Use Of Calipers Research Articles

89 Evaluation of repeatability of anogenital distance measured with either a caliper or photogrammetry

Abstract The objective was to determine the repeatability of anogenital distance (AGD) measurements over time in growing heifers and evaluate the relationship of photogrammetric and caliper AGD measurements. Reproductive success is one of the most important determinants of profitability in the beef industry. However, fertility traits generally have low heritability, and there are few phenotypic traits that correlate to fertility in beef cattle. The AGD is the distance from the center of the rectum to the base of the clitoris. Recently, researchers in dairy cattle have reported a correlation between shorter AGD and improved fertility. In the published dairy research, AGD has been measured with the use of calipers. Photogrammetric measurement could be a quicker and safer way of taking the measurement and easier to implement on farm. Heifers (n = 153), either Angus or Hereford sired by commercial dams, were used in the analysis. Heifers were early weaned at 82 ± 7 d of age. Following weaning, heifers were managed in partially covered, dry lot pens and fed a moderate roughage growing diet. The heifers rotationally grazed predominantly tall fescue pastures beginning in April of 2023. Heifer AGD was evaluated monthly from June to September. Heifers weighed 210 ± 22 kg and 282 ± 6 d of age at the time of the first AGD measurements. Heifer body weight was collected monthly at time of AGD measurements. The heifers were restrained in a squeeze chute and had their tail held in a relaxed upright position and AGD was measured with a caliper. Immediately following caliper measurements, anogenital photographs were taken with an Iphone 14 plus. A white board with a forensic photomacrographic scale attached and the ear tag number recorded on the right corner was held adjacent to the vulva and was included in the photograph. Photographs were converted from HEIC to JPEG. A software program, Digitizer, was used to set the measurement scale using the forensic photomacrographic scale. The AGD was then digitally measured from the center of the rectum to the base of the clitoris. Repeatability of AGD and relationship of caliper and photogrammetric AGD were evaluated using the CORR procedure of SAS 9.4. Caliper AGD measurements were repeatable as all of the time points were moderately correlated (r ≥ 0.47; P ≤ 0.01) throughout the evaluation period. Photogrammetric AGD measurements were also repeatable as all of the time points were correlated (r ≥ 0.21; P ≤ 0.02) throughout the evaluation period. Photogrammetric AGD had a moderate correlation (r ≥ 0.44; P ≤ 0.01) with the caliper AGD measurements. In conclusion, AGD measurements were repeatable in growing heifers regardless of measurement method. Photogrammetric measurements may be a viable option for estimating AGD as they were strongly correlated to caliper measurements of AGD.

Twenty-year experience of aortic valve reimplantation using the Valsalva graft.

Over the past 20 years, valve-sparing aortic root replacement has aroused increasing interest because of a progressive attitude towards the preservation of natural tissue. Aortic reimplantation is the most used technique to spare the valve, allowing simultaneously aortic root replacement and aortic annular stabilization. The reimplantation into a graft with sinuses guarantees an optimal anatomic and functional reconstruction with established good results at 15 years. The aim of this study is to report the world longest follow-up (up to 20 years) of aortic valve reimplantation using the Valsalva graft. From February 2000 to December 2021, 265 consecutive patients with aortic root aneurysm received aortic valve reimplantation using the Valsalva graft. From 2018, leaflet plication with the routine use of calliper was performed. For each patient, we performed both intraoperative and post-procedural transoesophageal echocardiography. All patients were followed with clinical assessment and echocardiography. The mean duration of follow-up was 85 ± 63 months. The study cohort had a median age of 55 ± 18 and 87.2% were male. The aortic root aneurysm was associated to bicuspid aortic valve in 18.9% of patients and to Marfan syndrome in 10.6% of cases. 55.9% had an aortic regurgitation ≥ 2+. Overall survival at 15 was 87.6 ± 3.4. Freedom from cardiac death was stable at 99.6 ± 0.4 at 5, 10 and 15 years. Freedom from recurrent AR ≥3+ and freedom from reoperation remained stable at 10 and 15 years at 92.2 ± 2.1 and 95.9 ± 1.6, respectively. There was a minimal incidence of infective endocarditis (0.8%), thromboembolism (2.2%) and haemorrhage (2.0%). Six out of 7 patients requiring reoperation had surgery in the first period of our experience (last in 2004). Early suboptimal results had a negative effect on residual aortic regurgitation. Moreover, we hypothesized that the routine use of calliper may have contributed to a further improvement of the outcome, even if these data need to be confirmed by a longer follow-up. The first long-term follow-up after aortic valve reimplantation using the Valsalva graft demonstrated excellent results. These long-term results gradually improved with learning curve, remaining stable during the second decade of observation. The systematic use of calliper may have contributed to a further improvement of the outcome.

