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The aim of direct pulp capping (DPC) is to promote pulp healing and mineralized tissue barrier formation by placing a dental biomaterial directly over the exposed pulp. Successful application of this approach avoids the need for further and more extensive treatment. In order to ensure a complete pulp healing with the placement of restorative materials, a mineralized tissue barrier must form to protect the pulp from microbial invasion. The formation of mineralized tissue barrier can only be induced when there is a significant reduction in pulp inflammation and infection. Consequently, promoting the healing of pulp inflammation may provide a favorable therapeutic opportunity to maintain the sustainability of DPC treatment. Mineralized tissue formation was observed as the favorable reaction of exposed pulp tissue against a variety of dental biomaterials utilized for DPC. This observation reveals an intrinsic capacity of pulp tissue for healing. Therefore, this review focuses on the DPC and its healing procedure as well as the materials used for DPC treatment and their mechanisms of action to promote pulpal healing. In addition, the factors that can affect the healing process of DPC, clinical considerations and future perspective has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most widely utilized irrigation solution in endodontic therapy is sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of NaOCl on the bond strength of four universal adhesives and one two-step self-etch adhesive to pulp chamber dentin. One hundred sixteen extracted sound human third molars were used in this study. All the teeth were divided into two groups: (1) with NaOCl treatment and (2) without NaOCl treatment. These two groups were subdivided into five bonding groups: G-Premio Bond (GP), Beautibond Xtreme (BBX), Scotchbond Universal (SBU), Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (UBQ), and Clearfil Megabond 2 (MB2). The microtensile bond strength (μTBS), the fracture mode analysis, resin-dentin interface and dentin surface were observed by SEM. Two-way ANOVA was performed to analyze the μTBS (α = 0.05). The μTBS of the NaOCl group significantly decreased for GP and MB2 (P < 0.05). Significant effects of adhesive (F = 12.182, P < 0.001), and irrigation (F = 27.224, P < 0.001) on the μTBS were observed, whereas interaction between adhesive and irrigation was not significant (F = 1.761, P = 0.144). The adhesive layer with variable thickness was observed in all groups with different morphological structures. The effect of NaOCl treatment on the μTBS differs depending on the type of adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement-retained restorations have the advantages of passive fit, less complexity of clinical and laboratory methods, cost, esthetics, and dimensional stability over screw-retained restorations, especially in multiple abutment implant-supported prostheses. A common and difficult technical problem with cement-retained implant prostheses is abutment screw loosening. Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a technology that has been rapidly developed and has become widely accepted in dentistry. The aim of this study was to establish a novel method of using 3D implant planning guide to locate the abutment screw in cement-retained implant prosthesis. Six standard gypsum complete denture models were used to locate the abutment screw. An implant analog (4.5 mm in diameter and 12 mm in length) was placed in the drilling hole (5 mm in diameter and 14 mm in depth). After scanning with a 3D scanner, the 3D printing software was used to design the abutment screw location guide, which was printed by a resin-based 3D printer. A total of 30 abutment screws were located and removed using the guide. The locating guide's actual diameter was 2.4 mm. The drilling point was accurate and precise, and no excessive loss of the abutment was noticed. The guide would help the dentist in locating the abutment screw access channel, resulting in a more precise and accurate drilling point. The guide for locating the abutment screw enhances the accuracy of screw channel access and reduces damage to the crown and abutment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feed additives are routinely used for improving poultry health and production worldwide. Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) is a relatively new feed additive that is a derivative of chitosan, a non-toxic linear polysaccharide with many biological functions. To investigate the efficacy of COS on gut morphology and serum biochemical profile (lipid, protein, glucose, creatinine and enzymes), a total of 180 day-old broiler chicks (n = 45) were allocated into allocated to 1 of 4 groups: control (T0) and treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) fed basal diet supplemented with increasing amounts of COS for 35 days. Our findings showed that dietary COS supplementation had positive effects on the body weight and body weight gain in the treatment groups. Villus height and width, ratio of villus height and crypts depth, and tunica mucosa thickness of duodenum increased (P > 0.05) in the treatment groups (T1 and T2), whereas crypts depth of duodenum and cecum were decreased in the treatment groups (T1 and T2) compared to the control group; treatment group 3 (T3), however, was almost similar to the control group. In the case of cecum, tunica mucosa thickness, length and width of mucosal folds showed similar results as duodenum. The population and size of intestinal glands and lymphocytic infiltration in the mucosa were increased considerably in the treatment groups (T1 and T2) than control group. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels were significantly lowered in the treatment group 2 (T2) than control group or other COS treated groups (P < 0.05), although HDL cholesterol level was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all of the treatment groups, but substantially higher in the group treatment groups 1 and 3 (T1 and T3) compared to control group. Total serum protein, albumin, and globulin were gradually increased in all of the treatment groups along with the increasing dose rates. The liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST and creatinine) were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected due to COS supplementation. These results suggest that COS has a dose-dependent response to improve gut morphology and health physiology in broilers; low to medium doses are more favorable for safe poultry production as it enhances growth performance, increases villus surface area, reduces undesirable cholesterols and positively affects the blood glucose and protein levels. These results would be helpful in exploring the efficacy of COS as a potential feed additive for safe poultry meat production, which is a time-demanding issue for the poultry industry from the consumers' point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formalin is used for different purposes due to its preservation capability. But continuous exposure to formalin may result various health related issues leading to cancer and death. A new alcohol-based fixative, EMA (ethanol, methanol and acetic acid = 3:1:1) could be a safer option in this regard. To compare the health hazards of formalin and EMA, a total 15 adult male mice were randomly distributed into three groups- exposure groups (formalin and EMA) and control group. The mice were subjected to natural inhalation exposure of the fixatives followed by behavioral depression test (forced swimming test), histopathology and serum biochemical tests. Our results showed that the hazardous effects of formalin were remarkably higher than that of EMA. Formalin exposed group showed severe depression (P < 0.001) in the forced swimming test compared to EMA and control groups. Histopathologically, diffuse lymphocytic infiltrations around the lung alveoli and bronchioles and severe inflammation with accumulation of reactive cells in the cerebral cortex were detected in the formalin exposed group, whereas little or no inflammation with fibrinous exudates in the bronchioles was reported in the EMA group and no inflammatory cells were detected in the cerebral tissues. The serum biochemical analysis of the inflammatory mediators (Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) revealed that both significantly (P < 0.001) increased in the formalin exposed group compared to EMA and control groups. These results confer that EMA could be a safer option to reduce health hazards of formalin in the workplace environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the pulpal responses of monkey's pulp after direct pulp capping (DPC) with the novel mineral trioxide aggregate containing phosphorylated pullulan-based material (MTAPPL). Seventy-two teeth were randomly divided into four groups: MTAPPL; Nex-Cem MTA (NX); TheraCal LC (TH); and Dycal (DY). Histopathological changes in the pulps were observed at days 3, 7 and 70. On day 3, mild inflammatory responses were observed in the MTAPPL, no to moderate inflammatory responses in the TH, whereas moderate inflammatory responses in the NX and DY. No mineralized tissue formation (MTF) was observed in all groups. On day 7, no or mild inflammatory responses were observed in all groups. Initial MTF was observed except for DY. No inflammation with complete MTF including presence of odontoblast-like cells was observed in the MTAPPL, NX and TH groups at day 70. These findings indicate that MTAPPL could be an efficient DPC material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoids (GCs) initiate oxidative stress and cause renal damage which lead to hypertension, heart failure and ultimately death. The current study aimed to investigate the alterations in serum biochemical parameters i.e. HDL and LDL; gross anatomy, histomorphology and histomorphometry of broiler kidney in response to dietary GC, dexamethasone (DEX). Day old chicks (DOCs) were randomly assigned into four groups: control and three treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3). The control group was fed commercial broiler type ration and the treated groups were fed commercial broiler type ration containing GC (Dexamethasone @ 3, 5 and 7 mg/kg in T1, T2 and T3 group respectively). To measure the biochemical parameters, blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. For histological investigation, kidney (left) samples were collected from the individual birds after sacrificing on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Histomorphological alterations of the kidney were assessed by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Biochemical analysis showed significantly increased serum HDL and LDL level compared to the control. In gross study, dark congested kidney was found with significantly decreased weight, length and width. Treatment with DEX augmented congestion, inflammation