bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mycobacterium marinum mel2 locus displays similarity to bacterial bioluminescence systems and plays a role in defense against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
Authors: Subbian Selvakumar , Mehta Parmod K , Cirillo Suat LG , Cirillo Jeffrey D
Published: January 2007

Background

Mycobacteria have developed a number of pathways that provide partial protection against both reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). We recently identified a locus in Mycobacterium marinum, mel2, that plays a role during infection of macrophages. The molecular mechanism of mel2 action is not well understood.

Results

To better understand the role of the M. marinum mel2 locus, we examined these genes for conserved motifs in silico. Striking similarities were observed between the mel2 locus and loci that encode bioluminescence in other bacterial species. Since bioluminescence systems can play a role in resistance to oxidative stress, we postulated that the mel2 locus might be important for mycobacterial resistance to ROS and RNS. We found that an M. marinum mutant in the first gene in this putative operon, melF, confers increased susceptibility to both ROS and RNS. This mutant is more susceptible to ROS and RNS together than either reactive species alone.

Conclusion

These observations support a role for the M. marinum mel2 locus in resistance to oxidative stress and provide additional evidence that bioluminescence systems may have evolved from oxidative defense mechanisms.
Discordant twins with the smaller baby appropriate for gestational age – unusual manifestation of superfoetation: A case report
Authors: Baijal Noopur , Sahni Mohit , Verma Neeraj , Kumar Amit , Parkhe Nittin , Puliyel Jacob M
Published: January 2007

Background

Documentation of superfoetation is extremely rare in humans., The younger foetus has invariably been small for gestational age (estimated from the date of the last menstrual bleed) in all the cases reported in the literature. We report a case where the younger twin was of appropriate size for gestation.

Case Presentation

The first of twins was of 32 weeks gestation and the baby was of appropriate size and development for the gestational age. The second twin was of 36 weeks gestation. Gestational age was estimated with the New Ballard score, x-ray of the lower limbs, dental age on x-ray, and ophthalmic examination.

Conclusion

Bleeding on implantation of the first foetus probably helped demarcate the two pregnancies. Dental age and the New Ballard score can be used to diagnose superfoetation in discordant twins, when detailed first trimester ultra-sound data is not available.
Main clinical features in patients at their first psychiatric admission to Italian acute hospital psychiatric wards. The PERSEO study
Authors: Ballerini Andrea , Boccalon Roberto M , Boncompagni Giancarlo , Casacchia Massimo , Margari Francesco , Minervini Lina , Righi Roberto , Russo Federico , Salteri Andrea , Frediani Sonia , Rossi Andrea , Scatigna Marco ,   the PERSEO study group
Published: January 2007

Background

Few data are available on subjects presenting to acute wards for the first time with psychotic symptoms. The aims of this paper are (i) to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients at their first psychiatric admission (FPA), including socio-demographic features, risk factors, life habits, modalities of onset, psychiatric diagnoses and treatments before admission; (ii) to assess the aggressive behavior and the clinical management of FPA patients in Italian acute hospital psychiatric wards, called SPDCs (Servizio Psichiatrico Diagnosi e Cura = psychiatric service for diagnosis and management).

Method

Cross-sectional observational multi-center study involving 62 Italian SPDCs (PERSEO – Psychiatric EmeRgency Study and EpidemiOlogy).

Results

253 FPA aged <= 40 were identified among 2521 patients admitted to Italian SPDCs over the 5-month study period. About half of FPA patients showed an aggressive behavior as defined by a Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) score greater than 0 Vs 46% of non-FPA patients (p = 0.3651). The most common was verbal aggression, while about 20% of FPA patients actually engaged in physical aggression against other people. 74% of FPA patients had no diagnosis at admission, while 40% had received a previous psychopharmacological treatment, mainly benzodiazepines and antidepressants. During SPDC stay, diagnosis was established in 96% of FPA patients and a pharmacological therapy was prescribed to 95% of them, mainly benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers.

Conclusion

Subjects presenting at their first psychiatric ward admission have often not undergone previous adequate psychiatric assessment and diagnostic procedures. The first hospital admission allows diagnosis and psychopharmacological treatment to be established. In our population, aggressive behaviors were rather frequent, although most commonly verbal. Psychiatric symptoms, as evaluated by psychiatrists and patients, improved significantly from admission to discharge both for FPA and non-FPA patients.
Impact of immigration on the cost of emergency visits in Barcelona (Spain)
Authors: Cots Francesc , Castells Xavier , García Oscar , Riu Marta , Felipe Aida , Vall Oriol
Published: January 2007

Background

The impact of immigration on health services utilisation has been analysed by several studies performed in countries with lower levels of immigration than Spain. These studies indicate that health services utilisation is lower among the immigrant population than among the host population and that immigrants tend to use hospital emergency services at the expense of primary care. We aimed to quantify the relative over-utilisation of emergency services in the immigrant population.

