Carpal tunnel syndrome prediction with machine learning algorithms using anthropometric and strength-based measurement.

OBJECTIVES: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) stands as the most prevalent upper extremity entrapment neuropathy, with a multifaceted etiology encompassing various risk factors. This study aimed to investigate whether anthropometric measurements of the hand, grip strength, and pinch strength could serve as predictive indicators for CTS through machine learning techniques. METHODS: Enrollment encompassed patients exhibiting CTS symptoms (n = 56) and asymptomatic healthy controls (n = 56), with confirmation via electrophysiological assessments. Anthropometric measurements of the hand were obtained using a digital caliper, grip strength was gauged via a digital handgrip dynamometer, and pinch strengths were assessed using a pinchmeter. A comprehensive analysis was conducted employing four most common and effective machine learning algorithms, integrating thorough parameter tuning and cross-validation procedures. Additionally, the outcomes of variable importance were presented. RESULTS: Among the diverse algorithms, Random Forests (accuracy of 89.474%, F1-score of 0.905, and kappa value of 0.789) and XGBoost (accuracy of 86.842%, F1-score of 0.878, and kappa value of 0.736) emerged as the top-performing choices based on distinct classification metrics. In addition, using variable importance calculations specific to these models, the most important variables were found to be wrist circumference, hand width, hand grip strength, tip pinch, key pinch, and middle finger length. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated that wrist circumference, hand width, hand grip strength, tip pinch, key pinch, and middle finger length can be utilized as reliable indicators of CTS. Also, the model developed herein, along with the identified crucial variables, could serve as an informative guide for healthcare professionals, enhancing precision and efficacy in CTS prediction.

Validity and Reliability of Turkish Version of the Munich Wrist Questionnaire in Patients With Wrist Problems.

Evidence for the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Munich Wrist Questionnaire (MWQ), a patient reported outcome measurement tool (PROM) was evaluated. A total of 80 patients (54.1 ± 1.4 years, 68 females) with wrist problems were recruited. The MWQ was translated into Turkish (MWQ-TR). Criterion validity with Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) was tested by using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC) was used to analyze the test-retest reliability. There was a moderate correlation (r = -0.49, p < 0.001) between MWQ-TR and DASH, while correlations were strong between MWQ-TR and PRWE (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability of MWQ-TR was moderate (ICC = 0.67, 95% CI 0.26-0.84). The MWQ-Turkish version demonstrated evidence for its validity and reliability to evaluate pain, work/daily life activities and function in people with wrist problems in a Turkish population.

Effects of a single session of noninvasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation on sports performance in elite athletes: an open-label randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of noninvasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (AVNS) on sports performance. METHODS: The intervention group (n = 30) received a single session of AVNS, while the control group (n = 30) received a single session of sham AVNS. Pre- and post-treatment isometric quadriceps muscle strength, heart rate, lower extremity balance, and grip strength were measured. RESULTS: It was ascertained that the differences in heart rate (-0.73 pulse/min, p = 0.032) and modified Star Balance Test scores (anterior 2.72 cm, p = 0.000, posterolateral 3.65 cm, p = 0.000 and posteromedial 2.43 cm, p = 0.000) before and after AVNS were significant in subjects in the experimental group. The results of the one-way ANOVA analysis show that the differences obtained in all measurement parameters are not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Considering the partial eta squared (η2) obtained from the measurements, a small descriptive effect in favor of experimental group was obtained for the quadriceps strength (0.016) and anterior balance (0.054) measurements. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a single AVNS session compared to sham AVNS shows a modest benefit though not statistically significant improvement in athletic performance. Single-use of AVNS seems not effective in improving athletic performance. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT05436821.

The effectiveness of mobilization with movement on patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A single-blinded, randomized controlled study.

