Evaluation of the accuracy of automated tooth segmentation of intraoral scans using artificial intelligence-based software packages.

INTRODUCTION: The accuracy of tooth segmentation in intraoral scans is crucial for performing virtual setups and appliance fabrication. Hence, the objective of this study was to estimate and compare the accuracy of automated tooth segmentation generated by the artificial intelligence of dentOne software (DIORCO Co, Ltd, Yongin, South Korea) and Medit Ortho Simulation software (Medit Corp, Seoul, South Korea). METHODS: Twelve maxillary and mandibular pretreatment dental scan sets comprising 286 teeth were collected for this investigation from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. The scans were imported as standard tessellation language files into both dentOne and Medit Ortho Simulation software. Automatic segmentation was run on each software. The number of successfully segmented teeth vs failed segmentations was recorded to determine the success rate of automated segmentation of each program. Evaluation of success and/or failure was based on the software's identification of the teeth and the quality of the segmentation. The mesiodistal tooth width measurements after segmentation using both tested software programs were compared with those measured on the unsegmented scan using Meshmixer software (Autodesk, San Rafael, Calif). The unsegmented scans served as the reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 288 teeth were examined. Successful identification rates were 99% and 98.3% for Medit and dentOne, respectively. Success rates of segmenting the lingual surfaces of incisors were significantly higher in Medit than in dentOne (93.7% vs 66.7%, respectively; P <0.001). DentOne overestimated the mesiodistal width of canines (0.11 mm, P = 0.032), premolars (0.22 mm, P < 0.001), and molars (0.14 mm, P = 0.043) compared with the reference standard, whereas Medit overestimated the mesiodistal width of premolars only (0.13 mm, P = 0.006). Bland-Altman plots showed that mesiodistal tooth width agreement limits exceeded 0.2 mm between each software and the reference standard. CONCLUSIONS: Both artificial intelligence-segmentation software demonstrated acceptable accuracy in tooth segmentation. There is a need for improvement in segmenting incisor lingual tooth surfaces in dentOne. Both software programs tended to overestimate the mesiodistal widths of segmented teeth, particularly the premolars. Artificial intelligence-segmentation needs to be manually adjusted by the operator to ensure accuracy. However, this still does not solve the problem of proximal surface reconstruction by the software.

Impact of Nanoparticle Addition on the Surface and Color Properties of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Polymer-Based Provisional Restorations.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of additives such as ZrO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles (ZrO2NP or SiO2NP) on the hardness, surface roughness, and color stability of 3D printed provisional restorations. Two hundred samples in total were printed using 3D printed resins (ASIGA, and NextDent). Each resin was modified with ZrO2NPs or SiO2NPs in two different concentrations (0.5 wt% and 1 wt%), while one group was kept unmodified (n = 10). Disc-shaped (15 × 2.5 mm) samples were designed and printed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation. Printed discs were evaluated for color changes through parameters CIELAB 2000 system (ΔE00), hardness using Vickers hardness test, and surface roughness (Ra) using a noncontact profilometer. After calculating the means and standard deviations, a three-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test were performed at α = 0.05. The addition of ZrO2NPs or SiO2NPs to ASIGA and NextDent resins significantly increased the hardness at a given level of concentration (0.5% or 1%) in comparison with pure (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two modified groups per resin type (p > 0.05). The highest hardness value was detected in 1% ZrO2NPs with 29.67 ± 2.3. The addition of ZrO2NPs or SiO2NPs had no effect on the Ra (p > 0.05), with 1% ZrO2NPs showing the highest value 0.36 ± 0.04 µm with NextDent resin. ZrO2NPs induced higher color changes (∆E00), ranging from 4.1 to 5.8, while SiO2NPs showed lower values, ranging from 1.01 to 1.85, and the highest mean ∆E00 was observed in the 1% ZrO2NPs group and NextDent resin. The incorporation of ZrO2NPs and SiO2NPs in 3D printed provisional resins increased the hardness without affecting the surface roughness. The optical parameters were significantly affected by ZrO2NPs and less adversely affected by SiO2NPs. Consequently, care must be taken to choose a concentration that will improve the materials' mechanical performance without detracting from their esthetic value.

