[Age estimation from pulp/tooth area ratio using digital panoramic radiography]

To estimate the age in forensic identification, when none of the methods is satisfactory, the teeth are used. The aim of the present study was to estimate the age from pulp/tooth area ratio [AR] by digital panoramic radiography in patients referred to a radiography clinic. In this diagnostic study, digital panoramic radiographs of 120 cases were assessed. The chronological age was calculated by subtracting the date of birth from the date of radiographs and the pulp/tooth AR was calculated with "AutoCad" software. Using the regression model, the age was estimated. In this study, the role of sex was also assessed. The mean difference between the chronological and estimated age was 0.11 years in male group. The correlation coefficient was -0,180 and the correlation between age and AR was not statistically significant [p=0.169]. The mean difference between the chronological and estimated age was 0.36 years in female group. Correlation coefficient was -0.336 and the correlation between age and AR was significant [p=0.004]. Negative correlation indicates that by advanced age, pulp/tooth AR decreases. According to the results of this study, AR alone cannot be used for age estimation alone, but it can be used as combined index with other indices for this purpose

[Acomparative study on the colonization of Salmonella enteritidis hilA mutant and its parent strains in laying hens]

BACKGROUND: Several regulatory proteins are involved in Salmonella invasion. The key regulator of SPI-1 [Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 ] is hilA, a transcriptional activator encoded on SPI-1 that regulates the expression of the SPI-1 secretion system

OBJECTIVES: Importance of hilA mutation on S. enteritidis colonization and shedding in layer hens was evaluated in a longterm experiment

METHODS:Two groups of layer hens were orally inoculated with 1010 CFU of hilA and parent strains of S. enteritidis, consequently. At days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 35 post-inoculation samples were taken from cloaca and different parts of digestive and reproduction systems of euthanized birds

RESULTS: In the birds infected with parent strain, the higher numbers of colonizing bacteria in the liver, spleen, caecum, small intestine and cloacavagina were observed. Fecal shedding in this group was also higher than the hilA group. However, no significant differences were observed for the colonization of bacteria in magnum, isthmus and infundibulum of both groups

Using PCR method, hilA gene was only detected in tissues of parent group hens

CONCLUSIONS:This study has shown that the hilA mutant is able to colonize in internal organs; an implication of this is the possibility that genes other than hilA, or at least other mechanisms, might be involved in the invasion of S. enteritidis to the internal organs of birds

[Synergistic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [50HZ] on limb bud development in balb/c mouse]

Vitamin A is involved in vertebrate morphogenesis, growth, cellular differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Vitamin A and its metabolites are essential for adequate embryo development. Electromagnetic fields [EMFs] have been used effectively to treat some diseases, such as certain musculoskeletal and chondrogenic disorders. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of EMFs and Vitamin A on limb bud development in Balb/C mice in vivo. The Balb/C mice were used as experimental model. After mating, the pregnant mice were divided randomly into 3 groups as control, sham and experimental groups. Control and experimental groups received a single dose injection of Vitamin A [15000IU/Kg] on 10.5[th] gestational day, interaperitonealy. In addition, animals in experimental group were exposed to EMFs [50 Hz /100 gauss, for 4[th] during three days]. The animals were killed on the 15.5[th] day of gestation and were submitted to caesarian section. The obtained fetuses were examined externally with an analyzed under a stereoscopic microscope and were photographed. Data were analyzed statistically by t-test and ANOVA and Ktuskal-Wallis. Morphological and histological examinations showed significant changes in limb buds as compared with sham exposed and control groups. In both fore and hind limb buds significant decrease obtained in proximo-distal [P-D] and anterior posterior [A-P] axes [P<0.05]. Chondrocytes counts revealed a significant delay in the development of chondrocytes in experimental groups as compared with sham exposed and control groups [P<0.05]. Synergistic effects of vitamin A and extremely low frequency electromagnetic field [50Hz] cause delay in development