Level Of Apex Research Articles

A Study on Financial Performance of Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Limited (MATSYAFED)

Fishing is a traditional activity in Kerala because from time immemorial fishermen community involved in both marine and inland fishing for their livelihood. To develop the fishermen community and to solve their socio-economic problems, fisheries co-operatives were established. MATSYAFED is acting as the apex level institution for all the primary level fishermen co-operatives in Kerala. A humble attempt was made to conduct a study on “Financial Performance Evaluation of Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development Limited (MATSYAFED)” to evaluate its financial performance. The tools used for the analysis of the data were ratio analysis and compound annual growth rate (CAGR). From the financial performance analysis, it is evident that they have a strong short-term liquidity position and have a good inventory turnover ratio. The debt-equity ratio is higher than the rule of thumb (1:1). i.e., debt is higher than equity. The ratio analysis reveals that the MATSYAFED is efficiently managing its funds to various schemes and programs for the development of the fishermen community. As a whole, compared with many other apex cooperative federations, MATSYAFED is performing better, thanks to the management team.

Experimental Studies Regarding the Distribution of the Masticatory Pressures According to the Turn�s Length of the Dental Implants

In order to study comparatively the behaviour of the bone-implant interface at mechanical stresses depending on the length of the implant turns, we chose a complex case, a total bimaxillary edentate. 7 implants were virtually inserted into the maxilla (2 pterigoid implants in the lateral regions and 3 implants in the frontal region), and 4 implants were inserted into the mandible (two in the premolar regions and two corresponding to the canines). The FEA analyzes were performed separately for the maxilla and for the mandible, applying a force of 200N on each type of implant. The critical areas, in which the extreme values of the strains develop, are located into the bone on the neck-implant level, and its apex level, regardless of the type of implant and regardless of the maxillary or mandibular area where the implants were virtually inserted. Implants with small turns induce lower stresses and deformations, compared to implants with large turns.

Incidence of Pre-Existing Lingual Cortex Perforation Before Removal of Mandibular Third Molars

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the mandibular third molar tooth (Md3) and the adjacent lingual cortical bone and determine the incidence of lingual cortex perforation by Md3s. This retrospective study was designed and implemented from 100 cone-beam computed tomographic scans (CBCTs) of patients with age ranging from 18 to 65years old. The primary outcome was to assess the incidence of mandibular third molars (Md3s) with existing lingual cortex perforation by their roots. Perforation was assessed at the level of root apex and the most lingual portion on the apical half of the root. Other outcome variables included average thickness of covering lingual bone in the nonperforation group, lingual cortex morphology, impaction, and demographics. Descriptive statistics were computed. More than half the radiographs showed lingual cortex perforation at the level of root apex and most lingual portion on the apical one half of the root (51.2% and 52.8%, respectively). The average thickness of the covering lingual bone was 1.25mm around the root apex and 0.93mm around the most lingual portion on the apical half of the root. The most common lingual cortex morphology was the undercut shape. There was statistically significant association between the presence of Md3 impaction and perforation at both root levels [(P value<.001, Effect size=0.378) and (P value<.001, Effect size=0.445)]. Perforation of the lingual cortex by Md3s, whether erupted or impacted, was found in >50% of patients as determined by a preoperative CBCT scan. Therefore, the finding of lingual cortex perforation after removal of Md3s is likely to be evidence of a pre-existing condition rather than a result of surgery.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic—an innovative use of local resources to substitute the need for specialized operation theatre tables for orthopaedic and trauma surgery

Pelvic-acetabulum and spine surgery are two important constituents of complex trauma surgery and require a gamut of resources for fracture management. In the pandemic crisis of COVID-19 where existing health care resources are scarce and a major section of health care infrastructure has been assigned to fight against it, the compromised and less equipped health care facility is left to tackle the ongoing presentation of complex trauma surgery. One major challenge faced to manage these complex procedures is the availability of specialized radiolucent operation tables as even the apex level health care setups generally have one or two such kinds of table. Therefore, in this state of pandemic crisis, innovations utilizing the available local resources need to be developed to avoid deferring these complex operations.

Morphometric evaluation of the alveolar bone around central incisors during surgical orthodontic treatment of high-angle skeletal class III malocclusion.

