Ab Values Research Articles

Effects of Disinfectants Used for COVID-19 Protection on the Color and Translucency of Acrylic Denture Teeth

Purpose: This study investigated the color and translucency changes of denture teeth after immersion in disinfectant solutions. Material and Methods: Ten denture teeth (Optostar/Heraeus Kulzer) were immersed in nine different solutions (ethanol 78%, 2-propanol 75%, NaOCl 1%, H2O2 0.5%, glutaraldehyde 2.6%, chlorhexidine 0.12%, povidone-iodine 1%, Listerine Naturals, distilled water) for 3 min to 180 min. L*, a* and b* values were measured before and after their immersion with a contact colorimeter (FRU-WR18/Shenzhen Wave Electronics) over a white and black background, and ΔΕ*ab, ΔΕ00, ΔΤPab and ΔTP00 differences were calculated from baseline measurements. Two-way rmANOVA was used to analyze the data for significant differences among solutions and immersion times at α = 0.05. Results: ΔΕ*ab and ΔΕ00 values were significantly different only across solutions (p < 0.001), with mean differences from 0.24 to 1.81 ΔΕ*ab or 0.12 to 0.93 in ΔΕ00 units. TPab or TP00 translucency parameters showed no significant differences among intervals or solutions (p > 0.050). The mean changes ranged from −0.43 to 0.36 ΔTPab units, and −0.22 to 0.27 in ΔTP00 units. Conclusions: Most of the solutions had no significant effect on the color of teeth compared to the water group. Chlorhexidine 0.12%, glutaraldehyde 2.6% and Listerine produced significant color changes, especially at 180 min. The translucency of teeth was not affected by the solutions, regardless of the type and immersion time.

Relationship between CTLA4, TNF-α and PTPN22 gene polymorphism and the serum levels of antithyroglobulin and antiperoxidase antibodies in autoimmune thyroiditis

<abstract> <p>Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) is a chronic inflammatory that involves hyperactivation of the immune system against the thyroid gland, recognizing it as "nonself”. The aim of this research was to identify the relationships between genetic polymorphism in <italic>CTLA4</italic>, <italic>TNF-α</italic> and <italic>PTPN22</italic> genes and the manifestation of AIT and levels of antithyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG Ab) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO Ab). The study was conducted during 2014–2020 and included 64 men and 106 women aged between 18 and 64 years with AIT. The control group consisted of 65 people (26 men, 39 women, aged between 20 and 65 years) without any thyroid pathologies or other autoimmune diseases. For molecular genetic analysis, real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used with fluorescently labeled FAM probes on a detection system CFX96 (BioRad). The results demonstrated that patients with the GG genotype and the G allele of the +49A/G polymorphism in the <italic>CTLA4</italic> gene have significantly higher titers of anti-TG Ab. High titers of anti-TG Ab were detected in 22.4% of patients with the GG genotype (p = 0.005, χ2 = 7.86, OR = 0.237, 95% CI = 0.088–0.635), and in 55.6% of patients with the G allele (p = 0.0012, χ2 = 10.43, OR = 0.360, 95%, СI = 0.192–0.674). At the same time, the A allele of the +49A/G polymorphism is significantly more common in patients with normal anti-TG Ab values—in 68.1% of individuals (p = 0.0012, χ2 = 10.43, OR= 2.78, 95%, CI = 1.484–5.207). The results of the study indicate the prognostic significance of the G allele and the GG genotype of the +49A/G polymorphism of the <italic>CTLA4</italic> gene predicting the probability of occurrence of anti-TG and anti-TPO antibodies.</p> </abstract>

Immunological Study in Pregnant Women Infect With Toxoplasma Gondii

Toxoplasmosis is an endemic infectious disease, very widely distributed in all parts of the world and called a disease of the five continents and depending on the geographical location since 15% to 85% of the human population asympmatically infected. The present study was carried out on total number one hundred and thirty three women suspected of having toxoplasmosis with and without abortion. The titers of serum immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG) of anti- Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the final diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. It was found that women with toxoplasmosis had higher levels of median values of IgM and IgG Abs of T.gondii that were 0.420 ± 0.035and 5.461 ± 0.39respectively, while women that did not have toxoplasmosis, had 0.381 and 0.8 respectively . Serum levels of IL-18 and IL-5 detected by ELISA were 87.01 ± 10.02pg/ml and 805.70 ± 122.30pg/ml respectively in women with toxoplasmosis , while in women that did not have toxoplasmosis the levels were 67.59 ± 10.21pg/ml and 126.62 ± 35.96pg/ml respectively

Low Peripheral B-Cell Counts in Patients With Systemic Rheumatic Diseases Due to Treatment With Belimumab and/or Rituximab Are Associated With Low Antibody Responses to Primary COVID-19 Vaccination.

