Linear Distance Research Articles

Comparative Accuracy of Intraoral and Extraoral Digital Workflows for Short Span Implant Supported Fixed Partial Denture Fabrication: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND The advent of digital impressions using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology (CAD/CAM) has simplified and improved the fabrication of implant prostheses in dentistry. The conventional impression has several drawbacks, including tray selection, material type, impression technique, impression disinfection, and cast model storage. The inaccuracies caused by distortion and contraction of impression material can be minimized with digital impressions. This study aimed to compare digital dental impressions of 10 working casts made using the Pindex laser removable die system to fabricate parallel drill channels vs 10 working casts made using the Di-Lok plastic tray removable die system. MATERIAL AND METHODS An implant master die with 2 dental implant analogs was fabricated. Ten working casts using the Pindex laser removable die system with parallel drill channels and 10 working casts using the Di-Lok plastic tray removable die system were fabricated. The working casts were scanned using an extra-oral laboratory scanner and the implant master model was scanned with an intra-oral scanner. RESULTS The properties of the casts made using the 2 systems were evaluated and analyzed with ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. The mean horizontal linear distances between A1B1 (P<0.021), A2B2 (P<0.018), C1D1 (P<0.026), C2D2 (P<0.03), B1C1 (P<0.01), and mean vertical distances between B1A2 (P<0.015), C1D2 (P<0.001), B1B2 (P<0.028), and C1C2 (P<0.001) were significantly different between the Pindex system and Di-Lok tray system as compared to intra-oral scans. CONCLUSIONS Complete digital workflow with intra-oral scans were more than the partial digital workflow with extra-oral scans for the Pindex system and Di-Lok tray systems.

Changes of coastline and tidal flat and its implication for ecological protection under human activities: Take China’s Bohai Bay as an example

The change processes and trends of shoreline and tidal flat forced by human activities are essential issues for the sustainability of coastal area, which is also of great significance for understanding coastal ecological environment changes and even global changes. Based on field measurements, combined with Linear Regression (LR) model and Inverse Distance Weighing (IDW) method, this paper presents detailed analysis on the change history and trend of the shoreline and tidal flat in Bohai Bay. The shoreline faces a high erosion chance under the action of natural factors, while the tidal flat faces a different erosion and deposition patterns in Bohai Bay due to the impact of human activities. The implication of change rule for ecological protection and recovery is also discussed. Measures should be taken to protect the coastal ecological environment. The models used in this paper show a high correlation coefficient between observed and modeling data, which means that this method can be used to predict the changing trend of shoreline and tidal flat. The research results of present study can provide scientific supports for future coastal protection and management.©2024 China Geology Editorial Office.

Comparative Evaluation of Horizontal Lip Position With Ricketts Esthetic Plane in Preschool and School-Going Children of Bankura, West Bengal: A Craniofacial Anthropometric Study.

Introduction The horizontal lip position and esthetic plane are two important parameters to define facial beauty, and these factors are always given importance in children undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate horizontal lip position in primary and mixed dentition children with class I occlusion and to analyze its association with gender among preschool and schoolchildren of villages in the Bankura district in West Bengal. Materials and methods Researchers screened 437 children for the study and selected those who met the inclusion criteria. A total of 407 children were segregated: 201 children aged three to five years with the flush terminal plane and mesial step in primary teeth and 206 children aged seven to eleven years with class I occlusion in mixed dentition were selected from schools in villages in Bankura district, West Bengal, India. The subjects were instructed to hold the head in the natural head position by looking straight, and points were marked on the nose and chin tip, respectively. A metallic ruler was placed from nose to chin, representing Rickett's esthetic line. The horizontal lip distance to the esthetic plane of both upper and lower lips was measured as a linear distance from the most anterior part of the lip to the metallic ruler. The data were recorded, compared with gender, and statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences software (SPSS version 19.0, 2015, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The most prevalent horizontal lip distance for both upper and lower lips to the esthetic line for primary and mixed dentition in the Bankura region of West Bengal was category I, where the lip is seen beyond the E plane, followed by category II, where lips are at a horizontal distance in the range of 0-1.5 mm from the esthetic line. A significant correlation of lip position with Rickets aesthetic plane was also illustrious with gender in primary dentition, but a non-significant association with gender was noted in mixed dentition. Conclusion Children with class I occlusion from the Bankura district of West Bengal showed a higher percentage of lip position beyond the esthetic plane in both primary and mixed dentition, which is not in line with the inference of Ricketts's studies on the Caucasian population. There is a definite association between gender and horizontal lip distance in Ricketts esthetic plane. Protrusive upper lips were seen more in males, and retrusive lips were seen more in females. Clinical significance The horizontal lip position with reference to Ricketts esthetic plane has been documented in the literature for adults and teens undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. However, there is no study done to define these measurements in preschool and school-going children, which can assist in determining future esthetic profiles and in preparing a protocol for early age interceptive orthodontics along with aesthetic rehabilitation of the anterior area of the mouth.