STUDY DESIGN: Single-blinded, randomized controlled study. INTRODUCTION: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) causes pain and loss of function in the affected hand. The mobilization with movement (MWM) technique is a manual therapy method applied to correct joint movement limitation and to relieve pain and functional disorders. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of MWM technique on pain, grip strength, range of motion, edema, hand reaction, nerve conduction, and functional status in patients with CTS. METHODS: A total of 45 patients enrolled in the study. The MWM group (n = 18) completed a 4-week combined conservative physiotherapy and MWM program, whereas the control group (n = 18) received only the 4 weeks of conservative physiotherapy. Pain severity according to the numerical rating scale was used as primary outcome. RESULTS: We found an improvement within the subjects in resting pain (MWMG:5.1 ± 3.6 vs 1.1 ± 2.4, Effect Size (ES)=1.3; CG:4.5 ± 3.3 vs 1.0 ± 2.2, ES=1.1), in activity pain (MWMG:6.5 ± 3.7 vs 1.1 ± 2.4, ES=1.5; CG:4.8 ± 3.4 vs 2.2 ± 2.3, ES=1) and in night pain (MWMG:5.9 ± 3.2 vs 1.8 ± 2.5, ES=1.2; CG:5.3 ± 4.2 vs ± 2.3 ± 3.5, ES=0.9). For between the groups, a statistical difference was found for the activity pain, Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire score (MWMG:52.2 ± 23.8 vs 27 ± 24.7, ES=1.3; CG:47.0 ± 24.8 vs 41.5 ± 22.1, ES=0.2), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ-1), (MWMG:44.4 ± 23.7 vs 74.7 ± 24.5, ES=1.3; CG:44.8 ± 17.4 vs 57.4 ± 21.7, ES=0.9) and MHQ-5 (MWMG:68.8 ± 13.1 vs 82.5 ± 11.5, ES=0.9; CG:63.4 ± 26.7 vs 59.3 ± 25.8, ES=0.1) parameters in favour of MWM group. DISCUSSION: This study showed that MWM compared to conservative physiotherapy might be more effective in reducing perceived symptoms in mild and moderate CTS patients. CONCLUSIONS: MWM produced a small benefit to recovery of activity pain and upper extremity functionality level outcomes of patients with mild to moderate CTS when added to a traditional CTS physical therapy program.

Muscle strength, balance and upper extremity function are not predictors of cervical proprioception in healthy young subjects.

Purpose/Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between cervical proprioception sense and balance, hand grip strength, cervical region muscle strength and upper extremity functionality in healthy young subjects.Methods: A total of 200 people with a mean age of 20.8 ± 1.8 participated in the study. Cervical proprioception sense of the participants was evaluated with Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPET), balance with Biodex Stability System, hand grip strength with hand dynamometer, and upper extremity functionality with Perdue Pegboard test. The relationship of variables with cervical proprioception was evaluated with Pearson Correlation analysis.Results: According to this study results, there was no significant relationship between CJPET (extension, left rotation, right rotation) and sub-parameters of dynamic balance (anteroposterior, mediolateral, overall), cervical muscle strength and hand grip strength (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between CJPET flexion and static balance variables (p < 0.05).Conclusion: According to this study, there is no relationship between cervical proprioception and balance, hand grip muscle strength, cervical region muscle strength and upper extremity functionality in healthy young subjects.

Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test in people with non-specific chronic low back pain-a cross-sectional test-retest reliability study.

PURPOSE/AIM: The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) is a method that evaluates lower extremity muscle strength and balance level. The aim of this study is to test the validity and reliability of the FTSST in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) whose lower extremity muscle strength and balance levels are adversely affected. METHODS: The first outcome measure of the study was the FTSST, which was conducted by two different researchers. Secondary outcome measures are Biodex Balance System (BBS), Quadriceps Muscle Strength Test, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for the validity and reliability of the FTSST, which was made by two different researchers, and Pearson's Correlation Analysis was used to determine its relationship with other measurements. RESULTS: Inter-rater and test-retest reliability for the FTSST were excellent (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0.99). A statistically significant correlation was found between all secondary outcome measures (BBS, quadriceps muscle strength, ODI, VAS) and FTSST (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In line with the findings of our study, we think that FTSST is a simple, easy, and reproducible method for evaluating lower extremity muscle strength, balance level, functional status, and pain in patients with NSCLBP.

Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion on the Temporomandibular Joint: A Bone Scintigraphy Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of rapid maxillary expansion on metabolic activity in the temporomandibular joints of young adult patients using scintigraphy. METHODS: The images belonging to temporomandibular joints were obtained from the retrospective scintigraphic records taken from 17 adult females (16.1 and 18.8 years of age and the mean age was 17.3±0.86 years) who had non-functional bilateral posterior crossbite, deep palatal vault and dental crowding, and had been treated with rapid maxillary expansion. Bone scintigraphy images were collected at three-time intervals: at the beginning of treatment (T1), during the opening of the mid palatal suture (T2), and at the end of screw activation (T3). Alteration in bone activity in the temporomandibular joint regions were evaluated in sagittal and transaxial slices. To determine the differences between the intervals, repeated analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests were applied. RESULTS: In the right and left temporomandibular joint regions, significantly increased metabolic activity was exhibited between T1-T2 (p<0.001). At the time of opening the maxillary mid-palatal suture, the metabolic activity increased approximately 60% compared to the initial status. At the end of the active expansion period (T3), the change in metabolic activity was approximately 20% reduced compared to T2. CONCLUSION: Metabolic activity intensification occurs in the regions of interest in the temporomandibular joint during rapid maxillary expansion. After mid-palatal suture opening, activity noticeably decreased (T2-T3). This decrease in bone activity suggests that the temporomandibular joint complex adapts to rapid maxillary expansion forces.

Dual disruption of aldehyde dehydrogenases 1 and 3 promotes functional changes in the glutathione redox system and enhances chemosensitivity in nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are multifunctional enzymes that oxidize diverse endogenous and exogenous aldehydes. We conducted a meta-analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus data and detected genetic alterations in ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, or ALDH3A1, 86% of which were gene amplification or mRNA upregulation, in 31% of nonsmall cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). The expression of these isoenzymes impacted chemoresistance and shortened survival times in patients. We hypothesized that these enzymes provide an oxidative advantage for the persistence of NSCLC. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic and pharmacological approaches with DIMATE, an irreversible inhibitor of ALDH1/3. DIMATE showed cytotoxicity in 73% of NSCLC cell lines tested and demonstrated antitumor activity in orthotopic xenografts via hydroxynonenal-protein adduct accumulation, GSTO1-mediated depletion of glutathione and increased H2O2. Consistent with this result, ALDH1/3 disruption synergized with ROS-inducing agents or glutathione synthesis inhibitors to trigger cell death. In lung cancer xenografts with high to moderate cisplatin resistance, combination treatment with DIMATE promoted strong synergistic responses with tumor regression. These results indicate that NSCLCs with increased expression of ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, or ALDH3A1 may be targeted by strategies involving inhibitors of these isoenzymes as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy to overcome patient-specific drug resistance.

The Effect of Mulligan Mobilization Technique in Older Adults with Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled, Double-Blind Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Mulligan mobilization technique (MMT) on pain, range of motion (ROM), functional level, kinesiophobia, depression, and quality of life (QoL) in older adults with neck pain (NP). Methods: Forty-two older adults with NP were included in the study, and they were randomly divided into two groups: traditional physiotherapy (TP) group and traditional physiotherapy-Mulligan mobilization (TPMM) group. Treatment program was scheduled for 10 sessions. Participants were assessed in terms of pain, ROM, functional level, kinesiophobia, depression, and QoL both pre- and posttreatment. Results: Pain, ROM, functional level, kinesiophobia, depression, and QoL improved in both groups following treatment (p < 0.05). When comparing effects of these two treatment programs, it was observed that the TPMM group had a better outcome (p < 0.05) in terms of ROM, kinesiophobia, depression, and QoL. Conclusion: In older adults with NP, MMT has been found to have significant effects on pain, ROM, functional level, kinesiophobia, depression, and QoL as long as it is performed by a specialist. "This trial is registered with NCT03507907".

