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Accurate identification of anatomical structures from medical imaging data is a significant and critical function in the medical domain. Past studies in this context have mainly utilized two main approaches, the knowledge and learning methodologies based methods. Further, most of previous reported studies have focused on identification of landmarks from lateral X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) data, particularly in the field of orthodontics. However, this study focused on extracting cranial landmarks from large sets of cross sectional CT slices using a combined method of the two aforementioned approaches. The proposed method of this study is centered mainly on template data sets, which were created using the actual contour patterns extracted from CT cases for each of the landmarks in consideration. Firstly, these templates were used to devise rules which are a characteristic of the knowledge based method. Secondly, the same template sets were employed to perform template matching related to the learning methodologies approach. The proposed method was tested on two landmarks, the Dorsum sellae and the Pterygoid plate, using CT cases of 5 subjects. The results indicate that, out of the 10 tests, the output images were within the expected range (desired accuracy) in 7 instances and acceptable range (near accuracy) for 2 instances, thus verifying the effectiveness of the combined template sets centric approach proposed in this study.

Introduction: Patello–femoral complications are the most common complications in postoperative Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) patients especially overstuffing of Patello – Femoral Joint (PFJ). So, to study the effects of overstuffing of PFJ in postoperative TKA patients we put forth a new dimension - “PATELLO - FEMORAL COMPOSITE (PFC)”. This is the maximum distance between anterior cortical line of femur shaft and the anterior cortex of patella with knee in full extension. Aim: To calculate chances of overstuffing of PFJ in postoperative TKA patients and document the effect of overstuffing of PFJ on the passive knee Range of Motion (ROM) in post- op TKA patients. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study which included 51 consecutive primary TKAs. Preoperative and postoperative (24 weeks) passive knee ROM was measured. Preoperative and postoperative radiological parameters {PFC, Anterior Femur Offset (AFO), Patellar thickness (PT)} was recorded using Computed Tomography (CT) Scanogram image of patient in lateral view with knee in full extension and perfect overlap of both femur condyles, using DICOM format of the CT Scanogram image on the DICOM viewer. Results: The postoperative PFC was more than its preoperativevalue in 80.39% TKAs. Patients who had increased postoperative PFC had significantly less preoperative AFO. Female patients in our study had significantly less preoperative AFO compared to males. Thus, we deduced that female patients with lesser preoperative AFO undergoing TKA had increased postoperative PFC than male patients. PFC not only accounted for the overstuffing of the PFJ because of the patellar component, but also because of the femoral component; thus was a better measure of PFJ overstuffing compared to isolated PT. Passive knee ROM in the postoperative TKA patients approximately decreased by 2 degrees for every 1 mm increase in PFC compared to its preoperative-value in the patients with PFJ overstuffing. Conclusion: We conclude that overstuffing of the PFJ in postoperative TKA is present in 80.39% patients. Higher chances of postoperative PFJ over stuffing are present in female patients and those with thinner anterior cortex of distal femur. Postoperative passive knee ROM decreases significantly in patients with postoperative PFJ overstuffing (Every 1 mm increase in the postoperative PFC, passive knee ROM decreased by approximately 2 degrees).

Orthopaedic Surgeons rarely encounter mycobacterial infections in Post Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) patients. We present series of two cases to create awareness among clinicians to expect the unexpected. Tuberculosis typical/ atypical is a hidden culprit in catch clinical situations when chronic infection is Suspected, but the lab investigations are negative in persistently symptomatic patients. In such situations clinicians should suspect atypical or complex mycobacterial infections and evaluate the patients accordingly. Clinical suspicion, evaluation, isolation and treatment of atypical or complex mycobacterial infections with sensitive chemotherapy, leads to complete resolution of infection and full functional rehabilitation.

Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death. The most powerful predictor of adult smoking is smoking during adolescence. While general and pediatric dentists have a positive attitude regarding tobacco cessation counseling, the same is not extrapolated into practice. Several barriers to counseling in the dental clinic have been identified and research into some of these has been conducted. Evidence-based cessation programs are still in the nascent stage, but this should not hinder dental professionals from rendering these services to the child and adolescent populations. Brief interventions, self-help materials, and nicotine replacement therapy for established nicotine dependence form the mainstay of therapy. The purpose of this paper is to identify the several barriers encountered in providing cessation and discuss the current status of its implementation in the dental clinic.

Abstract Background Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are among the most prevalent oral health issues globally. They compromise the supportive structures of teeth and are influenced by both local and systemic factors. This study aimed to systematically assess the impact of systemic conditions on periodontal health in Malaysian population, addressing the gap in understanding these factors as potential risk factors. Methods A retrospective, non-interventional study was conducted using medical records from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, from September 2019 to December 2022. The study included patients with periodontitis and systemic conditions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression. Results Out of 600 records, 274 patients were included. The cohort was 51.8% male, with a median age of 51 years. Malays accounted for 92.3% of the sample. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbid conditions. Severe periodontitis was significantly associated with age (45–64 years, p = 0.018) and Malay ethnicity (p = 0.011). Logistic regression revealed that age and ethnicity were significant predictors of periodontitis severity, with Malays being 12.5 times more likely to develop severe periodontitis. Conclusion Systemic conditions significantly influence periodontitis development and progression. Age and ethnicity are crucial predictors of periodontitis severity in the Malaysian population. Comprehensive risk assessment tools are necessary to incorporate a broader spectrum of risk factors for better management and prevention.