To evaluate morphometric characteristics of alveolar bone around the incisors of high-angle skeletal class III patients receiving surgical orthodontic treatment. Thirty high-angle skeletal class III patients (mean age, 20.94±3.25years) underwent cone-beam computed tomography before treatment (T0), after pre-surgical orthodontic treatment (T1) and after treatment (T2). The vertical bone level (VBL), alveolar bone thickness (ABT), alveolar bone area (ABA) and position of upper and lower central incisors (UCIs and LCIs) were evaluated. The ABT included five levels (4, 6, 8mm from the cemento-enamel junction, midroot and root apex level). One-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple-comparison test and matched t test was performed to compare variables. Before treatment, the average labial ABT was approximately 1mm in UCIs and 0.38~0.79mm in LCIs, and the VBL of the LCIs was over 2mm. After treatment, the VBL increased by 2.19±1.96mm (P<.001) on the lingual side of UCIs and 2.78±2.29mm and 3.09±2.52mm on the labial and lingual sides of LCIs, respectively (all P<.001). ABT at every level decreased significantly, decreasing by 1.66±1.93mm at the 8mm level of UCIs and 1.06±1.01mm at the apex of LCIs (P<.001). The lingual ABA of UCIs and LCIs decreased by over 50% (P<.001). In high-angle skeletal class III patients, the condition of alveolar bone around UCIs and LCIs was extremely poor before treatment. Further alveolar bone resorption occurred during surgical orthodontic treatment. More attention should be paid to the movement of anterior teeth in cases of severe alveolar bone loss.

A LOAN PORTFOLIO EVALUATION OF DISTRICT CENTRAL COOPERATIVE BANKS: A CASE STUDY OF UTTAR PRADESH

Indian Cooperative Banks are the world largest credit institution which serve the credit need of more than 120 million farmers(Rangarajan,1972). These cooperative banks are established to serve for the welfare of rural people and not for the profit maximization. Indian cooperative credit These banks provide credit under various areas such as, agriculture, lives stock, milk, self-employment, setting up small-scale units, personal finance etc. Indian Agricultural Cooperative credit institution are broadly categories in to two types, short term and long term agricultural credit institution. The short term agricultural credit institution have three tire federal structure, at the apex level: State Cooperative Banks, District Central Cooperative Banks at district level and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, at root level. The District Central Cooperatives Banks(DCCBs) act as intermediary, it provide short and medium term loan to the rural sector. There are total 364 DCCBs operating in country (RBI report, 2017-18), out of which 50 DCCBs operating in Uttar Pradesh (NAFSCOB, 2017-18). The present study evaluate the agricultural and non-agricultural loan distribute by DCCBs of UP for the period of 2013-14 to 2016-17. For the purpose of the study, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) of UP were divided into 18 zone as per their administrative classification. The study revealed that there is volatility among the zone and some zone performed well in development of rural areas. KEYWORDS: Cooperative Banks, rural people, agriculture, lives stock, milk, self-employment

Natural variations in the appearance and the positions of the mental foramen in a selected population of Karachi (Pakistan).

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the most common appearance, horizontal and vertical positions of the mental foramen (MF), using the panoramic radiographs in a selected population of Karachi (Pakistan). As this is relevant to consider prior to plan any maxillofacial surgical procedures in order to avoid nerve injuries. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Radiology Department of the Dr. Ishrat ul Ebad khan institute of oral health sciences (Dow University of Health Sciences). Period: 25th September to 5th November 2018. Material &amp; Methods: Total 500 panoramic images were assessed. The study was divided in to the two group i.e. male and female adult patients in which the appearance, anterior-posterior positions and the superior-inferior positions of the MF was analyzed on the panoramic radiographs. Results: Total 500 OPG were accessed, the age ranges between 12 years to 73 years, 229 were male, 271 were females, and majority of MF were separated type (n=341, 68.2%) on right side and (n=373, 74.6%) on left side. And the most common superio-inferior position of the MF on both sides were position 2 (below the level of apices of 1st and 2nd premolar) on right side (n=387, 77.4%) and on left side (n=376, 75.2%), and the most common anterio-posterior position of the MF on both the right and left side is position 4 ( M.F lies in the line of 2nd premolars), on right side (n=269, 53.8%) and on left side (n=255, 51%). Conclusion: In this study the “separated type” was the most common type of appearance in both genders and the most frequent superio-inferior position of the MF is below the level of apices of 1st and 2nd premolar on both right and left sides. And the most common anterior-posterior position is within the line of longitudinal axis of 2nd premolar on both sides.