Evaluation of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the changes in the levels of interleukine-1 beta (IL-1 ß ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α ), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in saliva and IL-1 ß , TNF- α , and NO in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The subject population consisted of 50 volunteers who were in need of orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances. GCF and saliva samples were obtained from all individuals before treatment, at 1st month of treatment and at 6th month of treatment. Periodontal clinical parameters were measured. Samples were investigated to detect IL-1 ß , TNF- α , and 8-OHdG levels using ELISA method and NO and MDA levels using spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Since IL-1 ß level detected in GCF at the 6th month of orthodontic treatment is statistically significant according to baseline (P < 0.05), all other biochemical parameters detected both in saliva and in GCF did not show any significant change at any measurement periods. CONCLUSION: Orthodontic tooth movement and orthodontic materials used in orthodontic treatment do not lead to a change above the physiological limits that is suggestive of oxidative damage in both GCF and saliva.

Effects of face mask treatment with and without rapid maxillary expansion in young adult subjects.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue effects of the face mask (FM) treatment with and without rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in young adult subjects with maxillary retrognathia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pretreatment and posttreatment cephalometric radiographs from 32 subjects who had a skeletal Class III malocclusion were analyzed. The subjects were divided into two groups: FM group (N  =  17; 3 male and 14 female subjects; mean [SD] age 14.47 [0.89] years) was treated with FM only, while the RME+FM group (N  =  15; 3 male and 12 female subjects; mean [SD] age 14.67 [1.28] years) was treated with both FM and RME. Ten cephalometric linear and nine angular variables were measured to assess dentofacial changes. Within-group and between-group comparisons were determined by a paired t-test and Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS: Forward displacement of the maxilla and a clockwise rotation of the mandible occurred in both groups. The maxillary-mandibular relationship improved and soft tissue changes resulted in a more convex profile. The maxillary incisors were more proclined in the FM group than in the RME+FM group, the only difference between the two groups. Notably, the mandibular incisors moved backward in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Forward movement of the maxilla can be obtained in young adults after face mask treatment. However, there was no difference in this phenomenon between the FM and RME+FM groups.

Investigation of the maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and associated dental anomalies in an orthodontic patient population

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of maxillary lateral incisor (MLI) agenesis and associated dental anomalies as well as skeletal patterns in an orthodontic population, and then to compare it with the prevalence of these anomalies in the general population.Study Design: The material of the present study included the records of the 3872 orthodontic patients. The followings were recorded for each subject with the agenesis of MLI: Age, sex, unilateral or bilateral absence, anteriorposterior skeletal relationship of the maxilla and mandible, and presence of associated dental anomalies. The occurrence of these anomalies was compared with data previously reported for the general populations. Results: Of the 3872 patients examined, 94 were found to have agenesis of the MLI, representing a prevalence of 2.4 per cent, with females being more frequently observed. The most commonly found associated anomalies were ectopic eruption of maxillary canines and reduced or peg- shaped contralateral incisor with the frequencies of 21.3 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively.Conclusions: Patients with agenesis of MLI showed a significantly higher prevalence of skeletal Class III malocclusion compared with the general population. The prevalence of ectopic eruption, transposition, and transmigration of the maxillary canine and reduced or peg- shaped MLIs were significantly increased (AU)

No disponible

The effects of face mask therapy with and without rapid maxillary expansion in adolescent patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of face mask therapy with and without associated rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in adolescent patients presenting with skeletal Class III malocclusion characterised by maxillary retrognathism. METHODS: Case records consisting of lateral cephalograms and hand-wrist films of 43 patients with hypoplastic maxillary Class III malocclusions treated using a face mask with and without an RME were analysed. The patients were divided into two groups; Group A (N = 27) were treated with a face mask coupled with rapid maxillary expansion and patients in Group B (N = 16) were treated with a face mask appliance only. Ten cephalometric linear and 9 angular variables were measured to assess the dentofacial changes. Within group and between groups comparisons were determined by a paired t-test and Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS: Forward displacement of the maxilla and a clockwise rotation of the mandible occurred in both groups. The maxillary-mandibular relationship improved and soft-tissue changes resulted in a more convex profile. The maxillary incisors moved forward only in Group B subjects but the mandibular incisors moved backward in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Face mask therapy with and without an associated RME improved skeletal Class III malocclusion by a combination of skeletal and dental changes. These results suggested that the use of an RME should be based on clinical criteria rather than assisting the Class III correction.