A retrospective study evaluating the influence of Class III correction appliances on the sagittal pharyngeal airway dimension.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Class III correction appliances including the Facemask (FM), and the new non-compliance fixed functional appliances such as the Reversed Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device (FRD), as well as the CS-2000 (CS), on the sagittal pharyngeal airway dimension (SPAD). Pre-treatment and post-treatment lateral cephalograms of 45 patients who underwent Class III appliance treatment, using either FM, Reversed FRD, or CS were collected from the files of treated patients. SPAD changes were evaluated in each group, and comparisons were conducted between the three study groups. Additionally, sagittal and vertical skeletal measurements were conducted. The FM, the Reversed FRD, and the CS, were found to generate a significant increase in the SPAD, with the Reversed FRD contributing to the most significant change at the OPAA (116.80 ± 26.36 mm2). All three appliances elicited significant antero-posterior changes in the SNA°, SNB°, and ANB°, also with the greatest intermaxillary change documented with the employment of the Reversed FRD (ANB° = 3.33 ± 0.82°). As for the vertical dimension, the FM, the Reversed FRD, and the CS elicited significant FMA° increases, with the greatest change attributed to the FM (FMA° = 2.32 ± 0.97°). Therefore, the three tested Class III corrective appliances generated significant SPAD, antero-posterior, and vertical changes. However, the Revered FRD showed a superior impact in increasing the SPAD at the OPAA level and in eliciting significant intermaxillary changes.

Flexural strength of 3D-printed nanocomposite provisional resins: Impact of SiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles and printing orientations in vitro.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the influence of zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) addition and printing orientation on the flexural strength (FS) of provisional three-dimensional (3D) printing resins undergoing thermal cycling (TC). METHODS: Three dimensional-printed resin (NextDent C&B MFH) was used to fabricate 300 bar-shaped specimens (25 × 2 × 2 mm3 ). The ZrO2 NPs and SiO2 NPs specimens were divided into two groups, then subdivided into three groups, based on the nanoparticle concentration (i.e., 0 wt% (original group), 0.5 wt%, and 1 wt%). Each concentration was printed in three printing orientations (0°, 45°, and 90°). The printed specimens were exposed to 5000 cycles of TC, followed by a three-point bending test to assess the FS. Fracture surface analysis was conducted by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). For data analysis, ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc were utilized (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Compared to the original material, the addition of ZrO2 NPs and SiO2 NPs had a significantly positive impact on the FS, (P > 0.001). After TC, the FS of the original group decreased significantly and had the lowest value. The highest FS value was observed in 1% ZrO2 NPs at 0°. Regardless of the nanoparticle concentration, the 0° orientation consistently showed a higher FS, compared to the 45° and 90° orientations. At all orientations (i.e., 0°, 45°, and 90°), the FS significantly increased with the addition of NPs, compared with that of the original material (P > 0.001). TC had a significantly negative effect on the FS of the unmodified groups. However, no significant differences existed in FS among the modified groups after TC. CONCLUSION: The addition of SiO2 NPs and ZrO2 NPs increased the FS of the 3D-printed provisional resin. Regardless of the nanoparticle concentration, the 0° orientation had the higher FS. TC had an effect on the original resin, whereas it had no significant effect on the nanoparticle-modified resins. In clinical practice, 3D-printed provisional nanocomposite resins printed at the 0° orientation could be recommended for long-term dental provisional restorations.

The influence of two photobiomodulation protocols on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (a randomized controlled clinical trial).

BACKGROUND: Controversial results have been reported regarding the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two PBM protocols, one of them requiring a high application frequency (on days 0, 3, 7, 14, then every 2 weeks), while the second requires less frequent applications (every 3 weeks), on OIIRR accompanying orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Twenty female patients were recruited for this randomized controlled trial, requiring the therapeutic extraction of maxillary first premolars, and they were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. In Group A, one side of the maxillary arch randomly received PBM on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and every 2 weeks thereafter, while in Group B, one side was randomly chosen to receive PBM every 3 weeks. The laser applied was a Diode laser with a wavelength of 980 nm, in a continuous mode. Canine retraction in both groups was carried out using closed-coil springs, delivering 150 g of force, and the force level was checked every 3 weeks, over a 12-week study period. Pre-retraction and post-retraction cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was done for the evaluation of OIIRR. RESULTS: No significant differences in the amount of OIIRR have been reported between the laser and control sides in both groups A and B. Also, no significant differences have been reported between the laser sides in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation does not affect OIIRR, whether by increasing or decreasing its occurrence, with both laser application protocols. Therefore, it can be stated that PBM does not result in root resorption less than the commonly observed range elicited with conventional orthodontic treatment, and that it has no effect on OIIRR. Trial registration Two Low-level Laser Irradiation Protocols on the Rate of Canine Retraction (NCT04926389), 15/06/2021-retrospectively registered. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04926389 .

