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Oman Journal of Ophthalmology 2023The aim of the study was to analyze orbitofacial anthropometric parameters such as inner and outer canthal distances (ICD and OCD), palpebral fissure length (PFL),...
AIM
The aim of the study was to analyze orbitofacial anthropometric parameters such as inner and outer canthal distances (ICD and OCD), palpebral fissure length (PFL), interpupillary distance (IPD), and canthal index (CI) in children with pseudostrabismus and to compare the measured IPD (mIPD) with calculated IPD (cIPD).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This was a prospective study of sixty children (6 months-18 years) with pseudostrabismus. ICD, OCD, PFL, and IPD were measured by digital Vernier caliper. The formula used was cIPD: 0.21+0.24 ICD+0.58°CD for males and 1.4+0.31 ICD+0.41°CD for females. Values measured by caliper were compared with that calculated by the formula. The formula used was CI: ICD × 100/OCD. Data were analyzed statistically.
RESULTS
The mean age was 6.66 ± 3.57 years. Telecanthus was the most common finding (55%). The mean ICD and OCD in males were 30.89 ± 3.33 mm and 87.96 ± 8.09 mm and in females were 30.91 ± 3.05 and 86.22 ± 6.81 mm, respectively. The mean right eye PFL in males was 28.53 ± 2.63 mm and in females was 27.66 ± 2.22 mm and left eye PFL in males was 28.53 mm ± 2.63 and in females was 27.66 ± 2.22 mm. CI in males was 35.10 ± 1.65 and in females was 35.84 ± 1.71. Mean mIPD and cIPD: male - 55.37 ± 4.75 mm and 58.56 ± 5.34 mm, female - 53.32 ± 4.74 mm and 46.26 ± 3.71 mm. A good agreement was found between mIPD and cIPD.
CONCLUSION
This study helps in documenting the anthropometric pattern of the orbitofacial parameters in children with pseudostrabismus which can act as reference data. This helps in the management of orbitofacial, craniofacial syndromes/deformities and lid reconstructive surgeries in retaining ethnical features and obtaining better function. In children's spectacle frame 1 and lens making, where measuring IPD is difficult, cIPD can be a simple alternative.
PubMed: 38059076
DOI: 10.4103/ojo.ojo_326_22 -
Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences Jul 2023Age estimation is an essential part of forensic odontology and many methods are available with variable accuracy. However, the research is going on to find the simple...
BACKGROUND
Age estimation is an essential part of forensic odontology and many methods are available with variable accuracy. However, the research is going on to find the simple and most reliable method.
OBJECTIVES
By measuring the length and area of root dentin translucency in extracted tooth specimens manually and digitally, and comparing them, this study aims to find the most reliable technique of age assessment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One-hundred and twenty-five single-rooted extracted human permanent teeth were selected for the study. In both unsectioned and sectioned teeth, the total length of root dentin translucency was manually measured using a digital vernier caliper. Then, in a ground-sectioned tooth specimen, the total length and area of root dentin translucency were measured digitally using a scanner scale and computer software. Both the methods were compared.
RESULTS
In both manual and digital approaches, the length and area of root dentin translucency grew with age, from younger to older age groups. On comparing the measurements, the correlation coefficient was somewhat higher for digital area measurements than other measurements ( = 0.985).
CONCLUSION
The digital technique outperforms the traditional way for calculating age, and furthermore, measuring the area in the digital method for age estimation has shown to be more accurate.
PubMed: 37654306
DOI: 10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_33_23 -
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation Oct 2023Pediatric dentists should have information regarding whether mouth opening is limited. In clinical practice, these professionals should collect and record oral area...
BACKGROUND
Pediatric dentists should have information regarding whether mouth opening is limited. In clinical practice, these professionals should collect and record oral area measurements at the pediatric patient's first medical examination.
OBJECTIVES
The study's aim developed the standard mouth opening measurement in children by using ordinary least squares regression to develop a clinical prediction model in children with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis before preoperative surgery.
METHODS
All participants completed their age, gender, and calculated height, weight, body mass index, and birth weight. Pediatric dentist performed all mouth-opening measurements. The oral-maxillofacial surgeon marked subnasal and pogonion points for the lower facial length of soft tissue. It was measured using the distance between the subnasal and pogonion with a digital vernier caliper. The widths of the three fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) and four fingers (index, middle, ring, and little fingers) were also measured using a digital vernier caliper.
RESULTS
Maximum mouth opening showed that three-finger width (R2 = 0.566, F = 185.479) and four-finger width (R2 = 0.462, F = 122.209) had a significant influence on the Maximum mouth opening (MMO) (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Pediatric dentists should collaborate with the treating maxillofacial surgeon to manage long-term treatment needs for individuals with Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis.
