The extent of multiallelic, co-editing of LIGULELESS1 in highly polyploid sugarcane tunes leaf inclination angle and enables selection of the ideotype for biomass yield.

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) is a prime feedstock for commercial production of biofuel and table sugar. Optimizing canopy architecture for improved light capture has great potential for elevating biomass yield. LIGULELESS1 (LG1) is involved in leaf ligule and auricle development in grasses. Here, we report CRISPR/Cas9-mediated co-mutagenesis of up to 40 copies/alleles of the putative LG1 in highly polyploid sugarcane (2n = 100-120, x = 10-12). Next generation sequencing revealed co-editing frequencies of 7.4%-100% of the LG1 reads in 16 of the 78 transgenic lines. LG1 mutations resulted in a tuneable leaf angle phenotype that became more upright as co-editing frequency increased. Three lines with loss of function frequencies of ~12%, ~53% and ~95% of lg1 were selected following a randomized greenhouse trial and grown in replicated, multi-row field plots. The co-edited LG1 mutations were stably maintained in vegetative progenies and the extent of co-editing remained constant in field tested lines L26 and L35. Next generation sequencing confirmed the absence of potential off targets. The leaf inclination angle corresponded to light transmission into the canopy and tiller number. Line L35 displaying loss of function in ~12% of the lg1 NGS reads exhibited an 18% increase in dry biomass yield supported by a 56% decrease in leaf inclination angle, a 31% increase in tiller number, and a 25% increase in internode number. The scalable co-editing of LG1 in highly polyploid sugarcane allows fine-tuning of leaf inclination angle, enabling the selection of the ideotype for biomass yield.

European common frogs determine migratory direction by inclination magnetic compass and show diurnal variation in orientation.

Animals can use two variants of the magnetic compass: the 'polar compass' or the 'inclination compass'. Among vertebrates, the compass type has been identified for salmon, mole rats, birds, turtles and urodeles. However, no experiments have been conducted to determine the compass variant in anurans. To elucidate this, we performed a series of field and laboratory experiments on males of the European common frog during the spawning season. In field experiments in a large circular arena, we identified the direction of the stereotypic migration axis for a total of 581 frogs caught during migration from river to pond or in a breeding pond. We also found that motivation of the frogs varied throughout the day, probably to avoid deadly night freezes, which are common in spring. The laboratory experiments were conducted on a total of 450 frogs in a T-maze placed in a three-axis Merritt coil system. The maze arms were positioned parallel to the natural migration axis inferred on the basis of magnetic field. Both vertical and horizontal components of the magnetic field were altered, and frogs were additionally tested in a vertical magnetic field. We conclude that European common frogs possess an inclination magnetic compass, as for newts, birds and sea turtles, and potentially use it during the spring migration. The vertical magnetic field confuses the frogs, apparently as a result of the inability to choose a direction. Notably, diurnal variation in motivation of the frogs was identical to that in nature, indicating the presence of internal rhythms controlling this process.

Physiological and clinical effects of trunk inclination adjustment in patients with respiratory failure: a scoping review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Adjusting trunk inclination from a semi-recumbent position to a supine-flat position or vice versa in patients with respiratory failure significantly affects numerous aspects of respiratory physiology including respiratory mechanics, oxygenation, end-expiratory lung volume, and ventilatory efficiency. Despite these observed effects, the current clinical evidence regarding this positioning manoeuvre is limited. This study undertakes a scoping review of patients with respiratory failure undergoing mechanical ventilation to assess the effect of trunk inclination on physiological lung parameters. METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from 2003 to 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Changes in trunk inclination. MEASUREMENTS: Four domains were evaluated in this study: 1) respiratory mechanics, 2) ventilation distribution, 3) oxygenation, and 4) ventilatory efficiency. RESULTS: After searching the three databases and removing duplicates, 220 studies were screened. Of these, 37 were assessed in detail, and 13 were included in the final analysis, comprising 274 patients. All selected studies were experimental, and assessed respiratory mechanics, ventilation distribution, oxygenation, and ventilatory efficiency, primarily within 60 min post postural change. CONCLUSION: In patients with acute respiratory failure, transitioning from a supine to a semi-recumbent position leads to decreased respiratory system compliance and increased airway driving pressure. Additionally, C-ARDS patients experienced an improvement in ventilatory efficiency, which resulted in lower PaCO2 levels. Improvements in oxygenation were observed in a few patients and only in those who exhibited an increase in EELV upon moving to a semi-recumbent position. Therefore, the trunk inclination angle must be accurately reported in patients with respiratory failure under mechanical ventilation.