Background: Immunosuppressive agents inhibit COVID-19 vaccine antibody (Ab) responses in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Rituximab may fully block Ab responses when B cells become undetected. The effect of detected but low number of B cells due to treatment with a B-cell agent (belimumab and/or rituximab) has not been established. Purpose: We sought to examine whether there is an association between a low number of B cells due to treatment with belimumab and/or rituximab and impaired primary COVID-19 vaccination spike Ab responses in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases. Methods: We retrospectively examined Ab responses to COVID-19 vaccinations, especially in relation to B-cell counts after treatment with belimumab and/or rituximab, in 58 patients with systemic rheumatic diseases: 22 on and 36 not on B-cell agents. We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests for comparison of Ab values between the groups and Fisher exact test for relative risk calculations. Results: Median (interquartile range) postvaccination Ab responses were lower in patients on versus those not on B-cell agents: 3.91 (0.77-20.00) versus 20.00 (14.32-20.00), respectively. Among patients on belimumab and/or rituximab, Ab responses of less than 25% of the assay's upper limit were exclusively observed in those with B-cell counts lower than 40/µL. Patients with B-cell counts lower than 40/µL exhibit a relative risk of 6.092 (95% CI: 2.75-14.24) for Ab responses of less than 25% of the upper limit compared with patients not on B-cell agents. This relative risk remained significant, even after excluding patients with undetected B cells. Conclusion: This retrospective study found an association between low B-cell counts (less than 40/µL) and decreased Ab responses to primary COVID-19 vaccination in patients with systemic rheumatic diseases treated with belimumab and/or rituximab. Despite the small number of patients studied, these findings add to the accumulating evidence on the importance of B-cell count in predicting spike Ab responses to COVID-19 vaccination.

Does Age Have a Role in Color and Whiteness Variations After Dehydration and Rehydration in Maxillary Anterior Teeth? An In Vivo Study.

To determine the influence of in vivo dehydration and rehydration on color and whiteness variations in maxillary anterior teeth of younger, middle-aged, and older individuals. The spectrophotometric shade of maxillary anterior teeth from younger (20 to 30 years, n=20), middle-aged (50 to 60 years, n=20) and older (65 to 80 years, n=20) participants were assessed at baseline and every 10 minutes for 30 minutes after rubber dam isolation (dehydration). The teeth were then allowed to rehydrate, and shade values were assessed every 10 minutes for 30 minutes, after 24 hours, and after 48 hours. Data were collected as International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L*a*b* color coordinates. Color differences (ΔE*ab) and whiteness differences (ΔWID) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey Honest Significant Difference test. The color and whiteness changes of maxillary anterior teeth in older individuals after dehydration for 30 minutes were significantly lower than that of younger and middle-aged individuals. In younger participants, after 10 minutes of dehydration, mean ΔE*ab values of maxillary anterior teeth were above the acceptability threshold (AT), while mean ΔWID values were above AT only in maxillary canines. In middle-aged participants, mean ΔE*ab values were above AT, and mean ΔWID values were above the perceptibility threshold (PT) and below AT after 10 minutes of dehydration. In older participants, mean ΔE*ab values were above PT and below AT at 20 minutes of dehydration, while mean ΔWID values were above PT at 10 minutes of dehydration, and both were above AT at 30 minutes of dehydration. The mean ΔE*ab values were above AT after 20 minutes of rehydration in younger and middle-aged participants, while they were below AT in older participants after 10 minutes of rehydration. Mean ΔWID values were below AT for older participants after 20 minutes of rehydration. All mean ΔWID values were below AT and above PT after 30 minutes of rehydration except central incisors of younger participants. After 24 hours of rehydration, mean ΔE*ab and mean ΔWID values of participants in all age groups were below AT. After 48 hours of rehydration, mean ΔE*ab and ΔWID values of participants in all age groups were below PT except mean ΔE*ab values of canines and mean ΔWID values of central incisors in younger participants. L*, a*, and b* values were significantly different between age groups at 30 minutes of dehydration and after 48 hours of rehydration (p<0.05). Color and whiteness changes due to dehydration were less pronounced in older participants. Dehydration for 10 minutes in most maxillary anterior teeth of younger and middle-aged participants led to perceptible and clinically unacceptable color and whiteness changes. Maxillary anterior teeth of older participants showed color and whiteness changes that were perceptible at 10 minutes of dehydration but clinically acceptable up to 30 minutes of dehydration. After 30 minutes of dehydration, a 10- and 20-minute rehydration was needed, respectively, for color and whiteness changes to be clinically acceptable in maxillary anterior teeth of older individuals, while a 30-minute rehydration was recommended for the middle aged group and for maxillary laterals and canines of the younger group. Color and whiteness changes in most maxillary anterior teeth were imperceptible only after 48 hours of rehydration.