COMPARISON OF VARIED FOREST INVENTORY METHODS AND OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR ESTIMATING ABOVE-GROUND BIOMASS IN MALAWI’S MIOMBO WOODLANDS

This study assessed forest inventory methods and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for estimating above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon, as employed in the key REDD+ Miombo Forest Reserves of Malawi. Analysis of Variance statistical technique was applied to investigate the following methods and SOPs: (i) allometry, (ii) sample plot configuration, and (iii) dendrometric measurements. Results indicate that the allometric equations parameter significantly (P<0.001) affected the AGB estimations and was the highest contributor (97.95%) of the total variation. Malawi’s specific allometry provided the highest AGB estimate (113.08±1.56 t/ha). In contrast, the Pan-Tropical/generalized allometric models substantially underestimated AGB within the range of 16.7-67.9%. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the use of varied sampling plot sizes significantly (P<0.001) affected the estimates of AGB. However, the plot size parameter contributed only 1.65% to the total variation. The 20m radius plot size registered the highest AGB (75.31±0.77 t/ha) compared to the 17.84m radius plot (66.12±1.61 t/ha). This signifies that the plot size of 17.84m radius underestimated the AGB by 12.2%. However, results on dendrometric measurements showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in the AGB estimates between the use of diameter tape (D-tape) and calliper in measuring dbh of individual trees despite the former yielding higher estimates of AGB (74.65±0.93 t/ha) than the latter (72.53±0.98 t/ha). This demonstrates that the use of calliper in measuring dbh underestimated AGB t/ha by only 2.8% compared to the use of D-tape. Therefore, the study recommends; employment of local allometry, adoption of a circular sampling design of 20m radius, and consistent use of D-tape in measuring dbh for AGB in Malawi’s Miombo Woodlands. In conclusion, incorporation of these changes is envisaged to facilitate quick realisation of Malawi’s REDD+ carbon payments, smooth running of the National Forest Inventory system, robust implementation and global recognition of the REDD+ efforts.

Pendampingan dalam Memanfaatkan Media Pembelajaran Offline dan Online pada Siswa di Desa Kedungwaru Tulungagung di Masa Pandemi

Online learning is internet-assisted learning without direct face-to-face. Online learning has several weaknesses, including limited internet quota, children who are not comfortable studying at home, time constraints for parents in accompanying children to study, and so on that causes children not to focus on learning. Parents play an important role, especially in terms of providing understanding to their children regarding the covid-19 outbreak, staying at home, and accompanying their children in learning. Like the people in Kedungwaru Village, many parents feel overwhelmed by accompanying their children to study at home. Obstacles faced include parents having to rack their brains to divide their time between working and accompanying their children to study, parents' lack of understanding of children's learning materials, and limited internet quota. Therefore, this Community Service (PkM) aims to help children in Kedungwaru village by assisting children in learning by using online and offline learning media. The method of implementing the activities includes the preparation stage (initial survey and problem identification), implementation stage (socialization and assistance in utilizing online and offline learning media for 8 elementary school students and 2 junior high school students in Kedungwaru Tulungagung village), program evaluation stage, and finally reporting. The results obtained in this activity, the community in Kedungwaru village, elementary and junior high school students were helped in understanding the material taught by the teacher online. The use of online and offline learning media increases enthusiasm for learning because by using the media, they can immediately practice practicum-based learning activities, such as the use of caliper, screw micrometer, and the process of blowing balloons using baking soda and vinegar. The follow-up plan for this activity is the continuation of PkM activities in the following year.