Changes in the alveolar bone morphology among different patterns of incisor inclination during the alignment phase in orthodontic treatment without premolar extraction.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated bone remodelling in the upper and lower incisor regions depending on the inclination pattern during the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment (OT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical study included 71 patients undergoing OT without premolar extraction. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after the alignment phase and the changes in the inclination, alveolar bone height (ABH) and bone thickness (BT) at levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9 mm starting from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) were determined. RESULTS: Teeth were divided into 'Retroinclination' (lingual crown inclination <0°), 'Proclination-low' (buccal crown inclination between 0° and 5°), or 'Proclination-high' (buccal crown inclination >5°). The alignment phase of OT resulted in ABH loss. The highest ABH loss in the maxilla was observed on the buccal side in the 'Proclination-high' and was 0.71 mm. ABH loss by 1.1 mm was observed in the mandible on the lingual side in the 'Retroinclination' group. The most significant changes in BT by up to 2 mm were observed at levels 6, 8 and 9 mm and these changes exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with the alterations in the inclination of individual incisors. At levels 2, 3 and 4 mm, the highest decrease in BT by up to 0.83 mm was observed on the palatal side of upper incisors in the 'Proclination-high' group. CONCLUSION: The direction and amount of tooth inclination partially determine changes in the bone parameters during the alignment phase.

A backward-spinning star with two coplanar planets.

It is widely assumed that a star and its protoplanetary disk are initially aligned, with the stellar equator parallel to the disk plane. When observations reveal a misalignment between stellar rotation and the orbital motion of a planet, the usual interpretation is that the initial alignment was upset by gravitational perturbations that took place after planet formation. Most of the previously known misalignments involve isolated hot Jupiters, for which planet-planet scattering or secular effects from a wider-orbiting planet are the leading explanations. In theory, star/disk misalignments can result from turbulence during star formation or the gravitational torque of a wide-orbiting companion star, but no definite examples of this scenario are known. An ideal example would combine a coplanar system of multiple planets-ruling out planet-planet scattering or other disruptive postformation events-with a backward-rotating star, a condition that is easier to obtain from a primordial misalignment than from postformation perturbations. There are two previously known examples of a misaligned star in a coplanar multiplanet system, but in neither case has a suitable companion star been identified, nor is the stellar rotation known to be retrograde. Here, we show that the star K2-290 A is tilted by [Formula: see text] compared with the orbits of both of its known planets and has a wide-orbiting stellar companion that is capable of having tilted the protoplanetary disk. The system provides the clearest demonstration that stars and protoplanetary disks can become grossly misaligned due to the gravitational torque from a neighboring star.

Association between cup orientation and low back pain after total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative low back pain (LBP) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is classified as secondary hip-spine syndrome. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations between cup orientation of THA and postoperative LBP in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 364 ONFH patients who underwent bilateral THA between January 2011 and December 2020. Among them, 53 patients (14.6%) experienced postoperative LBP at the end of follow-up and were designated as pain group (PG). A control group (CG) consisting of 106 patients with similar age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) to those in the PG was selected. Postoperative LBP in the PG was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic data, clinical information, and radiographic criteria were evaluated as potential predictors of LBP. RESULTS: Patients in PG (mean age, 47.3 years [range, 27 to 75 years]; 42 [79%] male) had a mean VAS score of 4.6 (range, 1 to 9) compared with 0 for the patients in CG (mean age, 47.6 years [range, 19 to 77 years]; 84 [79%] male). There were no significant differences in clinical data between the two groups (p > 0.05). Preoperative radiographic variables also showed no significant differences between the PG and CG (p > 0.05). However, the postoperative inclination, anteversion, and standing ante-inclination (AI) were significantly lower in the PG compared to the CG, whereas the sitting and standing sacral slope (SS) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Moreover, the variations in standing AI, standing and sitting pelvic tilt (PT) were significantly lower in the PG compared to the CG, while the variations in standing and sitting SS and lumbar lordosis (LL) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The variation in standing AI in the PG showed a significantly correlation with the variation of standing SS, standing PT, and LL (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Postoperative LBP in ONFH patients after bilateral THA is significantly associated with the intraoperative cup orientation. The variation in standing AI is correlated with the variations in standing SS, standing PT, and LL, potentially contributing to the development of postoperative LBP.