Prognostic value of plasma Amyloid‐β 42/40 ratio in early and pre‐clinical AD

AbstractBackgroundIn 2021 Adacanumab, the first antibody that might potentially treat causal neuropathology associated to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), was approved by the FDA. However, early, most likely pre‐cognitive treatment is required raising a high need for early and low‐invasive diagnostic biomarker. Here, we present plasma Amyoid‐beta (Aβ) measurements in a large longitudinal observational study from the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE, DZNE‐Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (DELCODE) study).MethodPlasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 of 1049 baseline samples from the DELCODE cohort were measured in a semi‐automated fashion according to our recently published protocol. Aβ immunoprecipitation and Mesoscale immuno‐measurement were controlled for batch effects. All samples were well balanced and Mesoscale Aβ measurements were performed in two technical replicates on the same assay plate. 41 samples with a coefficient of variation &gt; 10% between the two technical replicates were re‐measured. Corresponding CSF and plasma Aβ measurements were available for 377 samples for further downstream analysis.ResultInterassay variability from a QC sample using 6 replicates was 8.3%, 8.0%, and 6.9% for Aβ40, Aβ42, and the Aβ42/40 ratio, respectively.CSF and plasma Aβ42 and Aβ42/40 ratio correlated with r=0.169 (p&lt;0.001) and r=0.466 (p&lt;0.0001), respectively. No correlation was observed for Aβ40. Plasma Aβ42/40 was able to distinguish samples from donors with a CSF Aβ42/40 ratio classified as pathological or normal with an AUC of 0.82. ApoE inclusion increased the AUC for plasma Aβ42/40 to 0.87 with a specificity of 0.73 and a sensitivity of 0.87.Importantly, plasma Aβ42/40 was not only able to differentiate participants with high vs. low CSF Aβ42/40 in general, but also predicted Aβ status in patients with milder or no cognitive impairments: in controls, the AUC for the plasma Aβ42/40 ratio was 0.78, in SCI 0.76, and in MCI 0.71. There was only one dementia case with a normal CSF Aβ profile, thus no further comparison could be performed for donors in dementia stage.ConclusionPlasma Aβ can differentiate CSF pathological vs normal AD patients. Further analysis including follow‐up data to identify the early predictive value of plasma Ab will be performed including neurocognitive measurements to include all plasma Aβ measurements.

The Effect of Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract on the Root Canal Dentin Discoloration

Root canal treatment aims to remove vital and necrotic tissue, microorganisms, and their products from the root canal. In this case, chemical endodontic irrigants such as NaOCl and Chlorhexidine (CHX) are required. Unfortunately, both have side effects. Twenty percent of C. longa rhizome extract may be a potential alternative due to its antibacterial activity and the ability to dissolve the smear layer. However, it contains curcumin, a colorant that can stain dentin. This study aims to evaluate the influence of 20% C. longa rhizome extract on root canal dentin discoloration. Thirty decoronated incisor root segments were prepared using the crown-down technique and divided into three groups (n=10). Each group was irrigated with a different solution. Twenty percent of C. longa rhizome extract was the treatment group, the combination of 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX was the positive control group, and distilled water was the negative control group. UV Vis 2401 PC spectrophotometer was utilized based on the dE*ab value to assess the discoloration on the root canal. The One Way ANOVA and Post Hoc Games Howell tests were employed to analyze the data. The highest discoloration value was revealed in the treatment group, and the least was in the negative control group, with a significant difference between the two. Furthermore, One-way ANOVA showed no significant differences between the treatment and positive control group (p0.05). C. Longa 20% extract had an effect on the discoloration of root canal dentin.

