Purpose The literature on joint effusion (JE) and its association with clinical and radiologic variables in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) is inconsistent and is characterized by ...multiple methodologic limitations. The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) identified JE and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia. The secondary aim of this investigation was to determine the association between JE and other clinical and MRI-identified soft tissue characteristics. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical and soft tissue imaging assessments were carried out according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders guidelines. The dependent variable was JE and the primary independent variable was arthralgia. The secondary independent variables were TMJ pain-associated characteristics and MRI-identified variables. When applicable, Pearson χ2 or t test was used to determine the statistical associations between JE and clinical characteristics and between JE and MRI-identified variables. Furthermore, generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling was conducted to determine which of the independent clinical and MRI-identified variables were associated with JE. Results Data for 158 participants, representing 312 joints, were extracted. The mean age of the female sample (59.4%) was 31 ± 11.1 years and that of the male sample (40.6%) was 29.8 ± 9.7 years. No association was found between JE and arthralgia. However, statistically significant associations were found between JE and lateral disc rotation ( P = .001) and between JE and disc position in the coronal and sagittal planes ( P = .001). The GEE model suggested that disc displacement with reduction (odds ratio = 2.5) was a statistically relevant contributing factor for JE in the absence of degenerative joint disease. Conclusion Results associated JE with the position of the disc in the sagittal plane. No association was found between JE and arthralgia or TMJ pain-associated clinical characteristics in patients with TMDs.
Infectious diseases caused by various nosocomial microorganisms affect worldwide both immunocompromised and relatively healthy persons. Bacteria and fungi have different tools to evade ...antimicrobials, such as hydrolysis damaging the drug, efflux systems, and the formation of biofilm that significantly complicates the treatment of the infection. Here, we show that myrtenol potentiates the antimicrobial and biofilm-preventing activity of conventional drugs against
and
mono- and dual-species cultures. In our study, the two optical isomers, (-)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol, have been tested as either antibacterials, antifungals, or enhancers of conventional drugs. (+)-Myrtenol demonstrated a synergistic effect with amikacin, fluconazole, and benzalkonium chloride on 64-81% of the clinical isolates of
and
, including MRSA and fluconazole-resistant fungi, while (-)-myrtenol increased the properties of amikacin and fluconazole to repress biofilm formation in half of the
and
isolates. Furthermore, myrtenol was able to potentiate benzalkonium chloride up to sixteen-fold against planktonic cells in an
-
mixed culture and repressed the adhesion of
. The mechanism of both (-)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol synergy with conventional drugs was apparently driven by membrane damage since the treatment with both terpenes led to a significant drop in membrane potential similar to the action of benzalkonium chloride. Thus, due to the low toxicity of myrtenol, it seems to be a promising agent to increase the efficiency of the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and be fungi of the genus Candida as well as mixed fungal-bacterial infections, including resistant strains.
Abstract
A precise, accurate, selective and sensitive capillary electrophoresis method using a diode array detector was developed for the first time for the determination of both scutellarein (SLN) ...and caffeic acid (CAA) in prepared Abelia triflora extract. Electrophoretic analysis was performed using a background electrolyte solution consisting of borax buffer (40 mM, pH 9.2) and a 200-nm detection wavelength. This method was fully validated according to The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines. The method was linear in the concentration range 2.5-100 μg/mL and it allowed the determination of both compounds with high degree of recovery (%Er < 2%) and intra-day and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation values <2%) and method robustness was also assessed by the low values of %RSD < 2% obtained after small deliberate changes in the method parameters. The contents of SLN and CAA were calculated using both the external standard and standard addition methods. Analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of A. triflora revealed that SLN and CAA were found in concentrations of 0.46 mg/g and 2.10 mg/g, respectively, in the ethyl acetate fraction and 0.29 and 1.32 mg%, respectively, in the dry plant leaves.
(AG, Asteraceae) commonly called “nougd” in Arabic is traditionally used for the treatment of different gastrointestinal disorders. This study evaluates the effects of ethanol, chloroform and ...n-butanol extracts of AG on ulcerative colitis induced by various ulcerogens in rats and the isolation of new secondary metabolites. Ethanol extracts of the leaf of the AG demonstrated a powerful anti-ulcer activity which could be attributed to the synergistic effect of its constituents. Therefore, our results would be the first proof of traditional use of AG as an antiulcer ailment.
Vertically Scrambled Caesar Cipher Method Salam, Asiya Abdus; Al Salah, Ruba Mahmoud
International journal of computer applications,
01/2015, Letnik:
118, Številka:
21
Journal Article
Odprti dostop
In this paper, a new technique for protected and locked broadcasting of message is presented. This approach uses improved version of ciphering with the combination of double phase encryption. To ...ripen this method of encryption, a simple technique of vertically selecting the text for ciphering is used. A 6 x 6 matrix based on the alphabets used in the text message. If the message is lengthy, the matrix can duplicate itself accordingly. Message will be fit in the matrix and remaining cells of the matrix will be filled by alphabets. After getting vertically scrambled text, substitution techniques for ciphering is used further to ensure secured transfer of message. The receiver will get to know about the length of the text and shift key for decryption procedure. By using this double phase encryption, the transmission of message will become more secure and robust. The main target of the technique proposed in this paper is that the information cannot be customized by any outsider or intruder.
