Comparison of face anthropometry and digital 2D face photogrammetry as a method for predicting vertical dimension of occlusion.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to determine the values of 15 craniofacial linear distances in the Serbian ethnic group and the correlations between them that are predictive or can serve as proxy for OVD using and compare two methods of face-anthropometric and digital 2D face-photogrammetric measurement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 90 adults were selected. Facial distance as a tool to measure the OVD was Sn-Gn - distance between septum of the nose (Sn) and tip of the chin (Gn). Face-anthropometric measurements were made with a Boley Gauge (Buffalo Dental Manufacturing Co.NY,USA). Digital 2D photogrammetric facial measurements were performed using the computer program DrCeph (FYI Technologies, USA). RESULTS: Determined mean value for the distance Sn-Gn by face-anthropometric was Sn-Gn(f) X=63.55 and by face-photogrammetric was Sn-Gn(ph) X=63.56. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that Sn-Gn(f) depended on ExL-ExR(f) p<0.001, ZyL-ZyR(f) p=0.077, N-Sn(f) p=0.096, Sn-Sto(f) p=0.043 and gender and that Sn-Gn(ph) depended on ExL-ExR(ph) p<0.001, EnL-EnR(ph) p=0.029, N-Sn(ph) p=0.013, Sn-Sto(ph) p=0.001 and gender. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of facial anthropometry and digital 2D facial photogrammetry reveals no statistical significance differences in the values obtained and shows that facial photogrammetry could be a reliable method as a facial anthropometry.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Genetic Foundations, Outcomes, Interconnections, and Their Modifiers.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent heritable cardiomyopathy. HCM is considered to be caused by mutations in cardiac sarcomeric protein genes. Recent research suggests that the genetic foundation of HCM is much more complex than originally postulated. The clinical presentations of HCM are very variable. Some mutation carriers remain asymptomatic, while others develop severe HCM, terminal heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. Heterogeneity regarding both genetic mutations and the clinical course of HCM hinders the establishment of universal genotype-phenotype correlations. However, some trends have been identified. The presence of a mutation in some genes encoding sarcomeric proteins is associated with earlier HCM onset, more severe left ventricular hypertrophy, and worse clinical outcomes. There is a diversity in the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of HCM. They may be classified into groups, but they are interrelated. The lack of known supplementary elements that control the progression of HCM indicates that molecular mechanisms that exist between genotype and clinical presentations may be crucial. Secondary molecular changes in pathways implicated in HCM pathogenesis, post-translational protein modifications, and epigenetic factors affect HCM phenotypes. Cardiac loading conditions, exercise, hypertension, diet, alcohol consumption, microbial infection, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and environmental factors are non-molecular aspects that change the HCM phenotype. Many mechanisms are implicated in the course of HCM. They are mostly interconnected and contribute to some extent to final outcomes.

Genome Sequence Resource of Fusarium graminearum TaB10 and Fusarium avenaceum KA13, Causal Agents of Stored Apple Rot.

The filamentous fungus Fusarium graminearum is a well-known cereal pathogen and F. avenaceum is a pathogen with a wide host range. Recently, both species were reported as causal agents of apple rot, raising concerns about postharvest yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. Here, we report genome assemblies of F. avenaceum KA13 and F. graminearum TaB10, both isolated from fruits with symptoms of apple rot. The final F. avenaceum KA13 genome sequence assembly of 41.7 Mb consists of 34 scaffolds, with an N50 value of 2.2 Mb and 15,886 predicted genes. The total size of the final F. graminearum TaB10 assembly is 36.76 Mb, consisting of 54 scaffolds with an N50 value of 1.7 Mb, and it consists of 14,132 predicted genes. These new genomes provide valuable resources to better understand plant-microbe interaction in stored apple rot disease. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Latent, genetic, and molecular genetic structure of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test.

OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to explore the latent structure and genetic basis of cognitive processes involved in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task (WCST) within phenotypic, behavioral genetic, and molecular genetic research paradigms. METHOD: The sample used in phenotypic and behavioral genetic analyses comprised 468 twins (154 monozygotic and 80 dizygotic twin pairs), while molecular genetic analyses were performed on 404 twins from the same sample. The zygosity of most twin pairs (96.8%) was determined via deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis of buccal swabs. Trained researchers administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST; Heaton et al., 1993) to the entire sample. RESULTS: A phenotypic factor analysis of WCST variables suggested a single-factor solution. Overall heritability ranged from 0.19 to 0.23 across different measures of the WCST. The presence of a single general genetic factor, which could be identified from different measures of the WCST, indicated the unity of various WCST indicators and the existence of a common basic ability. Performance on the WCST did not reveal significant differences between the three genotypes on catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2). Carriers of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Met + genotype exhibited better performance in cognitive functions in comparison to the BDNF Met- genotype. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted similarities in the phenotypic and genetic structures of the WCST, suggesting one general factor underlying different cognitive functions. The BDNF Met + genotype showed significant main effects on different WCST measures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Quantitative behavioral genetic and molecular genetic foundations of the approach and avoidance strategies.

Two studies examined genetic and environmental influences on traits proposed by the revised Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory (rRST) of personality. Both quantitative and molecular behavioral genetic methods were applied considering the effects of COMT, DRD2, HTR1A and TPH2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Study one included 274 monozygotic and 154 dizygotic twins for the quantitative behavioral study; and in study two there were 431 twins for the molecular genetic study. The Reinforcement Sensitivity Questionnaire was used to assess basic personality traits defined by the rRST. Univariate biometric modeling suggested that genetic influences accounted for 34-44% of variance of Behavioral Approach System (BAS), Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) and Fight-Fligh-Freeze System. Molecular genetic analyses proposed the significant main effect of COMT SNP on the BAS and TPH2 SNP on the BIS, and pointed out epistatic effects of COMT x DRD2 on BAS and HTR1A x TPH2 on Fight. Results demonstrated substantial heritability for all rRST constructs, as well as for differences in the molecular genetic basis of both approach-related and avoidance-related dimensions.

Differences in MB-COMT DNA methylation in monozygotic twins on phenotypic indicators of impulsivity.

Epigenetic modifications of the membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT) gene may affect the enzymatic degradation of dopamine, and consequently, human behavior. This study investigated the association between membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNA methylation (DNAm) differences in 92 monozygotic (MZ) twins with phenotypic manifestations of cognitive, behavioral, and personality indicators associated with reward-related behaviors and lack of control. We used pyrosequencing to determine DNAm of the regulatory region of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in saliva DNA. Results of intrapair differences in the percentage of membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm at each of five CpG sites show that there are associations between phenotypic indicators of lack of control and membrane bound catechol-O-methyltransferase DNAm differences on CpG1, CpG2 and CpG4, suggesting the common epigenetic patterns for personality traits, cognitive functions, and risk behaviors.

Twin study of laboratory-induced aggression.

The aim of this study was to explore genetic and environmental contributions to laboratory-induced aggressive behavior. On a sample of 478 adult twins (316 monozygotic), the Competitive Reaction Time Task was used for aggression induction. The results showed that the initial, basic level of aggression could be explained by both shared (45%) and nonshared environmental factors (55%), while only nonshared environmental factors (100%) had a significant influence on changes in aggression as provocation increased. Genetic factors had no influence on laboratory-induced aggression. The results highlight the importance of environmental factors in shaping situation-specific aggressive responses to provocation.

Serbian Twin Registry.

The first twin study in Serbia began in 2011 as a part of the research project, 'Psychological Foundations of Mental Health: Hereditary and Environmental Factors'. At the same time, the research team from the Faculty of Philosophy and Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad established the first Serbian twin registry. The registry is intended primarily for the purpose of the research in behavioral genetics, as well as potential future studies in human genetics. It includes information on 1658 volunteers, including twin-pairs, their parent and siblings. The behavioral genetic study of adult twins has been focused on the hereditary and environmental sources of variance of different psychological characteristics, such as personality traits, cognitive abilities, executive functions and aggression, as well as some anthropometric measures and aspects of mental and physical health. Certain molecular genetic analyses have also been performed. The research team is currently starting the longitudinal twin study of children, which will be focused on different indicators of emotional, cognitive and physical development.

The VEGF gene polymorphism in glioblastoma may be a new prognostic marker of overall survival.

PURPOSE: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and overexpression are involved in high-grade malignant gliomas. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of +405C>G VEGF gene polymorphism in patients diagnosed by glioblastoma and to test its association with the overall survival (OS). METHODS: Patients diagnosed for glioblastoma were randomly selected, and follow-up was conducted for a minimum of 36 months. Tissue paraffin embedded GBM samples were subjected for the VEGF polymorphism detection. The associations of the observed genotypes and clinical data were evaluated. RESULTS: The most frequent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variant was G (72.58%). The GG genotype was proved to have statistically significant longer OS and patient status (alive/dead) compared to CC and CG genotypes (p=0.022 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that +405C>G VEGF gene polymorphism may be used as prognostic genetic marker of OS in GBM patients.

