Effect of Additives on the Performance of the Fire-Clay Refractory Bricks

This work studied the effect of additive materials – ceramic powder, bentonite, and clay-on the performance of fire-clay refractory bricks. The results showed that as the percentage of ceramic powder, clay, or bentonite increased up to 1.5%, shrinkage of the bricks decreased and density of the bricks increased while porosity and water absorption decreased and compressive strength increased

4-[(2-Hy­droxy-5-nitro­benzyl­idene)amino]­benzene­sulfonamide

The title Schiff base compound, C13H11N3O5S, exists in an E configuration with respect to the C=N double bond. The benzene rings are almost coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 2.82 (6). The sulfonamide group is twisted away from the attached phenyl ring with an N—S—C—C torsion angle of 64.84 (11)°. An intra­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bond stabilizes the mol­ecule, generating an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, inter­molecular N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into a three-dimensional network

Prediction of Wilms’ Tumor Susceptibility to Preoperative Chemotherapy Using a Novel Computer-Aided Prediction System

Wilms’ tumor, the most prevalent renal tumor in children, is known for its aggressive prognosis and recurrence. Treatment of Wilms’ tumor is multimodal, including surgery, chemotherapy, and occasionally, radiation therapy. Preoperative chemotherapy is used routinely in European studies and in select indications in North American trials. The objective of this study was to build a novel computer-aided prediction system for preoperative chemotherapy response in Wilms’ tumors. A total of 63 patients (age range: 6 months–14 years) were included in this study, after receiving their guardians’ informed consent. We incorporated contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging to extract the texture, shape, and functionality-based features from Wilms’ tumors before chemotherapy. The proposed system consists of six steps: (i) delineate the tumors’ images across the three contrast phases; (ii) characterize the texture of the tumors using first- and second-order textural features; (iii) extract the shape features by applying a parametric spherical harmonics model, sphericity, and elongation; (iv) capture the intensity changes across the contrast phases to describe the tumors’ functionality; (v) apply features fusion based on the extracted features; and (vi) determine the final prediction as responsive or non-responsive via a tuned support vector machine classifier. The system achieved an overall accuracy of 95.24%, with 95.65% sensitivity and 94.12% specificity. Using the support vector machine along with the integrated features led to superior results compared with other classification models. This study integrates novel imaging markers with a machine learning classification model to make early predictions about how a Wilms’ tumor will respond to preoperative chemotherapy. This can lead to personalized management plans for Wilms’ tumors

Evaluation of Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners versus Extra oral Scanners in Different Dental Arch Measurements

Background: Orthodontics has been influenced by new technologies in many areas. There is a shift toward digitization of patient’s information and data. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of intraoral scanner and extra oral scanners using different dental arch measurements. Materials and Methods: The sample size consisted of 44 dental stone models for patients who finished orthodontic treatment. For each subject two digital models were made, one digital model obtained from extra oral scanner and one digital model obtained from Intra oral scanner. An external examiner measured intermolar width, intercanine width, mesiodistal width of the first and second premolars on both left and right sides using ortho analyser 3shape programs from STL files. The same examiner evaluated the same measurements direct on the dental stone model using digital caliper. Results: The results showed no statistically significant difference between the two tested models, digital models versus stone models. Conclusions: Both intra oral and extra oral scanners were reliable on producing accurate digital model

Intravenous versus Oral Acetaminophen for Pain: Systematic Review of Current Evidence to Support Clinical Decision-Making

Background: Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen is increasingly used around the world for pain control for a variety of indications. However, it is unclear whether IV administration offers advantages over oral administration. Objective: To identify, summarize, and critically evaluate the literature comparing analgesic efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics for IV and oral dosage forms of acetaminophen. Data Sources: A literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts databases was supplemented with keyword searches of Science Direct, Wiley Library Online, and Springer Link databases for the period 1948 to November 2014. The reference lists of identified studies were searched manually. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Randomized controlled trials comparing IV and oral dosage forms of acetaminophen were included if they assessed an efficacy, safety, or pharmacokinetic outcome. For each study, 2 investigators independently extracted data (study design, population, interventions, follow-up, efficacy outcomes, safety outcomes, pharmacokinetic outcomes, and any other pertinent information) and completed risk-of-bias assessments. Data Synthesis: Six randomized clinical trials were included. Three of the studies reported outcomes pertaining to efficacy, 4 to safety, and 4 to pharmacokinetics. No clinically significant differences in efficacy were found between the 2 dosage forms. Safety outcomes were not reported consistently enough to allow adequate assessment. No evidence was found to suggest that increased bioavailability of the IV formulation enhances efficacy outcomes. For studies reporting clinical outcomes, the results of risk-of-bias assessments were largely unclear. Conclusions: For patients who can take an oral dosage form, no clear indication exists for preferential prescribing of IV acetaminophen. Decision-making must take into account the known adverse effects of each dosage form and other considerations such as convenience and cost. Future studies should assess multiple-dose regimens over longer periods for patients with common pain indications such as cancer, trauma, and surgery

