Electronic Digital Caliper Research Articles

Gross anatomical measurements and microscopic quantification of epidermal laminar density of the porcine hoof capsule

Objective: To compare measurements of the medial and lateral hooves of the forelimbs and rear limbs and to quantify epidermal laminae density in the hoof capsules of sows. Materials and methods: Hoof measurements were obtained from 40 thoracic and 40 pelvic limbs of clinically sound sows. Holes were drilled into each digit to determine the depth of the dorsal wall, abaxial wall, and sole. Dorsal wall length, abaxial wall height, sole width, sole + wall length, and ground surface of each hoof were measured. All measurements of depth and length were made using an electronic digital caliper. Epidermal laminar density was analyzed in 69 thoracic and 74 pelvic limbs. The laminar junction was divided into zones consisting of 25 laminae each. Zone width was measured using an electronic digital caliper. Results: Lateral digits from rear limbs were longer than medial digits on the dorsal and volar surfaces. Both digits on the forelimbs had wider soles than those of the rear limbs. Abaxial wall depth was significantly less than dorsal wall depth. The laminar zones at the axial and abaxial extremities of the wall were significantly less dense than the zones at the dorsal aspect of the toe. Implications: Differences in hoof wall measurements in swine have previously been under reported in scientific literature. The results of this study indicate that the thinnest portions of the hoof wall may be related to the most common sites of lesions as reported in prior studies.

Describing the infraspinatus bare area of the proximal humerus: An anatomic cadaveric study

Background : The purpose of this study was to define the proximal humerus infraspinatus bare area in a human cadaveric model. Methods : Ten fresh-frozen shoulder specimens were used. A deltopectoral approach was utilized for exposure. Following access to the glenohumeral joint, the bare area width was measured at the upper, middle, and lower limits using an electronic digital caliper. Results : Mean upper, middle, and lower limit widths of the infraspinatus bare area were 5.48 mm, 8.68 mm, and 10.78 mm, respectively. Discussion The infraspinatus bare area broadened as one evaluated the humeral head in a superior to inferior fashion.

Radiographic Imaging and Osteometric Analysis Os Penis in Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The aim of this study was to determine the macroscopic features of the os penis of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), as well as radiographic images and morphometric measurements using a digital electronic caliper. In this study, 4 adult male red fox os penises, which were previously brought dead from nature by students and whose skeletons were exhibited in our anatomy museum, were used. Macroscopic and morphometric measurements were taken and anatomical structures were analysed by radiographic imaging. Os penis is thicker at the proximal end and tapers towards the distal end, terminating in a cartilaginous tip. There are three margins, one dorsal and two ventrolateral to the sulcus urethiralis. The dorsal edge forms a crista on the median of the bone, extending from proximal to distal. The crista becomes shallow at the distal 1/3 of the bone and disappears completely at the cartilaginous end. Sulcus urethralis is found on the ventral side Os penis of the Red Fox measured as, length of the os penis 56.70mm, Distal diameter 2.96mm, Proximal diameter 3.85mm, length of the sulcus urethralis 35.13mm, width of sulcus urethralis 2.95mm, length of the fibrous cartilaginous tissue 5.70, width of the fibrous cartilaginous tissue 1.77mm. As a result, it has been observed that the os penis of the red fox, which is a part of wildlife, is similar to the other members of the team, the dogs, and radiographic images have been combined with new techniques and a literary contribution has been made. Wild animal anatomy has been supported by more detailed examination of these species. It is thought that the data obtained in the study can be used in future morphometric, zoo-archaeological and taxonomic studies.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF SAMPLES MANUFACTURED FROM CRUSHED POLYMER WASTE ON A 3D PRINTER WITH A SCREW EXTRUDER