In this study we use comparative genomics to uncover a gene with uncharacterized function (1700011H14Rik/C14orf105/CCDC198), which we hereby name FAME (Factor Associated with Metabolism and Energy). ...We observe that FAME shows an unusually high evolutionary divergence in birds and mammals. Through the comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms, we identify gene flow of FAME from Neandertals into modern humans. We conduct knockout experiments on animals and observe altered body weight and decreased energy expenditure in Fame knockout animals, corresponding to genome-wide association studies linking FAME with higher body mass index in humans. Gene expression and subcellular localization analyses reveal that FAME is a membrane-bound protein enriched in the kidneys. Although the gene knockout results in structurally normal kidneys, we detect higher albumin in urine and lowered ferritin in the blood. Through experimental validation, we confirm interactions between FAME and ferritin and show co-localization in vesicular and plasma membranes.
Infectious diseases caused by various nosocomial microorganisms affect worldwide both immunocompromised and relatively healthy persons. Bacteria and fungi have different tools to evade ...antimicrobials, such as hydrolysis damaging the drug, efflux systems, and the formation of biofilm that significantly complicates the treatment of the infection. Here, we show that myrtenol potentiates the antimicrobial and biofilm-preventing activity of conventional drugs against S. aureus and C. albicans mono- and dual-species cultures. In our study, the two optical isomers, (−)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol, have been tested as either antibacterials, antifungals, or enhancers of conventional drugs. (+)-Myrtenol demonstrated a synergistic effect with amikacin, fluconazole, and benzalkonium chloride on 64–81% of the clinical isolates of S. aureus and C. albicans, including MRSA and fluconazole-resistant fungi, while (−)-myrtenol increased the properties of amikacin and fluconazole to repress biofilm formation in half of the S. aureus and C. albicans isolates. Furthermore, myrtenol was able to potentiate benzalkonium chloride up to sixteen-fold against planktonic cells in an S. aureus–C. albicans mixed culture and repressed the adhesion of S. aureus. The mechanism of both (−)-myrtenol and (+)-myrtenol synergy with conventional drugs was apparently driven by membrane damage since the treatment with both terpenes led to a significant drop in membrane potential similar to the action of benzalkonium chloride. Thus, due to the low toxicity of myrtenol, it seems to be a promising agent to increase the efficiency of the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and be fungi of the genus Candida as well as mixed fungal–bacterial infections, including resistant strains.
The term “spot sign” was coined by Wada et al in 2007 and thought to be due to ongoing arterial bleeding in primary intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH).1 Spot sign has also been described in the ...context of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH).2 Over the years arterial spot signs have been found to correlate with intraparenchymal hematoma expansion, worse clinical outcomes and increased risk of surgical intervention.3 We are describing a unique instance of a spot sign in venous sinus thrombosis that initially misled the clinical diagnosis.
An 83-year-old woman on dual antiplatelet therapy, with a history of minor stroke, presented with sudden right-sided weakness and dysarthria. Serial CT brain imaging revealed rapidly enlarging intraparenchymal haemorrhage (IPH). Contrast enhanced CT displayed multiple spot signs typically associated with arterial bleeding pattern. Initially possibility of antithrombotic related IPH was kept, however venogram confirmed venous pathology with focal superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSS). Unfortunately, the patient deteriorated and eventually succumbed to the illness before the diagnosis could be made.
The case exemplifies the potential of venous sinus thrombosis to manifest as a spot sign, thereby emphasizing the need for a broader differential diagnosis. The rarity of venous spot signs may be attributed to patient-specific venous anatomy and poor collateralization in the occluded sinus territory.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complex consists of the condyle, articular eminence, and articular disc. This disc divides the intracapsular components of the joint into upper and lower joint ...spaces. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the reference standard for soft tissue diagnosis of the TMJ. One aim of the study was to identify if an association exists between arthralgia of the TMJ and MRI identified joint effusion. The clinical significance of identifying the presence of TMJ effusion on MRI lies in its potential association with inflammation, clinically assessed as pain at the lateral TMJ pole or around the pole area. Unfortunately the literature has been divided in asserting whether pain in the joint area is associated with the presence of MRI assessed effusion. A systematic review of the literature was unable to provide conclusive evidence for or against an association between TMJ pain and effusion. Materials and methods: Clinical and imaging findings from 336 joints were obtained from a historical cohort involving individuals with temporomandibular disorders. Two by two tables of association were used to determine if clinical signs associated with arthralgia were associated with the presence of ipsilateral effusion in the TMJ. These clinical signs included pain on range of motion (maximum unassisted and assisted opening as well as excursive movements), TMJ manipulation (compression and translation), and palpation of the lateral pole of the TMJ and around the TMJ pole. In addition, a total pain score (range 0-7) was created which represented the sum of positive responses to pain on any of the clinical range of motion tests. Statistical testing included the T-test to test for possible association of joint effusion with any pain to these clinical measures. Results: Statistical tests of association between joint effusion and range of motion, excursions, protrusion, joint manipulation and palpation all had p values > .05. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is no statistically significant association between an MRI diagnosis of joint effusion and TMJ arthralgia.