Pretreatment Measurements Research Articles

One-Piece Zirconia Oral Implants for Single Tooth Replacement: Five-Year Results from a Prospective Cohort Study

The intention of this 5-year prospective cohort investigation was to clinically and radiographically investigate the outcomes of a one-piece zirconia implant system for single tooth replacement. Sixty-five patients received a total of 66 single-tooth implants. All implants immediately received temporary restorations and were finally restored with all-ceramic crowns. Follow-ups were performed at the prosthetic delivery, after 1, 3, and 5 years. Peri-implant and dental soft-tissue parameters were evaluated and patient-reported outcomes recorded. To monitor peri-implant bone remodelling, standardised radiographs were taken at the implant insertion and at the 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-ups. In the course of 5 years, 14 implants were lost, resulting in a cumulative implant survival rate of 78.2%. The mean marginal bone loss from the implant insertion to the 5-year follow-up amounted to 1.12 mm. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding, and plaque index increased over time. In 91.5% of the implants, the papilla index showed levels of 1 or 2, respectively. At the end of the study, the patient satisfaction was higher compared to the pre-treatment measurements. Due to the low survival rate after five years and the noticeably high frequency of advanced bone loss observed in this study, the implant has not met the launch criteria, as it would have not been recommended for routine clinical use.

Predictability of Maxillary Molar Distalization and Derotation with Clear Aligners: A Prospective Study.

Clear aligners are employed daily for the treatment of Class II malocclusions, when a valid option involves distalization and derotation of the upper first and second molars. Evidence regarding the predictability of these movements is slight, and the treatment outcome that clinicians plan may not be achieved. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of distalization and derotation with clear aligners. Geomagic Control X, a 3D quality control software, was used to superimpose digital models of the pre-treatment, post-treatment, and virtual plan (ideal post-treatment) measurements of 16 patients (4 M, 12 F; mean age 25.7 ± 8.8 years). Linear and angular measurement tools were used to calculate the amount of tooth movement prescribed and achieved. Distal displacement of the buccal cusps had an overall accuracy of 69% for the first molar and 75% for the second molar. The accuracy of molar derotation was higher for the first molar (77.5%) than for the second molar (62.7%). The aligners were not able to achieve 100% of the ideal post-treatment result; thus, planning of refinements is often needed. However, clear aligners can be regarded as a valuable option for the distalization of first and second molars.

Adjusting for Baseline Measurements of the Mediators and Outcome as a First Step Toward Eliminating Confounding Biases in Mediation Analysis

Mediation analysis prevails for researchers probing the etiological mechanisms through which treatment affects an outcome. A central challenge of mediation analysis is justifying sufficient baseline covariates that meet the causal assumption of no unmeasured confounding. But current practices routinely overlook this assumption. In this article, we suggest a relatively easy way to mitigate the risks of incorrect inferences resulting from unmeasured confounding: include pretreatment measurements of the mediator(s) and the outcome as baseline covariates. We explain why adjusting for pretreatment baseline measurements is a necessary first step toward eliminating confounding biases. We hope that such a practice can encourage explication, justification, and reflection of the causal assumptions underpinning mediation analysis toward improving the validity of causal inferences in psychology research.

Co-Culture of Cryopreserved Healthy Sertoli Cells with Testicular Tissue of Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) Patients in Culture Media Containing Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)/Testosterone Has No Advantage in Germ Cell Maturation.