Fabrication and evaluation of a photocatalytic membrane based on Sb2O3/CBO composite for improvement of dye removal efficiency

Methylene blue (MB) and Acid Blue 25 (AB 25) dyes are organic substances that are potentially harmful to humans and the environment. In this study, a photocatalytic membrane was fabricated based on Sb2O3/CuBi2O4 (Sb2O3/CBO) composite for the degradation of MB and AB 25 dyes under visible light irradiation. At the first, several significant parameters such as pH (2, 5, 7, 9, and 11), initial dye concentration (10, 30, 50, 60, and 75 ppm), and photocatalyst dosage (0.005, 0.0075, 0.01, and 0.02 g) were optimized by using Sb2O3/CBO composite under visible illumination in a batch system. Moreover, various characteristics of the as-synthesized materials were analyzed by FESEM, FTIR, XRD, PL, and UV–Vis DRS. Additionally, the continuous experiments were conducted with a hybrid of several percentages of produced nanoparticles and Polyethersulfone membrane to maximize the process efficiency. Results show that an increase in pH and catalyst dosage had a positive influence on dye degradation. Furthermore, the photocatalytic decolorization of MB in an alkaline solution was higher than that of the acidic solution and vice versa for AB 25. The optimum initial concentration and photocatalyst dose for both dye solutions were determined to be 10 ppm and 0.01 g, respectively, whereas the optimal pH values for AB 25 and MB were 2 and 11. The highest photocatalytic dye removal efficiency (94.6 percent) was obtained under optimal conditions using a 10% Sb2O3/CBO photocatalyst in the presence of a membrane.

Effects of background color and thickness on the optical properties of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics

Statement of problemInformation regarding the masking ability of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture (CAD-CAM) resin-matrix ceramic materials with different compositions is scarce. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of background color and thickness on the optical properties (color and translucency) of CAD-CAM resin-matrix ceramics. Material and methodsTwelve rectangular specimens were fabricated at a different thickness (1, 1.5, and 2 mm) (n=12) from each of the resin-matrix ceramic materials: Shofu block (SB), Lava Ultimate (LU), CERASMART (CS), VITA ENAMIC (VE), Crystal Ultra (CU), and the VITABLOCS Mark II feldspathic ceramic (VB). The color of the specimens over amalgam, titanium, enamel, and dentin backgrounds was measured with a spectrophotometer, and the color differences (ΔE∗ab) were calculated by using the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) 76 formula. The difference in color of the specimen over the black and white backgrounds was used to calculate the translucency parameter (TP). ANOVA was used to statistically test whether material, background, and thicknesses influenced ΔE∗ab and TP values. Post hoc comparisons were performed to determine the significant difference among the groups (α=.05). ResultsThe interaction with 2 between factors demonstrated that the material was a factor that significantly influenced ΔE∗ab (P<.001). The highest mean ±standard deviation of ΔE∗ab was recorded in the combination of VB material and 2-mm thickness (1.84 ±0.37), and the lowest with CS material with 1.5-mm thickness (0.47 ±0.24). The type of material and specimen thickness significantly influenced TP (P<.001). The highest and lowest mean ±standard deviation of TP were recorded for the 1-mm-thick CS (14.20 ±0.90) and 2-mm-thick SB (4.91 ±0.42) specimens, respectively. ConclusionsCERASMART resin-matrix ceramic and VITABLOCS Mark II feldspathic ceramic exhibited high and low masking abilities over the investigated background substrates, respectively. However, irrespective of the thickness, all study materials exhibited acceptable masking abilities.

Spectro 1-A Potential Spectrophotometer for Measuring Color and Myoglobin Forms in Beef.