Three Research-Based Quantitative Reasoning Modules for Introductory Organismal Biology Laboratories

We have designed three laboratory modules for an introductory organismal biology course with an emphasis on quantitative reasoning and data analysis skills. Module 1 tests for dimorphism in crayfish chelae using a paired statistical design. Module 2 tests for allometric growth of tapeworm hook structures using a regression model. Module 3 tests for differences in stomatal densities between two groups of plants using a two-sample statistical approach. For all three modules, we emphasize the use of confidence intervals to draw statistical conclusions about hypotheses. Knowledge about the basic biology of animals and plants is required, including arthropods, platyhelminths, and vascular plants. Background reading on dimorphism, allometry, and transpiration provides the necessary foundation to develop questions and hypotheses. Some familiarity with R is necessary for both students and instructors, although the activities can be modified for analysis with Excel or another statistical package. These modules can be taught independently or together as a unit within a course. As stated in the AAAS document, <em>Vision and Change: A Call to Action</em>, the ability to use quantitative reasoning is a core competency that must be developed by all biology students. These modules address the call for instruction in quantitative reasoning and provide a hands-on active introduction to key tools that will be required to build students&rsquo; statistical repertoire in more advanced courses. <em>Primary Image:</em>&nbsp;A highlight of the three modules used in our introductory organismal biology course, including the use of calipers to test for dimorphism in the size of crayfish chelae (upper right), a leaf impression (lower right) from a hydrangea plant (lower left) used to test hypotheses about stomata densities, and the image of an <em>Echinococcus </em>tapeworm (upper left) to test hypotheses about allometry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

POSTOPERATIVE DYSPHAGIA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC FUNDOPLICATION AS A TREATMENT FOR GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE

Abstract INTRODUCTION Laparoscopic Fundoplication (LF) as a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has positive clinical outcomes. However, postoperative dysphagia (PD) may appear as a side effect. Our objective is to analyze PD in patients operated on for LF in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS Retrospective and descriptive study of patients operated on for GERD from September 1997 to February 2019. RESULTS 248 patients (60.5% men), with a mean age of 49.7 (21-82), were operated. 66.1% of the patients presented associated comorbidities, highlighting obesity (19.8%). 75% manifested typical symptoms, 19% presenting with Barrett’s esophagus. Sliding hiatal, paraesophageal, mixed and complex hernia were diagnosed in 151 (60.9%), 23 (9.3%), 12 (4.8%), and 4 (1.6%) patients, respectively. The LF Nissen was the most frequent technique (91.5%), using a caliper in 46% of the cases. PD was the most frequent symptom, present in 57 (23%) patients. It was resolved with dilation in 9 patients, requiring 6 patients surgical reintervention. In those PD cases, a caliper was used in 28 (49.1%) patients, without finding significant differences between them (P = .586). Nor were there significant differences between PD and obesity (P = .510), type of hiatal hernia (P = .326), or surgical technique (P = .428). After a median follow-up of 50.5 months, quality of life was classified as Visick I-II, III, and IV in 76.6%, 6.9% and 1.2% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION No association between PD and the use of calipers, surgical technique or type of hiatal hernia was found in our series.

Pengukuran Objek 2 Dimensi Dengan Menggunakan Kamera Berbasis LabVIEW

Quality Control (QC) is one of the most important components in the manufacturing process. The aim is to determine whether a product is feasible to market. One aspect of QC is the size / dimension of the object to be made. If the size is still within the range of tolerance, then it has passed the QC in terms of size, but if not then it includes a failed product. The problem encountered is that it takes a long time to take measurements, especially objects in the third dimension where each part is different as microdrill, zipper etc. To overcome this weakness, a CCD camera is used as a sensor to record images and then use LabVIEW software to analyze the size of the recorded image. This is a preliminary study so that it is only done for objects with two dimensions with square and circular shapes. From the research that has been done, the measurement with the camera gives results that are almost the same as the use of calipers where the standard deviation fluctuates from 0.3 to 23.8 for circles and 0.54 to 32.05 for squares. Furthermore, the time needed to do one measurement process with the camera ranges from 201 ms to 338 ms whereas using the calipers takes 3 to 5s