The article conducts an experimental study of samples made from crushed polymer waste on a 3D printer with a screw extruder. General information about the experimental study is given. An analysis of literary sources on the study of mechanical properties of products manufactured by FDM technology on 3D printers was carried out. Two 3D printers were chosen for the production of experimental prototypes, one of which prints with filament, the other with granules or crushed polymer waste. The equipment for determining the accuracy of printed samples has been selected. The measuring part of the tearing machine for taking tensile diagrams of polymer samples has been improved. A strain gauge for force measurement and an optical encoder for displacement measurement are installed in it. A digital electronic system for data collection from sensors based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller was developed. Software for experimental data processing was created. The general view of the experimental setup is given. It is proposed to use uniaxial tension to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the test samples printed on a 3D printer. Current international standards for tensile testing of plastics are described. To determine the mechanical tensile characteristics, samples in the shape of a blade were made from polymer materials ABS and TPU. The parameters for printing test samples made from these materials are set. With the use of the developed installation, the failure diagrams of samples (blades) made of crushed polymer waste and filament of ABS and TPU plastics with different amounts of internal filling were obtained. In the form of tables, the values of the mechanical characteristics of the samples produced by the 3D printing method from ABS and TPU polymers with different internal filling obtained during the uniaxial tensile test are presented. A photo of the places of breakage of ABS plastic blades, taken using a digital camera, is given. An analysis of the structure of the samples was carried out on them. Experimental test samples were made using two 3D printers to determine the accuracy of 3D printing. Measurements were made in different planes of the test cube using a digital electronic caliper. The obtained results were compared with the created model. Ways to improve print accuracy are described.

Application of Moyer's mixed dentition analysis and establishing probability tables in a sample of Pakistani population.

To assess the congruity of Moyers' dental analysis in Pakistani individuals and to make tables foreseeing the size of non-erupted permanent premolars and canines in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Orthodontics Department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID) Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 and included mixed dentition subjects' casts. Mesiodistal widths (MDW) of the permanent dentition were estimated and contrasted with the anticipated values that emerged from the Moyer's mixed dentition examination. Students t-test, simple linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficient examination were utilized for statistical correlation. All data was gathered utilizing an electronic digital caliper and further investigated through IBM SPSS Statistics 24. Dental casts of the 258 subjects, 106 (41%) males and 152 (58.9%) females with the ages ranging 15.825±2.95 years were analyzed. Tooth size contrasts were significant (p <0.05) which was noticed in comparison to Moyer's predictive table. This demonstrates a bigger tooth size in young men than in young ladies. New probability tables were created through linear regression equations for our population. Moyer's prediction cannot be applied to the Pakistani population. Mandibular incisors in addition to maxillary first molars are superior in prediction for the size assessment of canines and premolars (cp) that are unerupted in males and upper arch only in females. Another noteworthy conclusion is that in our study sample, in lower arch of females, the width of mandibular molars with mandibular incisors predicts better.

CT Imaging, Macroanatomical and Morphometric Analysis of Os penis in Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

The aim of this study is to reveal the macroscopic features of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) os penis (baculum), as well as its morphometric measurements with the help of computerized tomography and digital electronic caliper. The study material was obtained from an adult male brown bear weighing approximately 400 kg, which was brought to the Wildlife Protection and Rehabilitation Unit of Kafkas University and died as a result of a traffic accident in the Sarıkamış district of Kars. After the skin and soft tissues around the baculum were removed, they were kept in hydrogen peroxide for 2-3 hours. In the macroscopic examination, it was determined that the baculum was straight, close to the pen, except for a slight curve in the distal part, and ended with a small tubercle at the distal end. A small notch was found in the proximal part. In addition to the prominent sulcus urethralis in the ventral of the baculum, a short groove was also detected in its lateral. In addition to the prominent sulcus urethralis in the ventral of the baculum, a short groove was also detected in its lateral. A cartilage tissue of 11.08 mm in length and 4.67 mm in thickness was determined in the distal of the bone. In the morphometric measurements made with a digital electronic caliper, the length of the baculum was 148.95 mm, while the diameters were measured as 4.58 mm in the distal and 13.72 mm in the proximal, respectively. In computed tomography, baculum length was 148.84 mm, distal diameter length was 5.63 mm, and proximal diameter length was 13.12 mm. In addition, computed tomography measured the length of the cortex as 0.76 mm, the length of the medulla as 5.74 mm in the distal, and the cortex length of 0.77 mm and the medulla length of 5.32 mm in the proximal region. As a result, in this study, the macroanatomical and morphometric features of the brown bear baculum, which live in high altitude and cold climate conditions, were revealed.