The 3D geometry of reflection nebulae IC 59 and IC 63 with their illuminating star gamma Cas

ABSTRACT The early-type star gamma Cas illuminates the reflection nebulae IC 59 and IC 63, creating two photodissociation regions (PDRs). Uncertainties about the distances to the nebulae and the resulting uncertainty about the density of the radiation fields incident on their surfaces have hampered the study of these PDRs during the past three decades. We employed far-ultraviolet (UV) – optical nebula – star colour differences of dust-scattered light to infer the locations of the nebulae relative to the plane of the sky containing gamma Cas, finding IC 63 to be positioned behind the star and IC 59 in front of the star. To obtain the linear distances of the nebulae relative to gamma Cas, we fit far-infrared archival Herschel flux data for IC 59 and IC 63 with modified blackbody curves and relate the resulting dust temperatures with the luminosity of gamma Cas, yielding approximate distances of 4.15 pc for IC 59 and 2.3 pc for IC 63. With these distances, using updated far-UV flux data in the 6–13.6 eV range for gamma Cas with two recent determinations of the interstellar extinction for gamma Cas, we estimate that the far-UV radiation density at the surface of IC 63 takes on values of G0 = 58 or G0 = 38 with respective values for E(B − V) for gamma Cas of 0.08 and 0.04 mag. This is a substantial reduction from the range 150 ≤ G0 ≤ 650 used for IC 63 during the past three decades. The corresponding, even lower new values for IC 59 are G0 = 18 and G0 = 12.

Curve of Spee modification in different vertical skeletal patterns after clear aligner therapy: a 3D set-up retrospective study

ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate: (1) changes in the curve of Spee (COS) after clear aligner therapy and (2) whether such changes correlated with the patient’s skeletal patterns.Materials and methodsThree-dimensional mandibular models of 106 patients (47 males and 59 females; mean age 22.3 SD ± 3.4 years) treated with clear aligners were retrospectively analysed. The perpendicular distance between the occlusal reference plane and the buccal cusp tip of each lateral tooth was measured. Five angular cephalometric measurements (PP-MP, PP-OP, OP-MP, AFH, and PFH) were performed and correlated with the T1–T0 difference in linear distances. The patients were divided into three groups according to facial divergence. Variance analysis with Tukey post hoc correction was performed to evaluate the differences among groups.ResultsThe one-way ANOVA test showed a statistically significant difference for all analysed variables, except for the change in the distance of the second molar from the occlusal reference plane. Tukey’s HSD test showed the following differences: In normodivergents, the T1–T0 difference in the distance of the first molar from the occlusal plane was 1 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05); in the normodivergent group, the T1–T0 difference in the distance of the second premolar from the occlusal plane was 1.23 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05), while in the hypodivergent group, it was 1.08 mm greater than in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05); finally, in normodivergents, the T1–T0 difference in the distance of the first premolar from the occlusal plane was 0.97 mm greater than that observed in the hyperdivergent group (p < 0.05).ConclusionTreatment with aligners did not lead to a clinically significant change in COS depth. However, when dividing the sample into groups based on craniofacial divergence, COS depth change differed significantly between the three groups.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Suture Tape Augmentation: Can You Overtighten?