Relation between the dash score and radiographic evaluation of the wrist in patients with wrist fracture.

Traditionally, the assessment of distal radius fracture outcomes has been based on radiological measurements and self-evaluation scores. However, there is uncertainty regarding how accurately these measurements reflect the patient's perception of their outcome. In this study, we examined the correlation between radiological measurements and patient-perceived outcomes using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand outcome (DASH) score. 140 individuals who had recovered from a distal radius fracture. and had been treated with DVR, Kapandji, percutaneous pinning or closed reduction were included in the study. The retrospective assessment included 78 females and 62 males, with a mean DASH score of 3.54 points.Except for the ulnar variance, the study found little to no significant association between the DASH score and the final radiological measurement.In summary, the DASH score did not always indicate that a superior radiological result translated into a better patient-perceived outcome.

Mixed-reality improves execution of templated glenoid component positioning in shoulder arthroplasty: a CT imaging analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid placement is critical for successful outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Preoperative templating with three-dimensional imaging has improved implant positioning, but deviations from the planned inclination and version still occur. Mixed-Reality (MR) is a novel technology that allows surgeons intra-operative access to three-dimensional imaging and templates, capable of overlaying the surgical field to help guide component positioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the execution of preoperative templates using MR vs.standard instruments (SIs). METHODS: Retrospective review of 97 total shoulder arthroplasties (18 anatomic, 79 reverse) from a single high-volume shoulder surgeon between January 2021 and February 2023, including only primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. To be included, patients needed a templated preoperative plan and then a postoperative computed tomography scan. Allocation to MR vs. SI was based on availability of the MR headset, industry technical personnel, and the templated preoperative plan loaded into the software, but preoperative or intraoperative patient factors did not contribute to the allocation decision. Postoperative inclination and version were measured by two independent, blinded physicians and compared to the preoperative template. From these measurements, we calculated the mean difference, standard deviation (SD), and variance to compare MR and SI. RESULTS: Comparing 25 MR to 72 SI cases, MR significantly improved both inclination (P < .001) and version (P < .001). Specifically, MR improved the mean difference from preoperative templates (by 1.9° inclination, 2.4° version), narrowed the SD (by 1.7° inclination, 1.8° version), and decreased the variance (11.7-3.0 inclination, 14.9-4.3 version). A scatterplot of the data demonstrates a concentration of MR cases within 5° of plan relative to SI cases typically within 10° of plan. There was no difference in operative time. CONCLUSION: MR improved the accuracy and precision of glenoid positioning. Although it is unlikely that 2° makes a detectable clinical difference, our results demonstrate the potential ability for technology like MR to narrow the bell curve and decrease the outliers in glenoid placement. This will be particularly relevant as MR and other similar technologies continue to evolve into more effective methods in guiding surgical execution.

Three-dimensional analysis of biplanar glenoid deformities: what are they and can they be virtually reconstructed with anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty implants?