The Superficial Peroneal Nerve Is at Risk during the "All Inside" Arthroscopic Broström Procedure: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: The arthroscopic Broström procedure is a promising treatment for chronic ankle instability. However, little is known regarding the location of the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum; knowledge about this location is important for procedural safety. The purpose of this cadaveric study was to clarify the anatomical relationship between the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve and the sural nerve at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Methods: Eleven dissections of cadaveric lower extremities were performed. The origin of the experimental three-dimensional axis was defined as the location of the anterolateral portal during ankle arthroscopy. The distances from the standard anterolateral portal to the inferior extensor retinaculum, sural nerve, and intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were measured using an electronic digital caliper. The location of inferior extensor retinaculum, the tract of sural nerve, and intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were checked using average and standard deviations. For the statistical analyses, data are presented as average ± standard deviation, and then they are reported as means and standard deviations. Fisher's exact test was used to identify statistically significant differences. Results: At the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum, the mean distances from the anterolateral portal to the proximal and distal intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were 15.9 ± 4.1 (range, 11.3-23.0) mm and 30.1 ± 5.5 (range, 20.8-37.9) mm, respectively. The mean distances from the anterolateral portal to the proximal and distal sural nerve were 47.6 ± 5.7 (range, 37.4-57.2) mm and 47.2 ± 4.1 (range, 41.0-51.8) mm), respectively. Conclusions: During the arthroscopic Broström procedure, the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve may be damaged by the anterolateral portal; the proximal and distal parts of the intermediate superficial peroneal nerve were located within 15.9 and 30.1 mm, respectively, at the level of the inferior extensor retinaculum in cadavers. These areas should be considered danger zones during the arthroscopic Broström procedure.

Effect of nanogold particles addition on dimensional stability of complete denture base material: an in - vitro study

BackgroundThe most widely used substance in the fabrication of dental prosthesis is poly (methyl methacrylate), or PMMA, and the development of biofilm is frequently associated with its use. To enhance the mechanical properties of heat-polymerized PMMA, this study prepared PMMA/gold nanoparticles (AuNps). The occlusal vertical dimension and tooth movement were examined in the current study. The occlusal vertical dimension was assessed using an electronic digital calliper measuring device, and tooth movement was measured using a CAD Star digital scanner.ResultsTooth movement and occlusal vertical dimension of a PMMA/gold nanoparticles (AuNps) were decreased for all groups containing AuNps. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the SPSS 16 software package.ConclusionsIncorporation of AuNps into heat- polymerized PMMA resin led to increase dimensional stability of complete denture base material.

Neurovascular Structures at Risk During Surgical Access to Trigeminal Ganglion and Meckel's Cave - An Anatomical Study.

It is difficult to approach the Trigeminal Ganglion (TG) and Meckel's cave (MC) during surgeries. Therefore, the exact knowledge of the relationship of surgical landmarks to related anatomical structures is vital to reduce the associated postoperative morbidity. The aim of the present study was to enhance the knowledge of the surgical anatomy of structures that are present in the conduit of all surgical approaches to TG and MC, their distances from surrounding neurovascular structures, and their variations. The study was carried out on 40 embalmed cadavers (Eight Female) of the anatomy department of a teaching hospital in Central India. Meticulous dissection of cranial fossae was done to locate TG, MC, and related anatomical structures. All distances from TG and MC were measured using an electronic digital calliper. Length, width, and thickness of TG were 15.39 mm, 4.39 mm, and 2.54 mm, respectively. The distance from zygomatic arch, the lateral end of the petrous ridge, arcuate eminence, foramen ovale, and foramen spinosum to MC was 26.10 mm and 37.94 mm, 16.46 mm, 4.54 mm, and 11.23 mm, respectively. The sixth, fourth, and third cranial nerves were 6.26 mm, 4.94 mm, and 2.53 mm from MC, respectively. The MC was 42.72 mm and 33.87 mm anteromedial from posterior and anterior limits of the sigmoid sinus. Findings of the present study will aid surgical planning and decide the approach to TG and MC and avoid surgical complications.

