Increased earthquake rate prior to mainshocks

According to the Omori-Utsu law, the rate of aftershocks after a mainshock decays as a power law with an exponent close to 1. This well-established law was intensively used in the past to study and model the statistical properties of earthquakes. Moreover, according to the so-called inverse Omori law, the rate of earthquakes should also increase prior to a mainshock -- this law has received much less attention due to its large uncertainty. Here, we mainly study the inverse Omori law based on a highly detailed Southern California earthquake catalog, which is complete for magnitudes larger than M>0.3. First, we develop a technique to identify mainshocks, foreshocks, and aftershocks. We then find, based on a statistical procedure we developed, that the rate of earthquakes is higher a few days prior to a mainshock. We find that this increase is much smaller for a catalog with a magnitude threshold of m over 2.5 and for the Epidemic-Type Aftershocks Sequence (ETAS) model catalogs, even when used with a small magnitude threshold. We also analyze the rate of aftershocks after mainshocks and find that the Omori-Utsu law does not hold for many individual mainshocks and that it may be valid only statistically when considering many mainshocks together. Yet, the analysis of the ETAS model based on the Omori-Utsu law exhibits similar behavior as that of the real catalogs, indicating the validity of this law.Comment: 19 pages, 7 figure

Continuous spin reorientation in antiferromagnetic films

We study anisotropic antiferromagnetic one-layer films with dipolar and nearest-neighbor exchange interactions. We obtain a unified phase diagram as a function of effective uniaxial D_e and quadrupolar C anisotropy constants. We study in some detail how spins reorient continuously below a temperature T_s as T and D_e vary.Comment: 3 LaTeX pages, 3 eps figures. Submitted to JMMM on 25 May 2006. Accepted on 21 July 200

Scaling of Horizontal and Vertical Fixational Eye Movements

Eye movements during fixation of a stationary target prevent the adaptation of the photoreceptors to continuous illumination and inhibit fading of the image. These random, involuntary, small, movements are restricted at long time scales so as to keep the target at the center of the field of view. Here we use the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) in order to study the properties of fixational eye movements at different time scales. Results show different scaling behavior between horizontal and vertical movements. When the small ballistics movements, i.e. micro-saccades, are removed, the scaling exponents in both directions become similar. Our findings suggest that micro-saccades enhance the persistence at short time scales mostly in the horizontal component and much less in the vertical component. This difference may be due to the need of continuously moving the eyes in the horizontal plane, in order to match the stereoscopic image for different viewing distance.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figure

Neuropsychological deficits in disordered screen use behaviours : A systematic review and meta-analysis

Over the last few decades, excessive and disordered screen use has become more prevalent, prompting investigations into its associated consequences. The extent to which disordered screen use behaviours impact neuropsychological functioning has been reportedly mixed and at times inconsistent. This review sought to synthesise the literature and estimate the magnitude of overall cognitive impairment across a wide range of disordered screen use behaviours. We also sought to determine the cognitive domains most impacted, and whether the observed impairments were moderated by the classification of screen-related behaviours (i.e., Internet or gaming) or the format of cognitive test administration (i.e., paper-and-pencil or computerised). A systematic search of databases (Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE) identified 43 cross-sectional articles that assessed neuropsychological performance in disordered screen use populations, 34 of which were included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis revealed significant small/medium (g = .38) cognitive deficits for individuals with disordered screen use behaviours relative to controls. The most affected cognitive domain with a significant medium effect size (g = .50) was attention and focus followed by a significant reduction in executive functioning (g = .31). The classification of disordered screen use behaviours into Internet or gaming categories or the format of cognitive testing did not moderate these deficits. Additionally, excluding disordered social media use in an exploratory analysis had little effect on the observed outcomes. This study highlights a number of methodological considerations that may have contributed to disparate findings and shows that disordered screen use can significantly impact cognitive performance. Recommendations for future research are also discussed. Data for this study can be found at https://osf.io/upeha/