Acupuncture in the treatment of temporomandibular muscle dysfunction

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Temporomandibular dysfunction consists of frequent non-dental pain in the orofacial region of multifactorial origin and interdisciplinary treatment, among them, acupuncture. The treatment of temporomandibular dysfunction acts both in muscle relaxation and pain control, trying to achieve the physical, mental, and emotional balance of the patient, thus reducing anxiety and improving the quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate acupuncture as a treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 34 volunteers screened and selected at the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, diagnosed with muscle dysfunction according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria. They were randomly divided into two equal groups: group 1 treated with occlusal plaque, massage, thermotherapy and self-care guidelines; and group 2 treated with six acupuncture sessions lasting 30 minutes each. The pain was evaluated by the visual analog scale, and an algometer to assess the muscular tension of the temporal and masseter muscles. The limitation of mouth opening was measured with the use of calipers. The Mann-Whitney test was used for the non-normal distribution (visual analog scale and tension threshold) between the two groups (G1 and G2), and the Friedman test to compare the assessment periods (beginning of the treatment, after six weeks and four months) with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There was no difference in mouth opening, visual analog scale scores, or muscle tension threshold in relation to the type of treatment used. Both groups improved after six weeks of treatment. There was no statistical difference in the values obtained after six weeks and after four months. CONCLUSION: The statistical results showed that acupuncture increased the muscle tension threshold, improved the mouth opening and reduced pain, being as effective as the most commonly used conventional therapies.

Measurement of Rice Grain Dimensions and Chalkiness, and Rice Grain Elongation Using Image Analysis.

Measurements of rice grain dimensions, percent grain chalkiness, and grain elongation used to be tedious and slow due to the manual nature of measurements (e.g., use of calipers to measure grains one at a time) and the subjective nature of scoring based on visual inspection (i.e., chalkiness). Recent developments in imaging technologies have enabled more high-throughput means for measuring physical traits (i.e., grain dimensions and chalkiness) in raw grains and grain elongation by comparing ratio between raw versus cooked rice. The digital images of rice grains are captured through computer scanning and analyzed using software that can calculate area and pixel value statistics of user-defined parameters. The improvements in throughput made possible by the use of imaging technologies will allow faster quality grading of rice varieties. Market quality is usually defined based on the rice grain physical traits (grain size and shape), degree of chalkiness, and the ability of rice to elongate on cooking. In this chapter, the routine methods to measure the physical traits of rice and grain elongation using image analysis are described.

English

The soybean stands out in the Brazilian agribusiness and part of this success stems from the development of improved cultivars. One of the requirements for the concession of protection to a given cultivar is that it should be distinct from others cultivars. Potential additional descriptors of soybean have been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the millimeter ruler in the measurement of the lengths of hypocotyl and epicotyl in seedlings of soybean and to compare the methods based on the use of millimeter ruler and the method based on the use of caliper. The hypocotyl and epicotyl of 1.084,0 plants in the stage V2 and 1.252,0 plants in the stage V3 were measured by digital caliper and millimeter ruler in 2014 and 2015. The plants were kept in a greenhouse. The linear regression (Y = βX), bias, concordance index, performance index, sample standard deviation and confidence interval were used to evaluate the performance. The millimeter ruler overestimated the length of epicotyl and hypocotyl by 0.0508 and 0.0147 mm, respectively. The millimeter ruler had an optimum performance in the measurement of the lengths of hypocotyl and epicotyl in seedlings of soybean in V2 and V3. A millimeter ruler is an alternative tool in the measurement of seedlings of soybean in most of the developmental stages. Key words: Epicotyl, Glycine max, hypocotyl, additional descriptors.