and fibrosis in kidney, as evidence by histomorphometric study. Extensively degenerated and atrophied glomeruli, degenerated tubular epithelium with distorted tubules and inter tubular empty spaces were seen. Percentage of atrophied glomeruli increased significantly and maximum percentage of glomerular atrophy was seen at day 28. These changes were found more explicitly in the higher dose group. Histomorphometric study also revealed significant decrease in the diameter of glomerulus. The findings of this study suggest that DEX may alter the serum biochemical parameters as well as kidney gross and histomorphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug resistance in bacteria and cancer is a growing problem that decreases drug treatment effectiveness and increases the severity of bacterial infections as well as cancer mortality. Due to their high sensitivity, low cost, and rapid analysis time, electrochemical methods have been increasingly employed to tackle this challenge throughout the last decade. This review covers literature on the electrochemical characterization of antibiotics and chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as advances in analyzing interactions between drug compounds and biological cells. Recent developments towards the quantitative detection of drug resistance in bacteria and cancer by electrochemistry are discussed, and the use of specialized electrochemical instrumentation, such as scanning electrochemical microscopy, is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract TiO 2 nanofluids with water-ethylene glycol (EG) as base fluid can be used as coolants in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells. The high electrical conductivity of these nanofluids can potentially suppress the electrical performance of PEM fuel cells. Hence, it is important to accurately predict their electrical conductivity before considering them for use in fuel cells. TiO 2 nanofluids with 0.05-0.5 vol% concentrations (as suggested by earlier studies) were selected to study their electrical conductivity experimentally in the range of 20-70 ˚C (i.e. operating condition of a PEM fuel cell). Increasing TiO 2 nanoparticles concentration causes the electrical conductivity of the nanofluid to increase such that with 0.5 vol% concentration at 60 ˚C, the electrical conductivity was found to be over 9 times more than that for the base fluid. However, the existing models cannot predict this accurately. Moreover, while not supported by experimental data, standard correlations for the electrical conductivity of nanofluids are not temperature dependent. This data was then used to develop a new correlation for estimating the electrical conductivity of TiO 2 nanofluids at different concentrations and temperatures in ranges suitable use as coolants in PEM fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of Clove (Cv) and Tulsi (Ts) supplementation on broiler growth performance and gut health as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters has already been established. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the role of Cv and Ts on the serum biochemical profile and meat quality traits in broilers. A total of sixty (60) one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four homogenous groups (15 birds per group). They were then fed Cv powder and Ts extract from day (d) 8 to d 28 with drinking water i.e. zero level of Cv or Ts (T0), 0.5% Cv + 2% Ts (T1), 1.0% Cv + 3% Ts (T2), 1.5% Cv + 4% Ts (T3). Blood and meat samples were collected on d 14, 21, and 28 to analyze the serum-biochemical profile and meat quality. Supplementation of Cv and Ts improved serum-biochemical profile by reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers. However, they did not affect the serum protein levels while the 0.5–1% Cv and 2–3% Ts supplemented groups had higher glucose levels on d 21. Production of breast and thigh meat increased with increased size, and density of myofibers while fed 0.5–1% Cv and 2–3% Ts. On the contrary, 1.5% Cv powder and 4% Ts extract supplementation improved thigh meat color, breast and thigh meat pH as well as the water-holding capacity. The current study findings suggest that Cv and Ts can be used in combination to improve broiler health, production, and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spacing is a very common complication in anterior segment, though it can happen in between any tooth which has to be corrected to bring out the perfect smile everyone wishes for. Objective: Treatment objective was to improve smile as well as confidence, aesthetic, and personality. Results: The goal of the treatment has been achieved according to patients' desire and the teeth were in good interdigitation. In further follow up no relapse has been seen. Conclusion: Overall successful treatment with a satisfactory outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prime aim of the study is to evaluated headgear affects growth of class II malocclusion patients. Material and methods: Articles published till May 2015, describing the effects of class II malocclusion by using headgear, were performed by using several electronic databases. Results: All abstracts were read thoroughly, and the full texts of all relevant articles were collected and reviewed. It showed difference types of headgear combined with fixed appliance or other functional appliance to correct the class II malocclusion. Conclusion: Headgear Appliance is effective in Class II malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood samples were collected from 41 advanced pregnant cows on 15 days prepartum (-15d), calving day (Od), 15 days (15d) and 30 days (30d) postpartum to study the nitric oxide profile in cows with Retained placenta (ROP), Clinical metritis (CM), Clinical endometritis (CE), Cervicitis (CT) and Delayed involution of uterus (DIU) during the periparturient period. The blood serum was used for estimation of nitric oxide (NO) using microassay. The nitric oxide level (pM) in the serum of cows was nonsignificantly higher for ROP, CM and CE than normal at -15d and the corresponding values were 31.88±5.01, 30.30±4.41, 32.08±7.56 and 22.31±2.69 at calving and 13.89±2.72, 14.70±4.84, 7.08±2.13 and 11,94±1.46 at 30d pp. The NO level increased from -15d to the day of calving (Od), thereafter a significant decrease was observed from Od to postpartum days (15d and 30d) in ROP, CM, CE and normal cows. The significantly higher NO level in cows around the day of calving in all cows indicates its role on the physiology of calving. It is evident from the study that NO level declined significantly from calving to 15d and 30d postpartum in all postpartum cows irrespective of inflammatory status of the uterus. However, the level of NO in periparturient cows is not associated with the development of postpartum uterine diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Adsorption behavior of CPX, 5-FU and NU drugs over BNNS, AlNNS, GaNNS and InNNS has been investigated using DFT-D method. • Adsorption process of drugs on nanosheets is exothermic and attractive interaction in gas as well as water media. • Among the four nanosheets, GaNNS is more favorable towards the CPX and 5-FU whereas InNNS for NU drugs. • Dipole moment and COSMO surface analysis predict that GaNNS shows more solubility in solvent media. In this work, the sensitivity and reactivity of graphene like 2D nanosheets such as BNNS, AlNNS, GaNNS and InNNS towards ciclopirox (CPX), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and nitrosourea (NU) anticancer drugs have been investigated by DFT calculations. The adsorption energies and charge transfer calculations predict that among the four nanosheets, GaNNS is more attractive towards the CPX and 5-FU drugs whereas InNNS show more absorptivity towards NU drug in both gas as well as water media. The obtained adsorption energies for CPX/GaNNS, 5-FU/GaNNS and NU/InNNS are −1.39, −0.84 and −0.82 eV respectively. Dipole moment and COSMO surface analysis predicted that AlNNS and GaNNS show more solubility in solvent media like water media. QTAIM analysis suggests that non-covalent interaction occurred in all complexes except 5-FU/AlNNS, CPX/GaNNS and 5-FU/GaNNS where partially covalent and partially electrostatic interaction occurs in the complexes. Therefore, among the four nanosheets GaNNS may be used as promising nanocarrier for CPX and 5-FU whereas InNNS for NU anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the modified simple equation (MSE) method is used to find exact traveling wave solutions to nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs) in mathematical physics. To do so we have used the nonlinear Klein–Gordon (nKG) equation and the (2 + 1)-dimensional modified Zakharov–Kuznetsov (mZK) equation. Two classes of exact explicit solutions-hyperbolic and trigonometric solutions of the associated NLEEs are characterized with some free parameters. It is shown that the method provides a powerful mathematical tool for solving NLEEs in mathematical physics and engineering fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UCG facilitates deep-seated coal seam utilization in the Jamalganj deposit (Bangladesh) by producing synthesis gas for electricity and fertilizer production. Based on previous studies which assessed UCG combined with carbon utilization in a urea process, we further investigated excess CO 2 utilization by means of enhanced gas recovery (EGR) at the Bahkrabad gas field. Our techno-economic modeling results demonstrate that an economic and carbon neutral UCG operation with urea production and EGR is feasible. Thus, this approach introduces a bridging technology that can tackle Bangladesh's fertilizer and power supply shortages in addition to increasing gas recovery from Bangladesh's depleting natural gas deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bleaching of discolored teeth is one of the most important and valuable topics in aesthetic dentistry. The aim of this report was to find out post treatment patient satisfaction by using hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching material. Case presentations: The conservative technique of tooth bleaching has gained attention and acceptance from both patients and clinicians. In this clinical note, total 5 cases have been discussed. Results: A conservative technique of vital tooth bleaching is outlined which may successfully be applied in cases of fluorosis, hypo-calcified brown stains, and selected cases of tetracycline staining. Conclusion: Tooth bleaching in the management of tooth discoloration can produce effective result with aesthetic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We dissected barley chromosomes 1H and 6H added to common wheat by the gametocidal system and identified structural changes of the chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization and genomic in situ hybridization. We found five aberrations of chromosome 1H, all of