Comparative evaluation on wear resistance of metal sleeve, sleeve-free resin, and reinforced sleeve-free resin implant guide: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND

In-office three-dimensional (3D) printers and metal sleeveless surgical guides are becoming a major trend recently. However, metal sleeve-free designs are reported to be more prone to distortion which might lead to variation in the inner diameter of the drill hole and cause deviation and inaccuracy in the placement of the implant. Carbon fiber nanoparticles are reported to improve the properties of 3D printing resin material in industrial application.

AIM

The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the wear resistance of 3D-printed implant guides with metal sleeve, sleeve-free, and reinforced sleeve-free resin to the guide drill.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 66 samples with 22 samples in each group. Three groups including 3D-printed surgical guide with metal sleeve (Group A), without metal sleeve (Group B), an carbon fiber reinforced without metal sleeve (Group C) were included in the study. All samples were evaluated before sequential drilling and after sequential drilling using Vision Measuring Machine. The data were tabulated and statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

The data obtained were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and posthoc test. The data obtained for wear observed in the samples showed that the wear was highest in Group B with a mean of 0.5036 ± 0.1118 and the least was observed in Group A with a mean of 0.0228 ± 0.0154 and Group C was almost similar to Group A with mean of 0.0710 ± 0.0381. The results showed there was a significant difference between Group B with Group A and C, respectively (P < 0.05). The results showed that there was no significant difference regarding the wear observed between Groups A and C (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The wear observed in the guide with a metal sleeve and carbon fiber reinforced without a metal sleeve was almost similar. The carbon fiber-reinforced guide showed better tolerance to guide drill equivalent to metal sleeve. Thus, carbon fiber nanoparticles reinforced in 3D printing resin have shown improved strength and can be used as a good replacement for a metal sleeve for an accurate placement of the implant.

Emerging trends in the inhibition of bacterial molecular communication: An overview

Quorum sensing (QS) is a molecular cell-cell communication utilized by several bacteria and some fungi. It involves cell density dependent gene expression that includes extra polymeric substance production, sporulation, antibiotic production, motility, competence, symbiosis and conjugation. These expressions were carried out by different signaling molecules like acyl homo-serine lactone (AHL) and auto-inducing peptides (AIPs) which was effluxed by gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria and biofilms often exhibit high resistance to antibiotics, attributed to the presence of antibiotic efflux pumps, reduced membrane permeability, and enzymes that deactivate quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. To counteract virulence and multi-drug resistance (MDR), novel strategies such as employing quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors and quorum quenchers are employed. It targets signaling molecules with synthesis and prevents the signal from binding to receptors. In this present review, the mechanisms of QS along with inhibitors from different sources are described. These strategies potentially interfere with QS and it can be applied in different fields, mainly in hospitals and marine environments where the pathogenic infections and biofilm formation are highly involved.

Current-voltage characteristics of focused ion beam fabricated superconducting tungsten meanders

We report on the superconducting properties and intermediate resistive steps (IRS) observed in the current-voltage characteristics (IVC) of tungsten meander (MW) structures fabricated using focused ion beam (FIB) technique. Three number of MWs were studied with individual wire widths of 240 nm, 640 nm and 850 nm with superconducting transition temperatures (TC) of 4.5 K, 4.55 K and 4.60 K respectively. The measured normal state resistance values at 8 K for these wires are of ∼182 kΩ, ∼49 kΩ and ∼32 kΩ, respectively as a function of increasing wire widths; are higher than the quantum of resistance (h/4e2=6.45kΩ,his a Planck constant andeis electronic charge) indicating extreme disorder nature of the fabricated samples. The variation of resistance with respect to temperature (forT Collapse

Key Words

• focused ion beam deposition
• intermediate resistive steps (IRS)
• meander structures
• phase slip (PS)
• superconductivity

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Affiliation(s)

Abhishek Kumar Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
Sudhir Husale Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
M P Saravanan Low Temperature Laboratory, UGC-DAE Consortium for Scientific Research, University Campus, Khandwa Road, Indore 452001, India
Bikash Gajar Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
Majid Yousuf Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
Abhilasha Saini Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
Mahesh Gaurav Yadav Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
R P Aloysius Quantum Nanophotonics Metrology Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012, India Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India