Methods

Emergency visits to Hospital del Mar in Barcelona in 2002 and 2003 were analysed. The country of origin, gender, age, discharge-related circumstances (hospital admission, discharge to home, or death), medical specialty, and variable cost related to medical care were registered. Immigrants were grouped into those from high-income countries (IHIC) and those from low-income countries (ILIC) and the average direct cost was compared by country of origin. A multivariate linear mixed model of direct costs was adjusted by country of origin (classified in five groups) and by the individual variables of age, gender, hospital admission, and death as a cause of discharge. Medical specialty was considered as a random effect.

Results

With the exception of gynaecological emergency visits, costs resulting from emergency visits by both groups of immigrants were lower than those due to visits by the Spanish-born population. This effect was especially marked for emergency visits by adults.

Conclusion

Immigrants tend to use the emergency department in preference to other health services. No differences were found between IHIC and ILIC, suggesting that this result was due to the ease of access to emergency services and to lack of knowledge about the country's health system rather than to poor health status resulting from immigrants' socioeconomic position. The use of costs as a variable of complexity represents an opportunistic use of a highly exhaustive registry, which is becoming ever more frequent in hospitals and which overcomes the lack of clinical information related to outpatient activity.
Identification of novel immunogens in Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Al-Hasani Keith , Boyce John , McCarl Victoria P , Bottomley Stephen , Wilkie Ian , Adler Ben
Published: January 2007

P. multocida is a Gram-negative pathogen responsible for causing diseases in animals of economic significance to livestock industries throughout the world. Current vaccines include bacterins, which provide only limited protection against homologous serotypes. Therefore there is a need for more effective vaccines to control diseases caused by P. multocida. As a step towards developing vaccines against fowl cholera, a genomics based approach was applied for the identification of novel immunogens.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis of the P. multocida genome predicted 129 proteins as secreted, located in the outer membrane, or lipoproteins. 105 of the genes encoding these proteins were cloned and recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli. Polyclonal serum from P. multocida-infected chickens reacted with a subset of these proteins.

Conclusion

These data show the range of bacterial immunogens recognized by the chicken immune system, including 6 novel immunoreactive proteins.
Synthesis and biologic properties of hydrophilic sapphyrins, a new class of tumor-selective inhibitors of gene expression
Authors: Wang Zhong , Lecane Philip S , Thiemann Patricia , Fan Qing , Cortez Cecilia , Ma Xuan , Tonev Danielle , Miles Dale , Naumovski Louie , Miller Richard A , Magda Darren , Cho Dong-Gyu , Sessler Jonathan L , Pike Brian L , Yeligar Samantha M , Karaman Mazen W , Hacia Joseph G
Published: January 2007

Background

Sapphyrin analogues and related porphyrin-like species have attracted attention as anticancer agents due to their selective localization in various cancers, including hematologic malignancies, relative to surrounding tissues. Sapphyrins are electron affinic compounds that generate high yields of singlet oxygen formation. Although initially explored in the context of photodynamic therapy, sapphyrins have intrinsic anticancer activity that is independent of their photosensitizing properties. However, the mechanisms for their anticancer activity have not been fully elucidated.

Results

We have prepared a series of hydrophilic sapphyrins and evaluated their effect on proliferation, uptake, and cell death in adherent human lung (A549) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines and in an A549 xenograft tumor model. PCI-2050, the sapphyrin derivative with the highest in vitro growth inhibitory activity, significantly lowered 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation in S-phase A549 cells by 60% within eight hours and increased levels of reactive oxygen species within four hours. The growth inhibition pattern of PCI-2050 in the National Cancer Institute 60 cell line screen correlated most closely using the COMPARE algorithm with known transcriptional or translational inhibitors. Gene expression analyses conducted on A549 plateau phase cultures treated with PCI-2050 uncovered wide-spread decreases in mRNA levels, which especially affected short-lived transcripts. Intriguingly, PCI-2050 increased the levels of transcripts involved in RNA processing and trafficking, transcriptional regulation, and chromatin remodeling. We propose that these changes reflect the activation of cellular processes aimed at countering the observed wide-spread reductions in transcript levels. In our A549 xenograft model, the two lead compounds, PCI-2050 and PCI-2022, showed similar tumor distributions despite differences in plasma and kidney level profiles. This provides a possible explanation for the better tolerance of PCI-2022 relative to PCI-2050.

Conclusion

Hydrophilic sapphyrins were found to display promise as novel agents that localize to tumors, generate oxidative stress, and inhibit gene expression.
Interleukin-18 regulates pathological intraocular neovascularization
Authors: Qiao Hong , Sonoda Koh-Hei , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Yoshimura Takeru , Hijioka Kuniaki , Jo Young-Joon , Sassa Yukio , Tsutsumi-Miyahara Chikako , Hata Yasuaki , Akira Shizuo , Ishibashi Tatsuro
Published: January 2007