MIA, S100 and LDH as important predictors of overall survival of patients with stage IIb and IIc melanoma.

PURPOSE: Melanoma represents the most severe form of skin cancer. Detection of specific tumor markers is an important step in disease diagnosis and treatment, contributing to personalized therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of MIA, S-100 and LDH as biomarkers for the estimation of overall survival and disease-free survival rate in patients with stage IIa, IIb vs stage IIc melanoma. METHODS: Selected biomarkers MIA, S-100 and LDH were prospectively evaluated in 80 patients with melanoma. Patients were divided in two groups according to tumor thickness. The first group (group A) consisted of patients with primary tumor thickness between 2.0 - 4.0 mm (N=40), i.e. IIa and IIb stage of disease (16 males; 40%, and 24 females; 60%). The second group (group B) consisted of 40 patients with primary tumor thickness over 4.0 mm, i.e. IIc stage, which is considered as high risk group (26 males; 65%, and 14 females 35%). Statistical analyses were performed to estimate overall survival and disease-free survival in both patient groups. RESULTS: In group A a significant difference in overall survival was found among MIA1, MIA2 and MIA3 scores, while the other 2 markers didn't show significant differences. In group B statistically significant differences in overall survival were found regarding all three biomarkers. Statistically significant differences in disease-free survival were found for MIA1 score compared to MIA2 and MIA3 scores. Also, very significant difference was detected in patients with S-100 below 0.106 and above 0.106. The same was confirmed for normal and increased LDH level in group B for disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: MIA score, S100 protein and LDH in the IIC group B patients might be useful in the prediction of overall survival and disease free survival.

Radiobiological effects of multiple vs. single low-dose pre-irradiation on the HT29 cell line.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Aim of the study was to compare radiobiological effects of multiple vs. single low-dose pre-irradiation on the HT29 cell line. This regime is designed to be as similar as possible to fractionated tumour radiotherapy treatment, and to provide data on radiobiological effects on human tumour cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cell line used in the study was HT29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma, American Type Culture Collection HTB-38™). Also, for comparison, the MRC5 cell line (human foetal lung fibroblasts, American Type Culture Collection CCL 171) was used. Four-day treatment in a 4 × 2 Gy regime was performed. Cell viability was evaluated by tetrazolium colorimetric MTT assay. RESULTS: Multiple low-dose pre-irradiation induced a stronger radioadaptive response compared to single low-dose application in the HT29 cell line. Multiple pre-irradiation with 0.03 Gy and 0.05 Gy caused radioadaptive effects, while in both single and multiple low-dose pre-irradiation regimes 0.07 Gy led to radiosensitivity. Radiobiological effects induced in the HT29 cell line by low-dose pre-irradiation were evidently weak during the treatment time, because a single low-dose applied only on the first day gave no radioadaptive effects. In the MRC5 cell line different effects were registered, since radioadaptive response has not been observed after multiple or single pre-irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained data are interesting, especially for the possible application of low-dose pre-irradiation in radiotherapy.

Different associations of apoE gene polymorphism with metabolic syndrome in the Vojvodina Province (Serbia).

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a polygenic multifactorial metabolic disorder with strong socioeconomic influence. MetS has became a worldwide epidemic, that directly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The human apoE gene, coding Apolipoprotein E, has three common polymorphisms in human population: e2, e3 and e4, which are proved to be associated with impaired lipid metabolism. The contribution of apoE polymorphism to MetS disorders has not been investigated previously in Vojvodina Province, region with the highest number of obese people in Serbia. The aim of this study was to evaluate apoE gene polymorphism in relation to MetS disorders. The healthy control group of 30 individuals and 63 MetS patients were examined for apoE variants in relation to biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP. Regarding all parameters, significantly higher values were detected in MetS group compared to control. The MetS group of patients had significantly higher frequency of e4 allele. In addition, positive relation was revealed between e4 allele presence and all measured parameters. It was found that the e4 allele was related with a significantly increased OR of MetS disorders according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. These results suggested that e4 allele may act as a one of determinants for development of metabolic syndrome.