The objective of this study was to compare the Color Muse Spectro 1 sensor to the HunterLab MiniScan XE Plus spectrophotometer for evaluating beef color. Color coordinates (lightness (L*), redness (a*), yellowness (b*), chroma (C*), and hue (h*)), myoglobin redox forms (metmyoglobin (MMb), deoxymyoglobin (DMb), and oxymyoglobin (OMb)), and metmyoglobin reducing ability (MRA) were measured on beef steaks over a 5-days storage period. The results indicated that L*, b*, C*, MMb%, OMb%, and MRA% values obtained with Spectro 1 were comparable to those of MiniScan. However, Spectro 1 values for a* were overestimated compared to MiniScan (p < 0.05), whereas those for h* and DMb% were underestimated (p < 0.05). Regardless, Spectro 1 had the capability to detect changes in color coordinates, myoglobin forms, and MRA throughout the storage period. Bland–Altman plots demonstrated that L*, b*, and C* are interchangeable between the two instruments, but it was not the case for a*, h*, myoglobin forms, and MRA. Color coordinates measured by Spectro 1 exhibited excellent stability over time, evidenced by the low total color difference (ΔE*ab) values. Collectively, these findings indicate that Spectro 1 is a potential alternative spectrophotometer for studying meat color and myoglobin redox forms.

Using Nix color sensor and Munsell soil color variables to classify contrasting soil types and predict soil organic carbon in Eastern India

Optimal soil management depends on rapid and frequent monitoring of key soil properties, which are conventionally measured in the laboratory using laborious wet-chemistry protocols. The Nix color sensor has recently exhibited promise for predicting several soil properties using soil color. This study evaluated the relationship between the Munsell Soil Color Chart (MSCC) color values of dry and ground surface soil samples to those reported by the Nix color sensor with (NixSTD) and without MSCC standardization (NixNON-STD) to classify 371 samples collected from three contrasting soil types, collected from three agro-climatic zones (coastal saline zone, red and laterite zone, and Gangetic alluvial zone) and to predict soil organic carbon (OC) using different multivariate data mining algorithms. Comparing the CIEL*a*b* color values reported by the MSCC and the NixSTD, an acceptable mean color difference (ΔE*ab) value of 5.20 was obtained, indicating the potential accuracy of the Nix sensor. Principal component analysis efficiently clustered the soil types using the RGB variables extracted from the MSCC color chips in tandem with the NixSTD/NixNON-STD data. Both classification tree and linear support vector machine algorithms perfectly classified all three contrasting soil types using NixNON-STD data alone. Besides, the combination of the MSCC and the NixNON-STD datasets produced the best OC prediction (R2 = 0.66) via random forest (RF) algorithm and indicated the potential of Nix in digital soil morphometrics. In most of the RF models, redness (a*), yellowness (b*), and yellow (Y) variables appeared influential, presumably because of their negative correlation with OC in red and laterite soils. More research is warranted to measure the impacts of variable soil moisture and other confounding soil morphological features on the soil classification and OC prediction performance to extend the approach for classifying soil types and predicting OC in-situ.

Diagnostic value of anti-rituximab Ab in Iraqi patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Patients who receive monoclonal antibodies are at risk of producing anti-drug antibodies (mAbs). Rituximab, a chimeric anti-CD20 mAb, is used to treat CD20-positive B-cell malignancies and autoimmune illnesses such chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Thirty patients were grouped according to the first diagnosis, the staging of the CLL, follow-up examinations to measure their exposure to Rituximab after 3-6 months of treatment, and to the excluding criteria another Thirty healthy volunteers age and gender-matched were utilized as a control group.The mean age between study and control groups was (61.0 ± 10.7 vs. 59.8 ± 9.7 years); Stage II was the most common type of CLL (53.3%) followed by III (35%) and stage IV (10%) in the control group. The male to female ratio was 2:1 in both groups, with no significant differences between the two.There was no significant difference between control and CLL in ARA levels, (0.050 vs. 0.053, p-value = 0.525) at the begging of the study.Median Rituximab antibodies (ARA) did not change significantly from baseline to the end of the study in CLL patients (0.053 to 0.055, p-value = 0.551).