Evaluation of Root Resorption, Tooth Inclination and Changes in Supporting Bone in Class II Malocclusion Patients Treated with Forsus Appliance.

The aim of our study was to evaluate apical root resorption and changes in tooth inclinations, marginal bone height, and labio-lingual bone thickness at the mid-root and apical level in mandibular anterior teeth during the Forsus treatment using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT scans of 16 subjects (8 males and 8 females) with Class II malocclusion (age group: 13-29 years) taken before and 6 months after the Forsus treatment were evaluated for apical root resorption, tooth inclination, marginal bone height, and thickness of bone at the mid-root and apical level in mandibular anterior teeth. There was statistically significant root resorption of central incisors (0.39 mm) and canines (0.66 mm); a decrease in the angle of inclination for all teeth; an increase in the marginal bone measurement in labial (1.31 mm) and decrease in lingual (0.93 mm) aspect at the canine region; and an increase in bone width by 0.87 mm and 0.75 mm in central and lateral incisor regions, respectively, at the mid-root level lingually. At the apex level in the canine region, bone width increased by 1.4 mm labially, while it decreased by 2.18 mm lingually; it increased significantly for incisors in the lingual region. The Forsus appliance therapy causes clinically insignificant root resorption and bone changes, and clinically significant proclination of mandibular anterior teeth. The findings of the present study aid clinicians in proper case selection and reinforce the prevention of incisor proclination while using the Forsus therapy to achieve better treatment results and stability.

Effects of Twin-block vs sagittal-guidance Twin-block appliance on alveolar bone around mandibular incisors in growing patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion

The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate the effects of Twin-block (TB) appliance and sagittal-guidance Twin-block (SGTB) appliance on alveolar bone around mandibular incisors in growing patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion, using cone-beam computed tomography. The sample consisted of 25 growing patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion (14 boys and 11 girls, mean age 11.92±1.62years) and was randomly distributed into the TB group (n=13) and the SGTB group (n=12). The treatment duration was 11.56±1.73months. Pretreatment (T1) and posttreatment (T2) cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken in both groups. Height, thickness at apex level, and volume of the alveolar bone around mandibular left central incisors were measured respectively on labial and lingual side, using Mimics software (version 19.0; Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Based on the stable structures, 3-dimensional (3D) registrations of T1 and T2 models were taken to measure the sagittal displacement of incisors. Intragroup comparisons were evaluated by paired-samples t tests and Wilcoxon tests. Independent-samples t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for intergroup comparisons. In both groups, alveolar bone height and volume on the labial side of the incisors significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05). Lingual alveolar bone height, lingual and total alveolar bone volume, labial, lingual and total alveolar bone thickness showed no significant difference between T1 and T2 (P>0.05). In both groups the incisors tipped labially and drifted to the labial side. Compared with the TB group, less labial alveolar bone loss, less incisor proclination and crown edge drift were found in the SGTB group (P<0.05). Labial alveolar bone loss around mandibular incisors was observed after both types of appliances treatment in growing patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion. Less labial alveolar bone loss, less incisor proclination, and crown edge drift were found in the SGTB group than in the TB group during treatment.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;A new sinoalid froghopper of Fangyuaniini (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha, Sinoalidae) in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from northern Myanmar&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

With nine species ascribed to eight genera, the sinoalid froghopper tribe Fangyuaniini has been the most abundant and diverse cicadomorphan group in Kachin amber. Based upon recently reported new fossil materials, we herein revised the diagnostic characters of this tribe, and a new genus and species, Electrala muae Chen &amp; Zhuo, gen. et sp. nov., in Kachin amber is described and illustrated. The new taxon can be discriminated from its relatives by a series of unique morphological characters: the head very broad, almost as wide as thorax, the pronotum strongly shortened and about 4 times as wide as long, and forewings with the bifurcation of M and CuA almost at the same level and distad of claval apex. Additionally, a new generic name, Cretadorus Chen, nom. nov., is proposed for Mesodorus Chen &amp; Wang, 2019, since the latter was already preoccupied by a living marine nematode genus Mesodorus Cobb, 1920.