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effect of two low-level laser irradiation protocols on the rate of canine retraction.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the canine retraction rate with two low-level laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation protocols, involving both a high and a low application frequency. Twenty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. In Group A, one side of the maxillary arch randomly received LLLT on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and every 2 weeks thereafter, whereas in Group B, one side received LLLT every 3 weeks. Tooth movement was checked every three weeks since the onset of canine retraction, over the 12-week study period. Moreover, Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) levels in the gingival crevicular fluid were assessed. Results revealed a significant increase in the canine retraction rate on the laser sides of groups A and B, in comparison with the control sides (p < 0.05), with no significant differences reported between the laser sides in both groups (p = 0.08-0.55). Also, IL-1ß levels were significantly higher on the laser sides of both groups, in comparison with the control sides (p < 0.05). Therefore, LLLT can effectively accelerate tooth movement, with both frequent and less frequent applications, which is attributed to an enhanced biological response as reflected by the elevated IL-1ß levels on the compression sides.

Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of Starch Extracted from Pearl millet seeds grown in Sudan as a Pharmaceutical Excipient against Maize and Potato Starch, using Paracetamol as a model drug.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to compare the physicochemical and disintegrant properties of pearl millet starch with other starches using paracetamol as model drug. METHODOLOGY: Determination of percentage yield, Physicochemical, micrometrics characteristics of starch/granules, drug excipients compatibility studies and evaluation of prepared paracetamol tablets were measured using official techniques. RESULTS: The yield of the millet starch ranged from 30 to 40%. Moisture content 8.77%, pH 5.7, Swelling capacity 1.2, Hydration capacity 1.748, Moisture uptake 11.8%, Amylose 24.6%, with poor flowability and compressibility. No significant difference in hardness, friability% & disintegration times for formulations containing millet starch to that containing potato and maize starch (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: From the study, Millet seeds locally cultivated in Sudan gave a high yield of starch, has same physicochemical properties as maize and potato starch so can be used as an alternative to those starches.

Maxillary Midline diastema closure after replacement of primary teeth with implant prosthesis.

This case shows an excellent esthetic treatment outcome using implant-retained crowns replacing maxillary laterals and canines in hypodontia patient with unusual incidence of spontaneous diastema closure after the placement of implants. To our knowledge, this is the first case report showing maxillary midline diastema closure after implant placement.

Thrombin generation assay identifies individual variability in responses to low molecular weight heparin in pregnancy: implications for anticoagulant monitoring.

Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) given to inhibit coagulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis, is typically monitored by anti-Xa assay. However, anti-Xa levels may not necessarily provide an accurate measure of coagulation inhibition. Moreover, pregnancy is associated with hypercoagulability, which may compromise the efficacy of LMWH. We looked at the association between anti-Xa levels and parameters of thrombin generation assay [TGA; area under the curve (AUC), peak height (PH) and time to peak (ttP)] using samples from 41 pregnant women receiving LMWH and 40 normal pregnant women controls. TGA results confirmed the physiological hypercoagulability of normal pregnancy (mean normalised values: AUC 119%; PH 157%; ttP 72%). Although anti-Xa measures correlated with all three TGA parameters, this group correlation masked significant inter-individual variability, demonstrated by the R(2) value or coefficient of determination. Anti-Xa levels contributed to 74% of variation in AUC values, 63% of variation in PH values and only 53% of variation in ttP values. The remainder reflects the contribution of patients' intrinsic coagulation status. Hence, some patients with 'safe' anti-Xa levels may potentially be under-anticoagulated, particularly in pregnancy. Measuring coagulability directly with TGA may lower the risk of adverse events due to under-anticoagulation in selected patients.