Recently, the proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 has been shown to have a role in angiogenesis. This study aimed to elucidate its role in abnormal neovascularization (NV) in an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model of the retinopathy seen in human premature newborns. IL-18 was constitutively expressed in the retina in C57BL/6 mice, but expression transiently dropped on Day 17 after birth in mice exposed to 75% oxygen for 5 days between Days 7 and 12. Coincident with the IL-18 reduction in oxygen-treated mice, vascular endothelial growth factor was expressed in the retina, and OIR developed. By Day 24, NV in the retina had regressed to normal levels. By contrast, IL-18 knockout mice, exposed to elevated oxygen concentrations, developed more severe OIR on Day 17, and it is important that this persisted until Day 24. This suggested that IL-18 negatively regulated retinal NV. To investigate this further, we administrated recombinant IL-18 to C57BL/6 mice during the development of OIR but found no significant inhibition of retinopathy. However, when IL-18-binding protein was administered during the OIR recovery phase to neutralize endogenous IL-18, OIR was still apparent on Day 24. We therefore concluded that IL-18 regulates pathogenic retinal NV by promoting its regression rather than inhibiting its development. This suggests some useful, new approaches to treating retinopathy in humans.
Simple Method for Haplotyping the Poly(TG) Repeat in Individuals Carrying the IVS8 5T Allele in the CFTR Gene
Authors: Mantovani Vilma , Garagnani Paolo , Selva Paola , Rossi Cesare , Ferrari Simona , Cenci Marinella , Calza Nilla , Cerreta Vincenzo , Luiselli Donata , Romeo Giovanni
Published: January 2007

Background: The 5T allele of the polyT tract located within intron 8 of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is a variant that in trans with a severe CFTR mutation can result in normal phenotype, congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD), or mild cystic fibrosis. The 5T allele has been associated with the skipping of exon 9, a process that seems to be influenced by an adjacent 9–13TG tandem repeat. The 12- or 13TG repeats are often associated with an abnormal phenotype. We present here a single-step method for direct haplotyping of the TG repeats in 5T carriers.

Method: The method is based on a single-step PCR, using a fluorescently labeled forward primer and a reverse allele-specific primer matching the 5T allele. We validated the test in 30 control samples of known 5T-poly(TG) haplotype and then used this method to evaluate 57 clinical samples.

Results: The expected TG genotypes were obtained for all 5T control samples, and no nonspecific amplification of either the 7T or 9T alleles was detected. In our 5T-positive collection 9 of 9 (100%) CBAVD patients, 6 of 12 (50.0%) chronic pancreatitis patients, and 12 of 36 (33.3%) individuals undergoing assisted reproduction showed 5T-12TG haplotype.

Conclusions: Our method is an accurate, specific, and simple tool to characterize the 5T poly(TG) haplotype. Our results confirm the high frequency of 5T-12TG in CBAVD patients and do not preclude a potential effect also in pancreatitis. This assay can be useful in assessment of the disease risk in 5T carriers.
A Simple Method for DNA Isolation from Clotted Blood Extricated Rapidly from Serum Separator Tubes
Authors: Se Fum Wong Steven , Kuei Jeffrey J , Prasad Naina , Agonafer Etsemaye , Mendoza Gustavo A , Pemberton Trevor J , Patel Pragna I
Published: January 2007

Background: After clinical laboratory tests have been performed, it can be difficult to obtain DNA without further patient involvement. Although the blood clot remaining within the serum-separation tube after serum collection is a source of DNA, recovery of the clot from the tube is a significant challenge.

Method: We devised a method to efficiently remove clotted blood from the serum-separation gel and extract DNA from clotted whole blood samples, obtaining maximum yield of the DNA without DNA contamination by the separation gel. The method involved centrifugation of the sample in the inverted original 10-mL collection tube to displace the separation gel for easy isolation of the blood clot and shearing of the blood clot by centrifugation through a 20-gauge wire mesh cone at 2000g in a swinging-bucket rotor. After erythrocyte lysis and proteinase-K digestion of the fragmented clot, DNA was precipitated with isopropanol in the presence of glycogen.

Results: The mean amount of DNA obtained from a 4-mL clotted blood sample prepared by this method was 37.1 μg for clots processed soon after collection, with a reduction to 0.439 μg for clots stored for 1 month before extraction. The quality of the DNA was comparable to that extracted directly from whole blood, and it was found to be suitable for PCR-mediated analysis.

Conclusion: We have formulated a method that overcomes the difficulties of safely extricating a blood clot from serum-separation tubes, allowing rapid DNA extraction for the purposes of genetic investigation.
Functional Expression ofN-Formyl Peptide Receptors in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Viswanathan Anand , Painter Richard G. , Lanson Nicholas A. , Wang Guoshun
Published: January 2007