Rice Grain Classification using Fourier Transform and Morphological Features

Background: Rice (Oryzasativa) is one of the most widely consumed staple foods, especially in the Asian subcontinent. Traditionally, grain testers who make use of calipers and other specialized tools for measuring features of grains are employed for classifying rice grains into different varieties. However, besides size and shape, various other characteristics, such as whiteness and chalkiness, also contribute towards its taste and overall quality. Objective: Computerized classification of rice grains can help in reducing errors of manual grading and in considering more features that indicate quality. The proposed work considers few commercially available rice grains in the South-Indian region to identify new attributes for better grain classification. Methodology: Rice samples were collected from rice outlets across Karnataka. Images of the grains were captured using flat-bed scanning technique and processed to extract new features that represented chalkiness and whiteness of grains along with other morphological features such as area, perimeter, major and minor axes, etc. Machine learning algorithms were used to create classification rule. Findings: The new features extracted were found to contribute significantly towards the classification. Nine varieties of rice grains were considered for the study and the system was able to successfully classify the grains with an accuracy of 95.78% using the NB Tree and SMO classifiers. Novelty: Many studies that consider the morphological features of grains such as its area, shape etc. have already been performed. However, the shapes and sizes of the different varieties are too varied to generalize a common formula for the classification of all varieties of rice. In this paper, Fourier features are also extracted from grain images in addition to the spatial features to arrive at an improved accuracy for classification.

Análise da confiabilidade e concordância dos métodos paquímetro e polpas digitais na mensuração da diástase do músculo reto abdominal

Introdução: Métodos palpatórios como paquímetro e polpas digitais são técnicas clinicamente viáveis para determinar a diástase dos músculos retos abdominais. Objetivo: Avaliar a confiabilidade e a concordância dos métodos paquímetro e polpas digitais na mensuração da diástase do músculo reto abdominal no puerpério imediato. Métodos: Estudo descritivo do tipo transversal com mulheres no puerpério imediato. As medidas foram realizadas em momentos distintos por duas avaliadoras. Os pontos de referência para mensuração foram: três dedos (4,5 cm) acima e abaixo da cicatriz umbilical e na região umbilical. A diástase foi graduada por meio do paquímetro e pelo número de dedos entre as bordas mediais dos músculos retos abdominais. Foi estimado um valor de 1,5 cm para cada dedo. Considerou-se presença de diástase quando ocorreu afastamento maior que 3 cm entre as bordas mediais dos retos abdominais. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo coeficiente de Kappa ponderado, para avaliação da concordância entre as técnicas, e pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para avaliar a confiabilidade. Em todas as análises foi adotado nível de significância p&lt;0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 261 puérperas, com média de idade de 23,74±6,42 anos. Destas, 143 (54,8%) eram primíparas e 118 (45,2%) multíparas. Foram verificados valores excelentes na confiabilidade da técnica das polpas digitais e valores moderados com o uso do paquímetro. A concordância entre as duas técnicas demonstrou-se excelente. Conclusão: As duas técnicas, polpas digitais e paquímetro, revelaram-se instrumentos confiáveis e com concordância na mensuração da diástase do músculo reto abdominal.

Evaluating precision and repeatability of hand calipers

Often, statistical evaluations of metric data are overlooked in ceramic studies. This paper evaluates degrees of precision and repeatability through the application of a coefficient of variation analysis and a repeated measures ANOVA. First, the author assessed the use of calipers for measuring metric data that pertains to decorative elements. Second, the author assessed the degree of statistical difference between measurements taken and measurements that have been rounded, a technique used to account for intra-observer error. The results demonstrate that the precision and repeatability of calipers is suitable for effectively measuring metric data values, and the precision of non-rounded values does not differ greatly from rounded values. The author argues that calipers are an effective metric measuring aid that further contribute to studies of personal actions and thought processes of potters. As a result, archaeological focus can integrate a micro-scale understanding of potting communities to consider finding individual variation and the learning landscapes of inexperienced potters.