The ϕ meson production from small to large systems of ion collisions at and 193 GeV

The measurement of ϕ meson production is a unique tool to explore the characteristics of the quark-gluon plasma. The ϕ meson has a small interaction cross section therefore its yields and elliptic flow are good probes of the quark-gluon plasma properties. The ϕ meson production can be sensitive to the strangeness enhancement effect and can provide information about the flavor dependence of energy loss and elliptic flow. Measurements in different nucleus-nucleus collisions allow us to perform a systematic investigation of the nuclear matter effects, system size and geometry influence on ϕ meson production. The PHENIX experiment has measured transverse momentum spectra, nuclear modification factors R AB , and elliptic anisotropy parameter v 2 for ϕ mesons in p+Al, p/d/3 He/Cu+Au collisions at and in U + U collisions at at midrapidity (∣η∣ < 0.35). The obtained results exhibit scaling of v 2 for ϕ mesons with eccentricity of participant nucleons (collision geometry), whereas the ϕ R AB values depend on the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions (system size). The comparison of experimental data on the ϕ meson to various model calculations (AMPT, iEBE-VISHNU and PYTHIA/Angantyr) suggests the importance of viscous hydrodynamics and the coalescence mechanism in describing the properties and hadronization of the QGP.

Assessment of cleaning techniques and its effectiveness for controlling biodeterioration fungi on wall paintings of Maijishan Grottoes

Biodeterioration is one of the main challenges in conservation of cultural heritage. This study tested and evaluated non-destructive methods to clean and control the microbial mycelia grown on the surface of wall paintings at the World Cultural Heritage Site of Maijishan Grottoes in China. Culture-dependent methods were used for isolation of fungi prior to identification by ITS rRNA gene sequences. The mycelia grown on the surface of wall paintings were removed with soft brushes under a negative pressure provided by a modified vacuum pump, and the pre-screened biocides were then selected and applied. Using a portable microscope, a microbial ATP bioluminescence detector, and a colorimeter, the effectiveness of cleaning and controlling against fungal mycelia on the wall paintings was evaluated. The results showed that the fungal isolates were dominated by Arachnomyces spp. with 92.28% sequence identity. Other major culturable fungal isolates were Parengyodontium album, Beauveria bassiana, and Scopulariopsis brumptii. The microscopic examination indicated the surface of the wall paintings was nearly free of visible fungal mycelia after the manual removal. There was a significant reduction of ATP bioluminescence before (43,303 ± 10, 280 RLU/cm2) and after (2,833 ± 388, RLU/cm2) the mechanical removal. The color difference (ΔE∗ab value) were less than 2.0 before and after biocide treatment, such difference could almost be ignored. Additionally, octylisothiazolinone was found to be the most efficient biocide for controlling fungal growth and could be an emergency protection measure. Furthermore, the key environmental factors that triggered periodic breakouts of the microorganisms on wall paintings were long-term higher relative humidity at the interface of earthen plaster layer and supporting sandstone during raining seasons and poor ventilation of the cave. This study provides a reference for the scientific conservation of biodeteriorated ancient wall paintings.

Two rapid SARS-CoV-2 disposable devices for semi-quantitative S-RBD antibody levels determination compared with CLIA and ELISA assays at different protective thresholds

Background and aimsPerformance of two disposable devices for identifying subjects with low anti-SARS-CoV-2 protection was compared with that of automated enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) and chemiluminescent (CLIA) assay. Materials and MethodsIn July 2021, 123 healthcare workers (HCW), twice vaccinated by BNT162b2/Comirnaty mRNA (BioNTech-Pfizer), underwent Ab iRapid COVID-19 Quant “Neutralizing” Self-test (iRapid Self-test) and “Neutralizing” Professional-use (iRapid pro) (DIESSE, Diagnostica Senese, Siena, Italy). Simultaneously, serum Ab were determined by Maglumi 2000 plus (anti S-RBD CLIA assay, Snibe Diagnostics, Shenzhen, China) and SARS-CoV-2 “Neutralizing” Ab Chorus ELISA (DIESSE, Siena, Italy). Results were evaluated against two “protective-thresholds”, 90 kBAU/L and 506 kBAU/L. ResultsHCW mean age, 46.2 (±12.6) years; 26 (20.5%), males, 101 (79.5%), females. The mean time interval (and standard deviation) between the first vaccine dose and Ab determination was 129.5 (±36.4) days and was neither gender (p = 0.879) nor age (p = 0.341) related. With Maglumi, 114 (89.7%) and 43 (33.8%) HCW presented Ab ≥ 90 kBAU/L and Ab ≥ 506 kBAU/L, respectively; with Chorus, 96 (75.6%) presented Ab values ≥506 kBAU/L. CLIA and ELISA agreement was 56.7%. At 90 kBAU/L, iRapid self-test and Pro sensitivities were 98.2% (95% CI: 92.7–99.8), specificity 69.2% (95% CI: 38.6–90.9%) and 76.9% (46.2–95%), respectively. At 506 kBAU/L, iRapid sensitivities were 58.1–91.6%, and specificities, 89–96.6%. On evaluating Ab at <4 and ≥4 months, protective titers had decreased. ConclusionsiRapid semi-quantitative devices had very good overall agreements of 95.1% and 95.9% for detecting individuals with low anti-SARS-CoV-2 protection.