Tissue injury enhances homing and engraftment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the mechanisms by which MSCs sense the signals released by injured tissues and migrate toward injury sites have not been fully defined. In the current report, we investigated whether human MSCs express the N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and the formyl peptide receptor-like-1 (FPRL1). These receptors bind to N-formylated peptides by which phagocytes migrate to inflammatory sites and fibroblasts repopulate wounds to remodel the damaged tissues. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) demonstrated that MSCs express both FPR and FPRL1 at the transcriptional level. Flow cytometric analyses revealed expression of both receptors at the protein level. Fusion of the enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) to the C terminus of each receptor showed localization to the cell surface. Moreover, MSCs responded to stimulation by N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), a prototypic N-formyl peptide, demonstrating rapid intracellular calcium mobilization that can be blocked by pertussis toxin or cyclosporin H. It is noteworthy that the fMLP-stimulated MSCs had an enhanced adhesion to extracellular matrix protein-coated surfaces. In addition, MSCs migrated toward gradients of increasing fMLP concentration, indicating that the receptors were functionally involved in positive chemotaxis to formylated peptides. Therefore, the N-formyl peptide receptors present in MSCs may play an important role in signaling stem cell adhesion, migration, and homing to injured and inflamed tissue for repair. Such a mechanism could potentially be exploited to direct the stem cells to target specific tissue sites, such as cystic fibrosis lungs, for therapy.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Marketing knowledge usefulness: In a quest for the user perspective approach
Authors: Uzelac Nikola
Published: January 2007

Marketing knowledge usefulness has been the object of increasing concern within the discipline. Numerous shortcomings of its various aspects have been identified, elaborated and accompanied with sophisticated solutions. Further progress in this direction is potentially much greater in a case of acceptance of the user perspective approach. In relation to the behavior of a marketing manager, simple acceptability-affordability-availability awareness concept is presented. It redirects our attention to the manager?s point of view and serves as an illustration of highly desirable more complex works. Proposed development leads to the creation and integration of behavior models specific to each group of marketing knowledge stakeholders managers, students, academics and society.
Marshall-Lerner conditions and their policy implications
Authors: Madzar Ljubomir
Published: January 2007

Marshall-Lerner conditions are firstly derived on the basis of alternatively defined elasticities: elasticities of domestic demand for imports and domestic supply of exports and, next, four elasticities consisting of the above mentioned coefficients and, in addition to them, elasticities of foreign supply of imports to and foreign demand for exports of the observed country. All these coefficients are specified with respect to the alternatively defined exchange rates: as the number of the domestic currency units for a unit of conveniently chosen foreign currency, and vice versa. The above stated combinations of elasticities are, again alternatively related to the nominal and to the real exchange rates. Mathematical interdependencies among thus formulated stability conditions are examined to some detail. The results are applied to the current policy dilemmas at to whether devaluation would significantly affect balance of payments and what would be its effects on the inflation rate.
Low back pain and degenerative disc disease
Authors: Jandric Slavica , Antic Branislav
Published: January 2007

Introduction. Various clinical conditions can cause low back pain, and in most cases it is of a degenerative origin. Degenerative disc disease is a common condition which affects young to middle-aged men and women equally. Changes in the mechanical properties of the disc lead to degenerative arthritis in the intervertebral joints, osteophytes, and narrowing the intervertebral foramen or the spinal canal. Pathophysiology. Degenerative cascade, described by Kirkaldy-Willis, is the widely accepted pathophysiologic model describing the degenerative process as it affects the lumbar spine in 3 phases. Diagnosis. There are two forms of low back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease: a) lumbalgia and b) lumbar radiculopathy. Limitation of movement, problems with balance, pain, loss of reflexes in the extremities, muscle weakness, loss of sensation or other signs of neurological damage can be found on physical examination. For accurate diagnosis, it is often necessary to combine clinical examination and sophisticated technology. Treatment. Coservative treatment consists of rest, physical therapy, pharmacological therapy and injection therapy. Physical rehabilitation with active patient participation is a key approach to treatment of patients with discogenic pain. Physical therapy, occupational therapy and kinesitherapy are important for improving muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility. Disc surgery is performed if surgical intervention is required. .
Results of autovenous femoro-distal bypass procedures in the type III peripheral obliterative arterial disease of the extremities in diabetic and nondiabetic patients
Authors: Vukobratov Vladimir , Pasternak Janko , Obradovic Jovan , Kacanski Milos , Popovic Vladan , Nikolic Dragan
Published: January 2007

Introduction. It has been established that infrainguinal occlusive disease, type III peripheral obliterative arterial disease (POAD), is more common in diabetics than in non-diabetics. It is presumeable that after surgical treatment of this arterial segment diabetics develop more complications and higher mortality rate than nondiabetics. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of reconstructive surgical treatment of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with type III PAOD. Material and Methods. In the period 1999-2003, 118 patients with Type III PAOD underwent surgery at the Vascular Surgery Clinic in Novi Sad. They were divided into two groups: group I included 51 nondiabetic patients, and group II 67 diabetic patients. Subgroups were formed based on the clinical status. Differences were established in IVa, (46 diabetics and 4 non-diabetics) and IVb stage (11 diabetic and 30 non-diabetic patients). Results. Statistical data analysis using X2 test showed a statistical difference in complications rates, number of salvaged limbs and finally, in the mortality rates between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Conclusion. Diabetic patients presented with significantly more trophic skin lesions (IVa stage). The overall complication rate was significantly higher in diabetics, as well as the amputation rate. Finally, the mortality rate was also significantly higher in diabetics than in nondiabetic patients. .
Myopericarditis during acute Epstein-Barr virus infection: A case report
Authors: Mijailovic Zeljko , Canovic Predrag , Gajovic Olgica , Tomasevic Svetlana
Published: January 2007

