial compaction group and the non-compaction group in terms of clinical pregnancy rate (RR [95% CI]=0.98 [0.90,1.08]; I2=69.76%), ongoing pregnancy rate (RR [95% CI]=1.18 [0.95,1.47]; I2=78.77%), live birth rate (RR [95% CI]= 0.97 [0.92,1.02]; I2=0.00%) or spontaneous abortion rate (RR [95% CI]= 1.07[0.97,1.26]; I2=0.00%). According to the subgroup analysis of ultrasonic measurement methods, in the transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) combined with abdominal ultrasonography (AUS) cycles of the endometrial compaction group, the rate of ongoing pregnancy (RR [95% CI] = 1.69 [1.26, 2.26]; I2=29.27%) and live birth (RR [95% CI] = 1.27 [1.00,1.61]; I2=62.28%) was significantly higher than that of the non-compaction group. Additionally, subgroup analysis based on ECR revealed a significantly higher rate of ongoing pregnancy when ECR ≥ 15% (RR [95% CI] = 1.99 [1.61, 2.47]; I2=0.00%). Endometrial compaction has no adverse effect on clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, live birth rate, or spontaneous abortion rate. A possible explanation for the contradictory findings of previous studies lies in the method by which the EMT is measured. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023430511, identifier CRD42023430511.

Female Abdominal Landmarks and Their Improvements Using Polydioxanone Thread Placement for Umbilicus Elevation.

Different landmarks on the abdomen have been used to evaluate abdominal aesthetics. However, because researchers use different methods for landmark measurements, there is no consensus as to which landmarks to use for either assessing abdominal aesthetics or guiding surgical planning. Female model photographs were analyzed for abdominal aesthetics with the umbilicus as the key dividing point. Because of the limitation on the number of landmarks that could be shown with model photographs, abdominal landmarks on actual female patients were studied. The variations of landmark metrics due to positional changes and before/after our polydioxanone (PDO)-assisted high-definition liposuctions were recorded. For model photographs, the abdominal apex to mid-umbilicus distance (AU) versus midumbilicus to lower abdominal skin crease (UC) ratio was 1.626. Almost all bony landmarks demonstrated significant caudal shift when switched from standing to supine positions. Meanwhile, other landmarks also underwent substantial changes. This provides evidence that metrics taken in different positions cannot be compared with one another. As expected, after umbilici were elevated with our special technique, the relevant metrics improved postoperatively, with results close to being ideal. However, marked deviations from the mean measured values do exist. Abdominal landmarks change with positional adjustment. In standing position, many landmarks can be used for assessment of abdominal aesthetics. Ideally, efforts should be made such that the final AU/UC is close to 1.618, and XU/UP and UIC close to ideal, for satisfactory surgical results. Nevertheless, in actual practice, umbilicus positions can be varied to accomplish desired goals.

Applied Research Note: Comparison of different methods for beak measurements in laying hens

Applied Research Note: Comparison of different methods for beak measurements in laying hens

Sex differences in linear bone measurements occur following puberty but do not influence femoral or tibial torsion

Torsional, angular, and linear measurements in a paediatric population are clinically important but not well defined and understood. Different methods of measurement and discrepancies between assessors leads to a lack of understanding of what should be defined as typical or atypical for the growing skeleton. From a large dataset of 333 paediatric CT scans, we extracted three-dimensional torsional, angular, and linear measurements from the pelvis, femur, and tibia/fibula. Sex differences in linear measurements were observed in bones of children aged 13+ (around puberty), but femoral and tibial torsion were similar between males and females. The rotational profile (femoral anteversion minus tibial torsion) tended to increase with growth. Epicondylar, condylar, and malleolar widths were smaller in females than males for the same bone length after the age of 13 years, which could explain why females may be more at risk for sport injuries during adolescence. This rich dataset can be used as an atlas for researchers and clinicians to understand typical development of critical rotational profiles and linear bone measurements in children.

Accuracy of a Smartphone Software Application Compared With a Handheld Goniometer for Measuring Shoulder Range of Motion in Asymptomatic Adults.