Dipsiz-Çine Çayı (Aydın)’nda Yaşayan Tatlısu Midyesi Unio crassus (Philipsson, 1788) Populasyonunun Morfometrik Özellikleri

Recent study was carried out on 6 sampling stations chosen from Dipsiz-Çine Stream between March-October 2010 to determine the morphometric features of 176 specimens collected. In the extent of current study, data related with weight, width, length and height, and distribution of individual numbers of Unio crassus, which is inhabiting Dipsiz-Çine Stream, according to months and sampling stations were presented. 176 individuals of Unio crassus were caught by hand and measured by use of caliper and precision scale, and weight, width, length, height parameters were compared according to months and sampling points, and a monthly image of this distribution was presented. Maximum number of mussel individuals determined as 115 from IV. sampling point. Lowest numbers of individuals were found from II. sampling point as 1. It is aimed to contribute to data pool of Unio crassus by this study which includes data concerning the time before the construction of Çine Adnan Menderes Dam.

Artificial chordae in the setting of complex mitral valve repair: early outcomes using the folding leaflet technique

Neochordal repair is particularly limited in case of large prolapse with absence of a reference point on a nearby segment. Our aim was to overcome these limitations by means of a simple technique: the 'Folding Leaflet'. Ninety-six patients underwent this technique between January 2009 and August 2012 from a global mitral valve (MV) repair group of 384 patients. A subgroup of 68 patients with complex lesions, bileaflet, commissural or multisegment prolapse, was selected. These more challenging patients were considered as the study group in order to assess the efficacy of our technique. The neochordae were fixed to the papillary muscle with a simple stitch and then were passed through the free margin of the prolapsing leaflet. Free-edge remodelling was achieved weaving this suture and surpassing the coaptation line. Then, the leaflet was folded and its free margin was temporarily approximated edge-to-edge to the adjacent annulus. This was used as the reference point while the neochordae were tied without the need for adjacent healthy chordae or use of callipers. Complete echocardiographic follow-up was obtained at 6-month intervals. All patients had ≥ 2 prolapsed segments: posterior leaflet (40 patients), anterior leaflet (13 patients) or both leaflets (15 patients). Annuloplasty was routinely used and the mean number of neochordae per patient was 4.1 ± 2.2 (2-13). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 14 months (5-49 months). There was only one in-hospital death. Another patient died by pneumoniae (15th postoperative month). At the first-month follow-up, 51 patients had no mitral regurgitation (MR) and 16 patients had Grade 1 MR. Only 1 patient had more than mild regurgitation at the 6-month follow-up. There was no evidence of Grade 3 or 4 MR in any patient. At the 2-year follow-up, 34 patients remained with no MR or trace MR and 7 patients had Grade 1 MR. MV repair for complex degenerative MR using this technique of neochordal repair results in excellent early and mid-term outcomes. This technique facilitates the extensive use of neochordae in case of large areas of prolapse.

The use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis

This article describes the use of a laser-level paralleling device for the fabrication of a unilateral auricular prosthesis. Traditional methods require use of calipers to obtain orientation of contralateral auricular anatomy, which in turn can be difficult to replicate on the patient. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe a simple means to record unilateral auricular anatomy.

179 * ARTIFICIAL CHORDAE IN THE SETTING OF COMPLEX MITRAL VALVE REPAIR: EARLY OUTCOMES USING THE FOLDING LEAFLET TECHNIQUE

Objectives: Neochordal repair is particularly limited in the case of large prolapse with absence of a reference point on a nearby segment. Our aim was to overcome these limitations by means of a simple technique, the “folding leaflet”. Methods: Ninety-six patients underwent this technique between January 2007 and August 2012. A subgroup of 68 patients with bileaflet, commissural or multisegment prolapse was selected. The neochordae were fixed to the papillary muscle with a simple stitch and then were passed through the free margin of the prolapsing leaflet. Free-edge remodelling was achieved, weaving this suture and surpassing the coaptation line. Then the leaflet was folded and its free margin was temporarily approximated edge-to-edge to the adjacent annulus. This was used as the reference point while the neochordae were tied without the need for adjacent healthy chordae or the use of callipers. Complete echocardiographic follow-up was obtained at 6-month intervals. Results: All patients had ≥2 prolapsed segments: posterior leaflet (40 patients), anterior leaflet (13 patients) or both leaflets (15 patients). Annuloplasty was routinely used and the mean number of neochordae per patient was 4.1 ± 2.2 (range 2-13). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 14 months (range 5-49 months). One patient died from pneumonia (15th postoperative month). At last follow-up, 42 patients remained with no or trace mitral regurgitation (MR), 23 patients had grade 1 MR and only one patient had grade 2 MR. Conclusions: Mitral valve repair for complex degenerative MR using this technique of neochordal repair results in excellent early and mid-term outcomes. This technique facilitates the extensive use of neochordae in the case of large areas of prolapse.