Different cell culture conditions and techniques have been used to mature spermatogenic cells to increase the success of in vitro fertilization. Sertoli cells (SCs) are essential in maintaining spermatogenesis and FSH stimulation exerts its effect through direct or indirect actions on SCs. The effectiveness of FSH and testosterone added to the co-culture has been demonstrated in other studies to provide microenvironment conditions of the testicular niche and to contribute to the maturation and meiotic progression of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In the present study, we investigated whether co-culture of healthy SCs with the patient's testicular tissue in the medium supplemented with FSH/testosterone provides an advantage in the differentiation and maturation of germ cells in NOA cases (N = 34). In men with obstructive azoospermia (N = 12), healthy SCs from testicular biopsies were identified and purified, then cryopreserved. The characterization of healthy SCs was done by flow cytometry (FC) and immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for GATA4 and vimentin. FITC-conjugated annexin V/PI staining and the MTT assay were performed to compare the viability and proliferation of SCs before and after freezing. In annexin V staining, no difference was found in percentages of live and apoptotic SCs, and MTT showed that cryopreservation did not inhibit SC proliferation compared to the pre-freezing state. Then, tissue samples from NOA patients were processed in two separate environments containing FSH/testosterone and FSH/testosterone plus co-culture with thawed healthy SCs for 7 days. FC was used to measure 7th-day levels of specific markers expressed in spermatogonia (VASA), meiotic cells (CREM), and post-meiotic cells (protamine-2 and acrosin). VASA and acrosin basal levels were found to be lower in infertile patients compared to the OA group (8.2% vs. 30.6% and 12.8% vs. 30.5%, respectively; p < 0.05). Compared to pre-treatment measurements, on the 7th day in the FSH/testosterone environment, CREM levels increased by 58.8% and acrosin levels increased by 195.5% (p < 0.05). Similarly, in medium co-culture with healthy SCs, by day 7, CREM and acrosin levels increased to 92.2% and 204.8%, respectively (p < 0.05). Although VASA and protamine levels increased in both groups, they did not reach a significant level. No significant difference was found between the day 7 increase rates of CREM, VASA, acrosin and protamine-2 in either FSH/testosterone-containing medium or in medium additionally co-cultured with healthy SCs (58.8% vs. 92.2%, 120.6% vs. 79.4%, 195.5% vs. 204.8%, and 232.3% vs. 198.4%, respectively; p > 0.05). Our results suggest that the presence of the patient's own SCs for maturation of germ cells in the culture medium supplemented with FSH and testosterone is sufficient, and co-culture with healthy SCs does not have an additional advantage. In addition, the freezing-thawing process would not impair the viability and proliferation of SCs.

Does the osteopathic pedal pump reduce lower limb volume in healthy subjects?

Lymphatic treatments are gentle and passive techniques believed to enhance movement of lymph back into the central circulatory system. Animal studies provide supportive evidence, yet there are few studies in humans. The aim of this study is to investigate whether the osteopathic pedal pump protocol reduces volume in the lower limbs of healthy subjects. A total of 30 first- and second-year medical students were recruited. Subjects were excluded from participating if they had acute asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, active infections, fractures of the lower extremities, or metastatic cancer. A within-subjects study design with pre- and posttreatment measurement of lower limb volume was utilized. Pretreatment lower limb volume measurements were obtained utilizing a volumetric water gauge prior tomyofascial thoracic inlet release anda 5min pedal lymphatic pump protocol treatment. Posttreatment lower limb measurements were taken immediately following the protocol treatment. A telephone interview was conducted 2-3days after the treatment to assess the participants' experience of the treatment and whether the treatment elicited a subjective change from baseline. A paired t test was utilized to determine the statistical significance of volume displacement posttreatment. The mean change of pretreatment to posttreatment lower limb volume was-45.63mL with a standard deviation of 37.65mL. The change between the pretreatment and posttreatment volume measurements was statistically significant (p<0.001). The minimum displacement was+19mL, and the maximum displacement was-167mL. The majority of participants perceived the treatment as effective and enjoyable, were likely to recommend it to others, and were willing to have it performed on them at routine office visits if there was a need. The osteopathic pedal pump technique, when utilized on those without leg lymphedema, reduces lower limb volume as measured by the volumetric water gauge. Further studies are warranted, especially in persons with excess lower-extremity edema, lymphedema or venous stasis.

Orthodontic Treatment Does Not Affect Frontal Sinus Development in Female Adults: A Clinical Study.

