Young Accreting Compact Objects in M31: The Combined Power of NuSTAR, Chandra, and Hubble.

We present 15 high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB) candidates in the disk of M31 for which we are able to infer compact object type, spectral type of the donor star, and age using multiwavelength observations from NuSTAR, Chandra, and the Hubble Space Telescope. The hard X-ray colors and luminosities from NuSTAR permit the tentative classification of accreting X-ray binary systems by compact object type, distinguishing black hole from neutron star systems. We find hard-state black holes, pulsars, and non-magnetized neutron stars associated with optical point-source counterparts with similar frequency. We also find nine non-magnetized neutron stars coincident with globular clusters and an equal number of pulsars with and without point-source optical counterparts. We perform spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting for the most likely optical counterparts to the HMXB candidates, finding seven likely high-mass stars and one possible red helium-burning star. The remaining seven HMXB optical counterparts have poor SED fits, so their companion stars remain unclassified. Using published star formation histories, we find that the majority of HMXB candidates-X-ray sources with UV-bright point-source optical counterpart candidates-are found in regions with star formation bursts less than 50 Myr ago, and three are associated with young stellar ages (<10Myr). This is consistent with similar studies of HMXB populations in the Magellanic Clouds, M33, NGC 300, and NGC 2403.

The position of the mental foramen in dentate and edentulous mandibles: clinical and surgical relevance.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of the exact location of the mental foramen (MF) in dentate and edentulous mandibles is clinically important when constructing complete dentures, performing anaesthetic block of the lower-anterior teeth area and intervening in the MF nearby area. In edentulous mandibles, the bone resorption after teeth loss makes the mental nerve (MN) prone to damage due to the extreme location of the MF very close to the alveolar crest (AC). Chronic compression on the MN may result in pain in the area of MN distribution (ipsilateral face and cheek area) and numbness at the lower lip. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the exact position of the MF, calculating the distances MF-superior border of the AC and MF-inferior border of the mandible (IBM) in dentate and edentulous mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and two (36 edentulous and 66 dentate) adult dry Greek mandibles were studied. RESULTS: In 9 out of 36 edentulous mandibles (25%), the MF was found nearby the AC, while in 27 edentulous mandibles (75%), the MF was located at an average distance 6.4 mm from the AC and 12.6 mm from the IBM. In 38 out of 66 dentate mandibles (57.6%), the MF was located at an average distance 13.6 mm from the AC and 15.2 mm from the IBM. The dental status significantly affected (p = 0.001) the distances MF-AC and MF-IBM. Side symmetry was observed for both dentate and edentulous mandibles (p = 0.39 and p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: The MF is an important landmark and its location needs to be considered prior to dental implants placement in order to avoid the MN injury and related complications. The position of MF is altered in edentulous mandibles compared with the dentate ones. The MF is a symmetric structure in Greeks.

Fatal animal poisonings in northern Greece: 1990-1995.

Fatal animal poisonings in northern Greece from 1990 to 1995 are recorded. A total of 926 specimens have been analyzed by chromatographic techniques. Pesticides caused 78% of the poisoning cases and all other toxic substances caused 22%. The animals affected were mainly cats, dogs, sheep, birds and bees.

Copper concentrations in sheep liver and kidney in Greece.

Copper liver and kidney concentrations were evaluated from sheep grazing at 2 areas: A (sampling points A1, A2, A3) and B. One hundred forty specimens were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy after wet digestion for the February through April 1995 sampling period. Mean liver concentrations were: Area A (A1 = 99.48, A2 = 62.28, A3 = 23.02 mg/kg ww) and Area B 74.07 mg/kg ww. Copper concentrations in kidneys from all areas were in the normal range.

Pesticide poisoning of animals of wild fauna.

Poisoning of rare birds of prey (7 Aegipius monachus and 1 Aquila chrysaetus) and 11 foxes by carbofuran is reported. The poisoning is an ecological disaster because of the death of A monachus, which is a rare species. Identification, confirmation and distribution of the toxic substance was performed by TLC and HPLC techniques.

Selected heavy metal concentrations in goat liver and kidney.

Concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in liver and kidney of goats was determined. Goats were intended for human consumption and bred in the rural area of Arnea and in the metal contaminated area of Olympias. A total of 104 specimens were measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Zinc and lead concentrations were within acceptable limits. Copper levels were deficient in animals from the Olympias area. Cadmium levels from Olympias were higher than those from Arnea. Liver and particularly kidney specimens from Olympias had cadmium levels exceeding tolerance limits and should be avoided for human consumption.