Systematic evaluation of the features influencing the accuracy of third order measurements

The aims of this study were to evaluate the relationship of third order measurements on dental casts with those on lateral radiographs, and to identify those incisor features on radiographs which can best explain third order measurements on dental casts. Lateral cephalograms and corresponding dental casts were obtained from 39 untreated Caucasians (12 males, 27 females; mean age 19.5 years; standard deviation 3.7 years) with occlusal relationships considered to be ‘normal'. The upper (U1) and lower (L1) incisors were assessed with reference to the occlusal plane perpendicular which was established on the lateral radiographs, including third order angles (U1TR, L1TR) which were also derived from direct dental cast measurements (U1TA, L1TA). Both single regression and multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise variable selection were performed using third order measurements on casts as the dependent variable and crown axis (U1C, L1C), root axis (U1R, L1R), tip-apex connecting line (U1E, L1E), and radiographic third order measurements as independent variables. Single regression analysis indicated an overall difference of 0.02 degrees between radiographic third order inclination and cast assessment in the maxilla (mandible: −2.83 degrees). A change of 1 degree in radiographic third order inclination would produce a change of 0.65 degrees for U1TA and 0.86 degrees for L1TA assessments. Third order measurements on dental casts can best be explained by a linear combination of U1TR and U1E (maxilla) and of L1TR and L1C (mandible) measurements. This study demonstrates the functional enmeshment between two different third order assessments and the most common incisor features on lateral radiographs. Both methods of third order evaluation show sufficient reliability and are appropriate for routine orthodontic practic

Changes in insulin like growth factors, myostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor in rat musculus latissimus dorsi by poly 3-hydroxybutyrate implants

The present study aimed at researching the synergistic effect between an ectopic bone substitute and surrounding muscle tissue. To describe this effect, changes of insulin like growth factors (IGF1, IGF2), myostatin (GDF8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA content of 12 Wistar-King rats musculus latissimus dorsi with implanted poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) scaffold were examined after 6 and 12 weeks. At each time interval six rats were killed and implants and surrounding tissues prepared for genetic evaluation. Eight rats without any implants served as controls. RNAwas extracted from homogenized muscle tissue and reverse transcribed. Changes in mRNA content were measured by Real-Time PCR using specific primers for IGF1, IGF2, GDF8 and VEGF. Comparing the level of VEGF mRNA in muscle after 6 and 12 weeks to the controls, we could assess a significant increase of VEGF gene expression (

Biomechanical analysis of temporomandibular joint dynamics based on real-time magnetic resonance imaging

Aim: The traditional hinge axis theory of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dynamics is increasingly being replaced by the theory of instantaneous centers of rotation (ICR). Typically, ICR determinations are based on theoretical calculations or three-dimensional approximations of finite element models. Materials and methods: With the advent of real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), natural physiologic movements of the TMJ may be visualized with 15 frames per second. The present study employs real-time MRI to analyze the TMJ biomechanics of healthy volunteers during mandibular movements, with a special emphasis on horizontal condylar inclination (HCI) and ICR pathways. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to comparatively analyze ICR pathways of mandibular opening and closure. Results: Mean HCI was 34.8 degrees (± 11.3 degrees) and mean mandibular rotation was 26.6 degrees (± 7.2 degrees). Within a mandibular motion of 10 to 30 degrees, the resulting x- and y-translation during opening and closure of the mandible differed significantly (10 to 20 degrees, x: P = 0.02 and y: P 30 degrees showed no significant differences in x- and y-translation. Near occlusion movements differed only for y-translation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Real-time MRI facilitates the direct recording of TMJ structures during physiologic mandibular movements. The present findings support the theory of ICR. Statistics confirmed that opening and closure of the mandible follow different ICR pathways, which might be due to muscular activity discrepancies during different movement directions. ICR pathways were similar within maximum interincisal distance (MID) and near occlusion (NO), which might be explained by limited extensibility of tissue fibers (MID) and tooth contact (NO), respectively

The third-order angle and the maxillary incisor's inclination to the NA line

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the angular measurement data (incisor's long axis to NA line) and the third-order angle (TA) according to Andrews' description. Materials and Methods: The materials in the study included the lateral radiographs and corresponding dental casts of 32 males and 35 females between 10 and 25 years of age, regardless of their skeletal and dental relationships. All subjects were white and none had undergone orthodontic therapy. Using lateral radiographs, upper and lower incisor angulations were assessed in reference to the NA line. These data were compared with third-order angles derived from direct dental cast measurements, which were performed using an incisor inclination recording appliance. Results: The third-order angle measurements recorded from the dental casts were a mean of 16.2 degrees (SD = 5.3 degrees) smaller than the axial inclination according to the NA line. In this sample, there was a range of 42.7 degrees for the TA variable (mean = 5.6 degrees, SD = 9.73 degrees) and 47 degrees for the 1 NA/deg variable (mean = 21.7 degrees, SD = 8.67 degrees). A highly significant correlation existed (r = 0.84) between Andrews' angle and the inclination estimated in reference to the NA line. Conclusion: Incisor inclination can be better estimated by recognizing the relationship between the torque angle and the axial inclination referred to the NA line. Third-order measurements using dental casts can offer a simple way to get an objective and rapid vision of the incisor's inclination

Characteristic points and cycles in planar kinematics with application to the human gait

Purpose: We present a novel method to process kinematical data typically coming from measurements of joints. This method will be illustrated through two examples. Methods: We adopt theoretical kinematics together with the principle of least action. We use motion and inverse motion for describing the whole experimental situation theoretically. Results: By using the principle of least action, the data contain information about inherent reference points, which we call characteristic points. These points are unique for direct and inverse motion. They may be viewed as centers of the fixed and moving reference systems. The respective actions of these characteristic points are analytically calculated. The sum of these actions defines the kinematical action. This sum is by design independent of the choice of reference system. The minimality of the kinematical action can be used again to select numerically one representative cycle in empirically given, approximately periodic motions. Finally, we illustrate the theoretical approach making use of two examples worked out, hinge movement and the sagittal component of the movement of a human leg during gait. Conclusions: This approach enables automatic cycle choices for evaluating large databases in order to compare and to distinguish empirically given movements. The procedure can be extended to three dimensional movements