Effect of aging on color stability and bond strength of dual-cured resin cement with amine or amine-free self-initiators.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aging on the color stability and bond strengths of dual-cured resin cements containing amine or amine-free self-initiators. Three dual-cured and one light-cured resin cements were used. The covered (by lithium disilicate ceramic disks) and uncovered groups (n=10) were included. Color measurements were tested after 24 h, 10,000 and 20,000 thermal cycles (TCs). Micro-shear bond strengths (µSBS) were tested after 24 h, 10,000 and 20,000 TCs, and failure modes were analyzed (n=14). Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test were implemented for color difference (ΔE*ab) and µSBS (α=0.05). The mean ΔE*ab difference was significant among groups (p<0.001). The lowest ΔE*ab values were obtained for dual-cured resin cement with amine-free self-initiators dual-cured cement after aging in all dual-cured resin cements, and the µSBS of the dual-cured resin cements on ceramic was significantly higher than that of the light-cured ones after aging (p<0.001).

Effects of genotype and age on eggshell cuticle coverage and color profile in modern laying hen strains

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of laying hen genotype and age on eggshell cuticle deposition. A total of 4,320 brown eggs were obtained from 3 modern hen strains (A, B, and C), currently used worldwide for commercial egg production, at different intervals of age (20–30, 40–50, and 60–70 wk). Four samplings of 120 randomly collected eggs were carried out for each genotype/interval of age. Eggs were individually weighed and cuticle blue staining was used to assess quality and degree of cuticle coverage. On each egg, the eggshell color profile was assessed before and after staining using the CIE L*a*b* system and these values were used to calculate ΔE*ab. A 4-point scale visual score (VS) system was also applied to estimate the degree of cuticle coverage after staining (0 = no coverage, 1 = partial coverage, 2 = total coverage - low degree, 3 = total coverage - high degree). The effects of genotype and age and their interaction on eggshell color attributes were assessed by means of factorial ANOVA, while omnibus Chi-Square and Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detector algorithm were applied for the analysis of VS data. Overall, both genotype and age affected the eggshell color profile as well as the degree of cuticle coverage. Hen strain A showed better cuticle deposition in comparison with B and particularly C one, being ΔE*ab values significantly higher. The VS evaluation revealed that eggs with impaired cuticle coverage degree increased with the hen age (23, 34, and 37%, respectively for 20–30, 40–50, and 60–70 wk; P < 0.05). However, a significant interaction between genotype and age was observed: transition from early to late hen age resulted in a significantly different pattern of ΔE*ab changes in each genotype. The classification tree analysis confirmed that the hen genotype has a greater effect than the age on cuticle deposition. In conclusion, considering the importance of the cuticle in table egg production, these results highlight the crucial role exerted by the genotype on eggshell cuticle coverage.

The Oligocene Avaj volcanic – plutonic complex of Central Iran: A record of magma evolution and mineral equilibria

