3D Bitemark Analysis in Forensic Odontology Utilizing a Smartphone Camera and Open-Source Monoscopic Photogrammetry Surface Scanning

Abstract Bitemark analysis is a challenging procedure in the field of criminal case investigation. The unique characteristics of dentition are used to find the best match between the existing patterned injury and the suspected perpetrator in bitemark identification. Bitemark analysis accuracy can be influenced by various factors, including biting pressure, tooth morphology, skin elasticity, dental cast duplication, timing, and image quality. This review article discusses the potential of a smartphone camera as an alternative method for 3D bitemark analysis. Bitemark evidence on human skin and food should be immediately recorded or duplicated to retrieve long-lasting proof, allowing for a sufficient examination period. Various studies utilizing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) technologies have been developed to obtain an adequate bitemark analysis. 3D imaging technology provides accurate and precise analysis. However, the currently available method using an intraoral scanner (IOS) requires high-cost specialized equipment and a well-trained operator. The numerous advantages of monoscopic photogrammetry may lead to a novel method of 3D bitemark analysis in forensic odontology. Smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry methodology could lead to a novel method of 3D bitemark analysis with an efficient cost and readily available equipment.

Effectiveness of mat Pilates on postural alignment in the sagittal plane in school children: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the mat Pilates method, an exercise program, on postural alignment in the sagittal plane among children aged between 8 and 12 years. Method: This study used a blind randomized controlled clinical trial, with a Pilates group (PG) and control group (CG) at the Early Childhood Education Institute. A total of 40 children were randomized, who have no prior knowledge of the Pilates method and no exercise training in the last six months. Mat Pilates exercises were administered twice a week for four months in 50-minute sessions. Postural alignment in the sagittal plane was assessed using photogrammetry. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups post-intervention A significant difference was found in the following outcomes that represent an improvement in intragroup postural alignment: among the children in PG, in the right sagittal view in the vertical body alignment (p=0.019; effect size, ES = 0.70; standardize response mean, SRM = 0.57) and in the sagittal head angle (p=0.035; ES = 0.41; SRM = 0.51). Among the children in the CG, in the vertical alignment of the trunk in the left sagittal view (p= 0.016; ES = 0.50; SRM = 0.44). Conclusion: The effectiveness of Pilates on postural alignment in the sagittal plane among children aged between 8 and 12 years was not confirmed.

Microstomia: Aplicação da fotogrametria para mensurar a eficiência da órtese oral associada à terapia fonoaudiológica / Microstomy: Application of photogrammetry to measure the efficiency of oral orthosis associated with speech therapy

OBJETIVO: Esse estudo teve como propósito verificar, por meio da fotogrametria computadorizada, a eficácia do uso da órtese oral como auxiliar na terapia fonoaudiológica. MÉTODO: Após a documentação fotográfica, cada paciente foi submetido a terapia fonoaudiológica, por meio da terapia miofuncional orofacial, associada ao uso da órtese oral, confeccionada segundo Borges et al. (2011). Ao término do tratamento, foi realizado novo registro fotográfico, em seguida, a mensuração da dimensão vertical (distância entre lábio superior/inferior) e horizontal (distância entre comissuras direita/esquerda), com o uso do programa Corel Draw X3. RESULTADOS: As médias da abertura bucal aumentaram da avaliação inicial para a avaliação final, tendo aumentado 5,1 mm no sentido horizontal (67,3 mm para 72,4 mm) e 13,9 mm no sentido vertical (de 32,7 mm para 46,6 mm). Essas diferenças se revelam significativas para as avaliações (p <0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O uso da órtese oral associado a terapia fonoaudiológica demonstrou ser eficaz como mais um instrumento na prevenção da microstomia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to through computerized photogrammetry, the efficacy of oral orthosis as an aid in speech therapy. METHODS: After the photographic documentation, each patient underwent speech therapy, through orofacial myofunctional therapy, associated with the use of an oral orthosis, made according to Borges et al. (2011). At the end of the treatment, a new photographic record was taken, then the vertical dimension measurement (distance between upper lip) and horizontal (distance between corners right/left), using the program Corel Draw X3. RESULTS: The mean mouth opening increased from the initial evaluation to the final evaluation, increasing 5.1 mm in the horizontal direction (67.3 mm to 72.4 mm) and 13.9 mm in the vertical direction (from 32.7 mm to 46.6 mm). These differences are significant for the evaluations (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of oral orthosis associated with speech therapy proved to be effective as another tool in the prevention of microstomia.