Frontal sinus growth is gradual and lasts until post-puberty. However, the influence of biomechanical stimuli, such as orthodontic treatment, on frontal sinus development after the growth period has ended remains unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the impact of orthodontic treatment on the frontal sinus morphology of adult females. Sixty women were included and divided into three groups, based on the Frankfort mandibular plane angle. All participants underwent computed tomography and lateral cephalometry before and after treatment. Although two participants exhibited frontal sinus agenesis, most exhibited a bilaterally symmetric frontal sinus without fusion. The frontal sinus width and height were almost similar, irrespective of the vertical skeletal pattern, where the frontal sinus depth was significantly larger in the average mandibular plane angle group than in the low- and high-angle groups. Furthermore, the sinus volume in the low-angle group was likely smaller than that in the average and high-angle groups. On comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements, minimal or no changes to the frontal sinus dimension were detected after treatment. In conclusion, orthodontic treatment did not affect frontal sinus development after the end of growth.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscles Trainer in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program among COPD Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with prolonged respiratory problems and compromised airflow. Eventually, routine activities become troublesome. Pulmonary rehabilitation program and specific training of inspiratory muscles can do management of such patients. Aim: To find out the effects of Inspiratory Muscle Trainer on dyspnea in moderate COPD patients during Pulmonary Rehabilitation in terms of improvement of pulmonary lung function and Multidimensional Dyspnea profile. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: Two groups were designed; in one group Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was applied in other group both PRP and IMT was given. Patients were recruited into two groups by simple random technique. Pre-treatment measurements were taken and then Sessions of 4 weeks with 5 days per week were given and post treatment assessment was done. Data was evaluated by using SPSS version 24. Independent sample t-test was applied to determine any significant difference between Pre-treatment and Post-treatment Functional pulmonary assessment between two groups. Results: Findings revealed that differences between two groups were statistically significant (p &lt;0.05) and also statistically significant difference were observed within group analysis (p&lt; 0.05) with respect to dyspnea , fatigue , quality of life. Practical Implication: This study considered moderate COPD patients for Inspiratory Muscle training (IMT) along with Multi-Disciplinary Approach in slowing down the worsening of disease and in this way prevented the future complications. Conclusion: It was concluded that inspiratory muscle trainer group was more effective as compare to standard rehabilitation in improving pulmonary function testing and reducing dyspnea among COPD patients. Keywords: Dyspnea, Inspiratory Muscle Training and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme.

Feasibility of Microbubble-Accelerated Low-Dose Thrombolysis of Peripheral Arterial Occlusions Using an Ultrasound Catheter.

Intra-arterial administration of microbubbles (MBs) through an ultrasound (US) catheter increases the local concentration of MBs into the thrombus and may further enhance outcomes of contrast-enhanced sonothrombolysis (CEST). The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and lytic efficacy of intra-arterial infusion of MBs during US-enhanced thrombolysis in both in vitro and in vivo peripheral arterial occluded models. SonoVue and Luminity MBs were infused at a flow rate of 20 mL/h through either the drug delivery lumen of the US catheter (DDC, n=20) or through the tube lumen of the vascular phantom (systematic infusion, n=20) during thrombolysis with a low-dose urokinase (UK) protocol (50 000 IU/h) with(out) US application to assess MB survivability and size by pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements. A human thrombus was placed into a vascular phantom of the flow system to examine the lytic effects of CEST by post-treatment D-dimer concentrations measurements of 5 treatment conditions (saline, UK, UK+US, UK+US+SonoVue, and UK+US+Luminity). Thrombolytic efficacy of localized MBs and US delivery was then investigated in vivo in 5 porcine models by arterial blood flow, microcirculation, and postmortem determined thrombus weight and remaining length. US exposure significantly decreased SonoVue (p=0.000) and Luminity (p=0.000) survivability by 37% and 62%, respectively. In vitro CEST treatment resulted in higher median D-dimer concentrations for the SonoVue (0.94 [0.07-7.59] mg/mL, p=0.025) and Luminity (0.83 [0.09-2.53] mg/mL, p=0.048) subgroups when compared with thrombolysis alone (0.36 [0.02-1.00] mg/mL). The lytic efficacy of CEST examined in the porcine model showed an improved median arterial blood flow of 21% (7%-79%), and a median thrombus weight and length of 1.02 (0.96-1.43) g and 2.25 (1.5-4.0) cm, respectively. One allergic reaction and 2 arrhythmias were observed due to the known allergic reaction on lipids in the porcine model. SonoVue and Luminity can be combined with an US catheter and could potentially accelerate thrombolytic treatment of peripheral arterial occlusions. Catheter-directed thrombolysis showed to be an effective alternative to surgery for acute peripheral arterial occlusions, but this technique is still associated with several limb and life-threatening complications. The effects of thrombolysis on clot dissolution may be further enhanced by intra-arterial administration of microbubbles through an ultrasound catheter. This study demonstrates the feasibility and lytic efficacy of intra-arterial infusion of microbubbles during US-enhanced thrombolysis in both in vitro and in vivo peripheral arterial occluded models.