Anatomical and functional study of the musculus psoas major and nervus femoralis in correlation with pelvic diameters

Background/Aim. The iliopsoas muscle [musculus (m.) iliopsoas] originates from the Greek word ps?a, which means loin and represents the only muscle in the body with anatomical preconditions to simultaneously and directly contribute to the stability and movement of the trunk, pelvis, and legs. M. iliopsoas belongs to the inner thigh muscle group and forms part of the posterior abdominal wall. This muscle is the major flexor of the hip joint, and it is functionally essential for proper posture, walking, running, and other physical activities. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the anatomical parameters of the pelvis and nervus (n.) femoralis, as well as the relationship between the same pelvic parameters and m. psoas major. Methods. The study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, on cadaveric material of the Institute of Anatomy ?Niko Miljanic?. For measurement purposes, 14 cadavers were used, seven of which were male and seven female, aged 67?79 years. The measuring instruments used in this study were a ruler and an electronic digital caliper (measuring range 0?500 mm, resolution 0.01 mm). Statistical data processing was performed in the SPSS 11.0 program using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results. The results of this study indicate a significant statistical difference in pelvic width between male and female cadavers, which was observed in the reduction of the bituberal line in females, while the parameters of the bispinal line showed no significant difference between the two genders. The decrease of the bituberal line in females was followed by an increase in the width of the proximal origin with a statistically significant decrease in the length of the proximal origin of the m. psoas major. Furthermore, the vertical distance of n. femoralis from the exit point of the muscle to the bispinal line was significantly reduced in the male cadavers. Conclusion. Based on our results, we can assume that, in most cases, due to the smaller bituberal and bispinal line or narrower pelvis, a shorter proximal attachment of the m. psoas major will occur with greater width (L2?L5 level) in the female than in the male gender, resulting in a longer vertical distance of n. femoralis. Such results indicate a close correlation between the anatomical parameters of the m. psoas major, which may affect the distance of n. femoralis exit from the muscle.

The Morphometric Analysis of Adult Dry Patellae: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body, which develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. It is a flat, distally tapered, and proximally curved bone. The morphometric study of the patella is important for orthopaedic surgeries. Aim: To conduct a morphometric analysis of the adult dry patella. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 50 dry human patellae from both the right and left sides of unknown gender. These specimens were obtained from the “Bone Library” of the Department of Anatomy, TN Medical College, and Nair Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, during the period from December 2022 to February 2023. Patellar length, width, thickness, as well as the width of the articular facet, were measured using an electronic digital vernier caliper. Mean, standard deviations, and p-value were calculated using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Patellar parameters between the right and left sides were compared, and an unpaired student's t-test was applied. Results: The mean height, width, and thickness of the right patellae were 42.08±3.44 mm, 45.20±4.35 mm, and 18.85±2.16 mm, respectively, while those of the left patellae were 42.68±3.52 mm, 45.00±2.57 mm, and 19.56±1.62 mm, respectively. The mean width of the medial and lateral articular facets of the right patellae were 18.65±2.65 mm and 23.20±2.20 mm, respectively, while those of the left patellae were 19.10±2.25 mm and 22.61±1.69 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The present study evaluates different dimensions such as length, width, thickness, and the articular facet of the patella. These findings will be helpful in designing knee implants and during reconstructive surgeries related to the knee.

Statistical analysis and multi-criteria optimization of fused deposition additive manufacturing process for acrylic butadiene styrene parts

The current market trend and customer requirement are to find excellent quality products within shortest manufacturing time. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the processing conditions that affect the product’s quality before the actual manufacturing of the product. This study aims to experimental analysis and multi-criteria optimization of fused deposition additive manufacturing (FDAM) process for differently shaped acrylic butadiene styrene material parts. Five process variables such as raster angle, infill density, layer thickness, nozzle temperature and print head speed are considered which vary at three levels. A total of 33 experiments have been designed based on central composite design method. The surface roughness, manufacturing time and improved dimensional accuracy are considered as the response parameters in this study. Mitutoyo SJ-410 roughness tester, stopwatch and electronic digital Vernier caliper gauge are used to record the surface roughness, manufacturing time and dimensional variation, respectively. The multi-criteria optimization was performed through the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and Grey relational analysis (GRA) techniques. Concerning TOPSIS, the improvement in responses are obtained as, surface quality of concave (Racc) 8.85%, convex (Racv) 18.43%, manufacturing time (MT) 11.11%, dimensional improvement in length (δl) 1.60%, width (δw) 0.47% and height (δh) 0.46%. Similarly, the improvement found in same responses through GRA approach are Racc 7.85%, Racv 10.34%, MT 7.69%, δl 10.05%, δw 6.50% and δh 28.20%, respectively. The experimental results show that, the optimized parameters provide up to 18.43% improvement in surface quality, 11.11% saving in manufacturing time with a significant reduction in dimensional variation. The findings of this study will help the designers of functional parts to improve the quality of designed product.

