Correlation of mandibular third molar orientation and available retromolar space with arch length discrepancy in subjects with different growth pattern.

Aim and Objective: To evaluate, compare, and correlate the mandibular third molar orientation and available retromolar space with arch length discrepancy in subjects with skeletal class II malocclusion and different growth pattern. Material and Method: A total of 250 patients (age >18 yrs) having skeletal class II malocclusion (based on YEN angle and WITS appraisal) were divided into two groups. Both the groups (Group I with erupted mandibular third molars {N = 150} and Group II with impacted mandibular third molars {N = 100}) were subdivided into subgroups IA (n = 71), IB (n = 19), IC (n = 71) and Group IIA (n = 54), IIB (n = 30) and IIC (n = 16) for normo-, hypo- and hyperdivergent growth patterns, respectively (based on Jarabak ratio and Sn-Go-Gn angle). Four parameters, that is, retromolar space, width of third molar, third molar angulation, and mandibular incisor angulation were measured on orthopantomogram whereas arch length discrepancy was calculated with the help of lateral cephalogram and study model. Intragroup, intergroup comparisons (using unpaired Student's 't' test), and Pearson's correlation coefficient for assessed parameters were obtained. Result: Third molar angulation and retromolar space were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (hyperdivergent pattern of Group II had highest value). The width of third molar was less than retromolar space in Group II and vice versa for Group I. Mandibular incisor angulation and arch length discrepancy were more in Group II than in Group I, but difference was statistically nonsignificant. Strong positive correlation was observed for mandibular third molar angulation and available retromolar space in normo- and hyperdivergent growth patterns. Conclusion: Lack of retromolar space along with increased amount of arch length discrepancy and mandibular incisor angulation is responsible for increased chances of third molar impaction in some subjects with class II malocclusion.

Diagnostic potential of SORT1 gene in coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies identify SORT1 gene associated with risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Sortilin protein enhances LDL absorption, form cell development, and atherosclerosis in macrophages. AIM: We therefore explored SORT1 expression in CAD patients and its gene expression's predictive usefulness for the severity of the disease. METHODOLOGY: This is a case control study and Quantitative real-time PCR; Sandwich ELISA and western blotting were used to determine the expression of SORT1 gene at the mRNA and protein level in two hundred healthy controls and two hundred patients with various CAD syndromes. RESULTS: CAD patients exhibit higher SORT1 gene expression in CAD patients, a higher concentration of sortilin in their plasma, and distinct expression patterns in various CAD syndromes. The study reveals a positive correlation between gene expression and the severity of coronary artery stenosis, the number of diseased vessels, and the presence of diabetes. ROC curve analysis of SORT1 gene expression both at mRNA and protein level showed strong discrimination between significant CAD and control subjects. CONCLUSION: Therefore, elevated SORT1 gene expression in various CAD syndromes may be a potential biomarker for the disease.

Non-coding RNA and their potential role in cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. The timely diagnosis of CVD is still an unmet challenge. Non-coding RNAs which were earlier considered to be "junk DNA" are now considered to play crucial role as potential transcriptional regulators and therapeutic targets for treatment of CVDs. METHODOLOGY: A literature search has been performed on PubMed, SCOPUS where keywords such as "non- coding RNAs" and "coronary artery disease" and "miRNAs" and "Myocardial infarction" or "cardiovascular diseases" were used with no date restriction in writing this review article. CONCLUSION: This review focus on the role of non- coding RNAs in cardiovascular disease along with the database which can enhance the efficiency of experimental analysis of non-coding RNAs.

