Evaluation of an open access generic 3D software for Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning

Aim: To evaluate the accuracy and the validity of orthodontic diagnostic measurements, as well as virtual tooth transformations using a generic open access 3D software compared to OrthoAnalyzer (3Shape) software; which was previously tested and proven for accuracy. Methods: 40 maxillary and mandibular single arch study models were duplicated and scanned using 3Shape laser scanner. The files were imported into the generic and OrthoAnalyzer software programs; where linear measurements were taken twice to investigate the accuracy of the program. To test the accuracy of the program format, they were printed, rescanned and imported into OrthAnalyzer. Finally, to investigate the accuracy of editing capabilities, linear and angular transformation procedures were performed, superimposed and printed to be rescanned and imported to OrthoAnalyzer for comparison. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups using the two software programs regarding the accuracy of the linear measurements (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the different formats among all the measurements, (p>0.05). The editing capabilities also showed no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion: The generic 3D software (Meshmixer) was valid and accurate in cast measurements and linear and angular editing procedures. It can be used for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning without added costs

Echocardiographic assessment of the right ventricle and its correlation with patient outcome in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening chest disease associated with a poor outcome and increased mortality. It may lead to pulmonary hypertension and, eventually, right ventricular failure. These changes can be investigated by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) which is considered a non-invasive and cost-effective modality. We studied the role of right ventricular function in the prediction of the severity and mortality in ARDS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this observational study, 94 patients suffering from ARDS were subjected to TTE to evaluate the parameters of right ventricular function by measuring tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular fractional area change (RV-FAC), myocardial performance index (Tei index), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) to assess their relation to the severity and mortality in ARDS. RESULTS: TAPSE, SPAP, Tei index, and RV-FAC showed significant differences between survivors and non-survivors after 30 days (all p < 0.001). An increased length of intensive care unit stay was significantly correlated with TAPSE, Tei index, and RV-FAC (p = 0.002' 0.007' and 0.013, respectively). Meanwhile, the length of mechanical ventilation days was significantly correlated with the Tei index only (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis found that TAPSE and the Tei index were independent factors affecting mortality (p = 0.004' and 0.006, respectively). RV-FAC, with a cut-off point ≤ 57%, had the highest sensitivity' while TAPSE, with a cut-off point ≤ 17 mm, had the highest specificity to predict mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiographic parameters of the right ventricle could be used to predict severity and mortality in patients with ARDS with high sensitivity and specificity.

Reporting the Undiagnosed Cases of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Viruses among Patients Undergoing Elective Eye Surgery in a Specialized Eye Hospital in Egypt.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their long-term sequelae are considered a major health issue in Egypt. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among patients admitted for elective eye surgery in a specialized eye hospital in Cairo, Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a specialized eye hospital, Cairo, Egypt. The study included consecutive patients admitted for elective eye surgery in the period from April 2015 to June 2016. Age, sex, and procedure done were recorded for all patients. All the subjects were screened for HBV and HCV by rapid chromatography immunoassay; if positive, the results had to be confirmed by ELISA. RESULTS: 3067 patients admitted for elective eye surgery were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 50.85 ± 19.77 years. There were 1592 (51.9%) males and 1475 (48.1%) females. The prevalence of preoperative positive HBV and HCV was 7/3067 (0.2%) and 381/3067 (12.4%), respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in our population in general and in this study specifically, all patients admitted for surgery should be screened for both viruses.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on improving bony stability in LeFort I maxillary advancement.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2T) on improving bony stability in LeFort I maxillofacial surgery. METHODS: Sixteen cases (n = 16) with severe skeletal anteroposterior discrepancies and who had ceased growing were used as subjects. The samples were categorized into two groups: Group A comprised one-piece LeFort I procedures with HBO2T administered seven days after surgery (n = 8), and Group B comprised the same surgical procedure without HBO2T (n = 8). Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken for each subject to record the occurrence of bony relapse: prior to surgery (T1); seven days after surgery (T2); and a third (T3) taken 12 months after surgery. Each patient underwent preoperative and postoperative full-fixed orthodontic treatment. The first group was administered HBO2T for 60 minutes, at 2.5 ATA (atmospheres absolute) for five consecutive days after the T2 stage, and the second group served as a control, as they had not received HBO2T. For both groups the mean values of T1 stages were calculated and compared to those of T2 and T3 stages in the same group. RESULTS: Comparison between the two groups regarding the percentage of change in measurements at T2 and at T3 showed that there were significant differences between groups in all measurements at T3. In the HBO2T group, there was no statistical significant difference in all parameters between the mean values of T2 and T3, indicating minor or no relapse. Meanwhile in the group without HBO2T, there was a highly significant statistical difference in the mean values between T2 and T3 in all studied parameters, indicating significant relapse. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy may aid in the postoperative stability of orthognathic LeFort I surgical corrections of patients with severe dentofacial deformities.