Medição das mamas com o Adobe Photoshop® / Breast measurement using Adobe Photoshop®

Introdução: Com a globalização e melhora dos meios digitais e, consequentemente, a crescente utilização de fotografias digitais, faz-se necessária a criação de métodos de mensuração confiáveis. Na prática clínica, a medida direta utilizando-se fita métrica, régua e compasso é mais comumente utilizada. Porém, existem fatores intrínsecos (relevos corporais) e extrínsecos (colaboração do paciente ou movimentos respiratórios) que podem influenciar nos dados obtidos. A fotografia e os softwares gráficos podem ser uma alternativa precisa, mais cômoda e reprodutível à medida direta. O objetivo é demonstrar a forma de medir as mamas pelo software Adobe Photoshop. Métodos: Foram descritas a posição das voluntárias, a captação das imagens, calibração do software até a obtenção mensuração final das mamas. Em 40 mulheres voluntárias, com idade entre 18 e 60 anos, foram demarcados pontos sobre a região mamária e braços em posição frontal. A união destes pontos em cada hemicorpo formou 7 segmentos lineares, 1 angular e 1 segmento mediano comum a ambos os hemicorpos. Essas fotografias foram avaliadas no arquivo RAW, por 3 observadores, com auxílio do software Adobe Photoshop CS6®. Resultados: O Photoshop CS6® demonstrou ser eficaz na mensuração das mamas no arquivo RAW. Conclusão: O Photoshop® apresentou precisão nas medidas e ser factível para mensuração das mamas.

Introduction: With the globalization and improvement of digital media and, consequently, the increasing use of digital photography, it is necessary to create reliable measurement methods. In clinical practice, direct measurement using tape measure, ruler, and compass, is most commonly used. However, there are intrinsic (body contour) and extrinsic (patient collaboration or respiratory movements) factors that may influence the data obtained. Photography and graphics software can be an accurate, comfortable, and reproducible alternative to direct measurement. The objective is to demonstrate how to perform breast measurement using Adobe Photoshop software. Methods: Participants were described the position to assume. Imaging capturing techniques and software calibration were performed in order to obtain the final breast measurement. Markers were placed on the breast and arms of 40 women volunteers aged 18 to 60 years using an anterior view. The union of these markers in each hemibody resulted in seven linear segments, one angle and one transverse segment common to both hemibodies. These photographs were evaluated as a RAW file, by 3 evaluators, assisted by Adobe Photoshop CS6® software. Results: Photoshop CS6® proved effective in the breast measurement using RAW files. Conclusion: Photoshop® showed precision and effectiveness for breast measurement.

Evolution of postural alignment in preschool and school phases: A longitudinal study

Abstract Aim: To identify postural variations in the positioning of the head, cervical spine and shoulders of children in two phases - preschool and school. Methods: This was a longitudinal study, a convenience sample with 99 children of both genders, in preschool (5-6 years old) and school (8-11 years old) phases. The postural alignment of the head, cervical spine and shoulders was evaluated through computerized photogrammetry and analyzed by SAPo software. Results: Differences were found between preschool and school phases, but only the variables of shoulder angle (SA) and forward head distance (FHD) were significantly different (SA = 32.79 [30.49 - 35.09] and 35.84 [33.53 - 38.15] p = 0.026, respectively; FHD = 8.40 [8.07 - 8.73] and 11.23 [10.94-11.52] p <0.001, respectively). A positive correlation was obtained between forward head distance and body mass (rho= 0.597, p <0.001). Conclusion: There are changes in head and shoulder alignment between preschool and school phases, with protrusion of shoulders and forward head distance findings in children who have evolved their posture. Therefore, parents should be aware of children's posture, and health and education professionals should be involved in screening and prevention programs.