The Effect of Citicoline on the Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and Ki-67, and on the Thickness of Scleral Tissue of Rat Myopia Model.

Citicoline, presumed to be involved in the dopaminergic pathway, might play a role as a candidate agent in controlling myopia. However, its study with respect to myopia is limited. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of citicoline on the expression of MMP-2, TGF-β1, and Ki-67, and on the thickness of scleral tissue of a rat myopia model. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of MMP-2, TGF-β1, and Ki-67 as the markers for fibroblast proliferation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate scleral thickness. An electronic digital caliper was used to evaluate the axial length. The treatment group administered with 200 mg/kg BW/day had the lowest mean MMP-2 expression, axial elongation, and fibroblast proliferation, but it had the highest mean scleral thickness. The treatment group administered with 300 mg/kg BW/day had the highest mean TGF-β1 expression. Citicoline is able to decrease MMP-2 expression and fibroblast proliferation and increase TGF-β1 expression and scleral tissue thickness significantly in the scleral tissue of rat models for myopia.

The Importance of the Maxillary and Mandibular Incisors in Predicting the Canines and Premolars Crown Widths.

Background The purpose of the present study was to use the combined mesiodistal crown widths of the mandibular and maxillary incisors as predictors for the combined mesiodistal crown widths of mandibular and maxillary canines and premolars. Materials and Methods One hundred and twenty pairs of study models belong to 120 Iraqi adult subjects with normal dental and skeletal relations were included in the study. The crown widths of the mandibular and maxillary incisors, canines, and premolars were assessed at the maximum mesiodistal dimension on the dental casts using a digital electronic caliper with 0.01 mm sensitivity. The correlation between combined mesiodistal crown widths of the mandibular and the maxillary incisors and combined mesiodistal crown widths of mandibular and maxillary premolars and canines has been determined using Pearson's coefficient correlation test for each arch and gender. Using simple regression analysis, the equations predicting the widths of the mandibular and maxillary premolars and canines were established. The predicted and the actual mesiodistal crown width values have been compared with the use of a paired sample t-test. Results According to the findings of the present study, males had significantly wider teeth compared to females. Correlations between the measured parameters ranged from moderate to strong. A nonsignificant difference between actual and predicted mesiodistal crown widths was discovered. Conclusions With a high degree of accuracy, the combined mesiodistal widths of the maxillary and the mandibular incisors could be utilized for predicting the combined mesiodistal crown widths of the mandibular and maxillary canines and premolars.

Assessment of accuracy and reliabilty of measurements obtained on 3D scanned models to conventional models

Aims and Objectives: To conclude on superior method of model fabrication and compare accuracy and the reliability of measurements obtained on 3D scanned models to conventional models. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 orthodontic study models were obtained from the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics with a full set of permanent teeth from the right first molar to the left first molar and no anomalies of the crown. The plaster models were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using the Aerospace Electronic Digital Caliper. Identical plaster models were scanned by placing each arch on the integrated rotary table (dental wings 3SERIES) .The acquired data was then processed and exported in stereo lithographic format using DWOS CAD/CAM software. Digital casts were later measured to the nearest 0.123 mm using 3D-Tool 64-Bit Free Viewer V13. Results: indicated that all measurements for the arch and tooth size measurements for both methods were highly correlated (r . 0.99; P\0.05).Cronbach α value of the data at T1 and T2 from incisal segment ,canine segment and the molar segment measured using the two methods was very close to the ideal value of 1, indicating high intraobserver reliability.