Background: There has been a renewed interest and, recently, wider implementation of ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair in throwing athletes because of improvement in ligament repair technology and corresponding outcome data. Purpose: To compare the biomechanical parameters and failure mode between 2 brace-tightening techniques for UCL repair. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eleven matched pairs of cadaveric arms were procured. One limb from each pair underwent UCL repair with suture tape augmentation with either (1) attempted restoration of physiologic ligament tension or (2) maximal tension. Each specimen was subjected to 10 cycles of subfailure valgus torque at 90º of flexion in the intact state after UCL avulsion and then after UCL repair. Specimens were then torqued to failure. Articular contact mechanics, linear gap distance, angular displacement, failure torque, failure stiffness, and suture tape pull-through length were recorded. Two-way analysis of variance and paired t tests were used to test for statistical differences. Results: There was a significant effect (P = .01) of tightening on joint contact area. There was a significant decrease in gap distance (P = .03) and angular displacement (P = .004) from the torn condition to the repaired condition for the maximum tension group, without a significant difference in gap distance from the intact condition. Failure torque and stiffness were not significantly different between groups, although there was a significant difference (P = .001) in the overall suture tape pull-through length. Conclusion: Although there are potential physiologic changes at time zero—including significant decreases in contact area, normalized gap distance, and normalized angular displacement with maximal tension repair—examination of failure biomechanics suggests that these effects may be mitigated over time within the construct by suture tape pull-through at the tape-anchor interface. Neither method of UCL repair with suture tape augmentation resulted in overconstraint of the elbow joint compared with the native ligament biomechanics. Clinical Relevance: As more long-term outcome data from UCL repair with suture tape augmentation emerge, there will be wider implementation with various techniques to tension the suture tape. Examining the potential biomechanical sequelae of the UCL repair construct applied under maximal tension will help further refine recommendations for surgeons who utilize this technique for UCL repair.

Presence and abundance of malaria vector species in Miami-Dade County, Florida

BackgroundMalaria outbreaks have sporadically occurred in the United States, with Anopheles quadrimaculatus serving as the primary vector in the eastern region. Anopheles crucians, while considered a competent vector, has not been directly implicated in human transmission. Considering the locally acquired Plasmodium vivax cases in Sarasota County, Florida (7 confirmed cases), Cameron County, Texas (one confirmed case), and Maryland (one confirmed case) in the summer of 2023. The hypothesis of this study is that major cities in the United States harbour sufficient natural populations of Anopheles species vectors of malaria, that overlap with human populations that could support local transmission to humans. The objective of this study is to profile the most abundant Anopheles vector species in Miami-Dade County, Florida—An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus.MethodsThis study was based on high-resolution mosquito surveillance data from 2020 to 2022 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Variations on the relative abundance of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus was assessed by dividing the total number of mosquitoes collected by each individual trap in 2022 by the number of mosquitoes collected by the same trap in 2020. In order to identify influential traps, the linear distance in meters between all traps in the surveillance system from 2020 to 2022 was calculated and used to create a 4 km buffer radius around each trap in the surveillance system.ResultsA total of 36,589 An. crucians and 9943 An. quadrimaculatus were collected during this study by the surveillance system, consisting of 322 CO2-based traps. The findings reveal a highly heterogeneous spatiotemporal distribution of An. crucians and An. quadrimaculatus in Miami-Dade County, highlighting the presence of highly conducive environments in transition zones between natural/rural and urban areas. Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and to a lesser extent An. crucians, pose a considerable risk of malaria transmission during an outbreak, given their high abundance and proximity to humans.ConclusionsUnderstanding the factors driving the proliferation, population dynamics, and spatial distribution of Anopheles vector species is vital for implementing effective mosquito control and reducing the risk of malaria outbreaks in the United States.