Functional Association of miR-133b and miR-21 Through Novel Gene Targets ATG5, LRP6 and SGPP1 in Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis, a progressive manifestation of coronary artery disease, has been observed to be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) targeting various protein-coding genes involved in several pathophysiological events of coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: In our previous report, we identified differential expression profiles of candidate miRNAs, miR-133b and miR-21, in patients with coronary artery disease as compared with controls, suggesting their possible implication in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease. To better understand the functional role of these miRNAs, we sought to predict and validate their target genes while assessing the expression pattern of these genes in patients with coronary artery disease, as well as in macrophages. METHODS: Potential target genes of miR-133b and miR-21 were predicted bioinformatically followed by validation through the identification of their expression at  the protein level in patients with coronary artery disease (n-30), as well as in macrophages treated with respective miRNA inhibitors (antagomiRs), through immunoblotting. RESULTS: SGPP1, a gene associated with the sphingolipid pathway, was predicted to be a potential target gene of miR-133b while ATG5 and LRP6 were target genes of miR-21 while being associated with autophagy and Wnt signalling pathways, respectively. SGPP1 was observed to be upregulated significantly (p = 0.019) by 2.07-fold, whereas ATG5 and LRP6 were found to be downregulated (p = 0.026 and 0.007, respectively) by 3.28-fold and 8.46-fold, respectively, in patients with coronary artery disease as compared with controls. Expression patterns of all the genes were also found to be modulated when cells were treated with respective miRNA inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the present study suggest that SGPP1, ATG5 and LRP6, target genes of miR-133b and miR-21, may serve as potential therapeutic hotspots in the management of coronary artery disease, which undoubtedly merit further experimental confirmation.

Drug repurposing in COVID-19: A review with past, present and future.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 which causes the COVID-19 disease is a global public health emergency. Coronavirus are single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses and their genome size is approximately 30 kb, which encodes some important structural proteins. The interaction between viral Spike protein and ACE2 on the host cell surface is of significant interest since it initiates the infection process. This review will focus on the effectiveness of reuse of currently used drugs against COVID-19, including clinical trials, molecular docking, and computational modelling approach. METHODS: A systematic search in Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE was conducted from from January 2020 to July 2021.Applying computational, clinical and experimental approaches, numerous drugs such as remdesivir, favipiravir, ribavirin, lopinavir, ritonavir, tocilizumab have been repurposed and have shown promising protection against SARS-CoV2 both in vitro and in clinical conditions. Although there is only one repurposed drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), i.e, Remdesivir. However, the FDA withdrew the authorization of the drugs Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine,that are not effective for COVID-19 and can also cause serious heart problems. Molecular coupling would be the ideal technique to identify such therapeutic agents against COVID19.

Predictive accuracy of estimating mandibular growth potential by regression equation using cervical vertebral bone age.

INTRODUCTION: The maturational changes both in size and shape of cervical vertebrae had been widely used not only to assess skeletal maturity but also to predict the same using regression equation. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to check the predictive accuracy of estimating mandibular growth potential in the North Indian population by regression equation of Mito et al. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects divided into two groups, Group I had 100 adult subjects (18-20 years) and Group II had 100 young subjects (9-14 years) were subdivided according to the gender (50 subjects in each group). Seven linear parameters on cervical vertebral bodies of C3 and C4 were measured to derive cervical vertebral age and applied to the regression equation to estimate the mandibular growth potential in Group II. The mandibular length was measured for both the groups from Co-Gn. The mean value of the actual mandibular length in Group I was statistically evaluated against the corresponding mean value of the predicted mandibular growth potential of Group II. RESULTS: The actual mandibular length (Group I) and calculated mandibular length obtained by adding mandibular growth potential (from regression equation) to the mandibular length of Group II did not differ significantly for both males and females. Chronological age showed a statistically significant difference and poor correlation with bone age, in Group II. CONCLUSION: The regression equation of Mito et al. using cervical vertebral bone age has proven to be applicable and accurate in predicting mandibular growth potential in growing young Indian individuals and can be of diagnostic and prognostic value in growth modification procedures in Orthodontics.