Investigation of the maxillary lateral incisor agenesis and associated dental anomalies in an orthodontic patient population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of maxillary lateral incisor (MLI) agenesis and associated dental anomalies as well as skeletal patterns in an orthodontic population, and then to compare it with the prevalence of these anomalies in the general population. STUDY DESIGN: The material of the present study included the records of the 3872 orthodontic patients. The followings were recorded for each subject with the agenesis of MLI: Age, sex, unilateral or bilateral absence, anterior-posterior skeletal relationship of the maxilla and mandible, and presence of associated dental anomalies. The occurrence of these anomalies was compared with data previously reported for the general populations. RESULTS: Of the 3872 patients examined, 94 were found to have agenesis of the MLI, representing a prevalence of 2.4 per cent, with females being more frequently observed. The most commonly found associated anomalies were ectopic eruption of maxillary canines and reduced or peg- shaped contralateral incisor with the frequencies of 21.3 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with agenesis of MLI showed a significantly higher prevalence of skeletal Class III malocclusion compared with the general population. The prevalence of ectopic eruption, transposition, and transmigration of the maxillary canine and reduced or peg- shaped MLIs were significantly increased.

The frequency and characteristics of mesiodens in a Turkish patient population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of mesiodens among a group of orthodontic patients in Turkey. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using panoramic radiographs of 3,351 patients ranging in age from 8 to 16 subjected to dental treatment in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology and Department of Orthodontics (Erzurum, Turkey) between 1996 and 2008. All medical and demographic data (age and sex) were obtained from the files. Descriptive characteristics of mesiodentes, including number, shape, position, complication caused by mesiodens and treatment were recorded. The Chi-squared test was used. RESULTS: Results show that the frequency of mesiodens was 0.3% with the ratio of boys (6 cases) to girls (4 cases) being 1.5:1 and this was not statistically significant (P>.05). Of the 10 children, 8 (80.0%) had 1 mesiodens and 2 (20.0%) had 2 mesiodentes bilaterally to midline. Of the 12 mesiodentes, 8 (66.7%) were fully impacted, 7 (58.3%) in a vertical position and 9 (75.0%) conical shape. The most common complication caused by mesiodens was delayed eruption of the permanent incisors in 4 cases (40.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of mesiodens in Turkish orthodontic patients was found to be 0.3% and more frequently in males with the ratio being approximately 1.5:1. Most of the mesiodentes were in conical shape (75.0%). Sixty-seven percent of the cases were fully impacted.

Dental age assessment: the applicability of Demirjian method in eastern Turkish children.

In the literature, little is known about the applicability of this method in Turkish children. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the reliability of Demirjian method of age estimation when used for eastern Turkish children. A retrospective study was performed on a sample of panoramic radiographs taken from 807 healthy eastern Turkish children. The stages of dental maturity of the mandibular left seven permanent teeth for each subject using the eight radiographic dental maturity stages demonstrated by Demirjian were evaluated. A paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. The mean difference between the chronological and dental ages ranged from 0.2 to 1.9 years in girls and from 0.4 to 1.3 years in boys. The differences between the chronological and dental ages were statistically significant in all age groups. The applicability of Demirjian method is not suitable for eastern Turkish population.