Introduction. Complications associated with infectious mononucleosis are rare, but occasionally they can occur involving hematological, neurological, cardiological and pulmological complications, as well as liver and spleen disorders, sometimes with lethal outcome. The most important cardiac complications are myocarditis and pericarditis. Case report. An 18-year-old male patient was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases with clinical picture of infectious mononucelosis, while symptoms appeared 7 days before admission. He was under observation and treatment for nineteen days when clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic findings revealed development of myopericarditis and he was transferred to the Cardiology Department. He was treated with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, antibiotics and other symptomatic therapy. He became afebrile 35 days after admission, and was discharged on the 50th day in good condition. Discussion. Myocarditis may develop as a complication of an infectious disease, and is usually caused by a direct viral infection, as well as, toxic and autoimmune mechanisms. Myocarditis attributed to Epstein-Barr virus infection is probably caused by autoimmune mechanisms: autoantibodies activate the complement or cause cellular cytotoxicity. Conclusion. Myopericarditis is not a common complication of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy is an established method required for exact diagnosis. In this case it was not done, due to some technical reasons. Thus, there is a high probalitiy that this patient had myopericarditis. .
Astrophysically useful parameters for certain band systems of BeH, BeD and BeT molecules
Authors: Shanmugavel R. , Bagare S.P. , Rajamanickam N.
Published: January 2007

The vibronic (vibration-electronic) transition probability parameters such as Franck-Condon (FC) factors and r-centroids of diatomic molecular species could be useful in the identification of molecular bands and in the estimation of relative abundance of the emitted species in astrophysical sources. In this study, they have been evaluated for the electronic transitions A2?r-X2?+, B2?r-X2?+ and C2?+ - X2?+ systems of BeH, A2?r - X2? and C2?+ - X2?+ system of BeD and A2?r - X2?+ system of BeT molecules using a suitable potential.
Correlation between dental health status and environmental factors: Nutrition, oral hygiene and saliva in children
Authors: Cvetkovic Andrijana , Vulovic Marko , Ivanovic Mirjana
Published: January 2007

Caries is a disease of multi-causal etiology, where environmental factors such as oral hygiene, nutrition and saliva have great importance. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between dental health status and environmental factors: oral hygiene, nutrition, salivary pH and the flow rate of stimulated saliva in children. Materials and methods: Research was done in children with caries and in children with healthy teeth of both gender and the age of 12. Questionnaire method was used to obtain data about the time of consuming refined carbohydrates and oral hygiene. Oral hygiene level was determined using the Silness-loe plaque index and saliva was analyzed by measuring the flow rate of stimulated saliva, as well as measuring pH of non-stimulated and stimulated saliva. Results: Examining the correlation of seven analyzed characteristics it was possible to determine the presence of 14 (66,7%) correlations out of 21 possible, with statistical significance and various p-values starting from p=0.038 (tau-b=0.229) up to p<0.001 (r=0.667). Out of seven analyzed characteristics, the time of carbohydrate consumption, the presence of caries (group) and pH of non-stimulated saliva are predominantly correlated with other characteristics. Conclusion: The results of this examination show caries appearance in children to be in highly significant correlation with frequency of carbohydrate consumption, plaque index and pH values of non-stimulated saliva. In other words, children with caries consume carbohydrates often between meals, have high plaque index and lower pH values of non-stimulated saliva.
Comparative analysis of standard and computerized profile cephalometric diagnostics in orthodontics
Authors: Milutinovic Jovana , Nedeljkovic Nenad , Nikolic Predrag
Published: January 2007

Aim: The aim of this research was to compare the standard and computerized method of cephalogram analysis. In this research 32 patients visiting Belgrade University School of Dentistry, dept. of orthodontics were involved. Material and Method: This research was based on cephalogram analysis for every patient. All of the cephalograms were analyzed in two ways: 1. standrad method and 2. computerized method using Nemotec Dental Studio NX 2005 software. Results: Additional possibilities and properties of computer software for the computerized cephalogram analysis caused the differences in results. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that there was no statistical difference comparing both methods. Computerized cephalogram analysis provides higher speed and software possibilities compared to standard method.
Photography in dentistry
Authors: Gavrilov Dragan , Obradovic-Djuricic Kosovka
Published: January 2007

Photography offers precious support in all areas of medicine and dentistry. Usage of photography in dentistry is an integral part of numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and an important document of progression and outcome of subscribed therapy. Various types of cameras are available for intraoral and extraoral photography. Market offers different kinds of photographic equipment to dental practitioners such as cameras with films (Single Lens Reflex) SLR, digital SLR (DSLR) and compact digital cameras. However, majority of analyses emphasize advantages and relevancy of digital cameras, especially in taking macro photographs in dentistry. Introduction of digital cameras in dental practice is an important step toward the future. The aim of this study was to point out the importance of photography in dentistry, demonstrate basic technology of contemporary cameras and to analyze advantages and disadvantages of available cameras.
A nanoindentation study of magnetron co-sputtered nanocrystalline ternary nitride coatings
Authors: Yeung W.Y. , Dub S.N. , Wuhrer R. , Milman Yu.V.
Published: January 2007