Evaluating dose coverage and conformity in stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) plans

PurposeAccepted conformity metrics in stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) have significant limitations. This work aimed to develop a spatial assessment methodology that improves and automates checks of dose prescription and dose gradient from planning target volume (PTV) edge. MethodsA Python-based script was developed to determine linear distances from the PTV edge to specified isodose, every 15 degrees on all axial slices and along the central axis in the coronal plane. A new “Internal PTV contour” distance metric is introduced as a size and shape indicator. 134 previously treated SABR patients stratified by anatomical site and PTV volume were analysed to establish baselines and tolerances for automation acceptability. ResultsIn the axial plane, median distance (MD) from PTV edge to the 100 % isodose was 0.13 mm (range: −0.67 to 0.53 mm), and for the 90 % isodose was 2.37 mm (1.36 to 3.40 mm). Lung and non-Lung dose gradient criteria was established by fitting a second order polynomial to the MD as a function of “Internal PTV contour”. This resulted in acceptability criteria of MD + 1 mm for 80 % isodose and MD + 2 mm for the 50 % isodose. For the coronal plane, MD to the 100 % isodose was 0.49 mm (−1.24 to 2.14 mm) and for the 90 % was 1.73 mm (−0.49 to 4.13 mm). ConclusionsOur in-house script enables a high-quality spatial assessment of PTV dose coverage and gradient, with the new ‘Internal PTV contour’ distance metric correlating well with dose gradient.

Shaping gene expression and its evolution by chromatin architecture and enhancer activity.

Transcriptional regulation plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the intricate genetic programs governing embryonic development. The expression of developmental genes relies on the combined activity of several cis-regulatory elements (CREs), such as enhancers and silencers, which can be located at long linear distances from the genes that they regulate and that interact with them through establishment of chromatin loops. Mutations affecting their activity or interaction with their target genes can lead to developmental disorders and are thought to have importantly contributed to the evolution of the animal body plan. The income of next-generation-sequencing approaches has allowed identifying over a million of sequences with putative regulatory potential in the human genome. Characterizing their function and establishing gene-CREs maps is essential to decode the logic governing developmental gene expression and is one of the major challenges of the post-genomic era. Chromatin 3D organization plays an essential role in determining how CREs specifically contact their target genes while avoiding deleterious off-target interactions. Our understanding of these aspects has greatly advanced with the income of chromatin conformation capture techniques and fluorescence microscopy approaches to visualize the organization of DNA elements in the nucleus. Here we will summarize relevant aspects of how the interplay between CRE activity and chromatin 3D organization regulates developmental gene expression and how it relates to pathological conditions and the evolution of animal body plan.

Assessment of Maxillary Canine Impaction and Severity in Young Patients

Abstract Introduction: The most common form of tooth impaction is maxillary permanent canines, third molars being an exception to this rule. Ericson and Kurol estimated that impactions are twice as common in females (1.17%) as in males (0.51%). It is estimated that of all patients with maxillary impacted canines, 8% are bilateral impaction. The purpose of this study is an assessment of maxillary canine impaction and severity in young patients based on angular and linear measurements on panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: The retrospective study with 150 males and females, panoramic radiographs were taken between the age group of 14 and 20 years. Out of 150, in 25 Orthopantograms (OPGs), maxillary canine impaction was found. The samples were further classified into two groups involving unilateral and bilateral canine impaction. Angular and linear measurements were performed, and the linear distance between the cusp tip and apex of the cuspid was measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane or midline. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test. The equality of means t-test shows that the distance measured from the canine cusp tip to the central incisor was highly significant (P &lt; 0.05 and angular measurements were highly insignificant. The severity of bilateral impaction was found to be higher in females than males. Conclusion: The incidence and severity of bilateral maxillary canine impaction were significant in females compared to males.

The effect of baseline on the uncertainties of range determination performed by two-site astrometric observations: A sample case for the triangulation method: TURKSAT 3A and TURKSAT 4A

The uncertainties in range determination depending on two-site locations for GEO satellites were calculated and shown that the uncertainty in the range depends not only on linear baseline distance between the locations but also both latitude and longitude of geographic coordinates of the sites. By taking the first observing site as fixed and changing the location of the second site, the triangulated range calculations were performed by using SGP4 orbital model and published Two-Line Elements (TLE). Additionally, as a sample of triangulated observation, the results of nearly synchronous two-site astrometric measurements of two GEO satellites, TURKSAT 3A and TURKSAT 4A, were presented. These astrometric observations were carried out in TÜBITAK National Observatory (TUG), Antalya and TURKSAT Company’s site, Ankara. Although the baseline between the observatory sites corresponds to a relatively short distance of about 400 km, measured range determinations well stays under the error level expected by Choi et al. (2010).