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Coexistence of spin liquid state and magnetic correlations in 3d-5dbased triangular-lattice antiferromagnet Sr3CuIr2O9

Here, we report detailed lattice structure, magnetization (dc and ac) and specific heat measurements on a 3d-5dbased new triple-perovskite material Sr3CuIr2O9. The Sr/Cu forms a layered structure of triangular-lattice while the Ir forms Ir2O9dimers which lie in chain as well as simultaneously makes layered triangular-lattice with neighboring atoms. Due to random site-sharing with Sr2+, the Cu2+(3d9, spin-1/2) forms a diluted magnetic lattice, thus giving a disordered in-plane exchange interaction. Opposed to conventionalJeffmodel, the Ir5+(5d4,Jeff= 0) is believed to be magnetic here which participates both in-chain and in-plane magnetic interactions. This complex lattice structure driven competing exchange interaction leads the ground state to a gapless quantum-spin-liquid state which coexists with (weak) ferromagnetic spin correlations. While underling the importance of spin state (spin-1/2), we believe that the combined effect of lattice structure, geometric frustration, spin-orbit coupling and spin state has given rise this interesting ground state in this material.

Indigenous Oral and Gut Phages Defeat the Deadly NDM-1 Superbug

Aim

Antibiotics treat various diseases by targeting microorganisms by killing them or reducing their multiplication rate. New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is produced by bacteria possessing the resistance gene blaNDM-1, the enzyme that makes bacteria resistant to beta-lactams. Bacteriophages, especially Lactococcus, have shown their ability to break down lactams. Hence, the current study computationally evaluated the binding potential of Lactococcus bacteriophages with NDM using Molecular docking and dynamics.

Methods

Modelling of NDM I-TASSER for Main tail protein gp19 OS=Lactococcus phage LL-H or Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis after downloading from UNIPROT ID- Q38344. Cluspro tool helps in Understanding cellular function and organization with protein-protein interactions. MD simulations(19) typically compute atom movements over time. Simulations were used to predict the ligand binding status in the physiological environment.

Results

The best binding affinity score was found -1040.6 Kcal/mol compared to other docking scores. MD simulations show in RMSD values for target remains within 1.0 Angstrom, which is acceptable. The ligand-protein fit to receptor protein RMSD values of 2.752 fluctuates within 1.5 Angstrom after equilibration.

Conclusions

Lactococcus bacteriophages showed a strong affinity to the NDM. Hence, this hypothesis, supported by evidence from a computational approach, will solve this life-threatening superbug problem.

Frequency of EGFR mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients - A study from tertiary cancer center of South India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation analysis has become an important part of the initial workup of non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC) patients. This study is attempted as South Indians population is comprised of ethnic groups with diverse genetic makeup and only very limited data on EGFR mutation is available from south India. A detailed understanding of EGFR mutation profile will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of EGFR mutation frequency in 350 patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of lung and its association with pathological characteristics was done.

RESULTS

Out of 350 cases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, within an age group ranging from 30 to 86 years. EGFR mutations were identified in 34.8% (n = 122) cases, out of which 35.24% (n = 43) were in non-smoker females (P = 0.001). Of the 14 cases with resistant type of EGFR mutations, nine were in smoker males and the remaining five in non-smoker females.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION

Overall EGFR mutation frequency observed in our study was similar to other Indian studies. However, in our study, we observed that mutation in exon 21 was less frequent compared to other studies. A similar slightly increased frequency of rare mutations and double mutations were observed in our study. A detailed study of the molecular epidemiology of lung cancer and its association with different geographical zones of India is needed. This understanding will help in better planning of treatment strategies and resource allocation.