Оцінка дії хвороботворних факторів у пацієнтів із генералізованим пародонтитом

Summary. The basis of generalized periodontitis is an inflammatory-dystrophic process that occurs in the body under the influence of pathogenic factors. The human body is under the constant influence of various factors of external and internal nature that interact with each other, and the body's response to their effects can be varied. It is determined by a number of points, including the nature of the pathogenic factor. The aim of the study – to assess the influence of pathogenic factors on the state of periodontal tissues in patients with generalized periodontitis. Materials and Methods. To achieve this goal, a survey was conducted of 230 people aged 25 to 65 years, 204 of whom had clinical symptoms of chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) (three experimental groups in accordance with I, II, III severity levels), 26 – a healthy periodontium (control group). Results and Discussion. To assess the impact of a number of pathogenic factors on the development of generalized periodontitis, we analyzed the relationships of the influence of possible pathogenic factors on periodontal tissues. The results of local examination (maxillofacial area) of patients with CGP and patients with healthy periodontal tissues indicate the presence of local effects of pathogenic factors on the development of chronic generalized periodontitis. A comprehensive examination of patients with generalized periodontitis and healthy gums allowed to systematize the effects and influence of local and general pathogenic factors, which depending on the state of adaptive capacity of the body can lead to the development and burden of pathological processes in periodontal tissues. Conclusions. For effective treatment of patients with CGP and achieving remission and long-term stabilization of the inflammatory-dystrophic process in periodontal tissues, a personalized approach is important, taking into account both local and general pathogenic factors and individual characteristics of the body.Резюме. В основе генерализованного пародонтита лежит воспалительно-дистрофический процесс, который возникает в организме под воздействием патогенных факторов. Организм человека находится под постоянным воздействием различных факторов внешней и внутренней природы, которые взаимодействуют между собой, а реакция организма на их воздействие может быть разнообразна. Определяется она рядом моментов, в том числе и природой патогенного фактора. Цель исследования – оценить влияния патогенных факторов на состояние тканей пародонта у пациентов с генерализованным пародонтитом. Материалы и методы. Для достижения поставленной цели проведено обследование 230 человек в возрасте от 25 до 65 лет, 204 из которых имели клинические симптомы хронического генерализованного пародонтита (ХГП) (три опытных группы в соответствии I, II, III ступеней тяжести), 26 – здоровый пародонт (контрольная группа). Результаты исследований и их обсуждение. Для оценки влияния ряда патогенных факторов на развитие генерализованного пародонтита нами был проведен анализ связей влияния возможных болезнетворных факторов на ткани пародонта. Выполненное комплексное обследование пациентов с генерализованным пародонтитом и здоровыми деснами позволило систематизировать последствия действия и влияние местных и общих патогенных факторов, в зависимости от состояния адаптационных возможностей организма могут привести к развитию и обременению патологического процесса в тканях пародонта. Выводы. Результаты проведенного местного обследования (челюстно-лицевой области) пациентов с ХГП и пациентов со здоровыми тканями пародонта свидетельствуют о наличии связей действия местных болезнетворных факторов на развитие хронического генерализованного пародонтита. Для эффективного лечения пациентов с ХГП и достижения ремиссии и долговременной стабилизации воспалительно-дистрофического процесса в тканях пародонта важен персонализированный подход с учетом как местных, так и общих болезнетворных факторов и индивидуальных особенностей организма.Резюме. В основі генералізованого пародонтиту лежить запально-дистрофічний процес, який виникає в організмі під впливом патогенних факторів. Організм людини перебуває під постійним впливом різноманітних чинників зовнішньої та внутрішньої природи, які взаємодіють між собою, а реакція організму на їх вплив може бути різноманітна. Визначається вона рядом моментів, у тому числі й природою патогенного фактора. Мета дослідження – оцінити вплив патогенних факторів на стан тканин пародонта у пацієнтів із генералізованим пародонтитом. Матеріали і методи. Для досягнення поставленої мети проведено обстеження 230 осіб віком від 25 до 65 років, 204 з яких мали клінічні симптоми хронічного генералізованого пародонтиту (ХГП) (три дослідні групи із I, II, III ступенями тяжкості), 26 – здоровий пародонт (контрольна група). Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Для оцінки впливу ряду патогенних факторів на розвиток генералізованого пародонтиту ми провели аналіз зв’язків впливу можливих хвороботворних чинників на тканини пародонта. Виконане всебічне обстеження пацієнтів із генералізованим пародонтитом та здоровими яснами дозволило систематизувати наслідки дії та вплив місцевих і загальних патогенних чинників, які  залежно від стану адаптаційних можливостей організму можуть призвести до розвитку та обтяження патологічного процесу в тканинах пародонта. Висновки. Результати проведеного місцевого обстеження (щелепно-лицевої ділянки) пацієнтів із ХГП та осіб із здоровими тканинами пародонта свідчать про наявність зв’язків дії місцевих хвороботворних факторів на розвиток хронічного генералізованого пародонтиту. Для ефективного лікування пацієнтів із ХГП та досягнення ремісії і довготривалої стабілізації запально-дистрофічного процесу в тканинах пародонта важливим є персоналізований підхід із урахуванням як місцевих, так і загальних хвороботворних факторів та індивідуальних особливостей організму

Application of nanotechnologies in treatment of inflammatory diseases of parodont