Association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has reached a pandemic level. SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells through ACE2 receptors, leading to COVID-19-related pneumonia. The rapid increase in confirmed cases makes the prevention and control of COVID-19 extremely serious. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) assays remain the molecular test of choice for the etiologic diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection while radiographic findings (chest computed tomography [CT]) and antibody-based techniques are being introduced as supplemental tools. Novel virus also cause chronic damage to the cardiovascular system, and attention should be given to cardiovascular protection during treatment for COVID-19. Acute cardiac injury determined by elevated high-sensitivity troponin levels is commonly observed in severe cases and is strongly associated with mortality. This review suggests that cardiovascular comorbidities are common in patients with COVID-19 and such patients are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The continuation of clinically indicated ACE inhibitor and ARB medications is recommended in COVID-19. We review the basics of coronaviruses, novel molecular targets for the coronaviruses with a focus on COVID-19, along with their effects on the cardiovascular system.

Circulatory miR-133b and miR-21 as Novel Biomarkers in Early Prediction and Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease.

While coronary artery disease (CAD) has become a major threat worldwide, the timely biomarker-based early diagnosis of CAD remains a major unmet clinical challenge. We aimed towards assessing the level of circulatory microRNAs as candidates of novel biomarkers in patients with CAD. A total of 147 subjects were recruited which includes 78 subjects with angiographically proven CAD, 15 pre-atherosclerotic normal coronary artery (NCA) subjects and 54 healthy individuals. Quantitative real-time PCR assays were performed. MiR-133b was downregulated by 4.6 fold (p < 0.0001) whereas miR-21 was upregulated by ~2 fold (p < 0.0001) in plasma samples of CAD patients. Importantly, both the miRNAs showed association with disease severity as miR-133b was downregulated by 8.45 fold in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 3.38 fold in Stable angina (SA) and 2.08 fold in NCA. MiR-21 was upregulated by 2.46 fold in ACS, 1.90 fold in SA and 1.12 fold in NCA. Moreover, miR-133b could significantly differentiate subjects with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from Non-STEMI. Area under the curve (AUC) for miR-133b was 0.80 with >75.6% sensitivity and specificity, AUC for miR-21 was 0.79 with >69.4% sensitivity and specificity. Our results suggest that miR-133b and miR-21 could be possible candidates of novel biomarkers in early prediction of CAD.

Load-deflection characteristics of coated and noncoated nickel-titanium wires in self-ligating brackets using a modified bending test: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To determine and compare the force-deflection values of different types of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires during unloading phase at varying deflections, that is 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 2.5 mm, with the use of self-ligating ceramic brackets using modified bending test on a typodont under controlled temperature conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this in vitro study total of 45 wires of ovoid shape of three different NiTi wires - pseudoelastic NiTi (Group I), heat activated NiTi (Group II), and esthetic coated NiTi (Group III) for maxillary arch were tested after insertion in ceramic self-ligating brackets bonded to plastic teeth of phantom jaw. The maxillary left lateral incisor was removed to simulate a malpositioned tooth which acted as the load site, and load-deflection characteristics were measured during unloading using Instron, and data analyzed statically by two-way analysis of variance, Tukey's post hoc test, intraclass correlation coefficient and Pearson correlation coefficient. A two-sided (α = 2) P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: When wires were compared at each deflection statistically significant difference was observed between the three groups of wires (Group I > Group II > Group III) at all the four levels of deflection except for Group II versus Group III at 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm of deflection. Statistically significant difference was noted in mean load values for comparisons made at different deflections for each wire except for the comparison made at 1.5 versus 2 mm for Group II and Group III. CONCLUSION: Overall comparison showed esthetic coated Ni-Ti wires gave significantly lower mean load values, followed by heat activated and pseudoelastic NiTi wires. Thus, heat activated NiTi wires are best suited in patients with severe malpositions/periodontitis, while for esthetically conscious patients esthetic coated NiTi can be used.

Comparative assessment of the efficacy of closed helical loop and T-loop for space closure in lingual orthodontics-a finite element study.

