Age estimation in north east Brazilians by measurement of open apices.

Dental age (DA) estimation is an extensively investigated resource used by forensic science. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Measurement of Open Apices for DA estimation in north east Brazilians. A total of 429 orthopantomographs of individuals aged 5 to 14.99 years were used. The sample was distributed according to the age groups 5-6.99, 7-8.99, 9-10.99, 11-12.99 and 13-14.99 years, and the data were analyzed descriptively and by linear regression (α= 5%). The majority of the radiographs were from females (n = 241; 56.2%), with an overall mean age of 12 years (± 2.12). A significant difference was observed between DA and chronological age (CA) in the total sample and specifically in females and males. The method underestimated CA by 0.31 year (total sample) and by 0.3 and 0.32 year in females and males, respectively. In contrast, the method overestimated CA in the groups 5-6.99 and 7-8.99 years, with a mean difference (MD) of 0.48 year (p = 0.007) and 0.17 year (p = 0.182), respectively. In the other groups, DA was predicted to be below CA, with a significant difference in the group 13-14.99 (0.75 year). Based on the regression analysis, a correction factor was proposed from the original formula for this population, thereby reaching a predictive power of approximately 80%. To conclude, this method is applicable to the study population aged 5 to 13 years as the estimates obtained did not exceed the error limit of ±1 year.

[Evaluation of aortic to pulmonary blood flow ratio by Doppler echocardiography in septal defects]. / Estimation du rapport des débits aortique et pulmonaire par l'échographie-Doppler dans les défauts septaux.

Pulsed Doppler-echocardiography was used to measure systemic and pulmonary blood flows in 22 patients aged from 3 months to 62 years presenting with interatrial (n = 13) or interventricular (n = 9) septal defect. Calculations were based on echographic measurements of aortic and pulmonary orifice areas and on the integral of maximal aortic and pulmonary Doppler velocity curves. Section areas or the arteries, taken as being circular, were deduced from arterial diameter measurements effected above Valsalva's sinus. Doppler velocity curves were recorded at that level, looking for maximal velocities and assuming a flat velocity profile. Blood flow ratios evaluated from Doppler-echocardiography data were compared with data provided by oximetry and showed good correlations (r = 0.92; Y = 0.71x + 0.53; SEE = 0.24). Calculations by categories of lesions showed better results in patients with interatrial septal defect (r = 0.94; Y = 0.73x + 0.507; SEE = 0.22) than in patients with interventricular septal defect (r = 0.83; Y = 0.547x + 0.75; SEE = 0.25). The main difficulties encountered in measuring Doppler-echocardiography blood flow ratios concerned accurate measurement of pulmonary artery diameter, due to problems of lateral resolution, and accurate measurement of turbulent Doppler velocimetry curves. However, this new, non-invasive technique may be useful to determine the best indications for catheterization or even surgery.