Nanoindentation testing was used to determine the hardness, elastic modulus and plasticity parameter of three newly developed ternary nitride coatings with nano-sized grains. With decreasing nitrogen deposition pressure, grain diameter of the coatings decreases that leads to both higher nanohardness and elastic modulus with conservation of satisfactory values of plasticity characteristic.
Mechanical and thermal-expansion characteristics of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2-Ca3(PO4)2 composites
Authors: Ruseska G. , Fidancevska E. , Bossert J.
Published: January 2007

Three types of composites consisting of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 and Ca3(PO4)2 with composition: 75% (wt) Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2: 25%(wt) Ca3(PO4)2; 50%(wt) Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2: 50%(wt)Ca3(PO4)2 and 25 %(wt) Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2: 75%(wt) Ca3(PO4)2 were the subject of our investigation. Sintered compacts were in thermal equilibrium, which was proved by the absence of hysteresis effect of the dependence ?L/L=f(T) during heating /cooling in the temperature interval 20-1000-200C. Sintered compacts with the previously mentioned composition possess 26-50% higher values of the E-modulus, G-modulus and K-modulus indicating the presence of a synergism effect. Several proposed model equations for predicting the thermal expansion coefficient in dependence of the thermal and elastic properties of the constitutive phases and their volume fractions, given by: Turner, Kerner, Tummala and Friedberg, Thomas and Taya, were used for making correlations between mechanical and thermal-expansion characteristics of the Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 - Ca3(PO4)2 composites. Application of the previously mentioned model equations to all kinds of composites leads to the conclusion that the experimentally obtained results for the thermal expansion coefficient are in an excellent agreement with the theoretical calculated values on account of the volume fraction of each constitutive phase and with all applied model equations, with a coefficient of correlation from 98.16-99.86 %.
Stage-Stratified Incidence Rates of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Among Patients Aged 46 to 49 in the United States
Authors: Montminy Eric M. , Zhou Meijiao , Edelson Jerome C. , Karlitz Jordan J.
Published: March 2024

This cross-sectional study uses Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry data to analyze colorectal adenocarcinoma staging incidence of patients aged 46 to 49 years from 2000 to 2020.
Modeling and simulation analysis of optimal layout scheme of aviation logistics park based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Chen Jianxin
Published: March 2024

As an important component of modern logistics industry, aviation logistics parks address the problems of unreasonable layout and low efficiency in traditional planning and construction methods. The study first constructed a grid model for optimizing the layout of functional areas in the aviation logistics park, and selected the layout scheme with the highest comprehensive correlation as the optimal planning. At the same time, three important model parameters were determined: prediction of cargo throughput, size of functional areas in the park, and comprehensive correlation values between functional areas. Subsequently, in response to the optimization problem of functional area layout in aviation logistics parks, a cosine adaptive genetic algorithm based on adaptive reversal operation was introduced to solve the model. According to the findings, the research mention algorithm has an average utilization rate of up to 69.64% in the international freight zone, which is a 12.38% improvement over the conventional genetic algorithm. Additionally, it has an average domestic cargo area utilization rate of 67.93%, 11.24% greater than the genetic algorithm. This demonstrated that the functional area layout scheme of the aviation logistics park produced by examining the suggested algorithm is extremely viable and offers new ideas and techniques for the planning and designing of aviation logistics parks.
A New Sight on the Influence of Molten Salt in the Preparation of (Ta, Nb, Ti) C Nanopowder
Authors: Song Weilong , Chen ZhaoKe , Chen Shiyan , Wu Zongxu , Xie Fengminyu , Wen Qingbo , Xiong Xiang
Published: March 2024

The molten salt method (MSM) is an effective approach for obtaining multicomponent carbide nanopowders at low temperatures. However, the presence of impurities limits its application in the lower‐temperature domains. To address this issue, (Ta, Nb, Ti) C nanopowders are fabricated by the MSM at 1100–1400 °C, and the dual‐route synthesis mechanism is revealed. Results indicate that the synthesis temperature of pure (Ta, Nb, Ti) C nanopowders can be decreased with the addition of molten salt, which is determined by the formation and decomposition of the intermediates. During the synthesis process, the molten salt can provide the liquid‐phase environment for the combination reaction between metal powders and carbon, facilitating the formation of homogeneous and nanosized powders. Meanwhile, the molten salt reacts with impurities to generate intermediates including KTaO3 and K1.04Ti8O16 at low temperatures, which subsequently form carbides through thermal reduction. This transformation can decrease the energy barrier of the synthesis process.
Ammonium Bicarbonate Templated 3D PDMS/rGO@CoFe2O4 Composite Foams for Effective Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Insulation
Authors: Prabagar C. Joseph , Anand S. , Mary Martina M. , Asisi Janifer M. , Pauline S.
Published: March 2024