BACKGROUND: Retraction in lingual orthodontics has biomechanical differences when compared to labial orthodontics, which is not yet established. Thus, we have intended to compare the biomechanical characteristics of closed helical loop and T-loop on 1 mm activation with 30° of compensatory curvatures during retraction in lingual orthodontics. METHODS: STb lingual brackets were indirectly bonded to maxillary typhodont model that was scanned to obtain FEM model. Closed helical loop (2 × 7 mm) and T-loop (6 × 2 × 7 mm) of 0.016″ × 0.016″ TMA wire were modeled without preactivation bends. Preactivation bends at 30° were given in the software. Boundary conditions were set. The force (F) and moment (M) of both the loops were determined on 1 mm activation, using ANSYS software. M/F ratio was also calculated for both the loops. RESULTS: T-loop exerted less force, thus increased M/F ratio as compared to closed helical loop on 1 mm activation. CONCLUSIONS: When torque has to be preserved in the anterior segment during retraction in lingual orthodontics, T-loop can be preferred over closed helical loop.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms of microRNA in cardiovascular diseases.

Despite the advances in medicine and in science of diagnosis, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the number one cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Apart from the modifiable risk factors, genetic factors are believed to also influence the outcome of this umbrella of diseases. Under the genetic factors, miRNA polymorphisms, namely miR-146a (rs2910164), miR-196 (rs11614913) and miR-499 (rs3746444), have become an important tool to study the mechanism that underlie the pathogenesis of this disease. In this review, we analyze the advances made through various research studies and the evidence provided by them in the area of miRNA polymorphisms by comparing the allelic frequencies and genotyping patterns. Interestingly, these studies have contradicting results even those conducted in same set of population. We also highlight the gap in literature search as majority of these studies have been conducted in Chinese population and data gaps are evident in Caucasian population, along with developing countries like, India, where no such data is available. This makes the daunting task of presenting a global picture and of the extent these polymorphisms play a role in CVD progression, even more difficult. Therefore, we suggest that more work needs to be done by taking various geographical domains in to consideration. Also, larger sample size calculated through statistical tools is the key to progress in establishing the genetic co-relation of miRNA polymorphisms and CVDs.

E-selectin gene in essential hypertension: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is associated with endothelial cell dysfunction. E-selectin, an endothelial cell adhesion molecule, is specific for endothelial cell activation. Polymorphism in E-selectin gene has recently been identified among which Leu554Phe E-selectin gene polymorphism is least investigated in essential hypertension. This study reports the association of E-selectin gene Leu554Phe polymorphism and the expression of E-selectin gene in patients with essential hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed the Leu554Phe polymorphism and expression of E-selectin gene in 250 patients with essential hypertension and 250 normal healthy controls. Genotyping of Leu554Phe polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and the expression of E-selectin gene at mRNA and protein levels were carried out by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: A significant association of E-selectin genotypes (CT + TT) with essential hypertension (P < .0001, Odds ratio = 2.2 [1.58-3.24] at 95% CI) was observed. The expression of mRNA for E-selectin gene in patients with essential hypertension was ~12-fold higher as compared to control. We observed an elevated level of E-selectin protein expression (up to 1.9 times) in patients as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association of E-selectin (Leu554Phe) gene and increased expression of E-selectin gene at mRNA and protein levels in patients might be related to the genetic predisposition to develop essential hypertension.

Dimensional and volumetric analysis of the oropharyngeal region in obstructive sleep apnea patients: A cone beam computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a potentially life-threatening condition in which there is a periodic cessation of breathing (for 10 sec or longer) that occurs during sleep in the presence of inspiratory effort. The aim of the study was to assess volumetric and dimensional differences between OSA patients and normal individuals in the upright posture. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was conducted on CBCT scans of 32 patients who were divided into two groups -Group I (control group) and Group II (OSA subjects). Group I consisted of 16 patients with normal airway with ESS score from 2 to 10, STOP BANG Questionnaire score of <3 and who had undergone CBCT for various diagnostic reasons. Group II had patients with ESS score >10, STOP BANG Questionnaire score of > 3, AHI index >5. Linear and angular parameters, volume and minimum cross-section area (MCA) of oropharyngeal airway, anteroposterior length and lateral width at MCA was compared amongst the groups. RESULTS: The oropharyngeal volume, MCA, and the anteroposterior and lateral width of the airway at MCA of the OSA subjects was significantly lesser than that of normal subjects. The length of both soft palate and tongue was significantly more in Group II. The angle between the nasopharyngeal airway and the oropharyngeal airway was significantly more obtuse in Group II. CONCLUSION: The reduction in oropharyngeal volume in OSA patients could be attributed to different anatomical and pathophysiological factors that were corroborated with the findings of the present study.

Expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 Gene and Its Correlation with Inflammatory Markers in Essential Hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is characterized by systemic high blood pressure and is the most common and important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have shown that the circulating levels of certain inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interlukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor suppressor protein-53 (p53) are upregulated and are independently associated with essential hypertension. However, mechanism of increase in the levels of HSP70 protein is not clear. No such studies are reported in the blood circulation of patients with essential hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the expression of circulating HSP70 at mRNA and protein levels and its relationship with other inflammatory markers in patients with essential hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 132 patients with essential hypertension and 132 normal controls from similar socio-economic-geographical background. The expression of HSP70 at mRNA levels was determined by Real Time PCR and at protein levels by indirect Elisa and Western Blot techniques. RESULTS: We found a significantly higher expression of HSP70 gene expression (approximately 6.45 fold, P < 0.0001) in hypertensive patients as compared to healthy controls. A significant difference (P < 0.0001) in the protein expression of HSP70 was also observed in plasma of patients as compared to that of controls. CONCLUSION: Higher expression of HSP70 is positively correlated with inflammatory markers in patients with essential hypertension and this correlation could play an important role in essential hypertension.

Nanotamoxifen Delivery System: Toxicity Assessment After Oral Administration and Biodistribution Study After Intravenous Delivery of Radiolabeled Nanotamoxifen.

Tamoxifen is the most prescribed anticancer oral drug for increasing overall survival and decreasing recurrence and the risk of contralateral disease. However, some side effects, such as endometrial and liver tumors, thromboembolic disorders, and drug resistance, are associated with long-term tamoxifen treatment. We assessed the hematologic and organ toxicity after oral administration of three different doses of nanotamoxifen formulations. We also performed biodistribution studies of Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc)-nanotamoxifen after intravenous administration. The results demonstrated that nanotamoxifen was well-tolerated, with no adverse effect on biochemical parameters of blood and at the cellular level. Nitric oxide (NO) levels indicated no free radical formation. Oral nanotamoxifen is well-tolerated, with no hepatic or renal toxicity. Intravenous nanotamoxifen has potential to escape the liver, and is known for producing the harmful metabolite 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OH-tamoxifen), which can cause uterine cancer.

Ortho-surgical management of skeletal Class III malocclusion.

Class III malocclusions are considered to be one of the most difficult problems to treat. Establishment of the treatment plan is based on the efficacy and thoughtful application by the clinician and easy acceptance by the patient. We are presenting a case report of an adult male patient with skeletal Class III malocclusion who was treated by orthosurgical approach in Department of Orthodontics in collaboration with Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The treatment was complete with a positive overbite and acceptable occlusion and satisfactory facial esthetics using a combination approach.

Atrial natriuretic peptide and aldosterone synthase gene in essential hypertension: a case-control study.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and their candidate genes are principally involved in regulation of blood pressure through salt-water homeostasis. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and Aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) are the important RAAS mediators, play a major role in hypertension through regulation of cardiorenal homeostasis and water-electrolytes balance, respectively. Present study reports the expression of ANP and CYP11B2 gene at mRNA and proteins levels in patients with essential hypertension in North Indian subjects. Gene expression at mRNA and protein levels was carried out by Real time PCR and Western blot, respectively. We found a significant down regulation in the ANP gene expression at mRNA (85%) and protein (72.6%) levels and significant increase in the CYP11B2 protein expression in patients as compared to controls. A significant increase in Serum creatinine (14.6%), Sodium (1.15%) and decrease in the Blood urea (8.18%) and Potassium (2.32%) levels were also observed among the patients group having higher expression (based on median delta-CT value) in comparison to the lower expression of CYP11B2 gene. Our results suggest that the down-regulation of ANP gene expression at mRNA and protein levels and up-regulated CYP11B2 protein expression levels may be correlated with the essential hypertension and could serve as circulating prognostic biomarkers for essential hypertension.