Effect of Dry Needling Treatment on Tibial Musculature in Combination with Neurorehabilitation Treatment in Stroke Patients: Randomized Clinical Study.

(1) Background: Introducing ultrasound-guided dry needling to neurorehabilitation treatments increases the beneficial effects of therapy. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of including an ultrasound-guided dry needling session in neurorehabilitation treatment on spasticity and gait–balance quality versus neurorehabilitation treatment in subjects who had suffered a stroke. (2) Methods: A single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients who had suffered a stroke in the right middle cerebral artery signed the informed consent for participation in the study. Twenty patients finally participated and were randomly assigned to the control group (neurorehabilitation treatment) or experimental group (neurorehabilitation treatment plus ultrasound-guided dry needling). Pre-treatment and post-treatment data were collected on the same day. The experimental group (n = 10) first underwent an ultrasound-guided dry needling intervention on the tibialis anterior and tibialis posterior musculature, followed by neurorehabilitation treatment; the control group (n = 10) underwent their corresponding neurorehabilitation without the invasive technique. Pre-treatment and post-treatment measurements were taken on the same day, assessing the quality of balance–gait using the “Up and Go” test and the degree of spasticity using the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale. (3) Results: The patients who received neurorehabilitation treatment plus ultrasound-guided dry needling showed a greater decrease in spasticity in the tibial musculature after the neurorehabilitation treatment session (p < 0.001), improving balance and gait (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: An ultrasound-guided dry needling session combined with neurorehabilitation treatment reduced spasticity and improved balance and gait in stroke patients.

Association of Craniofacial Patterns with the Curve of Spee and the Time Required for Orthodontic Levelling.

The curve of Spee (CoS) is an important parameter for an individualized treatment plan. The available information regarding a potential association of the depth of the curve of Spee with various skeletal craniofacial characteristics is conflicting and it is also unknown whether certain craniofacial parameters affect the duration of the levelling phase of orthodontic treatment. A prospective sample of 32 patients with mild to moderate crowding that underwent orthodontic treatment with full fixed appliances was used to study these topics. The craniofacial characteristics were captured on pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs and measurements of the CoS were performed on the initial 3D digital dental models using the Viewbox 4 software. Non-parametric statistics and Spearman’s correlations were applied. Weak negative correlations were detected between the CoS depth and the SNA and SNB angles. There was no other association between the CoS and craniofacial parameters, including various anteroposterior measurements. Furthermore, there was no significant association of any craniofacial parameter with the duration of the levelling. Contrary to certain clinical beliefs, it can be argued that the craniofacial characteristics are not associated with the CoS and the time required for its levelling in subjects with moderate pre-treatment CoS depth.

Evaluation of patient satisfaction with pharyngeal airway changes after orthognathic surgery in patients with Class III skeletal anomalies.