Confiabilidade inter e intraexaminador da fotogrametria computadorizada por meio do software AutoCAD ® R12 / Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of computerized photogrammetry using AutoCAD ® R12 software

Introdução: A fotogrametria computadorizada tem sido considerada uma tecnologia alternativa à exposição radiográfica para a avaliação postural. Objetivos: Analisar a confiabilidade inter e intraexaminador da fotogrametria computadorizada, utilizando-se o software AutoCAD® R12. Métodos: Participaram 15 escolares, submetidos a uma sessão de fotos, após demarcação de pontos anatômicos de interesse para análises das variáveis posturais lineares e angulares. As mesmas fotos foram analisadas por dois avaliadores distintos, e pelo mesmo avaliador após 07 dias da primeira análise, para verificar a confiabilidade interexaminador e intraexaminador respectivamente, por meio da Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). Resultados: As análises intraexaminador demonstraram níveis elevados de confiabilidade para a maioria das medidas lineares e angulares (CCI≥0,70). Enquanto nas análises interexaminador, observou-se discrepância em algumas mensurações, principalmente em vista posterior (CCI<0,70). Conclusão: A fotogrametria a partir do uso do software AutoCAD® R12, é uma ferramenta com boa confiabilidade intraexaminador para análise postural, porém é necessário mais estudo para verificar a confiabilidade interexaminador.

Introduction: The computerized photogrammetry has been considered an alternative technology to radiographic exposure for postural assessment. Objectives: To analyze inter and intra-rater reliability of the computerized photogrammetry, using AutoCAD® R12 software. Methods: Participants were 15 students, which were photographed after demarcation of anatomical points of interest for analyzes of linear and angular postural variables. The same photos were analyzed by two different evaluators, and by the same evaluator after 07 days of the first analysis to assess the inter-rater reliability and intra-rater respectively, through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The intra-rater analyzes demonstrated high levels of reliability for most linear and angular measurements (ICC≥0.70). While the inter-analyzes, there was some discrepancy in measurements, especially in posterior view (ICC<0.70). Conclusion: Photogrammetry from the use of AutoCAD ® R12 software is a tool with good intra-rater reliability for postural analysis, but more studies are needed to verify inter-rater reliability.

Efeito do treino de isostretching na flexibilidade e na força muscular / Effect of isostretching training on flexibility and muscle strength

Objetivo: Avaliar efeitos do treino de exercícios de isostreching na flexibilidade e força muscular.Método: Trinta e um indivíduos saudáveis (27 mulheres), de 18 a 28 anos, divididos em 2 grupos:Grupo A, isostretching, submeteu-se a programa de exercícios baseados na técnica isostretchinge Grupo B, padrão, submeteu-se aos mesmos exercícios utilizando princípios técnicos clássicos doalongamento, por 12 semanas, duas vezes por semana, uma hora por sessão. Foram avaliadas nopré e pós-teste, flexibilidade por meio de fotogrametria pesquisando a distância punho-chão e aclassificação da postura segundo categorias de encurtamentos musculares descritas por Kendalle, força muscular por meio de dinamometria. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatisticamentesignificante no teste de flexibilidade nos dois grupos. Análise de significância clínica e melhorapelo Índice de Mudança Confiável (IMC) mostrou ganho na flexibilidade atingindo 14 participantesde ambos os grupos. Análise de contorno do corpo do grupo A apresentou atenuações nascurvaturas da coluna cervical, lombar e torácica e ângulo de flexão de quadril. O grupo Bapresentou atenuações na curvatura da coluna cervical e ângulo de flexão de quadril. Em relaçãoà força muscular, o grupo A apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante em alguns gruposmusculares específicos, porém sem significância clínica. Conclusão: As duas intervenções afetam aflexibilidade de forma estatisticamente semelhante, porém com impacto diferente nas curvaturasda coluna. O isostretching afetou clinicamente a flexibilidade de indivíduos saudáveis, com indíciosde que treinamentos mais intensos ou longos possam afetar a força muscular