Frequency and characteristics of tooth agenesis among anorthodontic patient population Mevlut

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tooth agenesis and the associated skeletal morphology and arch widths in a group of Turkish patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Material and Methods: We designed a retrospective study composed of pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric films of 3,341 patients (2,040 females and 1,301 males). Tooth agenesis was evaluated for hypodontia and oligodontia -excluding the third molars- from the orthopantomograms. The significance test for the differences in the skeletal morphology between hypodontia and non-hypodontia patients was performed using the Pearson chi-square and Student t-test.Results: The prevalence of tooth agenesis was 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population. Toothagenesis was found more frequently in females than in males, although this difference was not statistically significant(p>0.05). The most commonly missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors, followed by the mandibular second premolars and mandibular central incisors. Intercanine and intermolar widths in the maxillary and mandibular arches were significantly reduced in the hypodontia group compared with the control group (p<0.01).Tooth agenesis was statistically and significantly less in patients with skeletal Class II (p<0.01). There was nostatistically significant difference in hypodontia patients in the vertical relationship of the jaws (p>0.05).Conclusions: The prevalence of tooth agenesis was found to be 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population (hypodontia 4.3% and oligodontia 0.3%), and was found more frequently in females. Intercanine and intermolar widths were significantly reduced in the hypodonti a group for both jaws compared with the control group (AU)

No disponible

Frequency and characteristics of tooth agenesis among an orthodontic patient population.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tooth agenesis and the associated skeletal morphology and arch widths in a group of Turkish patients seeking orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed a retrospective study composed of pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs and lateral cephalometric films of 3,341 patients (2,040 females and 1,301 males). Tooth agenesis was evaluated for hypodontia and oligodontia -excluding the third molars- from the orthopantomograms. The significance test for the differences in the skeletal morphology between hypodontia and non-hypodontia patients was performed using the Pearson chi-square and Student t-test. RESULTS: The prevalence of tooth agenesis was 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population. Tooth agenesis was found more frequently in females than in males, although this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The most commonly missing teeth were the maxillary lateral incisors, followed by the mandibular second premolars and mandibular central incisors. Intercanine and intermolar widths in the maxillary and mandibular arches were significantly reduced in the hypodontia group compared with the control group (p<0.01). Tooth agenesis was statistically and significantly less in patients with skeletal Class II (p<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in hypodontia patients in the vertical relationship of the jaws (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of tooth agenesis was found to be 4.6 percent for the Turkish orthodontic patient population (hypodontia 4.3% and oligodontia 0.3%), and was found more frequently in females. Intercanine and intermolar widths were significantly reduced in the hypodontia group for both jaws compared with the control group.

Face mask therapy effects in two skeletal maturation groups of female subjects with skeletal Class III malocclusions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of face mask therapy in adolescent and young adult female subjects with skeletal Class III malocclusion characterized by maxillary retrognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material consisted of pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 28 subjects with Class III malocclusions treated with a face mask. Twenty-eight patients age 10 to 16 years were divided into two groups: the adolescent group (15 female patients) and the young adult group (13 female patients). Within group and between group comparisons were made by paired t-test and Student's t-test, respectively. RESULTS: Forward displacement of the maxilla and clockwise rotation of the mandible occurred in both the adolescent and young adult groups. Maxillary-mandibular relationship exhibited an increase in the ANB angle and Wits appraisal, and the soft-tissue changes resulted in a more convex profile. The maxillary incisors moved forward while the mandibular incisors moved backward. CONCLUSIONS: Face mask therapy improves skeletal Class III malocclusions by a combination of skeletal and dental changes. Although early treatment may be most effective, face mask treatment can provide a viable option for older children as well.

A specific colorimetric assay for measuring transglutaminase 1 and factor XIII activities.

Transglutaminase (TGase) is an enzyme that catalyzes both isopeptide cross-linking and incorporation of primary amines into proteins. Eight TGases have been identified in humans, and each of these TGases has a unique tissue distribution and physiological significance. Although several assays for TGase enzymatic activity have been reported, it has been difficult to establish an assay for discriminating each of these different TGase activities. Using a random peptide library, we recently identified the preferred substrate sequences for three major TGases: TGase 1, TGase 2, and factor XIII. In this study, we use these substrates in specific tests for measuring the activities of TGase 1 and factor XIII.