Runx2 regulates endochondral ossification through control of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.

Synthesis of cartilage by chondrocytes is an obligatory step for endochondral ossification. Global deletion of the Runx2 gene results in complete failure of the ossification process, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully known. Here, we elucidated Runx2 regulatory control distinctive to chondrocyte and cartilage tissue by generating Runx2 exon 8 floxed mice. Deletion of Runx2 gene in chondrocytes caused failure of endochondral ossification and lethality at birth. The limbs of Runx2(ΔE8/ΔE8) mice were devoid of mature chondrocytes, vasculature, and marrow. We demonstrate that the C-terminus of Runx2 drives its biological activity. Importantly, nuclear import and DNA binding functions of Runx2 are insufficient for chondrogenesis. Molecular studies revealed that despite normal levels of Sox9 and PTHrP, chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage growth are disrupted in Runx2(ΔE8/ΔE8) mice. Loss of Runx2 in chondrocytes also impaired osteoprotegerin-receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (OPG-RANKL) signaling and chondroclast development. Dwarfism observed in Runx2 mutants was associated with the near absence of proliferative zone in the growth plates. Finally, we show Runx2 directly regulates a unique set of cell cycle genes, Gpr132, Sfn, c-Myb, and Cyclin A1, to control proliferative capacity of chondrocyte. Thus, Runx2 is obligatory for both proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes.

Genetic associations with neonatal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels.

BACKGROUND: Elevations or deficits in thyroid hormone levels are responsible for a wide range of neonatal and adult phenotypes. Several genome-wide, candidate gene, and meta-analysis studies have examined thyroid hormones in adults; however, to our knowledge, no genetic association studies have been performed with neonatal thyroid levels. METHODS: A population of Iowa neonates, term (n = 827) and preterm (n = 815), were genotyped for 45 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values were obtained from the Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program. ANOVA was performed to identify genetic associations with TSH concentrations. RESULTS: The strongest association was rs4704397 in the PDE8B gene (P = 1.3 × 10(-4)), followed by rs965513 (P = 6.4 × 10(-4)) on chromosome 9 upstream of the FOXE1 gene. Both of these SNPs met statistical significance after correction for multiple testing. Six other SNPs were marginally significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated for the first time two genetic associations with neonatal TSH levels that replicate findings with adult TSH levels. These SNPs should be considered early predictors of risk for adult diseases and conditions associated with thyroid hormone levels. Furthermore, this study provides a better understanding of the thyroid profile and potential risk for thyroid disorders in newborns.

Molecular Cytogenetic Study of the NF2 Gene Deletion in Meningioma in Sudanese Patients.

Meningioma is the second most common adult central nervous system tumor. Mutations and/or deletions within the tumor suppressor gene neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) are associated with meningioma development and progression. We studied 29 meningioma samples by cytogenetic analysis and interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) using a locus-specific probe for the NF2 gene region. We detected loss of the NF2 gene in all samples except for one. In 10 of the 29 samples, karyotypic analyses confirmed the I-FISH results and revealed additional numerical and/or structural rearrangements in nine of them. Our study confirmed: i) the limited role of banding cytogenetics in assessing chromosomal rearrangements in meningioma, as this tumor is hard to be grown in cell culture; ii) we could show that two-color I-FISH is well-suited for NF2-deletion screening. Our results were in accordance with those of comparable studies, even though the frequency of 97.0% of meningiomas with NF2 deletions is exceptionally high in the studied Sudanese patients.

Chondrocyte-specific regulatory activity of Runx2 is essential for survival and skeletal development.