Objective: To evaluate effects of the isostretching exercise training on flexibility and musclestrength. Method: Thirty-one healthy subjects (27 women), aged between 18 and 28 years, dividedinto two groups: Group A, isostretching, which has undergone a program of exercises based on theisostretching technique, and Group B, standard, which was subjected to the same exercises usingthe general technical principles of traditional stretching. The training went on for 12 weeks, twiceper week, one hour per session. Flexibility was evaluated through photogrammetry in pre- andpost-test, evaluating the wrist-floor distance and classifying posture according to the categoriesof muscle shortening described by Kendall, while muscle strength was assessed using a handgripdynamometer. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the results foreach group in the flexibility test. Analysis of clinical significance and improvement by the ReliableChange Index (RCI) showed an improvement in flexibility affecting 14 subjects from both groups.Analysis of body contour in group A showed attenuation in the curvatures of the cervical, thoracic,and lumbar spine, as well as the hip flexion angle, and group B showed attenuation in the curvatureof the cervical spine and hip flexion angle. Group A showed statistically significant differencesin some specific muscle groups, but with no clinical significance. Conclusion: Both interventionsaffected flexibility in a statistically similar way, but had a different impact on the curvatures of thespine. Isostretching training clinically changed the flexibility of healthy individuals, with evidencethat more intense or longer workouts can affect muscle strength.

Application of stereological methods in health sciences

Stereology is defined as a Discipline consisting of a set of statistical-geometric procedures in order to obtain quantitative information of three-dimensional structures from their two-dimensional images. It becomes a methodological system for the determination of three-dimensional structures by means of mathematical interpretation of histological sections, which uses Mathematics, Geometry, Probabilistic Statistics, and above all, common sense as its main tools. This paper focuses on explaining stereological principles, techniques, grids, sample size and programs. Stereology is a quantitative and comparative method that uses planes, lines and points for the estimation of three-dimensional parameters of morphological structures from two‑dimensional parameters, using isotropy and randomness as prerequisites. Stereology seems to be an applicable tecnique in Health Sciences to mathematically demonstrate the relationship among the components density of a three‑dimensional structure.

Efeito da reeducação postural global e do isostretchingem portadores de lombalgia crônica inespecífica atravésda biofotogrametria computadorizada / Effects of global posture re-education and isostretching in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain assessed by the computerized biophotogrametry method

O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar os efeitos da ReeducaçãoPostural Global (RPG) e do Isostretching em portadoresde lombalgia crônica inespecífica (LCI) através do método daBiofotogrametria Computadorizada. 30 portadores de LCI foramacompanhados no Instituto Ortopédico de Palmas (IOP). Ospacientes foram submetidos a procedimentos como: avaliação fisioterápicaatravés do Instrumento de Avaliação da Coluna Vertebral,Escala Visual Analógica de Dor (EVA), Avaliação pelo método daBiofotogrametria Computadorizada antes da 1ª sessão e após trêsmeses de tratamento (2ª avaliação), e reavaliados após dois mesespós-tratamento (3ª avaliação). Os resultados obtidos através dotratamento com base na avaliação da Biofotogrametria Computadorizadaforam que não houve efeito estatisticamente significativodo fator Grupo, nem do fator Tempo, nem da interação entre osdois fatores (valor de p > 0,05) sobre as medidas de concavidadelombar ou convexidade torácica. Conclui-se que o método doRPG aumentou a concavidade lombar e diminuiu a convexidadetorácica quando os pacientes foram submetidos ao método daBiofotogrametria Computadorizada através da quantificação dascurvas fisiológicas da coluna vertebral. O método do Iso não alterouas curvas fisiológicas da coluna vertebral. Quando os dois métodosforam associados (Iso + RPG), a concavidade lombar diminuiu e aconvexidade torácica se manteve.