Serial quantification of CRP and total leukocyte count as a complementary tool in neonatal sepsis

Early detection and appropriate treatment of newborn sepsis reduce mortality and morbidity. A rapid, inexpensive laboratory approach is needed to assess newborn sepsis, even though blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis. To compare serial CRP and Total Leukocyte Count (WBC) with blood culture, this study aimed to evaluate the role of newborn sepsis. A total 148 neonates with clinical symptoms of sepsis were included .CRP was measured by quantitative immuno turbidimetric method andotal leukocyte count (WBC) was measured by automated cell counter. CRP1 and WBC1 were measured within 6 hours of clinical symptoms. CRP2 and WBC2 were measured after 48 hours of clinical symptoms. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of CRP1 and CRP2,WBC 1and WBC 2 were compared with culture positive and negative sepsis.CRP 2 showed high sensitivity 96% and high NPV95% with significant p value <0.0001. WBC2 has high sensitivity (90.57%) and NPV (91%) with significant p value <0.0001. CRP 1 has sensitivity 83%and NPV 82.3%, with p value < 0.001.WBC1 has lowest sensitivity (62.2%) and NPV (71.4%) compared to all other parameters. Serial CRP and WBC measurements are useful in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Measurement of CRP and Total Leukocyte Count (WBC) after 48 hours of clinical symptoms were considered promptly for diagnose neonatal sepsis.

Rare survival of high-tension electrocution shock in a crossbred Jersey cattle: a complete profile on critical care monitoring

Background

Accidental electrocution was more common in animals and death was mostly due to shock and cardiac arrest. Survival of animals or humans could be possible if victims receive immediate medical support.

Case description

A 3-year-old crossbred Jersey heifer was presented to the Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Referral Clinic of the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, with a history of accidental electrocution by broken high-tension overhead power transmission line during grazing in the paddy fields. The animal was dull and depressed, dark red, and some areas were charred in appearance on the dorsum and limbs. The animal showed difficulty walking due to the electrocution burn injury and was poorly responding to the surroundings. Clinical examination revealed subnormal temperature, polypnea, pale mucous membranes, ruminal atony, and arrhythmias on auscultation.

Findings/treatment and outcome

On point of care (PoC) hematology testing, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and microcytosis were observed. PoC electrolyte analysis revealed hypocalcemia (ionized calcium 0.89 mmol/L), mild hypochloremia, and severe hypokalemia (2.81 mmol/L). PoC biochemistry revealed hypoglycemia (41 mg/dl). PoC elevated levels of serum cardiac troponin (0.33 ng/dl) indicated cardiac damage. Aspartate aminotransferase (1794 U/L), CK-MB (699 U/L) and LDH (6.7 U/L) were also elevated. On PoC urinalysis, proteinuria, myoglobinuria, and glucosuria were observed. Evident clinical recovery, wound healing, and improvement in animal activities were observed.

Conclusion

High-voltage electrocution injury is a serious type of accident with the potential risk of multi-organ damage and death. Early diagnosis of electrocution and immediate management enhances the expectancy of complete recovery.

Microalbuminuria and Serum Cystatin C Correlation as Early Markers of Kidney Dysfunction in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the most common single cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). About 20-30% of patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 DM) develop diabetic nephropathy as a serious complication which is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Early identification of renal impairment is crucial to prevent the progression of nephropathy to a significant degree, because several interventions have greatest impact if initiated very early in the course of the disease. Aim: To study the correlation of microalbuminuria and serum cystatin C for the early prediction of renal impairment in patients with Type 1 DM. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2016 to June 2016 on type 1 DM patients attending Diabetology Outpatient Department (OPD). According to the duration of diabetes, pateints were divided into two groups, Group I with <5 years and Group II with >5 years duration. The patients in each group were categorised as cases and controls, based on the Albumin Creatinine Ratio (ACR), serum urea, creatinine, cystatin C, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and urine ACR levels were estimated. Student’s unpaired t-test was used to compare the means between two independent groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to estimate the degree of correlation between two quantitative variables. Results: Seventy-two patients with type 1 DM were included in the study. Cystatin C levels in cases (0.89±0.35) when compared to controls (0.67±0.26) in more than five years duration of type 1 DM was found to be statistically significant (p<0.01). Positive correlation between cystatin C and ACR (r=0.4, p<0.05) was found to be statistically significant in more than five years duration. It indicates that serum cystatin C levels increases as the values of ACR increases. There was no significant difference in cystatin C levels in patients with less than five years duration of type 1 DM. Conclusion: Serum cystatin C may be considered as an early predictor of renal impairment in type 1 DM patients with more than five years duration. However, in this study cystatin C carries no significance in less than five years duration of type 1 DM patients.

