ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to attempt to set average faciometric standards for Egyptians using the Kattan Facio-meter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 180 faculty students with age range 17-25 years. It was divided into three groups; Angle Class I, II and III. Class II was further subdivided into divisions 1 and 2. Linear and angular facial measurements in relation to K plane were taken using the Kattan facio-meter. The measurements were correlated to Angle's classification and between genders. RESULTS: On comparing the different classes, Class II division 1 showed the statistically highest mean value for Orbitale-soft tissue A; p=0.042, Class II divisions 1 and 2 for Orbitale- Labrale superius; p=0.002 and soft tissue ANB; p<0.001. Females showed significantly higher mean value than males for the upper incisor/K plane; p=0.031. Males showed significantly higher mean value for the inter-incisal angle than females; p=0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the current study, it was found that both linear and angular soft tissue measurements conformed to the antroposterior skeletal relation of the jaws and that Class II division 1 was due to protruded maxilla. Males had more prominent lips and deeper mentolabial sulcus. Egyptians had less prominent noses than Caucasians. The Kattan Facio-meter was a valuable tool for clinical analysis without the hazards of irradiation. Key words:Kattan Facio-meter, Angle Class I, II and III.
ABSTRACT
Aluminum is the most widely used non-ferrous metal. However, recently it is reported to be a neurotoxic agent that could induce biochemical defects in brain by affecting levels of neurotransmitters and generating reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative stress. This study aimed at evaluating neuroprotective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract(2) (GBE) (200 mg/kg for 28 days) in antagonizing aluminum-induced neurotoxicity through investigating certain parameters such as serum aluminum level, brain aluminum content, brain regional distribution of aluminum, brain oxidative stress biomarkers' content, and brain acetylcholinesterase(3) (AChE) activity. Passive avoidance paradigm was used to assess memory retrieval of rats. Rats' activities were studied using open field test. Results showed that administration of aluminum (10 mg/kg for 28 days) impaired rats' memory retrieval associated with marked elevation of aluminum brain content, serum aluminum level and AChE activity. In addition, aluminum treatment induced significant elevation in its brain content in all tested regions. GBE treatment attenuated neurotoxic effects of aluminum as evidenced by improving rats' performance in passive avoidance and lowering brain AChE activity. Moreover, marked elevation in brain content of oxidized glutathione(4) (GSSG) and malonedialdehyde(5) (MDA) as well as depletion of reduced glutathione(6) (GSH) demonstrated following aluminum administration were reversed reaching normal levels after GBE treatment. Open field test, demonstrated no changes in latency period, number of ambulation, rearing, and grooming following aluminum or other treatments. Therefore, GBE may be a promising therapy ameliorating neurotoxicity of aluminum as an environmental toxic agent.
