Reproducibility of Natural Head Position assessed with stereophotogrammetry

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the stability of Natural Head Position (NHP) over time using the 3dMDface System. Setting and sample population: This was an experimental study. Three‐dimensional facial images of 40 students were captured on two different occasions, with an interval of at least two weeks. Materials and Methods: The images were taken using a stereophotogrammetric device (3dMD). The mirror positioned NHP was obtained in a standing position and then replicated in a sitting position for capturing. The self‐balanced NHP was taken in a sitting position. Rapidform 3D software was used for position angle calculations. The angle changes between the positions were calculated for rotations around the x‐, y‐ and z‐axes. Results: The differences between NHP in the self‐balanced and mirror positions recorded on the first and second occasions were 2.43 and 1.75 degrees, respectively, around the x‐axis. The average changes in NHP around the x‐axis between the self‐balanced and mirror balanced positions exceeded 3 degrees at the two‐week interval. The differences were smaller for the rotations around the y‐ and z‐axes. Some subjects consistently tended to hold their heads in a more extended position when self‐balanced, while others did this when mirror balanced. There was no difference in the reproducibility of NHP between men and women. Conclusion: The reproducibility of NHP for consecutive stereophotogrammetric captures is generally acceptable. The reproducibility of NHP using the mirror position was slightly better compared with NHP in the sitting self‐balanced position

The association between dental and facial symmetry in adolescents

Abstract Introduction: Facial aesthetics have become one of the most important objectives of orthodontic treatment. The correction of dental arches should be performed in accordance with the face. This study explored the association between occlusal and facial asymmetries in adolescents, particularly emphasizing a Class II subdivision. Methods: Eighty-one adolescents (43 males, 38 females) with a median age of 15.9 (interquartile range, 15.17–16.33) years were enrolled. Of these patients, 30 had a Class II subdivision (right side, n = 12; left side, n = 18). Three-dimensional facial scans were analyzed using surface- and landmark-based methods. Chin asymmetry was determined using the chin volume asymmetry score. Three-dimensional intraoral scans were analyzed to assess occlusal asymmetry. Results: The surface matching scores were 59.0% ± 11.3% for the whole face and 39.0% ± 19.2% for the chin. Chin volume was larger on the right side than on the left side in most patients (n = 51, 63%), and it was associated with a dental midline shift to the corresponding subdivision side. A correlation between dental and facial asymmetries was noted. In addition, the dental midline shifted to the left in patients with a Class II subdivision, regardless of the side, and to the right in those with a symmetrical Class II subdivision. However, several patients did not possess asymmetrical occlusal traits sufficient for statistical analysis. Conclusions: Dental asymmetry was weak but significantly correlated with facial asymmetry

Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe: legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Objectives: Knowledge concerning genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in eastern Europe is scarce. Data on the legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection have never been collected, summarised, and presented to the international scientific community. The aim of this study was to present the current situation on the main aspects of chlamydial infections in the countries of eastern Europe. Methods: Written questionnaires concerning legal aspects, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the infection were distributed among national STI operating administrators as well as researchers who had presented papers at earlier meetings of European chlamydia or STI societies. Results: Most of the countries have not legalised reporting of chlamydial infections and in those who have done so, the quality of the reporting system is poor. Contact tracing is mostly done on a voluntary basis. Reported chlamydia incidence varies from 21 to 276 per 100 000 inhabitants. The most commonly used diagnostic test remains the direct immunofluorescence test; however, some tendencies towards nucleic acid amplification are in evidence. Diagnostic services are paid for by the patient himself, while treatment in many countries is partially or completely covered by public insurance. Conclusions: This is the first report summarising data concerning the situation on C trachomatis infections in eastern Europe. The reporting system and diagnosis of C trachomatis infections remain suboptimal, which allows neither control of the epidemiological situation nor optimal treatment of the patients. The most urgent work currently necessary is the education of professionals and the general population