Coordinated activities of multiple mesenchymal cell types contribute to the development of the mammalian skeleton formed through endochondral ossification. Synthesis of a cartilage template by chondrocytes is an obligatory step for the generation of skeletal elements during endochondral ossification. Gene ablation studies have established that Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for bone formation and the differentiation of skeletal cells. However, global gene deletion has failed to discern the tissue- and cell type-specific roles of Runx2. We generated floxed mice to elucidate the Runx2 regulatory control distinctive to cartilage tissue during bone development. Exon 8 of the Runx2 gene was selectively deleted in developing chondrocytes by utilizing Col2a-Cre mice. Cell- and tissue-specific gene recombination was confirmed by ß-gal activity in R26R mice. The chondrocyte-specific loss of Runx2 caused failure of endochondral ossification, impaired craniofacial development, dwarfism, and perinatal lethality. Radiographic imaging and histochemical approaches were used to characterize the skeletal phenotype. We conclude that regulatory control of Runx2 in chondrocytes is essential for endochondral ossification, and it is independent of the role of Runx2 in osteoblasts.

Runx2 regulates the gene network associated with insulin signaling and energy homeostasis.

Glucose intolerance seen in metabolic disorders, such as type II diabetes, is commonly associated with improper execution of the insulin signaling pathway, as well as an imbalance of bone and fat tissues, such that a gain in adipose tissue occurs at the expense of bone loss. Fat-producing adipocytes and bone-forming osteoblasts stem from a common mesenchymal progenitor cell. Runx2 positively regulates the commitment of the mesenchymal cell toward osteogenesis, but its effects on energy homeostasis and the insulin signaling pathway are unknown. To investigate the connection, focused microarray profiling of genes associated with the insulin signaling pathway was performed on calvarial cells from Runx2-null embryonic mice and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes treated with control and insulin-containing media. The microarray showed that addition of insulin resulted in a robust induction of genes (>95%) in 3T3-L1 cells. Surprisingly, Runx2-null cells cultured in control media were at an elevated state of energy metabolism and addition of insulin resulted in a marked suppression of genes required for insulin signaling. Clustering analysis revealed that the suppression occurred at all stages of the insulin pathway, from the receptors and transducers to nuclear effectors and target genes. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Runx2 is central for transduction and execution of the insulin regulatory signal. In conclusion, Runx2 actively regulates the gene network required for glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis in mesenchymal cells.

Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with inherited bleeding disorders: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: There are currently limited data on the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) particularly on its long-term (>12 months) efficacy. STUDY DESIGN: This study involves a case series of women with IBDs who received the LNG-IUS as treatment for HMB. Menstrual blood loss before its insertion and at the time of follow-up was assessed by the pictorial blood-loss assessment chart (PBAC) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. A questionnaire was used to evaluate quality of life (QOL) during menstruation before and after insertion of the LNG-IUS. RESULTS: Twenty-six women were included. The median duration of LNG-IUS use at follow-up was 33 months (range, 14-103). The median PBAC score decreased from 255 (range, 134-683) to 35 (range, 0-89) with LNG-IUS use. The median Hb concentrations (11.2 to 13.2 g/dL) and QOL scores (median, 26 to 52) improved significantly with LNG-IUS use (p<.01). CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUS appears to be an effective long-term treatment for HMB in women with IBDs.

Genetic and transcriptional control of bone formation.

An exquisite interplay of developmental cues, transcription factors, and coregulatory and signaling proteins support formation of skeletal elements of the jaw during embryogenesis and dynamic remodeling of alveolar bone in postnatal life. These molecules promote initial condensation of the mesenchyme, commitment of the mesenchymal progenitor to osteogenic lineage cells, and differentiation of committed osteoblasts to mature osteocytes within mineralized bone. Parallel regulatory networks promote formation of the functional osteoclast from mononuclear cells to support continuous bone remodeling within the alveolar bone. With an ever expanding list of new regulatory factors, the complexities of the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression in skeletal cells are being further appreciated. This article examines the multifunctional roles of prominent nuclear proteins, cytokines, hormones, and paracrine factors that control osteogenesis.

Clinical presentation of sarcoidosis in a mixed population in the middle east.