Порожнина рота є вологим середовищем організму, тому час контакту активних компонентів місцевої терапії із слизовою оболонкою порожнини рота обмежений. Це призводить до зниження ефективності лікарських засобів і зменшує можливості місцевої терапії. Однак, після нанесення NBF Gingival Gel new на поверхню ясен, утворюється нанобіоактивна захисна плівка, що забезпечує тривалу антиоксидантну дію, завдяки тому що біоактивні компоненти у наноформі швидко всмоктуються

Prospects of the «Beres plus» drops application for the generalized periodontitis treatment

Генералізований пародонтит це захворювання тканин пародонта, що характеризується прогресуючою деструкцією тканин періодонта та кістки, в патогенезі якого вирішальну роль відіграє мікробний фактор. Одним із недостатньо вивчених аспектів є вплив препаратів гомеостатичної та антибактеріальної дії на патогенну мікрофлору пародонтальних кишень хворих на генералізований пародонтит при їх місцевому застосуванні

GATA6-AS1 Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Mitochondrial Functions, and its Reduced Expression is Linked to Intestinal Inflammation and Less Favourable Disease Course in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Widespread dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs [lncRNAs] including a reduction in GATA6-AS1 was noted in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We previously reported a prominent inhibition of epithelial mitochondrial functions in ulcerative colitis [UC]. However, the connection between reduction of GATA6-AS1 expression and attenuated epithelial mitochondrial functions was not defined. METHODS: Mucosal transcriptomics was used to conform GATA6-AS1 reduction in several treatment-naïve independent human cohorts [n=673]. RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry was used to determine the GATA6-AS1 interactome. Metabolomics and mitochondrial respiration following GATA6-AS1 silencing in Caco-2 cells were used to elaborate on GATA6-AS1 functions. RESULTS: GATA6-AS1 showed predominant expression in gut epithelia using single cell datasets. GATA6-AS1 levels were reduced in Crohn\u27s disease [CD] ileum and UC rectum in independent cohorts. Reduced GATA6-AS1 lncRNA was further linked to a more severe UC form, and to a less favourable UC course. The GATA6-AS1 interactome showed robust enrichment for mitochondrial proteins, and included TGM2, an autoantigen in coeliac disease that is induced in UC, CD and coeliac disease, in contrast to GATA6-AS1 reduction in these cohorts. GATA6-AS1 silencing resulted in induction of TGM2, and this was coupled with a reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial respiration, as well as in a reduction of metabolites linked to aerobic respiration relevant to mucosal inflammation. TGM2 knockdown in GATA6-AS1-deficient cells rescued mitochondrial respiration. CONCLUSIONS: GATA6-AS1 levels are reduced in UC, CD and coeliac disease, and in more severe UC forms. We highlight GATA6-AS1 as a target regulating epithelial mitochondrial functions, potentially through controlling TGM2 levels

Prevalence and diagnostics aspects of akantolytic pemphigus in dentisn's practice

The article presents investigation of spreadness and clinic-morphologyc forms of pemphigus structure among the population of Poltava region and aspects of cytological diagnostics on the early stages of diseases. Objects and methods of investigation: analysis of medical carts of patients with acantolytic pemphigus, which had treatment on base of regional dermatologyc-venerologic dyspancery and person which came to department of therapeutic stomatology without diagnose are made. Patients had general clinical examination and cytology investigation. Morphological features of acantholytic cells are round or oval shape, size a smaller that in normal epithelial cells. This cells characterized of basophilic nucleus and cytoplasm, presence in nucleus of 2-3 big nucleolus and light-blue perinuclear area. Cytoplasm is unevenly painted. Along the periphery of the cell-thickening of color in the form of the intense blue of the rim - a zone of concentration of the dye. Our research shows that the acantholytic cells can form cells symplast that contain multiple cores. Methods of determining the acantholytic cells is relatively simple and minimally invasive, but not reliable. Since the primary stage at diagnosis and remission phase of the disease to determine the acantholytic cells are very difficult. Тhe phenomenon of acantholysis, degenerative changes plasmolemma and vacuolization of the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, which are an intermediate stage of degenerative changes in the formation of Tsank's cells. In particularly difficult clinical situations, recommend dynamic of three cytological observation and highly specific methods of using lektinogisto-chemistry

LFP and oscillations - what do they tell us?

This review surveys recent trends in the use of local field potentials—and their non-invasive counterparts—to address the principles of functional brain architectures. In particular, we treat oscillations as the (observable) signature of context-sensitive changes in synaptic efficacy that underlie coordinated dynamics and message-passing in the brain. This rich source of information is now being exploited by various procedures—like dynamic causal modelling—to test hypotheses about neuronal circuits in health and disease. Furthermore, the roles played by neuromodulatory mechanisms can be addressed directly through their effects on oscillatory phenomena. These neuromodulatory or gain control processes are central to many theories of normal brain function (e.g. attention) and the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric conditions (e.g. Parkinson's disease)