Preoperative and Postoperative Sitting Radiographs for Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery: Upper Instrumented Vertebra Selection Using Sitting C2 Plumb Line Distance to Prevent Proximal Junctional Kyphosis.

Case-control study from a continuous series. To study the impact of perioperative sitting radiographs in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients and determine whether proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) can be prevented using preoperative sitting radiograph. Radiographic analysis of ASD comprises standing whole-spine radiography which cannot evaluate the relaxed posture without head-to-foot compensation. Preoperative and postoperative whole-spine standing and sitting radiographs and proximal mechanical complications in surgically treated spinal disorders with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were studied. Whole-spinal alignment was defined by cervical lordosis (CL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), and level of kyphotic apex (KA). Proximal mechanical complication was described as a PJK (proximal junctional angle >20°) or reoperation due to proximal junctional failure. Surgically treated 113 patients were prospectively investigated. Patients were divided into either the ASD (thoracic to ilium posterior corrective fusion), or non-ASD groups. In the ASD group, 10 patients had postoperative PJK, and three revision surgeries were carried out due to PJF with neurological deficit. Comparing standing with sitting positions, CL, TK, and PT became larger, SVA became frontal, LL and SS became smaller, and KA became caudal particularly in the ASD group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the most influenced plumb line for PJK was the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) to C2 plumb line distance, with a cutoff value of 115 mm for predicting PJK. Our findings highlight the usefulness of sitting spinal alignment evaluation, particularly in ASD patients, with maximum effort of thoracic spine and lower extremity compensation at standing. Mechanical complications such as PJK could be predicted using the distance from the planned UIV to the C2 plumb line in preoperative sitting radiographs. 3.

Shaping Ability of XP Endo Shaper File in Curved Root Canal Models.

The aim of this study was to assess the shaping ability of the XP Shaper (XPS) file in severely curved canal models under simulated body temperature and compare it with that of the WaveOne Gold (WOG) file. Ninety-six simulated root canals were equally distributed into XPS and WOG systems to be shaped by eight files each. Files were assessed under a stereomicroscope prior to canal shaping to detect deformation if any. The canals were shaped at 35 ± 1°C using the X-Smart Plus motor. Images of the canals were obtained before and after instrumentation using a stereomicroscope to measure the amount of removed resin from both the inner and outer curvature sides at apex (0 mm) and 3 mm and 6 mm from the apex. The shaping time was calculated. The data were statistically analyzed by the independent t-test at 5% significance level. The XPS and WOG systems shaped the canals in 37.0 ± 9.5 and 62.6 ± 11.3 seconds (P < 0.05), respectively. At the apex level, the amount of resin removal in both sides did not show a significant difference between the tested groups (P > 0.05). At 3 mm and 6 mm levels, the WOG removed more resin than XPS at both sides (P < 0.05). In XPS, deformation was observed in four files: one file after the first use, one file after the fourth use, and two files after the sixth use. In WOG, two files were deformed: one file after the fifth use and one file after the sixth use. One XPS file was fractured after the sixth use. In short, XPS and WOG files can be used in shaping severely curved canals as they showed the ability to maintain the original shape with minimal transportation. Both file systems showed signs of deformation after use with a lower number of deformed files observed in WOG throughout the experiment.

Data as a Service using Data Hibernation and Service Oriented Architecture in Cloud Computing

Nowadays, Cloud Computing is a promising research field. With the advancement of modern technology, performance improvement of the cloud network has become the buzzword today. Here in this paper, we have proposed the new technique, called ‘Data Hibernation’ where service-oriented architecture plays the key role for the improvement of the cloud network. Moreover, we have designed our algorithm and demonstrated our work graphically that how the overall efficiency or the throughput has reached its apex level of Quality of Service with the subtle benefit of much higher degree of parallelism.

X-ray tеsting of structures of keratinized gum and external cortical plate in the field of intact frontal teeth on the upper jaw

Objectives. Сomparison of radiological parameters of the keratinized gum and the external cortical plate in the area of the front teeth on the upper jaw.&#x0D; Material and methods. Сlinical examination of 50 patients aged 18 to 60 years was carried out in order to perform the work. These patients underwent 3D computed tomography which allowed to study the thickness of the keratinized gums in the dental area 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.&#x0D; Results. The results of the research revealed a similar trend at each level of measurement for the central and lateral incisors. The average values of the gum thickness decreased in the direction of the tooth crown. The thickness of the outer cortical plate had the lowest values in all studied teeth at the level of the alveolar crest apex and gradually increased in the apical direction. The thinnest external cortical plate and gums were revealed in canines.&#x0D; Conclusion. The performed study showed that thickness of the gum is directly related to the thickness of the cortical plate. In percentage terms the gum thickness is 132 9.5% of the thickness of the cortical plate.