• High-An plagioclase feldspar cores formed during early stage of evolution of the primary magma . • Mineral-melt equilibrium conditions are determined in clinopyroxenes and plagioclase cores. • Zoning in plagioclase and smooth CSD patterns invoke an unsteady-state magma system. • Parental mafic magmas were hydrous and contained <4 wt% H 2 O. • The residence time of plutonic and volcanic magmas was 117 and 13 years, respectively. The Avaj Oligocene volcanic – plutonic complex is part of extensive Cenozoic magmatic activity within the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc of Iran. We use whole rock geochemistry, mineral compositions and crystal size distributions (CSD) in a suite of co-genetic basalt, basaltic andesite and gabbro to determine their petrogenesis. Ca-rich cores in plagioclase (An 79-86 ) overlap empirically modelled compositions, indicating equilibrium crystallization from melts represented by the whole-rock compositions. Clinopyroxene compositions (Mg# 74–80) are compatible with mildly fractionated mantle-derived magmas in an arc setting. Mineral-melt equilibrium is inferred from high Al contents and close correspondence between the measured DiHd and predicted Kd Fe–Mg (0.23–0.32) in clinopyroxenes, and Kd (Plg/melt) (An–Ab) values of plagioclase cores (0.11–0.15). Clinopyroxene-melt thermometers indicate crystallization at 1119–1173 °C for volcanic and 1099–1134 °C for plutonic rocks. Plagioclase crystal core saturation temperatures range from 1088–1162 °C (volcanic) and 1121–1163 °C (plutonic); these values overlap calculated mineral-melt equilibrium temperatures. Plagioclase CSDs are nearly straight for both volcanic and plutonic samples, with higher nucleation density and steeper slopes for the plutonic samples. Major element variations suggest the Avaj rocks represent co-genetic magmas related by fractional crystallization of the observed mineral phases. We suggest minor crustal assimilation occurred during ascent from a deeper reservoir to a shallower one; CSD data indicate longer magma residence time for plagioclase in the plutonic samples (∼117 years) compared to the residence time of basaltic samples (∼13 years).

P53 Antibodies as a Diagnostic Marker for Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Importance: The protein p53 is an unequivocal tumor suppressor that is altered in half of all cancers. The immune system produces systemic p53 autoantibodies (p53 Abs) in many cancer patients. Objective: This systemic review and meta-analysis focuses on the prognostic value of p53 Abs expressed in the serum of patients with solid tumors. Data Sources: All the clinical investigations were searched on PubMed from the first study dated 1993 until May 2021 (date of submission of the manuscript). Study Selection: Studies were included that met the following criteria: (1) participants with cancer; (2) outcome results expressed in relation to the presence of a p53 antibody; (3) a primary outcome (disease-free survival, overall survival or progression-free survival) expressed as hazard ratio (HR). The following exclusion criteria were used: (1) insufficient data available to evaluate outcomes; (2) animal studies; (3) studies with less than 10 participants. As a result, 12 studies were included in the analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis: PRISMA guidelines were used for abstracting and assessing data quality and validity by three independent observers. The summary estimates were generated using a fixed-effect model (Mantel–Haenszel method) or a random-effect model (DerSimonian–Laird method), depending on the absence or presence of heterogeneity (I2). Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary study outcome was to determine the prognostic value of p53 Abs from a large population of patients with solid tumors, as determined before data collection. Results: In total, 12 clinical studies involving 2094 patients were included in the meta-analysis, and it was determined that p53 Abs expression in the serum significantly correlated with poorer survival outcomes of cancer patients (95% CI 1.48 [1.24, 1.77]; p < 0.00001). Conclusions and Relevance: This is the first meta-analysis proving the diagnostic utility of p53-Abs for cancer patients in predicting poorer outcomes. The serum-p53 value (s-p53-value) may be useful for future theranostics.

Assessment of coverage error for two common commercial dental shade guides using a spectrophotometric method

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the coverage error and the coverage error percentage for two common commercial dental shade guides named VITA classical A1‐D4 shade guide and VITA Toothguide 3D‐MASTER. Totally, 197 dental students with intact maxillary anterior teeth were randomly selected to participate in the study. CIELAB values of the teeth were measured with a spectrophotometer. The teeth matched shades were selected by using the spectrophotometer. ∆E00 and ∆E*ab color differences between the matched shades and the teeth shades were calculated. The mean ∆E00 and ∆E*ab values represented the coverage errors for the shade guides. The coverage error values were compared with the thresholds for perceptibility and acceptability using 1‐sample t test (α = 0.05). To calculate the coverage error percentages for the shade guides, a color matching error for the shade guides was considered when the color difference value was greater than the thresholds. For VITA classical shade guide, the coverage error was 3.0 ± 1.2 (∆E00) and 3.3 ± 1.3(∆E*ab) while the coverage error percentages ranged between 63.6% and 99.4%. For VITA 3D‐MASTER guide, the coverage error was 2.5 ± 1.3 (∆E00) and 2.9 ± 1.5 (∆E*ab) while the coverage error percentages ranged between 44.5% and 96.9%. Overall, the teeth were more reddish than their matched shades of the shade guides. Using these shade guides may cause inaccurate shade determination in the population studied due to their high coverage error and coverage error percentage values.