BACKGROUND: Regional and ethnic differences in the presentation and prognosis of sarcoidosis have been reported. OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare the clinical characteristics of sarcoidosis among Arabs and South East Asians (SEA). METHODS: Data on patients with sarcoidosis were collected retrospectively 1983-1995 and prospectively 1995-2003. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients, 57% females and 80% Arabs, were identified. The age at onset shows the majority of cases (45%) among Arab males occur at 30-39 years, 60% of Arab females occur at 40-59 years and 61% of SEA males occur at 40-49 years. The most common symptoms were cough 77.5%, dyspnoea 54.2%, fever 31.0%, arthralgia 19%, uveitis 14.8%, erythema nodosum 14.8%, and lymphadenopathy 12%. The radiological stage at presentation was stage 0,2.1%, I,44.4%, II,42.3%, and III,11.3%. The frequency of either stage 0 or I was higher among SEA (62%) compared to Arabs 42.5%, p=0.05. CONCLUSION: There is a peak of sarcoidosis among Arab males at 30-39 years, Arab females at 40-59 years and SEA males at 40-49 years. Arab patients presented more frequently with either stage II or III compared to SEA who usually present with stage 0 or I.

Granulosa cell tumor and mucinous cystadenoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: A unique case report and review of literature.

Mature cystic teratoma of the ovary, though it contains derivatives of all three embryonic germ cell layers, rarely presents together with ovarian epithelial or sex cord-stromal tumors. Only a few cases of ovarian cystic teratoma in association with granulosa cell tumor have been reported in the literature, and simultaneous occurrence of mucinous cystadenoma and granulosa cell tumor is even rarer. To our knowledge, there has never been a report of mature cystic teratoma of ovary coexisting with granulosa cell tumor and mucinous cystadenoma. We report a case of mature cystic teratoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and granulosa cell tumor in the ovary of a 40-year-old woman. The involved ovary, massively enlarged by a multiloculated cyst, showed a hair-sprouting mass with a yellow-tan nodule embedded in the cyst wall. Microscopically, three tumor types were revealed: mature cystic teratoma, mucinous cystadenoma, and granulosa cell tumor.

Socioeconomic factors and the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

To determine whether patients from disadvantaged socioeconomic groups present with more advanced thyroid carcinoma or experience differing management and clinical outcomes, we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 292 patients seen at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Ben Taub General Hospital between 1987 and 1994. At diagnosis, the mean age was 42 +/- 16 years, 78% of patients were female, 76% of patients were low risk (TNM stage I or II), and 22% high risk (stage III or IV). Neighborhood income (+/- standard error of the mean [SEM]) (1990 census data) was lower in the high-risk group compared with the low-risk group (US dollars 26200 +/- 1670 vs. US dollars 30900 +/- 870, p = 0.012). Men were more likely than women to present at an older age (47.5 +/- 16.7 vs. 40.2 +/- 16.0, p = 0.0014) and in the high-risk group (46% vs. 15%, p < 0.0001). No socioeconomic factor (ethnicity, marital status, occupation prestige, neighborhood income, insurance type) influenced initial diagnostic assessment. Similarly, no socioeconomic factor influenced initial disease management or the type of follow-up received over the 12-year period. Married patients had a lower 5-year recurrence rate than those unmarried (18% vs. 32%, p = 0.03); however, this did not affect overall or disease-specific survival. Similarly, ethnicity, marital status, occupation prestige, and insurance type did not influence overall or disease-specific survival. Although 10-year overall survival rates were lower in patients in the lowest income quartile (57% vs. 70% for upper, p = 0.0024) and in men compared with women (39% vs. 76%, p < 0.0001), gender alone influenced 10-year disease-specific survival (80% for men, 89% for women, p = 0.047). In summary, no socioeconomic factor appears to affect initial treatment or follow-up pattern in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Income and gender may affect stage at initial disease presentation and may be risk factors affecting eventual clinical outcomes.

Measurement of the electric form factor of the neutron through d-->(e-->,e(')n)p at Q2 = 0.5 (GeV/c)(2).

We report the first measurement using a solid polarized target of the neutron electric form factor G(n)(E) via d-->(e-->,e(')n)p. G(n)(E) was determined from the beam-target asymmetry in the scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons from polarized deuterated ammonia ( 15ND3). The measurement was performed in Hall C at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in quasifree kinematics with the target polarization perpendicular to the momentum transfer. The electrons were detected in a magnetic spectrometer in coincidence with neutrons in a large solid angle segmented detector. We find G(n)(E) = 0.04632+/-0.00616(stat)+/-0.00341(syst) at Q2 = 0.495 (GeV/c)(2).