Caliper measurement to improve clinical assessment of palpable neck lumps

INTRODUCTIONOne-stop neck lump clinics with ultrasonography and cytopathology support are an expensive and finite resource. Consequently, many neck lump patients are assessed in general ear, nose and throat or head and neck clinics.Optimal clinical assessment of neck lump size is important to guide investigation, monitor change and provisionally stage nodal disease. The aims of this study were to investigate whether caliper measurement is more accurate than clinical palpation in assessing neck lump size and whether caliper measurement of neck lump size correlates closely with accurate ultrasonography measurement.METHODSA prospective study was carried out involving 50 patients with clinically palpable neck lumps presenting to the one-stop neck lump clinic. Long and short axis neck lump dimensions were estimated first by clinical palpation and second by caliper measurement. Estimations were compared with accurate ultrasonography measurement.RESULTSThe mean combined long and short axis measurement deviation from accurate ultrasonography measurement was smaller for caliper measurement (7.80mm) than for clinical palpation (12.38mm) (p<0.01). There was no significant difference observed between combined axis ultrasonography and combined axis caliper measurement of neck lumps (p=0.462).CONCLUSIONSCaliper measurement is more accurate than clinical palpation in estimating the size of clinically palpable neck lumps. The use of calipers to measure the skin surface dimensions of palpable neck lumps is statistically comparable to accurate ultrasonography measurement.

Evaluation of the Precision of Dimensional Measurements of the Mandible on Panoramic Radiographs

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of panoramic radiography in measuring the linear dimensions. Materials and methods: Various vertical, horizontal, oblique and angular parameters were denoted by metal markers and were measured on 30 dry mandibles with the use of calipers. The same mandibles were then positioned on panoramic machine, EC Proline and radiographic images of them were made. Measurements of the same distances were made on panoramic images and then compared with the measurements on the dry mandible. All the results were statistically analyzed. Results: The measurements made on dry mandibles as well as on the panoramic images of the same revealed that they were statistically significant. The results of the measurements showed that the calculated magnification indices were lower than the manufacturer’s magnification index for the vertical, horizontal, oblique and angular measurements so long as the distance measured is on only one side of the mandible, whereas the calculated magnification Indices for the vertical, horizontal, oblique distances which traversed the midline of the mandible, were greatly enlarged than the manufacturer’s magnification index. Conclusion: It was concluded that it is possible to use panoramic radiography for linear measurements of vertical, horizontal or oblique variables provided it is on only one side of the mandible.

Medial Canthal Region as an External Reference Point in Orthognathic Surgery

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the medial canthal region (MCR) as an external reference point to determine the vertical dimension during maxillary repositioning as planned in model surgery and predictive tracing. The analyzed group consisted of 43 consecutive patients who underwent maxillary or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Before downfracture, the vertical height was established from the distance of the MCR to the incisal edge of the right upper central incisor (UCI). The vertical dimension was obtained with frequent measurements by use of calipers as desired during cephalometric tracing and model surgery. After rigid fixation, the vertical height was verified again. The UCI was traced from the postoperative cephalogram and predictive tracing onto a preoperative tracing. Repositioning of the maxilla and postsurgical movements of the UCI were registered at the horizontal and vertical planes. Comparison was made between the predicted maxillary position on the cephalometric tracing and the actual position, as well as between the planned maxillary position in model surgery and the actual position. The mean difference between the planned UCI position on predictive tracing and postsurgical position was 0.30 mm (SD, 0.21 mm; P > .05) in the vertical plane. The variation between the planned maxillary position in model surgery and the actual position was 0.37 mm (SD, 0.31 mm; P > .05) in the vertical plane. Good surgical accuracy in positioning the mobilized maxilla can be achieved by use of the MCR as an external reference point.