BACKGROUND: Descriptions of glenoid deformities in glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA) have focused on the axial plane. Less is known regarding arthritic glenoids with higher amounts of superior inclination and little evidence exists to guide management of inclination or combined version-inclination deformity when performing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). We hypothesized that biplanar deformities (BD) would be present in a higher proportion of GHOA patients than previously appreciated, and these deformities would be difficult to adequately reconstruct with contemporary aTSA implants. METHODS: A retrospective query was performed of GHOA patients indicated for TSA 2012-2017 with a computed tomography (CT) scan within three months of surgery. Images were uploaded to three-dimensional (3D) software for automated measurements. Glenoids with superior inclination ≥10°, and retroversion ≥20° were considered to have BD. Walch classification was determined, and C-type glenoids were excluded. Rotator-cuff muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured and fatty infiltration was graded. Glenoids with BD were virtually planned for aTSA with correction to neutral inclination and version, then with 5° superior inclination and 10° retroversion. RESULTS: Two-hundred and sixty-eight shoulders in 250 patients were included; average age was 65 years, 67% male. There were no differences in inclination between Walch types (P = .25). Twenty-nine shoulders with BD were identified (11%). These deformities were not associated with age (P = .47) or gender (P = .50) but were skewed towards Walch B-type, specifically B2 (P = .03). Acromial index and posterior humeral head subluxation were higher in BD patients (P = .04, P < .001, respectively). Biplanar deformities had similar cuff CSA compared to those without but were less frequently associated with fatty infiltration of the subscapularis (P = .05). When correcting to neutral version and inclination, 41% BD could not be reconstructed. Of those that could, 94% required augmented implants. When correcting to 5° superior inclination and 10° retroversion, 10% could not be reconstructed. Of those that could, 58% required augmented implants. With partial correction, augment use was predicted by retroversion >26° (P = .009). Inclination did not predict augment use (P = .90). Final implant position commonly involved unseating in the posterosuperior quadrant and cancellous exposure in the anteroinferior quadrant. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective computed tomography (CT)-based study of 268 shoulders with GHOA found an 11% prevalence of BD. These deformities were commonly associated with Walch B2 wear patterns. Virtual aTSA planning showed a high failure rate (41%) when correcting to neutral version and inclination. Posteriorly augmented implants were frequently required, and often still involved unseating in the posterosuperior quadrant, increased cancellous exposure in the anteroinferior quadrant, and vault perforation.

Premorbid glenoid anatomy reconstruction from contralateral shoulder 3-dimensional measurements: a computed tomography scan analysis of 260 shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) aims to reconstruct the premorbid anatomy of a pathologic shoulder. A healthy contralateral shoulder could be useful as a template in planning TSA. The symmetry between the left and right shoulders in healthy patients remains to be proved. The purpose of this study was to compare the 3-dimensional anatomy of the glenoid between sides in a healthy population. METHODS: A multinational computed tomography scan database was retrospectively reviewed for all healthy bilateral shoulders in patients aged between 18 and 50 years. One hundred thirty pairs of healthy shoulder computed tomography scans were analyzed, and glenoid version, inclination, width, and height, as well as glenoid lateral offset and scapula lateral offset, were measured. All anatomic measures were computed with Blueprint, validated 3-dimensional planning software. The intraclass correlation coefficient was determined for each measure between left and right shoulders. The minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated using the following formula: MDC=2×1.96×Standarderrorofmeasurement. RESULTS: The comparison between 130 pairs of healthy scapulae showed statistically significant differences in absolute values between right and left glenoid version (-5.3° vs. -4.6°, P < .01), inclination (8.4° vs. 9.3°, P < .01), and width (25.6 mm vs. 25.4 mm, P < .01), as well as scapula offset (105.8 mm vs. 106.2 mm, P < .01). Glenoid height was comparable between right and left shoulders (33.3 mm vs. 33.3 mm, P = .9). The differences between the means were always inferior to the MDC regarding glenoid version, inclination, height, and width, as well as scapula offset. Very strong intraclass correlation coefficients between the left and right shoulders were found for all evaluated paired measures. CONCLUSION: Healthy contralateral scapulae are highly reliable to predict inclination, height, width, and scapula offset and are reliable to predict version of a given scapula. Paired right and left scapulae were not statistically symmetrical regarding mean glenoid version, inclination, and width, as well as scapula offset. Nevertheless, the reported differences were not higher than the MDC for this cohort, confirming that healthy contralateral shoulders can be a useful template in TSA preoperative planning.