Ideal sagittal profile restoration and ideal lumbar apex positioning play an important role in postoperative mechanical complications after a lumbar PSO.

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. To determine the influence of postoperative ideal lordosis distribution and ideal sagittal harmony on mechanical complications in patients undergoing one-level lumbar pedicle subtraction osteotomy (L-PSO). Many variables have been associated with mechanical complications after L-PSO. However, the impact of restoring the ideal inflexion point, lumbar apex, and sagittal shape is still underexplored. Analyzed risk factors were: age and patient-related variables, PSO level, interbody cages, rod material/diameter, number of rods, upper instrumented vertebra, lower instrumented vertebra, PI-LL mismatch, global tilt (GT), postoperative level of lumbar apex (LApex), postoperative level of inflexion point (InfxP), and postoperative type of Roussouly sagittal profile (R-type). These last variables were compared to ideal (based on pelvic incidence). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risks for mechanical complications with a minimum 2-year follow-up. A total of 87 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 4.5 ± 1.7years. 40.2% of the patients suffered postoperative mechanical complications (7 PJK, 4 PJF, 18 pseudoarthrosis/rod breakage, 6 screw pullout). Mean time for complications was 584 ± 416days from surgery. Univariate analysis showed that age (63 vs 57years; P = 0.04), BMI (28.1 vs 25.9; P = 0.024), preoperative-GT (50.7° vs 38.7°; P < 0.001), postoperative-GT (28.9° vs 23.4°; P = 0.018), postoperative LApex location mismatched from ideal (77.8% vs 22.2%; P = 0.036), and postoperative R-type mismatched from ideal (67.6% vs 22.6%; P < 0.001) were significantly related to mechanical complications. The independent factorsselected bymultivariate analysis were: postoperative R-type mismatched from ideal OR 11.3 (95% CI 3.9-32.6; P < 0.001), age OR 1.05 (95% CI 1-1.1; P = 0.03), and LApex matching OR 0.5 (95% CI 0.27-0.97; P = 0.04). The further the LApex was from its ideal position, the higher the risk of mechanical complications (P = 0.036). Over other multiple suspected risk factors, proper lumbar apex position and ideal sagittal shape restoration played an important role in postoperative mechanical complications after L-PSO. III.

Variations in the branching pattern of the tibial nerve in the posterior compartment of the leg

Background: Tibial nerve is the largest branch of sciatic nerve. It innervates muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg. Knowledge of the variations in motor branching pattern may help the surgeons when certain procedures are done for calf reduction and also for spastic equinus foot where selective neurectomy is required. It is also required for anesthetists for inducing neurolytic blocks. The aim of the present study was to study the variations in its branching pattern of the tibial nerve in the posterior compartment of the leg. Materials and Methods: The study was done by dissecting forty formalin-fixed lower limbs from twenty adult human cadavers. The origin of tibial nerve, variations, branching pattern, number of muscular branches and termination of the tibial nerve were studied. The level of origin of these nerves was taken in relation to the apex of head of fibula. Results: 57.5% showed that the origin was <12 cm and 42.5% were between 12 and 24 cm above the level of apex of head of fibula. The flexor hallucis longus received one branch in 70% and two branches in 30% of the specimens. Forty percent of the branches showed two or three divisions. The flexor digitorum longus received one branch in 95% and two branches in 5% of the specimens. Eighty percent of the branches of the muscle showed 2–4 divisions. 82.5% of nerve to soleus muscle had one branch and 17.5% had two branches. In 17.5% of the specimens, nerve to soleus originated from the nerve to the lateral head of gastrocnemius. Thirty percent of the branches showed 2–3 divisions. All specimens had one branch which supplied the tibialis posterior muscle and 47.5% of the branches showed 2–3 divisions. In 77.5% of the specimens, the termination occurred above the malleolar calcaneal axis. Conclusion: The flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and soleus muscle had one or two branches from tibial nerve. Single branch innervates tibialis posterior. Nerves to flexor hallucis longus, tibialis posterior, and the soleus had up to three divisions and nerve to flexor digitorum longus had up to four divisions.