Typically, shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements are performed in a clinic setting, where physicians, physical therapists (PTs), and occupational therapists make use of a goniometer. To determine the accuracy of a smartphone-based ROM software application (app) in assessing active shoulder ROM and compare the measurements with traditional goniometry as measured by a PT. Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. This prospective, nonblinded study was conducted at a single institution with adult asymptomatic participants with full active ROM of both shoulders. Participants were enrolled between June 1 and 15, 2021. Each participant self-assessed their active shoulder ROM using the PeerWell smartphone app. A single PT concurrently measured each participant's active shoulder ROM using a handheld universal goniometer. Bilateral shoulder ROM (forward flexion, abduction [AB], external rotation, internal rotation [IR], and extension) was measured 2 times for each participant. Interrater reliability between the smartphone app and PT measurements as well as intrarater reliability for each method of measurement were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and limits of agreement were analyzed for the difference in measurement methods. Data were analyzed for 60 shoulders (30 right, 30 left) from 30 participants (mean age, 31.4 ± 11.7 years; 73% female). The interrater reliability between the 2 methods was excellent for all movements (ICCs, 0.90-0.96). For all movements except shoulder AB, the mean difference in the measurements between the 2 methods was <1.3°; the mean difference in AB ROM was 2.08°. For all movements except IR, both PTs and the app showed excellent intrarater reliability (ICCs >0.90); for IR, good intrarater reliability (ICC ≥0.75) was observed. The PeerWell smartphone app provided measurements comparable with manual measurements taken by a PT using a goniometer. These data provide evidence that the smartphone app is a reliable and valid tool for measuring shoulder ROM and show promise for measuring and monitoring patient ROM remotely.

Is Apical Root Resorption Greater When Using Clear Aligners as Compared to Conventional Fixed Appliances in Adult Patients Following Orthodontic Treatment? A literature Review

Background: Apical root resorption has been identified as a potential risk/adverse effect of conventional orthodontic treatment, however, with changing dental demand and increasing patient preference for clear aligners therapy, the availability of evidence-based information on its incidence/severity following treatment with either clear aligners or fixed appliance is of relevance to clinical practice in providing guidance on orthodontic treatment risk to patients and therefore contributing to the process of obtaining valid informed consent. Objectives: The aim of this study is to undertake a literature review to establish whether apical root resorption following orthodontic treatment is greater in adult patients treated with clear aligners as compared to conventional fixed appliances, to analyse and appraise the data, to make appropriate recommendations relevant to orthodontic practice and is widely referenced by orthodontists. Search Methods: A systematic literature search of three databases (Medline, Embase, Web of science), Google scholar and a hand search of relevant journals was done. Selection Criteria: Primary research studies high in the hierarchy of evidence that investigated/compared apical root resorption following extraction/non-extraction based orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance or clear aligners in adult patients equal to or greater than 18 years between January 2010 and December 2021 were selected for this systematic review. Data Collection and Analysis: Studies were accessed, duplicates eliminated, data extracted with the use of a customized data extraction form, and quality assessed using a critical appraisals skills programme tool. Results: A total of 67 studies were identified, and after the elimination of duplicates and quality assessment, six studies were selected for review. The Cochrane Rob 2 bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias of the selected studies. Apical root resorption prevalence/severity was measured using two different radiographic methods: 3-Dimesional (CBCT-scan) and 2-Dimensional (panoramic/periapical radiographs). Conclusions: The majority of the studies showed that the severity/prevalence of apical root resorption is less in clear aligners compared to fixed appliance treated patients, however, they are characterized by different baseline malocclusion/treatment duration/modalities, study design flaw, inconsistency in outcome measurement/calculation. Due to these limitations, it is difficult to arrive at a conclusion and make recommendations applicable to everyday clinical practice. The clinician should take into consideration factors that increase the risk of apical root resorption such as genetic predisposition, treatment duration, force application (types and location), types of tooth movement, initial malocclusion and extraction/ non-extraction-based treatment in deciding on the orthodontic treatment option and gaining patient consent.Limitations: The current evidence has a number of limitations including the lack of robust prospective studies on apical root resorption, different methods of outcome measurement and calculation, different baseline malocclusions, the evaluation of apical root resorption in only one treatment modality and short treatment duration which may influence the validity of the study conclusions. A meta-analysis could not be performed due to the heterogeneous outcome recording methods. Further research is recommended