This study aimed at quantifying the effects of Global PostureRe-education (GPR) and Isostretching (Iso) in patients withchronic non-specific low back pain using the ComputerizedBiophotogrametry method. This research was performed in 30patients followed at the Orthopedic Institute of Palmas (IOP). Thepatients were submitted to Iso or GPR and to the following treatmentassessment procedures: physical therapy evaluation using theVertebral Column Instrument, Visual Analogic Pain Scale (EVA).The subjects were evaluated by Computerized Biophotogrametrybefore the 1st session and after three months of treatment, andre-evaluated two months after the final interventions. Treatmentresults, as judged from Computerized Biophotogrametry data, andconcerning lumbar concavity or thoracic convexity measurements,were not statistically significant with regard to the Group factor,the Time factor, or the interaction between these factors (value p >0.05). Thus we conclude that the GPR method tended to increaselumbar concavity and decreased thoracic convexity, according toComputerized Biophotogrametric data. The Iso method did notchange the physiologic curves of the vertebral column. When thetwo methods were associated (Iso + GPR), lumbar concavity decreasedand thoracic convexity was maintained. These different results,however, did not reach statistical significance.

Efetividade de um modelo fotogramétrico para a análise da mecânica respiratória toracoabdominal na avaliação de manobras de isovolume em crianças / Effectiveness of a photogrammetric model for the analysis of thoracoabdominal respiratory mechanics in the assessment of isovolume maneuvers in children

OBJETIVO: Testar a aplicabilidade de um modelo geométrico, adaptado à postura deitada, para a análise da mecânica respiratória em relação à variação das áreas toracoabdominais laterais em crianças asmáticas. MÉTODOS: Dezenove crianças (média de idade: 11,26 ± 1,28 anos) realizaram manobras de isovolume (MIV) após inspiração máxima, seguida de fechamento da glote e alternância do ar entre os compartimentos abdominal e torácico. As manobras foram filmadas por uma câmera digital perpendicular ao plano de movimento, e as imagens de interesse foram selecionadas. O modelo geométrico foi traçado sobre cada imagem, orientado por marcadores de superfície em referências anatômicas. As áreas traçadas foram calculadas através de um programa, e os resultados foram convertidos para unidades métricas (cm²) utilizando um marcador de superfície de área conhecida. Foram calculadas as contribuições relativas (CRs) dos subcompartimentos em relação ao seu compartimento de origem e à parede torácica (PT). RESULTADOS: O modelo foi medido a partir de 55 imagens de MIV torácicas e de 55 de MIV abdominais, e as áreas e subáreas entre as manobras foram comparadas, havendo diferenças significativas para todos os subcompartimentos (p < 0,001). Todas as CRs, em relação à PT, foram também significativamente diferentes (p < 0,001), mas não aquelas em relação às razões entre os subcompartimentos e os compartimentos de origem. CONCLUSÕES: Este modelo geométrico, aplicado em crianças e adaptado à postura deitada, foi efetivo na diferenciação das variações do contorno toracoabdominal durante as MIV, e os níveis de divisão propostos foram úteis na identificação das regiões mais e menos contributivas à composição da PT.

OBJECTIVE: To test the applicability of a geometric model, adapted to the supine position, for the analysis of respiratory mechanics regarding changes in lateral thoracoabdominal areas in children with asthma. METHODS: Nineteen children (mean age, 11.26 ± 1.28 years) performed isovolume maneuvers (IVMs) after maximal inspiration, followed by glottal closure and alternation of airflow between the abdominal and thoracic compartments. The maneuvers were recorded in a digital video camera placed perpendicularly to the movement plane, and the images of interest were selected. The geometric model was traced on each image based on surface landmarks of anatomical references. The traced areas were calculated using a computer program, and the results were converted into metric units (cm²) using a surface landmark of a known area. Relative contributions (RCs) of the subcompartments in relation to their original compartments and to the chest wall (CW) were calculated. RESULTS: The model was based on 55 thoracic IVM images and 55 abdominal IVM images. Areas and subareas were compared between the maneuvers. There were significant differences in all subcompartments (p < 0.001). All of the RCs were significantly different for the CW (p < 0.001) but not for the ratios between the subcompartments and their original compartments. CONCLUSIONS: This geometric model, applied in children and adapted to the supine position, was effective in profiling changes in the thoracoabdominal silhouette during the IVMs, and the selected subdivisions were useful for the identification of areas contributing the most and the least to CW composition.