Enhancer-promoter communication in Drosophila developmental gene transcription.

Enhancers play an essential role in gene regulation by receiving cues from transcription factors and relaying these signals to modulate transcription from target promoters. Enhancer-promoter communications occur across large linear distances of the genome and with high specificity. The molecular mechanisms that underlie enhancer-mediated control of transcription remain unresolved. In this review, we focus on research in Drosophila uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing enhancer-promoter communication and discuss the current understanding of developmental gene regulation. The functions of protein acetylation, pausing of RNA polymerase II, transcriptional bursting, and the formation of nuclear hubs in the induction of tissue-specific programs of transcription during zygotic genome activation are considered.

OPTIMIZATION OF THE LIFTING MECHANISM FOR THE WORKING EQUIPMENT OF AN EARTHMOVING MACHINE

Summary. This paper addresses the optimization of the structural parameters of the lifting mechanism of the frame for the working equipment in a universal rotary earthmoving trenching and excavation machine operating continuously. The goal is to reduce the efforts in its hydraulic cylinders while maintaining the prescribed kinematics of the mechanism. Structurally, the lifting mechanisms of the working equipment are designed with the hydraulic cylinder positioned above the boom (frame), and the fluid is supplied to the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder for lifting. The formulated optimization task aims to design a mechanism that could reach initial and final positions while simultaneously developing minimal peak effort on the hydraulic cylinder rod. Known as a "minimax" problem, this task seeks the minimum value among a set of maximums. Variables chosen include the linear distances from the axis of rotation to the hydraulic cylinder attachment points and the structural angle; a target function is defined. Computational dependencies for determining the design parameters and the force on the hydraulic cylinder rod are presented. Additionally, a constraint on the range of values for the structural angle parameter has been introduced. For calculations, a spreadsheet processor MS Excel with the "Solver" add-on was used. As a result of the optimization for the physical model of the working equipment of the universal rotary earthmoving trenching and excavation machine operating continuously, the parameters for the positioning of the hydraulic cylinder attachment points were found to reduce the load on the hydraulic cylinders by 1.39 times while maintaining the prescribed kinematics of the mechanism. The proposed methodology can be recommended for use in calculations of other lifting mechanisms where the cylinder is positioned above the boom and the fluid is supplied to the rod chamber of the hydraulic cylinder. Keywords: hydraulic cylinder, earthmoving machine, force, working equipment, force calculation, software, link-lever mechanism

Time Pattern of Presentation of Victims of High-Speed Passenger Ferry Mass Casualty Incidents to the Emergency Department.

Mass Casualty Incidents (MCIs) involving high-speed passenger ferries (HSPFs) may result in the dual-wave phenomenon, in which the emergency department (ED) is overwhelmed by an initial wave of minor injuries, followed by a second wave of more seriously injured victims. This study aimed to characterize the time pattern of ED presentation of victims in such accidents in Hong Kong. All HSPF MCIs from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively, with the time interval from accident to ED registration determined for each victim. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify independent factors associated with the time of ED presentation after the accidents. Eight MCIs involving 492 victims were identified. Victims with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 9 had a significantly shorter median time interval compared to those with minor injuries. An ISS ≥ 9 and evacuation by emergency service vessels were associated with a shorter delay in ED arrival, whereas ship sinking, accident at nighttime, and a longer linear distance between the accident and receiving ED were associated with a longer delay. The dual-wave phenomenon was not present in HSPF MCIs. Early communication is the key to ensure early resource mobilisation and a well-timed response.

Relationship between bite force, occlusal contact area, and three-dimensional facial soft tissue in dentofacial deformities.