Self - Adaptive Load Balancing Using Live Migration of Virtual Machines in Cloud Environment

In this paper, a self-adaptive load balancing technique is proposed using live migration of heterogeneous virtual machines (VM) in a Hyper-V based cloud environment. A cloud supported plugin as a management activity within the infrastructure as a service strategy. It is proposed to assist the load balancing process in such a way so that all hypervisors are almost equally loaded once the overload status gets triggered. In the cloud computing environment, load balancing plays a major role if the large number of events triggered has a high impact on the performance of the system. The efficiency of cloud computing is based on the efficient load balancing having a self-adjustable technique using live migration of VMs across clusters of nodes. The proposed load balancing model is efficient in performance improvement by efficient resource utilization and also it helps to avoid the situation occurrence of server hanging by the cause of server overload within the infrastructure of multiple Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisors environment.

Green synthesis of anisotropic zinc oxide nanoparticles with antibacterial and cytofriendly properties

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) exhibit abundant biomedical applications. Anisotropic ZnONPs with a defined shape and size were synthesized using Bacillus megaterium (NCIM 2326) cell free extract as a bio-reductant. The study investigated the multidimensional effect of ZnONPs on Helicobacter pylori strains and assessed its biosafety in normal human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSc). The highly stable ZnONPs were produced using B. megaterium and Zinc nitrate as a precursor. The phase of ZnONPs formation and structural characterization were performed by UV- visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis. Furthermore, the ZnONPs exhibited higher biocompatibility against human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) and proved to be potentially safe in mammalian cells. Corroborating the current investigation, we described the anti-H. Pylori dosage of ZnONPs was safe to hMSC and could efficiently use as nano-antibiotic.

Safety assesment of Bacillus clausii UBBC07, a spore forming probiotic

Probiotics are vital bacteria that colonize the intestine and modify its microflora with benefits for the host. Very few members of the Bacillus group are recognized as safe for use and hence only a few strains are available as commercial preparations for application in humans and animals. Acute and subacute studies in rats were conducted to establish safety of Bacillus clausii (B. clausii) UBBC07. In the acute toxicity study, the oral LD50 for B. clausii UBBC07 was found to be >5000 mg/kg (630 billion cfu/kg) body weight. The NOAEL for B. clausii UBBC07 was found to be 1000 (126 billion cfu) mg/kg body weight/day by oral route in the subacute toxicity study. There were no significant differences between control and treated groups in any of the endpoints assessed using an OECD443 or OECD407 protocol. B. clausii UBBC07 was found to be resistant to three antibiotics -clindamycin, erythromycin and chloramphenicol. Analysis of the whole genome sequence of B. clausii UBBC07 revealed that the antibiotic resistance genes are present in chromosomal DNA which is intrinsic and not transferable. Toxin genes were also found to be absent. These results suggest consumption of B. clausii UBBC07 is safe for humans.

Patients' Awareness toward Implant-supported Prosthesis: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Implant-supported prosthesis has high predictability and success and improves quality of life. This study aims at assessing awareness among the patients regarding implant-supported prosthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 study participants. A structured questionnaire was distributed to assess implant-related awareness among the study participants. The questionnaires were analyzed for the responses.

RESULTS

Among the 391 respondents, 37.5% of the respondents reported having moderate knowledge regarding the tooth replacement options. Nearly 50% considered implants as a viable treatment option. The majority of them enlisted the dentist as the major source of information regarding implants, and media had a share of about 7.03% only. High cost was a major barrier in selecting implants as a treatment option.

CONCLUSION

This survey showed that awareness among people was low regarding the dental implants. Efforts need to be directed to increase the awareness levels by utilizing media as a tool to achieve the target.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

A patient who is aware of the advantages of the implant-supported dentures will make an informed decision for better functional stability and retention of the denture, especially in the mandibular arch.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma: First Indian report

Aim:

To describe treatment outcomes and complications of selective intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma (RB) in Indian eyes.

Materials and Methods:

Single center, retrospective interventional case series of 6 eyes with RB who underwent IAC using Melphalan (3 mg/5 mg/7.5 mg) and topetecan (1 mg) (n = 4) or melphalan (3 mg/5 mg/7.5 mg) alone (n = 2) between December 2013 and June 2014. In all, 17 IAC procedures were performed using selective ophthalmic artery cannulation. Treatment outcomes were evaluated in terms of tumor control, vitreous and subretinal seeds control and globe salvage rates.