In the past 50 years, the electronic and communication industries have grown exponentially, which has caused major concerns about electromagnetic (EM) pollution. In recent years, more thrust has been given to development of polymer composites to lessen electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution. In the present work, porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite foams based on cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are produced through the ammonium bicarbonate template approach. The resulting foams possess increased EMI shielding effectiveness via the absorption‐dominated mechanism due to the fact that PDMS foam functions as a three‐dimensional (3D) network, rGO offers the requisite conductive channel, and CoFe2O4 produces the necessary magnetic loss. The total EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of PDMS/rGO composite foams without CoFe2O4 is 24 dB, however, with different weight percentages of CoFe2O4 added (3%, 6%, and 9%), the EMI SE increases to 41 dB for 3 mm thickness. The heat insulation performance of the material is also studied, and the measured thermal conductivity is 0.0391 Wm−1 K−1, which is very low value. The attributes of the composite foam underscore its excellent thermal insulation performance and its capacity for EMI shielding, rendering it highly suitable for diverse applications across various fields.
Attention! Do We Really Need Attention Checks?
Authors: Roth Yefim , Yakobi Ofir
Published: March 2024

There is ongoing debate over the usefulness of and need for attention checks in online experiments. This paper investigates the value of these tests in decisions‐from‐experience (i.e., multi‐trial repeated choice) tasks. In five studies (Ntotal = 1519), we comprehensively compared the behavior of attentive and inattentive participants (i.e., those who passed or failed a simple attention check) among online participants; and also compared those results to the results of lab studies reported elsewhere. We found meaningful differences between the behavior of attentive and inattentive participants even at the first trial. Overall, attentive participants were more likely to notice less‐obvious average values of the different alternatives, while inattentive participants exhibited higher sensitivity to typical outcomes. The findings show that even one simple attention test is sufficient to differentiate between attentive and inattentive participants in repetitive tasks. Importantly, our results fully replicated three previously run lab studies among attentive participants, but not inattentive ones. This finding highlights the importance of using attention tests to avoid spurious conclusions.
Chromium‐Catalyzed Reductive Cross‐Coupling to Construct C−SS Bonds from Unactivated Alkyl Electrophiles
Authors: Zhang Chao‐Peng , Wang Tian‐Zhang , Wu Kang , Liang Yu‐Feng
Published: March 2024

Low‐valent chromium catalysts are cheap and less toxic compared to other transition metal catalysts. Here in, we reported a ligand‐free chromium(III)‐catalyzed manganese reductive cross‐coupling of unactivated alkyl electrophiles, such as alkyl sulfonates and alkyl chlorides, with trisulfide dioxides as thiolation agents to form carbon−sulfur bonds. The powerful method featured ample substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance, constructing a large number of unsymmetrical disulfides under simple conditions.
Role of Constituent Oxides for Thermal Mineralization of o‐Dichloro Benzene over Mixed‐Oxide‐TiO2 Catalysts: A Mechanistic Explanation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kaustava , Kumar Adarsh , Tyagi Deepak , Tripathi A. K. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: March 2024

Catalysts with V2O5, WO3 and V2O5−WO3 dispersed over TiO2 were synthesized using sol‐gel technique and thoroughly characterized by various techniques. The catalysts were evaluated for degradation of ortho‐dichloro benzene (o‐DCB) in air/helium, a representative probe molecule for polychlorinated dibenzo‐para‐dioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran by employing in situ Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR spectroscopy). Different intermediate species formed on the surface of the TiO2 supported catalysts through of interaction of sorbate molecules with the lattice and/or gaseous oxygen were investigated in detail. Analysis of vibrational bands, observed during sorption of o‐DCB and o‐DCB‐air mixture as a function of temperature over these catalysts, delineated the role of surface intermediate species such as phenolate, enolates, maleates, carboxylates, carbonates in mineralization of o‐DCB. Nature and stability of intermediate species, found to be different over these catalysts, were able to elucidate the catalytic activity trend.
Geographic gradients in a functional trait: Drivers of body size and size diversity of ground invertebrate communities
Authors: Kaspari Michael , Marshall Katie E. , Weiser Michael D. , Siler Cameron D. , Theriot Miranda K. , de Beurs Kirsten
Published: March 2024

Body size is a key functional trait governing how an animal community transforms resources and conditions into performance, abundance, and fitness. Here we use the National Ecological Observatory Network of pitfall traps to explore how an ecosystem's plant productivity, temperature, and growing season length accounts for the range of body size across 99 ground invertebrate communities. The 19‐fold continental variation in mean body size failed to covary with latitude, while common ordinal subtaxa grew smaller (e.g., myriapods) to larger (e.g., acari) from Puerto Rico to Alaska. Communities with a larger mean size arose when winters were longer and gross primary productivity was high. The diversity of body sizes in a community (measured as the CV) varied ninefold and decreased with latitude (r2 = 0.24) consistently across common orders. Size‐diverse communities were less likely in ecosystems with long winters (suggesting constraints on the time to build, r2 = 0.34) and those with high invertebrate activity (and hence trap catch, r2 = 0.12). Body size distributions thus appeared to arise from conflicting combinations of constraint (i.e., the ability to build large bodies) and performance (utility of large size in surviving long winters). As warming promotes growing season length, populations of larger, rarer individuals may benefit.
Predictors of lifetime cannabis use among undergraduate students and changes during COVID‐19
Authors: McCall John R. , Giordano Amanda L. , Ziomek‐Daigle Jolie , Appling Brandee
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examined predictors of traditional‐aged undergraduate students’ (n = 115) lifetime cannabis use during COVID‐19. Participants who had lower scores of self‐regulation, higher levels of emotional dysregulation strategies, and a higher number of ACEs had more lifetime cannabis use. Additionally, participants’ methods of cannabis use changed during the pandemic as they primarily ingested more cannabis products (i.e., edibles) compared with before the pandemic began. Finally, the number of participants using cannabis in group settings during the pandemic was lower compared with before the pandemic began. Implications for counselors and counselor education programs are provided.
Py3BR: A software for computing atomic three‐body recombination rates
Authors: Koots Rian , Wang Yu , Mirahmadi Marjan , Pérez‐Ríos Jesús
Published: March 2024