Abstract Azobenzenes are versatile photoswitches that garner interest in applications ranging from photobiology to energy storage. Despite their great potential, transforming azobenzene-based discoveries and proof-of-concept demonstrations from the lab to the market is highly challenging. Herein we give an overview of a journey that started from a discovery of hydroxyazobenzene’s humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics, developed into commercialization efforts of azobenzene-containing thin film sensors for optical monitoring of the relative humidity of air, and arrives to the present work aiming for better design of such sensors by understanding the different factors affecting the humidity sensitivity. Our concept is based on thermal isomerisation kinetics of tautomerizable azobenzenes in polymer matrices which, using pre-defined calibration curves, can be converted to relative humidity at known temperature. We present a small library of tautomerizable azobenzenes exhibiting humidity sensitive isomerisation kinetics in hygroscopic polymer films. We also investigate how water absorption properties of the polymer used, and the isomerisation kinetics are linked and how the azobenzene content in the thin film affects both properties. Based on our findings we propose simple strategies for further development of azobenzene-based optical humidity sensors.

Abstract Background Apexification is a procedure that promotes apical closure by forming mineralized tissue in the apex region of a nonvital young permanent tooth. Calcium silicate-based cement like Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine are commonly employed as apical barriers to facilitate this process. Microleakage, defined as the leakage along the junction between the canal wall and filling material, is a crucial aspect to assess in MTA and Biodentine applications as apical barriers, as it directly impacts the prevention of bacterial seepage and maintenance of structural integrity. The current study aims to assess the microleakage of MTA and Biodentine when used as apical barriers in simulated young permanent teeth. Methods From a total of 128 extracted teeth, 114 were selected for the study and randomly allocated into three groups: G1 (MTA), G2 (Biodentine), and G3 (Control), with 38 teeth per group. After excluding 5 teeth from each group due to issues such as canal calcification, breakage during sectioning, and procedural errors, 33 teeth were analyzed to ensure equal distribution. To simulate young permanent teeth, samples were instrumented using a person-reamer with a diameter of 1.7 mm. A 4 mm thick apical plug of MTA and Biodentine was placed in G1 and G2, respectively, while G3 was the control group. Apical microleakage in all experimental groups was assessed using a dye penetration method. Specimens were longitudinally sectioned and examined under a stereomicroscope with graded eyepiece. Results The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed variations in mean apical microleakage among the groups: G1 recorded 0.67, G2–0.16, and G3–1.62, with G2 showing the lowest value and G3 group exhibiting the highest. Conclusions Biodentine was found to excel in its ability to create a secure seal and function effectively as an apical barrier in simulated young permanent teeth. These results underscore its potential as a highly efficient material for dental applications, particularly in scenarios requiring reliable sealing and barrier formation in the root canal system of developing permanent teeth.

Ag3BiI6 (ABI) is one of the most widely explored lead‐free perovskite‐inspired materials for eco‐friendly solar cell applications. However, despite the intense research efforts, the photovoltaic performance of ABI‐based devices remains very modest, primarily due to poor film morphology and ineffective charge extraction. This work aims at investigating the potential benefits of a thermally evaporated cesium iodide (CsI) interlayer on the performance of ABI‐based solar cells. Upon the addition of CsI atop the ABI layer in the device stack, the solar cells deliver a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.27%. This is the highest efficiency reported for ABI solar cells employing a similar device architecture. It is found that the enhancement in PCE is largely due to improvement in the ABI|hole transport layer interface upon the introduction of CsI interlayer. The improvement is largely ascribed to enhanced surface coverage upon introduction of CsI interlayer, as evidenced by our comprehensive microscopy studies. Furthermore, impedance spectroscopy analysis is employed to provide further insights into the changes in charge transfer dynamics interlayer that dictate the enhancement of fill factor and short‐circuit current density in the devices. The findings indicate that the addition of CsI promotes charge transfer and minimizes recombination losses.

Background: This research was aimed at assessing the relationship between the follicular fluid (FF) antioxidantsactivity, aging and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome.Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 65 women undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmicsperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles due to unexplained infertility. Ovarian stimulation was performed using thelong gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocol. After ovum pickup, FF was collected and processedto measure the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) andglutathione (GSH). Day 3 after ICSI, fresh embryos were transferred and later, possible pregnancy was assessed.Patients participating in this study were divided into four groups on the basis of age and pregnancy outcome.Results: SOD activity was not significantly different between the groups (P=0.218). GSH in the group whose participantswere aged ≤35 years and were pregnant was higher than that in other groups. CAT activity in groups withyounger participants was higher compared to the other groups. The mean TAC was higher in groups with pregnantparticipants compared to the non-pregnant women. Correlation analysis showed that: GSH level had a significantnegative correlation with age (P