which lacked the long arm: one small fragment with the subtelomeric HvT01 sequence, one terminal deletion, and three telocentric chromosomes of the short arm. We established 33 dissection lines carrying single aberrant 6H chromosomes, of which 15 were deletions, 16 were translocations and two were isochromosomes. We conducted PCR analysis of the aberrant barley chromosomes using 75 and 81 EST markers specific to chromosomes 1H and 6H, respectively. This enabled us to construct a cytological map of chromosome 6H and to compare it to the previously reported genetic map and also to the physical map, which were released by the International Barley Genome Sequencing Consortium. The marker orders on the three maps were largely in agreement. The cytological map had better resolution in the proximal region of chromosome 6H than the corresponding genetic map. We discuss some of the discrepancies in marker order between the three maps that might be due to intraspecific polymorphism and gene duplication, as well as to technical problems inherent in the physical mapping process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the marketing channel, marketing cost and marketing margin and problems associated with fish marketing in order to provide recommendations for efficient fish marketing system in Barisal city, southern Bangladesh. Data were collected from seven fish markets of Barisal, southern Bangladesh including Port road fish market, Taltoli bazar fish market, Chaumatha fish market, Notullabad bus stand fish market, Kasipur bazar fish market and Bazar road fish market. Both primary and secondary data were used during 1 year study period from May, 2011 to April, 2012. Primary data were collected through field surveys and pre-structured questionnaire was used for interviewing of 10 organizers, 20 aratdars (commission agent), 50 fish traders and 100 consumers. Secondary source of information consists of published materials such as journals, textbooks, newspapers and also from interviewing different government and non-government officials and members of various fisheries related cooperative societies. The results of this study revealed 11 fish marketing channels in Barisal city's fish marketing system. The average marketing cost ranged from 4.15% to 8.33% (6.76±0.98) % of the final retail price. The highest and lowest average fish price were recorded as USD 7.07/kg and USD 1.03/kg for giant fresh water prawn and silver carp, correspondingly. Intermediaries' marketing margin on different species' marketing fluctuated from 29.6% to 50.28% (39.38±5.22) % for silver carp and brown shrimp marketing, respectively. Establishment of modern fish landing center and retail markets near the fish landing port, introduction of government fish shops and insulated and refrigerated fish vans and fish carriers, training of all personnel related to fish marketing about fish handling, quality of fish, hygiene practices, improvement of existing fish market structure, provision for government and private funding assistance for fishers/fish farmer, formulation and enactment of independent act/ordinance for fish landing and marketing are highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses socio-demographic and health-related causes of abdominal obesity in diabetic Bangladeshi males. A research study is presented which examines the correlation between obesity and factors such as age, occupation and income, and family medical history. Other topics include the effects of the duration that a patient has been suffering from diabetes, the amount of sleep that diabetic patients receive, and the relationship between diabetes and an individual's diet and exercise habits.

An analytical approach is presented to investigate the improvement of bit error rate (BER) performance in direct sequence optical code division multiple access with in-line cascaded optical amplifiers in presence of FBG-based group velocity dispersion (GVD) compensator. Gaussian-shaped optical orthogonal codes are employed as address sequence, and an optical correlator receiver with avalanche photodiode is used in this analysis. The system performance is determined as a function of the fiber length and chip rate. The power penalty suffered by the system is evaluated at BER of 10-9 on account of receiver, and optical amplifier noises. The numerical results indicate that the BER performance can be improved significantly depending on the fiber length and chiprate. The results also show that about 90% of the GVD-induced penalty can be compensated using FBG-based compensator [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG-4) is to reduce child mortality by up to two-thirds by 2015. In most developing countries, a higher proportion of neonatal deaths are observed. We quantify the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality at a rural hospital. A retrospective review of consecutive neonatal admissions to Empangeni Hospital, between January and December 2005, was conducted. Of 1,573 admissions, male babies made up 57.8% of admissions and 63% of the deaths. The most common causes of admission were birth asphyxia (38.2%), prematurity (23.5%), and infection (21%). The average length of stay was 9.2 days (SD 12 days). The overall mortality rate was 13.8% but higher (23.4%) among the referred babies. Admission and death rates of low birthweight babies (<2,500g) were 53% and 84%, respectively. Two-thirds (67.7%) of those babies who died were born preterm. Over half (56.6%) of the deaths took place within the first three days of life. Logistic regression showed that extremely low birthweight (OR=13.923, 95% CI:5.759; 33.656), male sex of the babies (OR=1.633, 95% CI:1.132; 2.356), and preterm delivery (OR=2.975, 95% CI: 1.296; 6.836) were significant predictors of neonatal death. A substantial proportion of neonatal mortality occurs in the hospital neonatal unit. Asphyxia, prematurity, low birthweight and neonatal infection are the leading cause of neonatal hospitalisation and deaths. Several simple and effective interventions exist to minimise neonatal admissions and deaths in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aims of this study were to evaluate the morphological changes in the lips and to determine the degree of improvement in the smile after mandibular advancement surgery for hyperdivergent retrognathism. The subjects were divided into two groups: one group consisted of 10 adult female patients who underwent mandibular advancement surgery and a control group that consisted of 30 adult female volunteers with normal occlusion. The data were collected from cephalometric radiographs and frontal photographs taken at pre- and posttreatment at the start of the pre-surgical orthodontic treatment and the completion of post-surgical orthodontic treatment. Conventional cephalometric variables as well as the coordinates of the reference points were calculated. Thirty-five landmarks were placed on each tracing made from the frontal photograph. Thereafter, the landmarks were digitized into an x- and y-coordinate system with the subnasal point as the origin. The comparisons between pretreatment and posttreatment at rest and on smiling, and the comparisons between the treatment and control group were made using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs and signed-rank tests and the rank-sum tests. In the pretreatment stage, both the upper and lower lips were positioned inferior in comparison to the control group at rest. The lower lip was positioned downward in the smile in the pretreatment group in comparison to the control group. These characteristics of the hyperdivergent retrognathism in the smile still remained after orthognathic treatment. These findings of this report are considered to be important because they demonstrate that these changes can be quantitatively and reproducibly analyzed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the morphology of the lips and to determine the degree of improvement in the smile after orthognathic surgery for Class lii malocclusion. Materials and Methods: The sample subjects included 30 adult female patients with dento- skeletal Class Ill malocclusion and 28 adult female volunteers with normal occlusion. Frontal facial photographs were taken before and after treatment, and 35 landmarks were placed on each tracing made from the frontal facial photograph. Thereafter, the landmarks were digitized into an x and y coordinate system with the subnasal point as the origin. The pretreatment rest and smile conditions were compared with the posttreatment conditions, respectively, using paired t-tests. In addition, two sample t-tests were used to test for differences between groups. Results: Both the upper and lower lips in the smiles of the Class III pretreatment group were positioned downward, and the upward movement of the upper lip and commissure points were smaller compared with the control group. When smiling, the horizontal direction of the mouth corners was statistically significantly different between the pretreatment and posttreatment conditions, whereas these were wider in the posttreatment than in the pretreatment conditions. These characteristics of the Class III smile improved after orthognathic treatment, but the differences with the control group remained unchanged immediately after treatment Conclusion: The hypothesis is rejected. The soft tissue morphology of patients with dento-skeletal Class Ill malocclusion shows a significant improvement after orthognathic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the morphological changes in the lips and to determine the degree of improvement in the smile after orthodontic treatment for Class II division 1 malocclusion. Materials and Methods: The sample subjects were divided into two groups: a group that consisted of 20 adult female patients with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion and a control group that consisted of 28 adult female volunteers with normal occlusion. Frontal photographs were taken before and after orthodontic treatment, and 35 landmarks were placed on each tracing made from the photograph. Thereafter, landmarks were digitized into an x- and y-coordinate system with the subnasal point as the origin. The comparisons between pretreatment and posttreatment at rest and on smiling, and the comparisons between Class II division 1 and control group were made using Student's t-test. Results: Both the upper and lower lips in the smile of patients in the Class II division 1 pretreatment group were positioned downward, and the upward movement of the upper lip and mouth corners was smaller in comparison with the control group. These characteristics of the Class II smile improved after orthodontic treatment, but the differences with the control group remained unchanged immediately after treatment. Conclusion: The soft tissue morphology shows a relative improvement after orthodontic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]