The aims of our study were to determine the changes in the pharyngeal airway after treating patients with Class III malocclusion who received double jaw surgery, to determine the hard tissue and soft tissue parameters and the hyoid bone and tongue positions after surgery, to determine the changes to compare the pretreatment and post-treatment measurements of the patients in the double jaw group with the measurements of the control group patients, and to evaluate postoperative patient satisfaction. The study included thirty-two Class III adult patients that received double jaw surgery and twenty-five Class I patients. Cephalometric records were taken before treatment (T1) and after treatment (T2). After double jaw orthognathic surgery, there were statistically significant changes in all pharyngeal airway linear and areal parameters (p<0.001). There were significant superior and posterior movements of the tongue and hyoid bone post-surgery. The post-treatment analysis of the double jaw surgery group and control group were compared, with statistically significant differences in the mandibular dental parameters and pharyngeal airway measurements in patients in the double jaw surgery group. Despite the narrowings detected, high satisfaction scores were observed in the patient satisfaction questionnaire and the patients did not experience respiratory problems.

349P Analysis of plasma angiogenesis factors on the efficacy of 2nd-line (2L) chemotherapy (chemo) combined with angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Results from GI-SCREEN CRC Ukit study

Angiogenesis factors have been reported as prognostic and predictive biomarkers of AIs for mCRC, but its significance as a predictor of efficacy in 2L chemo combined with AIs has not been established. In 295 enrolled patients (pts) with mCRC receiving chemo plus AI in 2L treatment from Sep 2017 to Dec 2020, serial plasma samples were prospectively collected at the time points of pre- and post-treatment. 17 plasma angiogenesis factors were analyzed by the multiplex assay with Luminex technology. Interactions of their pre-treatment measurements with treatment groups on PFS were assessed via Cox proportional hazards model. The strength of interactions was examined using estimated generalized propensity score as weight, and the continuous plasma angiogenesis variables were dichotomized according to the median. The significance level for the interaction was defined as two-sided p ≤0.1. 283 pts were included in adjusted 2L cohort (chemo plus bevacizumab [BEV [reference]: n=100], FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab [RAM: n=98], FOLFIRI plus aflibercept [AFL: n=85]). Baseline characteristics in this cohort were as follows; median age 67 years; male 57.2%; left-sided tumor 70.3%; RAS mutant 50.2%; prior BEV 72.8%. Propensity-score weighted Cox model for PFS compared RAM with BEV showed significant interactions in HGF (median 174 pg/mL, High: HR 1.278, Low: HR 0.737, interaction p = 0.0485), sVEGFR-1 (median 985 pg/mL, High: HR 0.692, Low: HR 1.419, interaction p = 0.0106), and sVEGFR-3 (median 17200 pg/mL, High: HR 0.658, Low: HR 1.396, interaction p = 0.0065). On the other hand, there were no significant interactions for PFS compared AFL with BEV.Table: 349PBelow medianAbove medianInteraction p-value∗BEVRAMBEVRAMBelow vs above medianHGF6.9 m6.7 m4.0 m2.1 m0.0485sVEGFR-16.2 m3.9 m5.9 m5.8 m0.0106sVEGFR-36.4 m3.7 m5.7 m6.7 m0.0065Median PFS, ∗defined as p ≤0.1 Open table in a new tab Pre-treatment plasma HGF, sVEGFR-1 and sVEGFR-3 could be biomarkers that contribute to the optimal regimen selection of FOLFIRI plus RAM or chemo+BEV in 2L treatment of mCRC.

Evaluation of intravenous zoledronic acid-induced acute-phase response in the emergency department