Association of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (A1166C) gene polymorphism and its increased expression in essential hypertension: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular diseases. It affects nearly 1.56 billion people worldwide. The present study is about a particular genetic polymorphism (A1166C), gene expression and protein expression of the angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) (SNP ID: rs5186) and its association with essential hypertension in a Northern Indian population. METHODS: We analyzed the A1166C polymorphism and expression of AT1R gene in 250 patients with essential hypertension and 250 normal healthy controls. RESULTS: A significant association was found in the AT1R genotypes (AC+CC) with essential hypertension (χ2 = 22.48, p = 0.0001). Individuals with CC genotypes were at 2.4 times higher odds (p = 0.0001) to develop essential hypertension than individuals with AC and AA genotypes. The statistically significant intergenotypic variation in the systolic blood pressure was found higher in the patients with CC (169.4±36.3 mmHg) as compared to that of AA (143.5±28.1 mmHg) and AC (153.9±30.5 mmHg) genotypes (p = 0.0001). We found a significant difference in the average delta-CT value (p = 0.0001) wherein an upregulated gene expression (approximately 16 fold) was observed in case of patients as compared to controls. Furthermore, higher expression of AT1R gene was observed in patients with CC genotype than with AC and AA genotypes. A significant difference (p = 0.0001) in the protein expression of angiotensin II Type 1 receptor was also observed in the plasma of patients (1.49±0.27) as compared to controls (0.80±0.24). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that C allele of A1166C polymorphism in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene is associated with essential hypertension and its upregulation could play an important role in essential hypertension.

Expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in whole blood in patients with essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the correlation of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene expression and protein expression in patients with essential hypertension in whole blood. METHODS: ACE gene expression was analyzed by Real Time PCR and western blot in 52 patients with essential hypertension and 42 healthy controls. RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in Delta threshold cycle (ΔCT) values in the circulating ACE gene and ACE protein expression in patients as compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The up-regulation in relative expression of circulating Angiotensin converting enzyme mRNA and protein in patients with respect to controls might be correlated with high blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.

Comparative evaluation of cephalometric measurements of monitor-displayed images by Nemoceph software and its hard copy by manual tracing.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the cephalometric measurements obtained from computerized tracing of direct digital radiographs and hand tracing of their digital radiographic printouts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The soft- and hard-copies of pre-treatment lateral cephalograms of 40 subjects (both males and females) within the age group of 10-30 years, irrespective of the type of malocclusion were taken. Total 26 measurements (13 linear and 13 angular) were obtained using both the manual and the digital technique. RESULTS: Amongst the linear measurements, Anterior facial height (AFH), Posterior facial height (PFH), Upper lip length (ULL), Lower lip length (LLL), Anterior cranial base length (ACBL), Posterior cranial base length (PCBL), Maxillary length (MxL), Mandibular length (MdL), Lower incisor to NB line (L1 to NB) and Lower lip protrusion (LLP) showed statistically significant difference between the two techniques but were clinically acceptable (difference between the digital and manual technique were less than 2 units (1 unit = 1 mm for linear measurements and 1° for angular measurements). While amongst the angular measurements, only occlusal plane angle showed statistically significant difference between the two techniques that was not clinically acceptable. CONCLUSION: Digital measurements obtained from monitor-displayed images (soft copy) were found to be reproducible and comparable to the manual method done on its hard copy, for all the measurements except occlusal plane angle (SN-occlusal plane).