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Upper airways obstruction can result in the reduction of the transversal dimensions of the maxillary arch which affect the vertical and the sagittal dimensions. The PNIF measure is an objec- tive and cheap way to assess the upper airways permeability. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between PNIF and dental arch sizes.Seventy eight patients (40 girls and 38 boys) age ranged 10-15 years were included in this cross sectional study. The PNIF was measured with a Youlten peak flow meter (Clement Clarke International, London, United Kingdom). The sagittal, vertical and transversal dimensions of the dental arches were evaluated on dental casts with a digital caliper (Mitutoyo Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). T test was used to assess differences in PNIF and dental arches variables between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female). The Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between the dental arches sizes and the PNIF. The significance was set at p0.05.PNIF rate was higher in girls than in boys but the difference was not significant. There were sexual dimorphism regarding the anterior and total lengths of the upper arch, the total length of the lower arch and the maxillary intermolar width which are significantly more important for boys (p respectively equal to 0.05; 0.03; 0.04 and 0.04). The PNIF was significantly and negatively correlated with the total length of the upper arch (r = -0.25). The others measurements did not show significant correlation with PNIF.Others parameters are needed to complement the peak nasal inspiratory flow rate for the respiratory disorders related dental arches sizes abnormalities diagnosis.

Each ethnic group has its own characteristics. The aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of a Senegalese population.Sixty two lateral cephalograms of Senegalese patients were assessed in a cross sectional study. All lateral cephalometric films were traced on a transparent cellulose acetate sheet by the same operator. Conventional cephalomebic analysis was performed with 17 measurements (6 linear and 11 angular) t test was used to assess differences in age and cephalometric variable between subjects grouped according to sex (male and female). A P value ofor = 0.05 was considered statistically significant.No statistically significant differences were found between Senegalese men and women. This study shows an increase in the maxillary protrusion and a decrease in the mandibular protrusion with his corollary of skeletal class II. The mean of the vertical dimension measurements suggest a hyperdivergence. Protrusive lips were associated with incisors protrusion.These results which show morphological differences between Senegalese subjects and other populations consolidate the idea that the racial and ethnic characteristics must be taken into account during orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.