Background/Aim: A temporary influenza-like condition, called acute-phase reaction (APR), is commonly observed with intravenous (IV) administration of nitrogen-containing amino bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid (ZOL). This single-center study aimed to evaluate the incidence of APR symptoms after intravenous (IV) ZOL administration in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis who were admitted to emergency department (ED).&#x0D; Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 107 osteoporotic patients who were diagnosed with post-menopausal osteoporosis (bone mineral density T-score equal to or below −2.5 with/without prevalent fractures) and who had an ED admission in the first 72 h after intravenous injection of ZOL were included in the study. The patient’s pre-treatment blood sample measurements, presenting symptoms (such as fever, fatigue, hyperpyrexia, headache), family history, previous medical treatment, and adverse effects caused by osteoporosis drugs, in addition to information on co-morbidities and comedications were obtained from clinical records.&#x0D; Results: One-hundred seven osteoporotic patients (19.56%) patients experienced APR and were admitted to the ED after IV-ZOL administration. The mean age was 64.58 (11.15) years (n = 107). The three most commonly reported symptoms were diffuse musculoskeletal symptoms, influenza-like illness, and gastrointestinal symptoms (34.5%, 21.5%, and 18.5%, respectively). Seventy percent of the patients who presented to the ED with APR symptoms were prescribed drugs only, and 30% of the patients received treatment specific for their symptoms in the ED. Most of the diffuse musculoskeletal symptoms consisted of myalgia (22.4%). A positive correlation between the onset time of APR symptoms and the number of IV bisphosphonate (BP) doses was found (r = 0.597; P = 0.032).&#x0D; Conclusion: Our study indicates that as the number of IV-ZOL administrations increase yearly in patients with osteoporosis, symptom onset time occurs later. A linear relationship was found between the number of drug applications and the duration of symptoms. Also, the incidence of APR following IV-ZOL administration was 19% in the osteoporotic patient population who presented to the ED or to other clinics according to the symptoms.

Effective approach for improving agummy smile : Upward movement of the maxillary occlusal plane using midpalatal miniscrews and amodified transpalatal arch.

Correction of agummy smile by orthodontic treatment alone has recently become feasible with the use of miniscrews. However, the optimal treatment mechanics remain unclear. Here we cephalometrically evaluated jaw and tooth displacement in cases where agummy smile was improved using alevel anchorage system (LAS). Sixteen patients underwent orthodontic treatment using anLAS consisting of amodified transpalatal arch and midpalatal miniscrews. Cephalometric pretreatment and posttreatment measurements were compared using the paired t‑test to determine significant skeletal and dental changes. The Mann-WhitneyU test was used for nonparametric data. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlations between different variables and the vertical change in prosthion position which was used to indicate the amount of gingival exposure. The changes noted after treatment were intrusion of the maxillary first molars (P < 0.001) combined with only minor extrusion of the mandibular first molars. Suppressed extrusion of the mandibular first molars was significantly correlated with greater upward movement of the prosthion (r = 0.676, P < 0.01). Upward movement of the prosthion was also significantly correlated with intrusion of the maxillary and mandibular incisors, anterior upward movement of the maxillary occlusal plane, and an increase of the SNP angle. Treatment involving the combined use of miniscrews and amodified transpalatal arch resulted in intrusion of the maxillary first molars and maxillary incisors and consequently elevated the maxillary occlusal plane. The results of this study suggest that intruding the maxillary occlusal plane and minimizing mandibular molar extrusion were effective to induce autorotation of the mandible and to improve agummy smile.

Safety and Feasibility of a Kinesiotape Application for Secondary Hand Lymphedema: A Case Series.

Background: The safety and feasibility of using kinesiotape as a short-term alternative treatment to compression garments or gloves for hand lymphedema have not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine if kinesiotape could maintain size and extracellular fluid (ECF) volume of the hand and forearm, as well as upper limb function and quality of life for women with secondary hand lymphedema. Methods and Results: Six women with secondary hand lymphedema underwent pretreatment measurements, including hand and digit size using a tape measure; ECF volume using bioimpedance spectroscopy; and patient-reported outcome measurements of upper limb function and quality of life. Kinesiotape was then applied to the dorsum of the hand and left for 48 h, during which participants were asked not to wear compression garments. Posttreatment measurements were completed after kinesiotape removal. Changes in measurements were compared to the smallest detectable change (SDC). Hand size did not change more than the SDC; however, a single affected digit increased in circumference by more than the SDC. Changes of the whole arm ECF volume were less than the SDC. The ECF volume of the dorsum of the hand increased in one and decreased in another participant. The forearm ECF volume decreased in two participants. Upper limb function and quality of life did not change. No adverse event was reported. Conclusion: Short-term kinesiotape use appears to be safe in maintaining the physical presentation of hand lymphedema. However, these results should be examined in a larger sample. The feasibility of using kinesiotape as an alternative treatment to compression requires further investigation. Clinical Trial Registration number: ACTRN12618001232224p, July 23, 2018 retrospectively registered.