The three‐body recombination reaction, or ternary association, is a termolecular reaction leading to a molecule after a three‐body encounter that plays a vital role in many relevant scenarios in chemical physics. Here, we introduce the Python 3‐Body Recombination program, which is dedicated to the computation of atomic three‐body recombination rate coefficients. The software is based on a classical trajectory approach in hyperspherical coordinates after mapping the three‐body problem as a single particle in a higher‐dimensional space. This theoretical approach is fully general and applicable to any ion‐atom‐atom or atom‐atom‐atom three‐body process. The predictive power of the methodology has been tested in several different experimental scenarios, reaching a good description of every system. The code structure is presented alongside examples and tests to ensure the software's capacity. In addition, the performance of the software after parallelization is shown.
Preparation, Characterization, and Radiolabeling of Anti‐HER2 scFv With Technetium Tricarbonyl and Stability Studies
Authors: Bozorgchami Negar , Ahmadzadeh Maryam , Hatamabadi Dara , Yazdani Abdolreza , Shahhosseini Soraya , Mohit Elham
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed cancer, and the second cause of cancer death among women, worldwide. HER2 overexpression occurred in approximately 15% to 20% of breast cancers. Invasive biopsy method has been used for detection of HER2 overexpression. HER2‐targeted imaging via an appropriate radionuclide is a promising method for sensitive and accurate identification of HER2+ primary and metastatic lesions. 99mTc‐anti‐HER2 scFv can specifically target malignancies and be used for diagnosis of the cancer type and metastasis as well as treatment of breast cancer. We radiolabeled anti‐HER2 scFv that was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified through Ni‐NTA resin under native condition with 99mTc‐tricarbonyl formed from boranocarbonate. HER2‐based ELISA, BCA, TLC, and HPLC were used in this study. In the current study, anti‐HER2 scFv was lyophilized before radiolabeling. It was found that freeze‐drying did not change the binding activity of anti‐HER2 scFv to HER2. Results demonstrated direct anti‐HER2 scFv radiolabeling by 99mTc‐tricarbonyl to hexahistidine sequence (His‐tag) without any changes in biological activity and radiochemical purity of around 98%. Stability analysis revealed that 99mTc‐anti‐HER2 scFv is stable for at least 24 h in PBS buffer, normal saline, human plasma proteins, and histidine solution.
A tricky singular papular peri‐cicatricial mammarian lesion
Authors: Cantisani Carmen , Trovato Federica , Gargano Luca , Di Guardo Antonio , Vasile Alexandru Bâja , Rovaldi Emanuele , Azzella Giulia , Speranza Iolanda , Soda Giuseppe , Roberto Michela , Lettera Tiziana , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer represents the most common malignancy in women worldwide. In most cases, metastasis is the leading cause of mortality. Early diagnosis is still challenging despite standardised, government‐led screening programs, but is crucial in achieving improved survival rates. Additionally, a deeper understanding of the metastatic potential of breast cancer is critical for developing therapeutic interventions to combat widespread disease. Cutaneous metastasis from underlying breast carcinoma is uncommon as the first manifestation of visceral malignancies and is commonly observed in advanced‐stage malignancies, often associated with poor prognosis, and a prompt, precise tissue diagnosis is mandatory. A high index of suspicion in oncologic patients is required to diagnose these lesions, as they can mimic benign skin manifestations and clinical findings may be subtle and going unnoticed. We report on a case of a 76‐year‐old female patient presenting to our non‐invasive diagnostic outpatient clinic with an unusual cutaneous presentation, as an early sign of locally advanced invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer recurrence. The aim of our article is to underline the importance of the dermatologist in the multi‐disciplinary oncologic diagnostic process, including non‐invasive imaging evaluation of cutaneous lesions, especially insidious breast carcinomas. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT) is not routinely used due to its cost, therefore lesion's aspect has not been completely described, consequently, the correct evaluation of skin architecture appearance can add important information, especially in cutaneous oncology where it can help in early diagnosis or cancer recurrency. OCT may contribute to the detection of subclinical cutaneous manifestations of cancer or recurrence, in particular, when they are difficult to differentiate clinically from benign lesion. In the case we described, OCT of suspected lesion showed the loss of the DEJ with solid nests and irregular vessels.