Results:

IAC was employed as primary (n = 1) or secondary (n = 5) modality of treatment. Each eye received mean 3 IAC sessions (median: 3; range: 1-4 sessions). Eyes were classified according to international classification of RB as Group B (n = 1), C (n = 1), D (n = 2) and E (n = 2). Following IAC, complete regression of the main tumor was seen in 3 cases (50%), partial regression in 2 (33%), while 1 case (15%) showed no response. Of 4 eyes with subretinal seeds, 1 (25%) eye had complete regression while 3 (75%) eyes had partial regression. Of 5 eyes with vitreous seeds, 2 (40%) eyes had complete regression while 3 (60%) eyes had a partial response. Globe salvage was achieved in 5 of 6 eyes (83%). Diffuse choroidal atrophy and vitreous hemorrhage were observed in 1 (17%) eye, each. No hematologic toxicity or cerebro-vascular events were observed. Mean follow-up period was 5.5 months (median: 6 months, range: 1-6 months).

Conclusion:

IAC is an effective therapy for globe preservation in eyes with RB. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to validate these results.

Concomitant infestation of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme in a mongrel cat

A 3½ years old mongrel female cat was brought with the history of inappetence, seizure and lateral recumbency since 4 days and motion sickness since 2 days. Faecal examination confirmed Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme along with un-hatched live Toxocara cati larvae. Treatment has been initiated with Pyrantel pamoate and along with supportive therapy.

Effect of active sub-fraction of Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. in the management of obesity

AIM OF THE STUDY

Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R.Br. (Apocynaceae) is used by the traditional healers in India to treat diabetes and hyperlipidemia.This work aims to study the antiobesity effect of the active sub-fraction obtained from the leaves of this plant using in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODOLOGY

Active sub-fraction (Sfr3) isolated by column chromatography was analyzed using Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Adipogenesis and apoptosis were detected by oil red O and Hoechst-33342 staining, respectively, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Expression of specific marker genes involved in lipid metabolism was detected by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and adipose tissues of C57 BL/6J mice, fed with high fat diet (HFD) and treated with Sfr3 and fenofibrate for 45 days.

RESULTS

The treatment with Sfr3 decreased lipid accumulation and caused apoptosis in adipocytes. In the HFD induced obese animals, serum and liver lipid levels were decreased and a significant decrease in body weight gain was observed dose dependently in 45 days treatment. Histopathological examination showed decrease in adipose mass and liver lipid accumulation. The effect of Sfr3 on the marker genes of adipocytes was significantly regulated at the treated doses both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Sfr3 of Ichnocarpus frutescens is effective in the management of obesity through adipocyte apoptosis.

Improved third-order optical nonlinearity and optical limiting behaviour of (nanospindle and nanosphere) zinc ferrite decorated reduced graphene oxide under continuous and ultrafast laser excitation

Nanohybrids consisting of uniform nanospheres and nanospindles of zinc ferrite attached to reduced graphene oxide were prepared by hydrothermal reaction.

Ecological risk assessment of silicon dioxide nanoparticles in a freshwater fish Labeo rohita: Hematology, ionoregulation and gill Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity

The fate and effect of nanomaterials in the environment has raised concern about their environmental risk to aquatic organisms. Silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) find its uses in various fields and are inevitably released into the environment. However, the ecotoxicological effects of SiO2-NPs on the freshwater fish remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations (1, 5 and 25mgL(-1)) of SiO2-NPs on certain hematological, ionoregulatory and enzymological profiles of a freshwater teleost fish Labeo rohita. Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values were altered in SiO2-NPs treated groups. Likewise, plasma electrolytes such as plasma sodium (Na(+)), potassium (K(+)) and chloride (Cl(-)) levels and Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity in gill of SiO2-NPs treated groups were altered in all concentrations throughout the study period (96h). The alterations of these parameters were found to be dependent on dose and exposure period. The results of the present study indicate that the alterations of these parameters may relate to physiological stress system to SiO2-NPs toxicity and also demonstrate that manufactured metal oxide NPs in aquatic environment may affect the health condition of the aquatic organisms.