Efficacy of Bite Opening in Begg's Technique

Introduction: With the introduction of Begg’s, technique there isopening up of deep anterior overbite by depressing both upper and lower anterior teeth in their sockets. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of bite Opening by the Begg technique during the first stage of treatment cephalometrically. Materials and Methods: Materials for the study consisted of thirty pre-treatment and end of stage 1 cephalograms taken of patients treated with Begg mechanics. Tracing of the radiographs of Class I, Class II division 1 and Class II subdivision malocclusion cases were made and reference planes were drawn. The difference between the pre-treatment and stage-I measurements for all the sixteen parameters were analysed statistically. The student paired t-test was applied to determine the level of significance. Results: The estimation of apparent bite opening due to lower incisor proclination was derived using correlation coefficient and the regression equation was estimated. Overbite is reduced markedly with a mean of 4.66 +/- 1.637 mm, which is statistically highly significant. The result showed an apparent bite opening with a mean value of 1.97+2.44 mm which is statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Overbite was reduced markedly in all the cases with this technique used by Begg’s and mandibular incisors showed a marked amount of intrusion, which accounts for 63.6% of bite opening which is found to be the primary factor contributing to correction of deep overbites.

Volumetric Assessment of the Frontal Sinus in Female Adolescents and Its Relationship with Craniofacial Morphology and Orthodontic Treatment: A Pilot Study.

The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between frontal sinus morphology and craniofacial morphology, and to investigate the effects of orthodontic treatment on the development of the frontal sinus in female adolescents (mean age: 13.9 ± 1.3 years). In total, 53 patients were recruited and underwent cephalography and computed tomography before and after orthodontic treatment. Of these patients, most had a bilaterally symmetrical fan-shaped frontal sinus without any fusion. The average size and volume of the frontal sinus before orthodontic treatment were 45.8 ± 12.3 mm in breadth, 29.8 ± 7.3 mm in height, 22.7 ± 5.1 mm in depth, and 5151.6 ± 2711.4 mm2 in volume. Sinus volume in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion tended to be larger than that in patients with skeletal Class I and II malocclusion. Upon comparison with the pretreatment measurements, the sizes and volumes of the frontal sinus were significantly larger following orthodontic treatment, regardless of the skeletal pattern; however, since these changes were small, the increases in the size and volume of the frontal sinus may have been caused by pubertal growth and not orthodontic treatment. The clinical relevance of the frontal sinus remains controversial.

Analysis of plasma angiogenesis factors on the efficacy of first-line (1L) chemotherapy (chemo) combined with biologics in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Results from GI-SCREEN CRC Ukit study.