Topics: Humans; Child; Models, Statistical; Prognosis; Ankylosis; Mouth; Temporomandibular Joint
PubMed: 37221976
DOI: 10.1111/joor.13498 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Mar 2024In our previous study, we provided evidence that Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM) and its extracts possess a protective capability against radiation-induced damage,...
BACKGROUND
In our previous study, we provided evidence that Astragalus mongholicus Bunge(AM) and its extracts possess a protective capability against radiation-induced damage, potentially mediated through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover during our experimentation that AM not only offers protection against radiation damage but also exhibits a radiation sensitization effect. This effect may be attributed to a specific small molecule present in AM known as ononin. Currently, radiation sensitizers are predominantly found in nitrazole drugs and nanomaterials, with no existing reports on the radiation sensitization properties of ononin, nor its underlying mechanism.
PURPOSE
This study aims to investigate the sensitization effect of the small molecule ononin derived from AM on lung cancer radiotherapy, elucidating its specific molecular mechanism of action. Additionally, the safety profile of combining astragalus small molecule ononin with radiation therapy will be evaluated.
METHODS
The effective concentration of ononin was determined through cell survival experiments, and the impact of ononin combined with varying doses of radiation on lung cancer cells was observed using CCK-8 and cell cloning experiments. The apoptotic effect of ononin combined with radiation on lung cancer cells was assessed using Hochester staining, flow cytometry, and WB assay. Additionally, WB and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to investigate the influence of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. Furthermore, Molecular Dynamics Simulation was employed to validate the targeted binding ability of ononin and HIF-1α. A lung cancer cell line was established to investigate the effects of knockdown and overexpression of HIF-1α. Subsequently, the experiment was repeated using tumor bearing nude mice and C57BL/6 mouse models in an in vivo study. Tumor volume was measured using a vernier caliper, while HE, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to observe the effects of ononin combined with radiation on tumor morphology, proliferation, and apoptosis. Additionally, Immunofluorescence was employed to examine the impact of ononin on HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in vivo, and its effect on liver function in mice was assessed through biochemistry analysis.
RESULTS
At a concentration of 25 μM, ononin did not affect the proliferation of lung epithelial cells but inhibited the survival of lung cancer cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the combination of ononin and radiation could effectively inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and suppress the excessive activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha/Vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. In vivo experiments showed that the combination of ononin and radiation reduced the size and proliferation of lung cancer tumors, promoted cancer cell apoptosis, mitigated abnormal activation of the Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha pathway, and protected against liver function damage.
CONCLUSION
This study provides evidence that the combination of AM and its small molecule ononin can enhance the sensitivity of lung cancer to radiation. Additionally, it has been observed that this combination can specifically target HIF-1α and exert its effects. Notably, ononin exhibits the unique ability to protect liver function from damage while simultaneously enhancing the tumor-killing effects of radiation, thereby demonstrating a synergistic and detoxifying role in tumor radiotherapy. These findings contribute to the establishment of a solid basis for the development of novel radiation sensitizers derived from traditional Chinese medicine.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Lung Neoplasms; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Mice, Nude; Cell Line, Tumor; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; Radiation Tolerance; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit; Glucosides; Isoflavones
PubMed: 38308918
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155290 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Dec 2023Previously, albendazole (ABZ) has been reported as an anti-parasitic drug rather than anti-tumor drug. Our study aim to investigate whether ABZ also has a potential...
BACKGROUND
Previously, albendazole (ABZ) has been reported as an anti-parasitic drug rather than anti-tumor drug. Our study aim to investigate whether ABZ also has a potential anti-tumor effect by shaping the tumor immune microenvironment and interrogate whether ABZ could synergize with the PD-L1 blockade.
METHODS
C57BL/6 mice (C57) were intravenously injected with B16F10-luciferase (B16-luc) cells to establish a lung metastatic melanoma model and subcutaneously inoculated with B16-luc cells to establish a subcutaneous tumor model. The tumor volume and tumor metastasis loci of the mice were measured by a vernier caliper and in vivo imaging. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the different genes and pathways of immune cells in the tumors. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the different subsets of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.
RESULTS
The results suggested that ABZ significantly inhibited lung melanoma metastasis with decreased fluorescence intensity and nodule score and mediated the regression of subcutaneous melanoma in mice with decreased tumor volume. Moreover, RNA sequencing results showed that ABZ regulated the gene expression levels and pathways of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence showed that the number and percentage of CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, and T1 cells were enhanced in tumors after ABZ treatment. Furthermore, the combination of ABZ and anti-PD-L1 treatment significantly potentiated anti-tumor efficacy in both lung metastasis and subcutaneous melanoma models and mediated an increase in the percentage of CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, and T1 cells as compared to the control group.