This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional facial soft tissue dimensions, maximum bite force (MBF), and occlusal contact area in patients with DFD. In addition, we analyzed the relationship between MBF and the three-dimensional facial measurements. Thirty-two patients with skeletal Class III DFD and 20 patients with Class II DFD underwent a soft tissue evaluation using surface laser scanning, as well as MBF and occlusal contact area assessments. The DFD groups were compared with each other and with 25 healthy subjects. Significant morphological differences were found in the transversal, vertical, and anteroposterior dimensions between Class II DFD and Class III DFD. Both DFD groups presented an increased linear distance of chin height, which was strongly related with decreased MBF magnitude. The DFD groups exhibited lower MBF and occlusal contact area, with no significant differences between Class II and Class III DFD. The presence of DFD affected 3D measurements of facial soft tissue, causing variations beyond normal limits, lower MBF, and occlusal contact area in both Class II and Class III DFD patients. The vertical dimension might have influenced the lower MBF magnitude in the studied skeletal deformities.

An Atlas of Promoter Chromatin Modifications and HiChIP Regulatory Interactions in Human Subcutaneous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

The genome of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from abdominal and gluteofemoral adipose tissue depots are maintained in depot-specific stable epigenetic conformations that influence cell-autonomous gene expression patterns and drive unique depot-specific functions. The traditional approach to explore tissue-specific transcriptional regulation has been to correlate differential gene expression to the nearest-neighbor linear-distance regulatory region defined by associated chromatin features including open chromatin status, histone modifications, and DNA methylation. This has provided important information; nonetheless, the approach is limited because of the known organization of eukaryotic chromatin into a topologically constrained three-dimensional network. This network positions distal regulatory elements in spatial proximity with gene promoters which are not predictable based on linear genomic distance. In this work, we capture long-range chromatin interactions using HiChIP to identify remote genomic regions that influence the differential regulation of depot-specific genes in ADSCs isolated from different adipose depots. By integrating these data with RNA-seq results and histone modifications identified by ChIP-seq, we uncovered distal regulatory elements that influence depot-specific gene expression in ADSCs. Interestingly, a subset of the HiChIP-defined chromatin loops also provide previously unknown connections between waist-to-hip ratio GWAS variants with genes that are known to significantly influence ADSC differentiation and adipocyte function.

Accuracy of 3D facial scans: a comparison of three different scanning system in an in vivo study

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of three different 3D facial scanning systems, relying, respectively, on stereophotogrammetry, structured light and a smartphone app and camera.MethodsThirty subjects have been scanned with three different facial scanning systems, stereophotogrammetry, structured light and a smartphone app and camera. Linear measurements were compared with direct anthropometries measured on the patient's face, while the study of areas (forehead, tip of the nose, chin, right and left cheek) was evaluated by overlapping scans using the Geomagic Control X program. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS v28 software.ResultsThe ANOVA test was used to compare linear distances and direct anthropometry measurements, revealing statically significant values for all distances investigated, especially for the Face Hunter scanner, except for the Prn–Pog′ distance (p = 0.092). The three facial scans were superimposed pairwise almost the 100 per cent of the overlapping areas fell within the tolerance limits for all three comparisons analysed. The chin was the most accurately reproduced, with no differences among scanners, while the forehead proved to be the least accurately reproduced by all scanners.ConclusionsAll three acquisition systems proved to be effective in capturing 3D images of the face, with the exception of the Face Hunter scanner, that produced statistically significant differences in linear measurements for the distances Tr–Na′ and Zyg–Zyg with respect to direct anthropometric measurements.

Sex determination in budgerigars using radiographic pelvimetry.

The purpose of this study was to assess the pelvimetric values obtained from radiographic pelvis images of budgerigars in terms of sexual dimorphism. The objectives included determining linear osteometric and angle measurements of the pelvis, as well as calculating the length-to-width ratios among different pelvimetric measurements. Additionally, the study aimed to reveal the correlations between age and body weight with both the pelvimetric measurements and ratio measurements in these animals. In this study, measurements of linear distance, angle and length-to-width ratios were obtained from ventrodorsal images of the pelvis in a sample of 60 budgerigars, consisting of 30 males and 30 females. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of the obtained measurement values was performed. When analysing the morphometric measurement values based on sex, it was observed that all linear measurements (L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, L9, L10 and L11) were higher in males, whereas the angle measurements (A1, LA2 and RA2) were found to be significantly greater in females (p<0.05). Additionally, both male and female budgerigars exhibited a greater pre-acetabular length of the ilium compared to the post-acetabular length. Moreover, there were mostly positive significant correlations between age and body weight with the pelvic measurement values in both sexes (p<0.05). The obtained biometric measurement values from pelvimetric X-ray images in budgerigars were analysed to assess sexual dimorphism. Furthermore, this study presents fundamental morphometric data that can be valuable for clinical, taxonomic, phylogenetic, ornithological, allometric and characterization studies of budgerigars.