A Morphometric Study on Anatomic Characteristics of Corona Mortis in South Indian Population

Introduction: The Corona Mortis or the “crown of death” is the vascular anastomosis between the external iliac and obturator vessels in the retropubic region. If injured accidentally during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and certain minimally invasive gynaecological procedures such as midurethral or pubovaginal sling, can result in inadvertent haemorrhage. Recognising the anatomic characteristics of the corona mortis vessel is needed in order to prevent bleeding catastrophe. Aim: To estimate the prevalence and location of corona mortis in South Indian population and to determine the frequency of occurrence and its morphometry in males and females. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross- sectional study conducted between December 2020 to August 2021 in the Department of Anatomy, Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Dissection of 55 adult cadavers (42 male and 13 female hemipelvises) was performed and corona mortis was observed on pelvic surface of superior pubic ramus, number of venous and arterial anastomosis were noted and photographed. In addition to diameter of the anastomotic vessel, the distance of corona mortis vessel from the pubic symphysis was measured using electronic digital caliper. Demographic data was expressed as frequency and percentage and continuous data as mean and standard deviation. Z test and t-test were done using statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 to deduce the results. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The corona mortis was observed in 35 out of 55 specimens (63.64%). It was seen in 29 male (69%) and six female hemipelvises (46%). In all the specimens, venous anastomosis was observed between the obturator vein and inferior epigastric or external iliac vein. Consequently, in the present study all the determined corona mortis were venous. The mean distance of corona mortis vessel from the pubic symphysis was 5.26±1.2 cm in males and 5.63±0.94 cm in females with p-value= 0.48, thus the distance of the anastomotic vessel remains consistent in both the sexes. Furthermore, diameter of corona mortis vessel (greater than 1 mm) was measured in both the sexes and found to be statistically not significant. Besides there was incidental finding, aberrant obturator artery was more prevalent in females in comparison to males (p-value=0.013). Conclusion: Corona mortis was present in 63.64% of the South Indian population and no statistically significant difference was found in prevalence in males and females. The distance of corona mortis vessel and the diameter of the vessel was consistent in both males and females.

A Morphometric Study of Humerus to Determine Sexual Dimorphism in Indian Population

Introduction: Recognising the gender from the skeleton or decomposed body is a difficult task. Morphometry of long bones is highly applicable in such cases. The morphological features of humerus show varying degrees of sexual dimorphism in various populations. Aim: The study is focused on the morphometric analysis of humerus to evaluate the most reliable parameter for sexual dimorphism in Indian subcontinent. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2016 to January 2020 on 82 dry completely ossified adult humeri of known sex (51 male and 31 female). The parameters included in this study were- Maximum Length of humerus (ML), Vertical Diameter of Head (VDH), Epicondylar Breadth (ECB), Maximum Mid-Shaft Diameter (Max. MSD) and Minimum Mid-Shaft Diameter (Min. MSD). The parameters were measured by electronic digital caliper and osteometric board. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was carried out to compute the demarking point and Discriminant Score (DS). Discriminant function analysis was performed using Wilk’s lambda to determine that which variable provided the best discrimination between sexes. Results: It was found that a higher demarking point indicates a male while the lower value indicates a female. In discriminant function analysis, the sectioning point greater than -0.42 was a male and less than -0.42 was a female. Wilk’s lambda was least for VDH (0.349) followed by ECB (0.467) and ML (0.486), whereas Max. and Min. MSD (0.771, 0.700) showed greater values. Conclusion: The VDH is the most reliable parameter in humerus for determination of sex followed by ECB and ML. Max. and Min. MSD have lesser contributions for sex determination. A combination of parameters is better than using a single parameter and this knowledge will be very helpful to forensic anthropologists.

Anthropometric measurements of peri-oral region in a sample of Iraqi thalassemic patients.