CONCLUSION
ABZ inhibits melanoma growth and metastasis. Moreover, ABZ synergized with PD-L1 blockade mediates tumor regression.
Topics: Mice; Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Albendazole; B7-H1 Antigen; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Lung Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; Cell Line, Tumor
PubMed: 37730912
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05415-5 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice Nov 2023Corneal diameter (CD) measurement in newborns is essential for the detection of blinding ocular pathologies. It requires specially trained personnel, contact techniques,...
BACKGROUND
Corneal diameter (CD) measurement in newborns is essential for the detection of blinding ocular pathologies. It requires specially trained personnel, contact techniques, and the use of anesthesia. Smartphone use may obviate these challenges.
AIM
This study compares CD measurement among newborns using a Smartphone and manual calipers.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
This is a cross-sectional comparative study done at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Consecutively selected stable term neonates whose mothers consented to the study and met the inclusion criteria had their CDs measured with both calipers and smartphones and the values compared. Mean, range, and standard deviation were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM (version 22), while paired t-test calculated the difference in mean CD measurements between both methods. Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman's analysis determined the correlation and agreement between both methods, respectively. Inter and intraobserver repeatability were assessed. A P value less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
RESULTS
The mean CD measurement using calliper method was 10.01 ± 0.29mm and 10.03 ± 0.24 mm right eye (RE) and left eyes (LE), respectively) for investigator 1 and 10.16 ± 0.25 mm and 10.19 ± 0.21 mm (RE, LE) for investigator 2. Using smartphone measurement, mean CD measurements of 9.98 ± 0.21 mm and 10.00 ± 0.29 mm (RE, LE) were observed for investigator 1 and 10.07 ± 0.19 mm and 10.06 ± 0.21 mm (RE, LE) for investigator 2. The difference in mean CD for both instruments and by both investigators was not statistically significant (P value > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Corneal diameter measurement in neonates using smartphone technology does not deviate significantly from caliper measurement; it is safe, easy to use, and advocated.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Smartphone; Cross-Sectional Studies; Eye; Mothers; Nigeria; Reproducibility of Results
PubMed: 38044784
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_490_23 -
Phytomedicine Plus : International... Nov 2023Moringa ( Lam.) seed extract (MSE) and its primary bioactive compound, moringa isothiocyanate-1(MIC-1), mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and cancer in...
BACKGROUND
Moringa ( Lam.) seed extract (MSE) and its primary bioactive compound, moringa isothiocyanate-1(MIC-1), mitigate inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and cancer in the rodent models following oral application.
PURPOSE
To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of MSE and purified MIC-1 in a TPA-induced mouse ear edema model.
STUDY DESIGN
The present study elucidates the topical anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of action of MSE, containing 38% of MIC-1 and purified MIC-1 using a mouse ear edema model utilizing 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), as the pro-inflammatory agent.
METHODS
A time-dependent and dose-dependent response was determined by pretreating CD-1 mice with various doses of MSE and MIC-1, positive control, dexamethasone, or vehicle control, followed by TPA, and the subsequent difference in ear thickness was measured using digital Vernier calipers. The effective doses of MSE and MIC-1were then selected to evaluate the change in weight of the ears using 6 mm biopsy punches and the results were confirmed by microscopy. Inflammatory markers were quantified with Luminex multiplex immunoassay.
RESULTS
MSE and MIC-1 were effective in a dose-dependent manner in a TPA-induced ear edema model, causing a reduction in ear thickness and a 48% and 49% decrease in ear punch weight, respectively. MSE and MIC-1 also caused a reduction in the levels of cytokine and chemokines, interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) in the ear tissue. MSE and MIC-1 reduced IL-6 expression by 84% and 78%, MCP1 by 74% and 73%, and KC by 56% and 43%, respectively. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effect of MSE and MIC-1 was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, used to assess the thickness of the ear swelling. MSE significantly reduced the thickness of the ears by 20% compared to TPA.
CONCLUSION
These results reveal the topical anti-inflammatory properties of MSE, and MIC-1 likely transmitted via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways as mentioned in previous studies. This work also suggests therapeutic uses of MSE and/or MIC-1 for skin inflammation.
PubMed: 38037612
DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100479 -
Annual International Conference of the... Jul 2023Objective measurement of the lumen area demands an intraoperative diagnostic tool to aid on-site decision-making. We present a compliant mechanism-based unfurling...