Cone beam computed tomographic-Based retrospective study on newark population for the assessment of distance between incisive canal and maxillary central incisors: Clinical implications.

To calculate the relative distance between the incisive canal and maxillary central incisors using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and utilize the results in treatment planning in a clinical setting. A retrospective study was conducted on CBCT taken for other purposes in the Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Department. All the quantitative measurements were performed between the incisive canal and both maxillary central incisors using CBCT on 61 subjects. The anterior-posterior measurements were taken on both sides and the average of both values was considered for the statistical analysis. All the linear measurements were performed on the axial plane at three different vertical reference points located on the sagittal plane. The interexaminer reliability was tested by interclass correlation coefficient using two-way mixed and absolute agreement model. The comparison of linear measurement among each level was done by "Repeated measure ANOVA" and contrast method was used for pair-wise comparison when repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was significant. The average anterior-posterior distance between the maxillary central incisor roots and the incisive canal measured was approximately 5-6 mm. The incisive canal width increases from the root apex level of maxillary central incisors (P3) to the oral opening level of the incisive canal (P1). The results of our study could be helpful in a clinical setting requires significant retraction of maxillary incisors or implant placement in maxillary anterior region.

Long-term Effects of Augmented Corticotomy-Assisted Orthodontics in Patients With Mandibular Anterior Alveolar Defect.

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively investigate the long-term effects of augmented corticotomy-assisted orthodontics in adult patients with alveolar defect in mandibular anterior region. Thirty lower incisors with alveolar defect on the labial sides were included in this study from 10 adult patients received augmented corticotomy-assisted orthodontics in mandibular anterior region. Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained before orthodontic treatment (T0), 3 months after augmented corticotomy (T1) and 2 years after removal of orthodontic appliance (T2). Measurements of variables at different time points were compared using Student-Newman-Keuls test. Each patient completed augmented corticotomy-assisted orthodontics successfully. In the 30 subjects studied, root length and bone thickness on the labial side at 1/2 root length level were maintained from T0 to T2 (P >.05). Bone thickness at 3/4 root length level increased from T0 to T1 (P <.001), then decreased from T1 to T2 (P <.001), and which of T2 is greater than that of T0 (P <.001). Bone thickness at root apex level increased from T0 to T1 (P <.001), and remained steady from T1 to T2 (P >.05). Augmented corticotomy-assisted orthodontics is a promising approach for the treatment of adult patients with alveolar defect, which showed stable long-term effect of bone augmentation and minimal periodontal iatrogenic sequelae during treatment.

Study on the characteristics of mitral annular displacement in middle and late pregnancy fetuses based on speckle tracking imaging

Objective To assess the longitudinal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) of different directions in normal fetuses during mid-late pregnancy based on two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (STI). Methods Seventy-six normal fetuses during middle and late pregnancy were selected at 26-32 weeks of gestation. The peak MAPSE was measured by free angle M-mode echocardiography (FAM) perpendicular to the lateral annulus in the mitral annular plane. The time-displacement curves of interventricular septal mitral annulus in three different directions including points A, B and C through transverse level of apex were recorded by STI. The peak MAPSE of interventricular septal mitral annulus (SEPT-MAPSE-A, SEPT-MAPSE-B, SEPT-MAPSE-C) in three different directions including points A, B and C and the time to peak (TTP: SEPT-TTP-A, SEPT-TTP-B, SEPT-TTP-C) were recorded respectively. The time-displacement curves of lateral mitral annulus in three different directions including points A, B and C through transverse level of apex were recorded by STI. The peak MAPSE of lateral mitral annulus (LAT-MAPSE-A, LAT-MAPSE-B, LAT-MAPSE-C) in three different directions including points A, B and C, the time to peak(LAT-TTP-A, LAT-TTP-B, LAT-TTP-C) were recorded respectively. Finally, the data were analyzed statistically. Results The peak MAPSE of the lateral mitral annulus in 3 different directions including points A, B and C[LAT-MAPSE-A (3.62±1.01)mm, LAT-MAPSE-B (3.95±1.04)mm, LAT-MAPSE-C (4.45±1.05)mm] were greater than those of the interventricular septum mitral annulus[SEPT-MAPSE-A (3.41±0.63)mm, SEPT-MAPSE-B (3.07±0.50)mm, SEPT-MAPSE-C (2.82±0.51)mm]. LAT-MAPSE-C and SEPT-MAPSE-A were the largest longitudinal excursions of mitral annulus. The differences were statistically significant in points B and C (P 0.05). LAT-MAPSE-C was less than FAM-MAPSE[(6.06±1.35)mm]. There was a significant difference between them(P 0.05). There were no significant differences in time to peak of lateral mitral annulus[LAT-TTP-A(0.210±0.008)s, LAT-TTP-B(0.213±0.006)s, LAT-TTP-C(0.210±0.007)s] in directions inclucling points A, B, C(P>0.05). Conclusions Longitudinal systolic motion of fetal left ventricular wall during mid-late pregnancy has good synchronization. Longitudinal motion of fetal mitral annulus is a comprehensive movement of multiple directions and different degrees of displacement, with the movement perpendicular to the annulus as the maximum displacement direction. The displacement parameters of mitral annulus measured by STI can reflect the left ventricular longitudinal systolic function and have clinical application value in evaluating the left ventricular longitudinal systolic function of fetuses. Key words: Speckle tracking imaging; Fetus; Mid-late pregnancy; Mitral annular plane systolic excursion; Free angle M-mode echocardiography

CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE INCISIVE CANAL AND MAXILLARY CENTRAL INCISORS

Background Maxillary anterior teeth play an important role in aesthetics, phonetics, and mastication. Because of the aesthetic and functional significance, it is important to evaluate their position in association with surrounding structures in 3-D before initiating orthodontic treatment. With the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic diagnosis, it is now possible to identify these structures. One such structure is the incisive canal. Uncertainty in locating the canal can cause root resorption postorthodontic retraction of anterior maxillary teeth. Objective(s) The aim of this study was to calculate the relative distance between the incisive canal and maxillary central incisor using CBCT and utilize the results for orthodontic treatment planning. Study Design All quantitative measurements between the incisive canal and both maxillary central incisors were performed using CBCT on 61 patients. The anteroposterior measurements were taken on both sides, and the average of both values was considered for the statistical analysis. The Steiner cephalometric analysis was performed to select patients with skeletal and dental Class I relationship. All linear measurements were performed on the axial plane at 3 different vertical reference points located on the sagittal plane: (1) the palatal opening of the incisive canal (opening level, P1), (2) midlevel between the opening level and the root apex of the maxillary central incisors (midlevel, P2), and (3) the root apex of the maxillary central incisors (root apex level, P3). Results The average anteroposterior distance between the maxillary central incisor roots and the incisive canal was approximately 56 mm. Discussion/Conclusions The results of our study could be clinically helpful to plan orthodontic treatment that requires significant retraction of maxillary incisors. The authors support the idea of a pretreatment CBCT in cases that require maximum anterior retraction in the maxilla. Maxillary anterior teeth play an important role in aesthetics, phonetics, and mastication. Because of the aesthetic and functional significance, it is important to evaluate their position in association with surrounding structures in 3-D before initiating orthodontic treatment. With the advent of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic diagnosis, it is now possible to identify these structures. One such structure is the incisive canal. Uncertainty in locating the canal can cause root resorption postorthodontic retraction of anterior maxillary teeth. The aim of this study was to calculate the relative distance between the incisive canal and maxillary central incisor using CBCT and utilize the results for orthodontic treatment planning. All quantitative measurements between the incisive canal and both maxillary central incisors were performed using CBCT on 61 patients. The anteroposterior measurements were taken on both sides, and the average of both values was considered for the statistical analysis. The Steiner cephalometric analysis was performed to select patients with skeletal and dental Class I relationship. All linear measurements were performed on the axial plane at 3 different vertical reference points located on the sagittal plane: (1) the palatal opening of the incisive canal (opening level, P1), (2) midlevel between the opening level and the root apex of the maxillary central incisors (midlevel, P2), and (3) the root apex of the maxillary central incisors (root apex level, P3). The average anteroposterior distance between the maxillary central incisor roots and the incisive canal was approximately 56 mm. The results of our study could be clinically helpful to plan orthodontic treatment that requires significant retraction of maxillary incisors. The authors support the idea of a pretreatment CBCT in cases that require maximum anterior retraction in the maxilla.