An In-Vitro Comparison of Mixed Reality Navigation to Traditional Freehand and Patient Specific Instrumentation Techniques for Glenoid Guide Pin Insertion during Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Accurate insertion of the glenoid guide pin in shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is important for obtaining optimized glenoid component position and orientation. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of three glenoid guide pin insertion techniques: 1) traditional software planning using freehand guide pin insertion (freehand), 2) guide pin insertion utilizing patient-specific instrumentation (PSI), and 3) using a mixed reality navigation (MR-NAV) system. METHODS: Twenty (20) computer tomography (CT) scans were obtained from patients exhibiting glenoid erosion patterns according to the Walch and Favard classifications. Cases were planned using validated three-dimensional (3D) preoperative planning software. The CT data was then used to 3D print triplicate plastic models of each glenoid to evaluate the three guide pin insertion techniques. The first technique employed traditional software planning with freehand guide pin insertion. The second method used preoperatively planned PSI guides, while the third utilized a MR-NAV system, which provided real-time holographic guidance during guide pin insertion. Once all guide pins had been inserted into the models, an independent optical tracking system and custom digitization device was used to quantify the position and orientation of each guide pin relative to the glenoid. The outcomes for this study included the absolute mean error in guide pin inclination, version, and entry point relative to the preoperative plan. The absolute Total Global Error was also assessed, which was defined as the sum of the absolute guide pin orientation and position error relative to the preoperative plan. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between MR-NAV and PSI were found for the inclination error (2±1° versus 2±1°; P=0.056), version error (1±1° versus 1±1°; P=1.000), and Total Global Error (5±1 [mm+deg] versus 5±1 [mm+deg], P=1.000), respectively. The freehand technique produced significantly greater error than MR-NAV and PSI for inclination (5±3°, P≤0.017), version (4±3°, P≤0.032) and Total Global Error (8±3 [mm+deg], P<0.001). No statistically significant differences in the entry point error were observed between all guide pin insertion methods (P≥0.058). DISCUSSION: These results demonstrate that the precision and accuracy of MR-NAV is comparable to PSI and superior to a freehand technique for glenoid guide pin insertion in-vitro. Further study is needed to compare the accuracy of these techniques intra-operatively, in addition to assessing a potential learning curve between surgeons of varying experience with the MR-NAV system.

Deployment of Constellation with Different Inclinations Using the Nodal Precession and Thrust.

Strategy selection is critical for constellation deployment missions, both in terms of energy consumption and time cost. The different effects of impulse thrust and continuous thrust on orbit elements lead to a different choice of strategy. With impulse thrust, constellation types are differentiated according to high and medium-low inclinations. Constellations with high inclination are deployed using a strategy that controls the inclination. Constellations with medium-low inclination are deployed using a strategy that controls the semi-long axis. With continuous thrust, constellations are classified according to high, medium, and low inclination. High inclination constellations are deployed with a strategy of controlling inclination. Medium inclination constellations are deployed with a strategy that controls the semi-long axis. Low inclination constellations are deployed with a strategy of directly applying continuous thrust.

An End-to-End Inclination State Monitoring Method for Collaborative Robotic Drilling Based on Resnet Neural Network.

The collaborative robot can complete various drilling tasks in complex processing environments thanks to the high flexibility, small size and high load ratio. However, the inherent weaknesses of low rigidity and variable rigidity in robots bring detrimental effects to surface quality and drilling efficiency. Effective online monitoring of the drilling quality is critical to achieve high performance robotic drilling. To this end, an end-to-end drilling-state monitoring framework is developed in this paper, where the drilling quality can be monitored through online-measured vibration signals. To evaluate the drilling effect, a Canny operator-based edge detection method is used to quantify the inclination state of robotic drilling, which provides the data labeling information. Then, a robotic drilling inclination state monitoring model is constructed based on the Resnet network to classify the drilling inclination states. With the aid of the training dataset labeled by different inclination states and the end-to-end training process, the relationship between the inclination states and vibration signals can be established. Finally, the proposed method is verified by collaborative robotic drilling experiments with different workpiece materials. The results show that the proposed method can effectively recognize the drilling inclination state with high accuracy for different workpiece materials, which demonstrates the effectiveness and applicability of this method.

Hybrid Vibration Sensor for Equipment Monitoring and Diagnostics.

Vibration diagnostics based on vibroacoustic signal data belong to the most common ways to monitor the technical condition of equipment and technical structures. The paper considers the general issues of vibration-based diagnostics and shows that in general, it is required to monitor both axial and torsional oscillations, as well as the inclination angle, occurring during the operation of various technical objects. To comprehensively monitor these parameters, a hybrid vibration sensor is proposed, simultaneously implementing three operating modes: recording linear displacements of the vibrating object; recording the rotation angle of the object at its torsional oscillations; recording the object angular deviation from the vertical component of the natural local geomagnetic field, i.e., the inclinometer mode. The proposed hybrid sensor design is described, and a theoretical analysis of the sensor's operation in each of the aforementioned operating modes is performed. The authors show that in the inclinometer mode the sensor actually operates as a fluxgate meter. Generalizing the results of the sensor's operation simultaneously in all three operating modes, an equation for the total output data signal has been obtained, which allows for obtaining the required information on the current values of linear displacements and rotation and inclination angles by selectively filtering it with respective three filters tuned to specific frequencies. The experimental studies of the proposed hybrid vibration sensor confirmed its ability to record various vibrational disturbances and changes in the inclination angle of the monitored object.