Objective measurement of the lumen area demands an intraoperative diagnostic tool to aid on-site decision-making. We present a compliant mechanism-based unfurling actuator assembly integrated with a shaft connected to a motorized encoder to translate torque from the user at the proximal end to the actuator at the distal end. The actuator assembly has flexible arms coiled inside a cylindrical casing that moves radially outward upon actuation. Leveraging 3D printing of flexible materials, the unfurling actuator's four-arm design enables patency measurements in circumferential tracheal stenosis of varying grades. The rotary encoder output is correlated with the radially outward movement of the unfurling arms to estimate the lumen diameter. The measurement stability is analyzed using process control charts; data distribution over ten iterations reveals nearly 100% of process data falls between ±3 sigma (Upper and Lower control limits). Comparing measurements from the tool with direct measurement (vernier caliper) and ImageJ analysis, one-way ANOVA for circular morphology yields no significant differences in diameter p = 0.974 and area measurements p = 0.975.Clinical Relevance- Central airway narrowing reduces the effective lumen area in the tracheal and bronchial segments. Grading the degree of narrowing is often based on a suspicion index. A quick but thorough assessment of the airway caliber is essential in emergent or planned intubation, whether congenital, iatrogenic, or idiopathic tracheal stenosis.
Topics: Humans; Tracheal Stenosis; Torque; Intubation
PubMed: 38082710
DOI: 10.1109/EMBC40787.2023.10340671 -
Journal of Physiological Anthropology Jul 2023The aim of the present study is to evaluate the reduction of the distal teeth towards the medial ones in one functional dental group in southern Bulgarian population.
AIM
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the reduction of the distal teeth towards the medial ones in one functional dental group in southern Bulgarian population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study included 232 Bulgarians aged 20-40 years. Mesiodistal dimensions of the teeth were measured by Dentistry Sliding Vernier Caliper and analyzed with SPSS 23.0. Four interdental indices were calculated: inter-incisive, premolar, upper, and lower molar indices.
RESULTS
We found a decrease in the percentage ratio of the lateral to the central incisors of people from the Bulgarian population compared to those dating from the Eneolithic period on the territory of Bulgaria. Furthermore, we found a reduction in the percentage ratio of the upper and lower second molars compared to the first ones. The biggest reduction in the percentage ratio (more than 6%) was found in the lower second premolars compared to the first ones, which is characteristic for southern Bulgarians.
CONCLUSION
There was a dental reduction in all the distal members compared to the medial ones participating in one morphological dental group. As a result, we think that interdental indices can be used for explaining historical, cultural, and biological macro and microevolutionary processes and thus for understanding the origin, formation, contacts, and migration pathways of the different populations leading to ethnic variation of humanity. Therefore, they can be a reliable source of information in physiological anthropology.
Topics: Humans; Bulgaria; Young Adult; Adult; Tooth
PubMed: 37481566
DOI: 10.1186/s40101-023-00332-5 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Sep 2023Sex determination is one of the fundamental procedures in the forensic investigation during personal identification. Foot dimensions, prints, indices, and angles are...
Sex determination is one of the fundamental procedures in the forensic investigation during personal identification. Foot dimensions, prints, indices, and angles are assessment tools used by podiatrists and forensic anthropologists. The arch index remains a tool for clinical evaluation of the incidence of pes planus by clinicians. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate sexual dimorphism and discriminate sex using foot and footprint dimensions, foot angles, and foot indices among the Ebira ethnic group of Nigeria. Bilateral foot outlines and prints were obtained from 317 females and 283 males using a digital Vernier caliper, improvised footpad, and A4 paper. The results revealed that in the right foot and print, the males' bare right foot length (BRFL), bare right foot breadth (BRFB), right arch index (RAI), right Chippaux-Smirak index (RCSI), right footprint angle (RFPA), right ball angle (RBA), and all the measurements of the corresponding toes in the prints are significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the females. The same trend was also observed in the left footprint except for the left ball angle (LBA). The stepwise, binary logistics regression model for sex determination showed that bare left foot breadth (BLFB) and bare right foot length (BRFL) were the single best predictors of sex with an accuracy of 72.5% and 71.7% accuracy. Other foot variables marginally increased the percentage accuracy at each step. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the sexing potential of the bare left foot breadth and bare right foot length to be 79%. Sexual dimorphism exists in all the foot dimensions, arch indices, Chippaux-Smirak indices, footprint angles, and ball angles, except the left ball angle. The sexual dimorphism in the foot variables forms the basis of sex determination, with left foot breadth and right foot length as the best sex predictors. Therefore, 25 cm can be regarded as the cut-off point for foot length and 9 cm as the cut-off point for foot breadth among this tribe.
PubMed: 37688658
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00711-5