3530 Background: Angiogenesis factors have been reported as prognostic and predictive biomarkers of angiogenesis inhibitors for mCRC (Weickhardt AJ. Br J Cancer 2015. Tabernero J. Ann Oncol 2018). We investigated whether plasma angiogenesis factors could predict the efficacy of biologics combined with chemo in 1L treatment in patients (pts) with RAS wild-type mCRC. Methods: Serial plasma samples were prospectively collected at the time points of pre- and post-treatments in mCRC pts receiving biologics in either 1L or 2nd-line (2L) chemo. From Sep 2017 to Dec 2020, 497 pts were enrolled [1L chemo plus bevacizumab (1L BEV, n=102), 1L chemo plus anti-EGFR antibody (1L aEGFR, n=100), 2L chemo plus bevacizumab (n=100), 2L FOLFIRI plus RAM (n=99), 2L FOLFIRI plus aflibercept (n=85) and other treatment (n=11)]. Total of 17 plasma angiogenesis factors (HGF, PlGF, VEGF-A, VEGF-D, Angiopoietin-2, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-8, sNeuropilin-1, TSP-2, OPN, sVEGFR1, sVEGFR2, sVEGFR3, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, and TIMP-1) were analyzed by the multiplex assay with Luminex® technology. Interactions of their pre-treatment measurements with treatment groups on PFS and OS were assessed via Cox proportional hazards model. The strength of interactions was estimated using a propensity score weighting analysis, and the continuous plasma angiogenesis variables were categorized according to the median. The significance level in the interaction was defined as p≤0.1. Results: 133 pts were included in adjusted RAS wild-type 1L cohort (1L BEV: n=33, 1L aEGFR [reference]: n=100). Baseline characteristics of adjusted RAS wild-type 1L cohort were as follows; median age 64 years; male 62.4%; left-sided tumor 88.7%; triplet chemo 15.0%. Propensity-score weighted Cox model for OS showed significant interactions in IL-8 (median 8.03 pg/mL, high: HR 1.738, p=0.0838, Low: HR 0.479, p=0.2624, interaction p=0.0283), sVEGFR-1 (median 1,350 pg/mL, high: HR 0.333, p=0.1770, Low: HR 1.311, p=0.3004, interaction p=0.0777), and sVCAM-1 (median 1,020,000 pg/mL, high: HR 0.100, p=0.0558, Low: HR 1.616, p=0.1765, interaction p=0.0011). In terms of PFS, there were significant interactions in IL-8 (high: HR 1.322, p=0.0418, Low: HR 0.517, p=0.0528, interaction p=0.0752) and sVCAM-1 (high: HR 0.285, p=0.0414, Low: HR 1.200, p=0.7725, interaction p=0.0156). Conclusions: Pre-treatment plasma IL-8 and sVCAM-1 could be predictive biomarkers for efficacy of biologics combined with chemo in 1L treatment of RAS wild-type mCRC. Clinical trial information: UMIN000028616. [Table: see text]

Endoscopic ultrasound as a reliable tool for assessment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma treatment: Example of in situ gene therapy.

Background and study aims In pancreatic cancer, the antitumor effect can only be assessed by means of a computed tomography (CT) scan using RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours) criteria. The aim of this study was to assess the intra-observer and interobserver agreement of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) imaging in assessing tumor volume in primary pancreatic cancer. Patients and methods During a Phase 1 gene therapy trial, 21 patients had EUS before the first and second EUS-guided in situ gene therapy injections. All anonymized EUS files were then randomly distributed to three gastroenterologists/endosonographers and three radiologists (blind status). The largest tumor diameter was measured and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was determined. Results Intra-observer and interobserver agreements were good to excellent, regardless of operator experience (junior versus senior member of staff) (ICC: 0.65 to 0.84). A comparison of pretreatment and post-treatment measurements by the investigators highlighted a significant antitumor effect (–11 %; P = 0.0098), similar to that obtained during the generic protocol (–10 %; P = 0.0045). Conclusions Interobserver agreement regarding primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma measurements appears good to excellent, thus paving the way for the future inclusion of EUS assessments, particularly in trials assessing local therapies for pancreatic tumors.

Influences of methotrexate iontophoresis on functional lifestyle disabilities, functional capacity, and pain in patients with plantar psoriasis.

Objectives This study was aimed to evaluating the influences of methotrexate iontophoresis on functional lifestyle disabilities, functional capacity, and pain after a 6-min walking distance (6MWD) test in patients with plantar psoriasis (PP). Patients and methods Forty‑five patients (29 females, 16 males; mean age 33.9±6.6 years; range, 20 to 45 years) with hyperkeratotic PP were enrolled in the randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups, double-blinded study. They were assigned randomly into the active methotrexate iontophoresis (MI) group (n=23) and the placebo iontophoresis group (n=22). The patients in both groups were assessed before starting the treatment intervention and after completing eight sessions of the treatment intervention through functional lifestyle disabilities measured on the Arabic version of psoriasis disability index, functional capacity using the 6MWD test, and pain after the 6MWD test. Results The pre-treatment measurements of the three variables among the two groups did not reveal statistically significant differences (p>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in the post-treatment results between the two groups (p<0.05). Additionally, the pre-and post-treatment values of the three outcome measures revealed statistically significant differences within the MI group (p<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences within the placebo group (p>0.05). Conclusion Methotrexate iontophoresis is effective in improving functional lifestyle disabilities, enhancing functional capacity, and decreasing pain in patients with PP.