The Characterization of a Novel PrMADS11 Transcription Factor from Pinus radiata Induced Early in Bent Pine Stem.

A novel MADS-box transcription factor from Pinus radiata D. Don was characterized. PrMADS11 encodes a protein of 165 amino acids for a MADS-box transcription factor belonging to group II, related to the MIKC protein structure. PrMADS11 was differentially expressed in the stems of pine trees in response to 45° inclination at early times (1 h). Arabidopsis thaliana was stably transformed with a 35S::PrMADS11 construct in an effort to identify the putative targets of PrMADS11. A massive transcriptome analysis revealed 947 differentially expressed genes: 498 genes were up-regulated, and 449 genes were down-regulated due to the over-expression of PrMADS11. The gene ontology analysis highlighted a cell wall remodeling function among the differentially expressed genes, suggesting the active participation of cell wall modification required during the response to vertical stem loss. In addition, the phenylpropanoid pathway was also indicated as a PrMADS11 target, displaying a marked increment in the expression of the genes driven to the biosynthesis of monolignols. The EMSA assays confirmed that PrMADS11 interacts with CArG-box sequences. This TF modulates the gene expression of several molecular pathways, including other TFs, as well as the genes involved in cell wall remodeling. The increment in the lignin content and the genes involved in cell wall dynamics could be an indication of the key role of PrMADS11 in the response to trunk inclination.

Tip, torque and rotation of maxillary molars during distalization using Invisalign: a CBCT study.

BACKGROUND: Desirable molar distalization by bodily movement is challenging and can be difficult to achieve. This study investigated changes in molar angulation (mesiodistal tipping), molar inclination (buccolingual torque) and rotation during distalization using clear aligner therapy (CAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 cone beam computed tomographic images (CBCTs) taken for patients treated with molar distalization using CAT. The study evaluated pre- (T0) and post-treatment (T1) CBCTs of 19 adult patients (36.68 ± 13.50 years) who underwent maxillary molar distalization using Invisalign® aligners (Align Technology, Inc., San José, CA, USA) with a minimum of 2 mm distalization. Changes in maxillary molar tip, torque and rotation were measured for 61 molars (183 roots). Paired t-test was used to evaluate the differences between pre- and post-treatment readings. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. The reproducibility of measurements was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Molar angulation did not show significant change after distalization (p = 0.158) however, there was significant increase in buccal molar inclination (p = 0.034) and mesiobuccal molar rotation (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Molar distalization of 2 mm did not cause significant molar tipping. Maxillary molars showed significant buccal inclination (increased torque) and mesiobuccal rotation after distalization.

Influence of alveolar bone thickness and bucco-palatal inclination on root resorption of lateral incisors in unilateral maxillary impacted canines: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between alveolar bone thickness, bucco-palatal inclination of maxillary lateral incisors, and lateral incisor root resorption in patients with unilateral maxillary impacted canines (UMICs). METHODS: A total of three hundred and five subjects (120 males, 185 females; mean age, 16.39 years; standard deviation, 4.04) with UMICs were included. Canine position and root resorption were assessed using CBCT. UMICs were divided into palatal, buccal and mid-alveolus groups (PICs, BICs and MAICs), with 117, 137 and 51 subjects, respectively. Alveolar bone thickness and bucco-palatal inclination of lateral incisors were measured using the Dolphin software. RESULTS: The prevalence of lateral incisor root resorption was significantly lower in the BICs (13.9%) than MAICs (29.4%) and PICs (29.1%). Alveolar bone thickness of the apical area was smaller in UMICs with lateral incisor root resorption than no resorption in both PICs (8.33 ± 1.64 vs 10.53 ± 2.55 mm) and BICs (8.94 ± 1.85 vs 10.76 ± 2.28 mm). Furthermore, lateral incisors on the impacted side were more buccally inclined in PICs with lateral incisor root resorption than no resorption, while in both BICs and MAICs, there was no statistical difference between lateral incisor root resorption than no resorption. Moreover, alveolar bone thickness of the apical area, rather than bucco-palatal inclination of lateral incisors, was significantly correlated with lateral incisor root resorption both in PICs and BICs. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral incisor root resorption is less common in BICs. Thinner alveolar bone thickness at the apical area of lateral incisors can be considered as a potential risk factor for lateral incisor root resorption in UMICs.