Influence of scanbody design and intraoral scanner on the trueness of complete arch implant digital impressions: An in vitro study.

This study aimed to compare the accuracy of full-arch digital implant impressions using seven different scanbodies and four intraoral scanners. A 3D-printed maxillary model with six implants and their respective multi-unit abutments was used for this study. Seven scanbodies (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, and SB7) and four intraoral scanners (Primescan®, Omnican®, Trios 3®, and Trios 4®) were assessed. Each combination group was scanned ten times and a dental lab scanner (D2000, 3Shape) was used as a reference. All scans were exported as STL files, imported into Convince software (3Shape) for alignment, and later into Blender software, where their 3D positions were analyzed using a Python script. The 3D deviation, angular deviation, and linear distance between implants #3 and #14 were also measured. Accuracy was measured in terms of "trueness" (scanbody 3D deviation between intraoral scan and desktop scan). Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data (⍺ = .05). The study found statistically significant differences in digital impression accuracy among the scanners and scanbodies (p<0.001). When comparing different intraoral scanners, the Primescan system showed the smallest 3D deviation (median 110.59 μm) and differed statistically from the others, while Trios 4 (median 122.35 μm) and Trios 3 (median 130.62 μm) did not differ from each other (p = .284). No differences were found in the linear distance between implants #3 and #14 between Trios 4, Primescan, and Trios 3 systems. When comparing different scanbodies, the lowest median values for 3D deviation were obtained by SB2 (72.27μm) and SB7 (93.31μm), and they did not differ from each other (p = .116). The implant scanbody and intraoral scanner influenced the accuracy of digital impressions on completely edentulous arches.

Regional access to a centralized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) service in Victoria, Australia

IntroductionVictoria, Australia provides a centralised state ECMO service, supported by ambulance retrieval. Equity of access to this service has not been previously described. ObjectiveDescribe the characteristics of ECMO recipients and quantify geographical and socioeconomic influence on access. DesignRetrospective observational study with spatial mapping. Participants and settingAdult (≥18 years) ECMO recipients from July 2016–June 2022. Data from administrative Victorian Admissions Episodes Database analysed in conjunction with Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network population data and choropleth mapping. Presumed ECMO modes were inferred from cardiopulmonary bypass and pre-hospital cardiac arrest codes. Spatial autoregressive models including Moran's test used for spatial lag testing. OutcomesDemographics and outcomes of ECMO recipients; ECMO incidence by patient residence (Statistical-Area Level 2, SA-2) and Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD); and ECMO utilisation adjusted for patient factors and linear distance from the central ECMO referral site. Results631 adults received ECMO over 6 years, after exclusion of paediatric (n = 242), duplicate (n = 135), and interstate or incomplete (n = 72) records. Mean age was 51.8 years, and 68.8 % were male. Overall ECMO incidence was 3.00 ± 3.95 per 105 population. 135 (21.4 %) were presumed VA-ECMO, 59 (9.3 %) presumed ECPR, and 437 (69.3 %) presumed VV-ECMO. Spatial lag was non-significant after adjusting for patient characteristics. Distance from the central referral site (dy/dx = 0.19, 95% CI −0.41–0.04, p = 0.105) and IRSAD score (dy/dx = 0.17, 95% CI −0.19–0.53, p = 0.359) did not predict ECMO utilisation. ConclusionVictorian ECMO incidence rates were low. We did not find evidence of inequity of access to ECMO irrespective of regional area or socioeconomic status.