Anatomical studies on the PES region of Zebu cattle (Bos Taurus indicus) with special references to 3D computed tomography imaging technique

Abstract The 3D render volume reconstruction CT (3D-RVCT) produced detailed images of the PES region, determining its relationships with the surrounding structures. Despite extensive research in veterinary studies on the PES through gross anatomy and CT, there is a lack of studies on the PES of zebu cattle. The study aimed to analyze the PES of Zebu cattle using gross cross-sectional, radiographic, CT, and morphometric methods, with the use of 3D-RVCT to provide anatomical guidance for surgeons and students. The study was performed on sixteen PES regions to provide hard and soft tissues in CT images. Three are five tarsal bones and two large fused (III and IV) metatarsal bones that were completely fused except for their distal extremities, which were divided distally by the intertrochlear notch. The cortical thickness of the metatarsal bone was equal on both sides. The bony septum divided the medullary cavity between the two fused large metatarsal bones in the proximal distal half only and disappeared in the middle part. The reconstruction showed similar sizes in the right and left limbs, confirming the pes bones. The radiographic and CT images could be used as a normal reference for the interpretation of some clinical diseases in the PES. The 3D CT reconstruction of the pes bones was described by various CT oblique dorsal and plantar views. The study focuses on diagnosing PES disorders using CT imaging, improving medical interventions, improving Zebu cattle health outcomes, and empowering students to contribute to veterinary medicine research and advancements

Evaluation of anchorage loss following anterior segment retraction using friction versus frictionless mechanics: a randomized clinical trial

Objective: Evaluation of anchorage loss following anterior segment retraction (ASR) using friction versus frictionless mechanics when mini-screws are directly and indirectly loaded using Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and methods: Thirty females with bimaxillary protrusion were randomly allocated into two groups, friction and frictionless. In friction group, a hook was crimped on 0.017- by 0.025-inch stainless steel wire distal to the lateral incisor and elastomeric chain rendering 160 g/side extending between the hook and mini-screw implant to complete the ASR. In the frictionless group, canines were ligated to the mini-screws for indirect anchorage then ASR was done using closing T-loops fabricated from 0.017- by 0.025-inch titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) wire rendering comparable retraction force. Analysis of first molar anchorage loss in terms of bodily and angular movement were assessed using cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images. Results: The use of mini-screws prevented significant anchorage loss in both groups and ASR was accomplished successfully. Anchorage loss in the form of angular tipping was of no statistical significance between friction and frictionless group. Conclusion: No advantage of either mechanics over the other regarding anchorage loading on the first permanent molars. Mini-screws are efficient devices to control the anchorage. Both direct and indirect mini-screw anchorage prevented first permanent molar mesial tipping and can be use alternatively. Keywords: Anterior segment retraction; friction; frictionless; T-loop; anchorage; CBCT

Biomarkers for Kidney-Transplant Rejection: A Short Review Study

Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage renal failure, but the limited availability of donors and the risk of immune rejection pose significant challenges. Early detection of acute renal rejection is a critical step to increasing the lifespan of the transplanted kidney. Investigating the clinical, genetic, and histopathological markers correlated to acute renal rejection, as well as finding noninvasive markers for early detection, is urgently needed. It is also crucial to identify which markers are associated with different types of acute renal rejection to manage treatment effectively. This short review summarizes recent studies that investigated various markers, including genomics, histopathology, and clinical markers, to differentiate between different types of acute kidney rejection. Our review identifies the markers that can aid in the early detection of acute renal rejection, potentially leading to better treatment and prognosis for renal-transplant patients