Evren Hincal

Morphometric analysis of the infraorbital foramen, canal and groove using cone beam CT: considerations for creating artificial organs.

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the anatomy and variations of the infraorbital foramen and its surroundings via morphometric measurements using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans derived from a 3D volumetric rendering program. Methods 354 sides of CBCT scans from 177 patients were examined in this study. DICOM data from these images were exported to Maxilim® software in order to generate 3D surface models. The morphometric measurements were done for infraorbital foramen (IOF), infraorbital groove (IOG) and infraorbital canal (IOC). All images were evaluated by 1 radiologist. To assess intra-observer reliability, the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was used. Differences between sex, side, age and measurements were evaluated using chi-square and paired t-test and measurements were evaluated using 1-way ANOVA tests. Differences were considered significant when p<0.05. Results The most common shape was oval for IOF and parallel for IOC without any accessory foramen. The results showed that females have smaller dimensions for the measurements between the two foramen rotundum (FR), FR-IOF, sella-FR, center of the IOF (cIOF)-nasion (N), cIOF-NB (nasion-B) (p>0.05). No significant difference was found according to age groups (p>0.05). Conclusions These results provide detailed knowledge of the anatomical characteristics in this particular area. CBCT imaging with lower radiation dose and thin slices can be a powerful tool for anesthesia procedures like infra orbital nerve blocks, for surgical approaches like osteotomies and neurectomies and also for generating artificial prostheses.

A Note on Banach Contraction Mapping principle in Cone Hexagonal Metric Space

In this paper, we prove fixed point theorem of a self mapping in non-normal cone hexagonal metric spaces. Our result extend and improve some recent results of Azam et al., [Banach contraction principle on cone rectangular metric spaces, Applicable Analysis and Discrete Mathematics, 3 (2), 236 241, 2009], Rashwan and Saleh [Some Fixed Point Theorems in Cone Rectangular Metric Spaces, Mathematica Aeterna, 2 (6): 573 587, 2012], Garg and Agarwal, [Banach Contraction Principle on Cone Pentagonal Metric Space, J. Adv. Studies Topol., 3 (1), 12 18, 2012], Garg, [Banach Contraction Principle on Cone Hexagonal Metric Space, Ultra Scientist, 26 (1), 97 103, 2014], and others. *Corresponding author: E-mail: abba.auwalu@neu.edu.tr, abbaauwalu@yahoo.com; Auwalu and Hincal; BJMCS, 16(1), 1-12, 2016; Article no.BJMCS.25172

Comparison of linear and angular measurements in CBCT scans using 2D and 3D rendering software

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of both linear and angular measurements conducted on two-dimensional (2D) lateral cephalometric images and three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography-generated cephalograms derived from various rendering software. Pre-treatment cephalometric digital radiographs of 15 patients and their corresponding cone beam computed tomographic images were randomly selected. Vista Dent OC as 2D, In vivo 5.1.2, Maxilim and Romexis software were used to generate cephalograms from the CBCT scans (NewTom 3G, QR Verona, Italy). In total, 19 cephalometric landmarks were identified and 18 widely used (11 linear, 7 angular) measurements were performed by an independent observer. Mann–Whitney and Kruskall–Wallis H tests were also used to compare the four methods (p < 0.05). Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to examine the intra-observer reliability. Intra-observer examinations showed various unreliable ICCs, which was an indication of poor reproducibility for condylion-gnathion (Co-Gn), gonion-mentum (Go-Me), anterior nasal spina-mentum (ANS-Me), Wits for all 2D and 3D rendering software (p > 0.05). The ICCs for Vista Dent OC (2D) measurements indicated high reproducibility (p < 0.05). The 2D and 3D generated cephalograms from various rendering software were found to be similar; however, measurements on curved surfaces are not easily reproducible for 3D software.

Effect of isotretinoin on prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Abstract Patients with severe acne may need elective/urgent surgical interventions during treatment with isotretinoin and it is critical for the surgeon to consider the possible effects of this medication on coagulation systems. The aim of this study is to determine the changes in prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) during isotretinoin treatment. PT, aPTT, and INR values of 51 severe acne patients were evaluated during routine pre-treatment biochemical analysis. Only patients with normal values were included in the study. The results of before and after 1 month treatment were compared statistically. There were no statistically significant change in mean alanine aminotranferease (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), PT, and INR values after treatment. A significant increase in aPTT was detected. The INR values, which are more trusted and safe, showed no difference. Isotretinoin seems to have no effect on these coagulation parameters.

Dynamics of Immune Checkpoints, Immune System, and BCG in the Treatment of Superficial Bladder Cancer

This paper aims to study the dynamics of immune suppressors/checkpoints, immune system, and BCG in the treatment of superficial bladder cancer. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are some of the examples of immune suppressors/checkpoints. They are responsible for deactivating the immune system and enhancing immunological tolerance. Moreover, they categorically downregulate and suppress the immune system by preventing and blocking the activation of T-cells, which in turn decreases autoimmunity and enhances self-tolerance. In cancer immunotherapy, the immune checkpoints/suppressors prevent and block the immune cells from attacking, spreading, and killing the cancer cells, which leads to cancer growth and development. We formulate a mathematical model that studies three possible dynamics of the treatment and establish the effects of the immune checkpoints on the immune system and the treatment at large. Although the effect cannot be seen explicitly in the analysis of the model, we show it by numerical simulations.

Cone beam computed tomography evaluation of mandibular canal anterior loop morphology and volume in a group of Turkish patients

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to assess the presence and course of the anterior loop in the mental foramen region according to age and gender, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Both the right and left sides were retrospectively studied in 141 patients (n = 282). Axial, sagittal, cross-sectional and panoramic images were evaluated and three-dimensional images were reconstructed and evaluated as necessary. The morphology, course and length of the anterior loop were measured. The reliability and reproducibility were assessed based on the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the coefficient of variation. An anterior loop was found in about 86% of the scans. The mean anterior loop proximal edge was 3.15 mm and the mean distance between the buccal border of the anterior loop and buccal alveolar wall was 2.24 mm. The mean volume of the mandibular canal was 1140 mm3 and the mean volume of the anterior loop was 90 mm3. Statistically significant difference was found in male patients in terms of the canal and anterior loop volume (p < 0.05). A high prevalence of anterior loop was detected by CBCT imaging, with predominance in female patients. Clinicians should be careful during implant or bone surgery procedures to avoid possible complications, with special emphasis on patient age, using this imaging modality that involves use of less radiation.