OBJECTIVES:Thalassemia, one of the most widespread autosomal recessive disorders, is characterized by anomalies in the synthesis of hemoglobin beta chains and is frequently coupled with variable craniofacial characteristics. Thalassemic patients suffer from severe anemia, which triggers several defense mechanisms in the body, such as bone marrow expansion, which forces the bones to expand, resulting in craniofacial bone deformities. This study aims to assess and compare the orofacial dimensions of β-thalassemia patients with those of a control group across similar ages and gender.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Three hundred Iraqi individuals agreed to participate in this study (150 non-thalassemic and 150 thalassemic patients with an equal distribution of genders). A well-trained researcher carried out five anthropometric measurements by using an electronic digital caliper. Gender and group differences were tested using an independent sample t test.RESULTS:Mouth width showed clinical and statistically significant group differences among all measurements in the study group.CONCLUSIONS:All measurements except mouth width showed nonsignificant clinical group differences.

Artesunate Attenuated the Progression of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Mouse Model

The inflammatory reaction is an important mechanism of pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Artesunate (AS) has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects in cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether AS could inhibit the development of AAA. AngII infused ApoE (-/-) male mice were selected as AAA model. Mice were spilt into three groups, the experimental control group (AngII), the AS treatment group (AngII+AS) and the negative control group (Vehicle) with 14 in each group. Daily administration of AS (100 mg/kg/d) or vehicle performed 3 day before the perfusion. At the end of the 28-day experiment, animal ultrasound and electronic digital caliper were used to measure the diameter of abdominal aorta. Histologic assays were performed to observe the microstructure of the aorta wall. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect inflammatory cells, as well as the levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The transcription of cytokines and adhesion molecules were investigated by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Western blotting was performed to determine whether the NF-κB pathway is involved in the mechanism. While AS failed to reduce the incidence of AAA, AS effectively reduced the diameter of AAA independently of blood pressure effects. Immunofluorescence detection showed that AS effectively reduced the levels of CD45+ cells and MAC3+ macrophages as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9. qPCR revealed that AS reduced mRNA transcription levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, the cytokine IL-1β, TNF-α, adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1. AS decreased the levels of NF-κB signaling pathway in aorta. AS can attenuate the development of AAA in mice. The possible mechanism is anti-inflammation.

The Second to Fourth FINGER Length Ratio(2D:4D) and Its Relationship with Body Composition Parameters in Korean Young Adults

Purpose: Body composition status is influenced by changes in sex hormones, and this status is also closely related to normal daily life and the risk of various chronic diseases. On the other hand, the relative length of the second and fourth fingers(2D:4D ratio) has been proposed as a marker of prenatal androgen action of sensitivi-ty to testosterone, with a lower 2D:4D being associated with high androgen exposure.In this study, it was ex-amined the relationship between the 2D:4D ratio and various body composition parameters measured by bioe-lectric impedance analysis(BIA) in young adults to determine the usability of the 2D:4D ratio as a predictor of finger length- related diseases. Method: Ninety-three healthy individuals(60 men and 33 women, age 17-19 years) participated. Subjects’ body weight and height were measured, and body mass index(BMI) was calculated. Body fat mass, % body fat, % abdominal fat, skeletal mass, % muscle mass, and % bone mineral density was measured using BIA. SMI(skeletal muscle index) was calculated. The lengths of the second and fourth fingers of the right and left hands were measured using a electronic digital caliper, and the 2D:4D ratio and difference of the digit ratio between the right and left hands(Dr-l) were also calculated. The differences in anthropometric and body com-position variables between males and females was analyzed using independent t-test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between finger length measures(the 2D:4D ratio and Dr-l) and body composition parameters. The significance level was considered as p ≤ 0.05 at all stages. Results: In this study, significant sexually dimorphic differences were found in all results of the anthropomet-ric measures and body composition parameters, excluding Dr-l and % abdominal fat. The height and weight of men were significantly higher than that of women, and the variable related to fat-free mass of men among body composition was significantly higher than that of women. On the other hand, women were significantly higher than men in variables related to body fat mass. As the main findings about the correlation results be-tween the finger length measures and the body composition parameters, there was a significant difference in the 2D:4D ratio between males and females, but all variables except male muscle mass were not significantly correlated with finger length measures. Conclusion: Although the 2D:4D ratio has been proposed as a marker of prenatal androgen action and of sensitivity to testosterone, these results found in this study suggest that finger length measures may not be a preventive indicator for predicting body composition differences and diseases associated with sex hormones and finger length parameters.