Evaluation of an objective staging system for assessment of cervical vertebral maturation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate an objective method for Cervical Vertebral Maturation (CVM) staging. METHODS: An initial sample of 647 Lateral Cephalometric Radiographs (LCR) were staged according to the CVM (Baccetti et al.) by 4 examiners. The final sample (n = 394) included LCR on which the staging of the 4 investigators matched. The objective staging was performed by a single operator. The sample was divided according to the maturational stages into pre-pubertal, pubertal and post-pubertal groups. Measurements were performed on the cervical vertebrae (C2, C3 and C4). The angle between posterior and superior borders for C3 and C4 was the Superior Wall Inclination Angle (SWIA). Concavity Depth (CD) for C2, C3 and C4, and Body Shape (BS) (ratio of width to height of C3 and C4). Measurements of the 3 groups were compared. RESULTS: Reliability of subjective staging was high (intra-observer reliability, 0.948; inter-observer reliability, 0.967). Good agreement was observed for the outcomes measured. Intra-observer reliability was good (0.918, 0.885 and 0.722 for CD, BS and SWIA, respectively). The same was for the inter-observer reliability results (0.902, 0.889 and 0.728 for CD, BS and SWIA, respectively). Significant differences were observed for mean values of SWIA and BS and median values of CD within maturational stage. Similar findings were observed when the outcomes were compared at different phases (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A standardized, objective staging system using linear, angular measurements and ratios was applied for the determination of cervical vertebral maturation.

Perception of maxillary incisor inclination and its correlation with dental cephalometric measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate the clinical perception of maxillary incisor inclination from photographs of the smiling face with cephalometric measurements, using conventional incisor axis reference points and crown reference points. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Lisbon (Portugal). PARTICIPANTS: Eight orthodontists. METHODS: The perception of maxillary incisor inclination of 47 female patients (mean age 23.4 ± 1.5 years) was evaluated by eight orthodontists. The participants' photographs (smiling frontal, smiling three-quarter and smiling profile) were shown to each assessor and a continuous visual analogue rating scale was used to assess the perception of maxillary incisor inclination. Pearson's correlation and linear regression were calculated between each cephalometric measurement and the perception of incisor inclination. RESULTS: Anatomical crown inclination measurements U1ac-FH (r = 0.854; P < 0.01) and U1ac-SN (r = 0.845; P < 0.01) had the highest correlation values with the assessors' perception of maxillary incisor inclination. Conventional incisor axis measurements showed the lowest correlation values (r = 0.668-0.756). CONCLUSION: Cephalometric measurements of the labial surface of the anatomical crown of the maxillary incisors showed the strongest correlations with the clinical perception of maxillary incisor inclination from photographs. For optimal aesthetics, the inclination of the labial surface of maxillary incisor crown should be evaluated.

Does glenoid inclination affect the anterior stability of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty? A biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: The anterior stability of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is affected by multiple factors. However, the effect of glenosphere inclination on stability has rarely been investigated, which is what this study aims to look into. METHODS: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty was performed on 15 cadaveric human shoulders. The anterior dislocation forces and range of motion in internal rotation in the glenohumeral joint (primary measured parameters) were tested in a shoulder simulator in different arm positions and implant configurations, as well as with a custom-made 10° inferiorly inclined glenosphere. The inclination and retroversion of the baseplate as well as the distance between the glenoid and coracoid tip in two planes (secondary measured parameters) were evaluated on CT scans. RESULTS: In biomechanical testing, the custom-made inclined glenosphere showed no significant influence on anterior stability other than glenoid lateralisation over all arm positions as well as the neck-shaft angle in two arm positions. The 6 mm lateralised glenosphere reduced internal rotation at 30° and 60° of glenohumeral abduction. In 30° of glenohumeral abduction, joint stability was increased using the 155° epiphysis compared with the 145° epiphysis. The mean inclination was 16.1°. The inclination was positively, and the distance between the glenoid and coracoid tip in the anterior-to-posterior direction was negatively correlated with anterior dislocation forces. CONCLUSIONS: The custom-made inferiorly inclined glenosphere did not influence anterior stability, but baseplate inclination itself had a significant effect on stability.