Viscoelastic properties and antimicrobial effects of soft liners with silver zeolite in complete dental prosthesis wearers: an in vivo study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the viscoelastic properties and antimicrobial activity of a soft liner with and without silver zeolite for a period of 4 weeks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty edentulous patients wearing complete dental prostheses were selected. A uniform space was created in the intaglio surface of their maxillary prosthesis, and a soft liner without silver zeolite (control material: S) was applied. After 28 days, the soft liner was replaced with new soft liner containing silver zeolite (test material: SZ) and worn for another period of 28 days. Viscoelastic analysis was conducted on the prostheses using S and SZ materials for newly formed samples (T0) and on samples collected after the 28-day period (T28). Culture tests were performed on both materials at T28. Statistical analysis was done using Student independent t test.

RESULTS

The decrease in elasticity from T0 to T28 was found to be 76.49% and 79.11% and the decrease in viscosity was 76.49% and 80.3% for the S and SZ materials, respectively. Hence, the difference was not significant. The mean colony-forming units (CFUs) of Candida albicans and gram-negative bacteria in the S material at T28 days was 3,150 ± 1,251, whereas that of the SZ material was 1,084 ± 662. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean CFUs between the two groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of silver zeolite to the soft liner improved the antimicrobial activity while not affecting significantly its viscoelastic properties.

Current-driven electromagnetic soliton collision in a ferromagnetic nanowire

The propagation of an electromagnetic wave in a uniaxial ferromagnetic nanowire under the spin transfer torque effect is widely investigated in the soliton frame. The magnetization dynamics of the ferromagnetic nanowire is governed by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert (LLG) equation coupled to the Maxwell equation for the electromagnetic wave propagation. A nonuniform multiscale analysis is invoked for the coupled LLG-Maxwell equations and obtains the extended derivative nonlinear Schrödinger (DNLS) equation for the magnetization and external magnetic field. The effect of electric current is explored by constructing multisoliton solutions to the extended DNLS equation and the possibility of the soliton collision is exploited using the Hirota bilinearization procedure.

Immunoglobulin G4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with interstitial pulmonary disease: Report of a case with review of literature

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an emerging clinicopathological entity. Renal involvement is dominated by tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) with IgG4-positive plasma cells and fibrosis. IgG4-RD commonly affects middle-aged to elderly men with accompanying extra-renal lesions such as sialadenitis, lymphadenopathy, or type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis, all of which respond favorably to corticosteroid therapy. The disease burden of IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) in India remains largely underestimated. We report a case of IgG4-RKD manifesting as TIN associated with interstitial pulmonary disease, illustrating typical clinico-pathologic, serologic, immuno-histochemical, and ultrastructural features of this condition. In view of potential amelioration of renal dysfunction with appropriate therapy, the need for awareness of this condition and early diagnosis is highlighted.

Enhanced electrochemical performance of a lead–acid battery by a surface modified negative grid with multiwall carbon nanotube coating

High-performance lead–acid battery (LAB) negative grids have been prepared using a simple carbon nanotube (CNT) coating method.

Ultrasonographic changes in dogs naturally infected with tick borne intracellular diseases

Tick-borne infectious diseases constitute an emerging problem in Veterinary Medicine. The study was undertaken to find out the ultrasonographic changes of liver and spleen in 101 positive cases of tick borne intracellular haemoparasitic diseases in dogs. Abdominal survey of ultrasonography revealed hypo echogenicity of liver, gall bladder distension, splenomegaly, hepato-splenomegaly and ascites in various tick born intracellular diseases viz. ehrlichiosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, hepatozoonosis and in mixed infection. Correlating these USG finding with other laboratory examination will be very much useful to spot the diseases condition and organ involvement in tick born intracellular diseases of dog.

Short and long-term effects of clofibric acid and diclofenac on certain biochemical and ionoregulatory responses in an Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala

Extensive use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicine and aquaculture practices pose a serious threat to aquatic organisms. In the present investigation, Cirrhinus mrigala an Indian major carp was exposed to different concentrations of clofibric acid (CA) and diclofenac (DCF) and certain biochemical and ionoregulatory responses were assessed under short and long term exposures. During short-term (96h) exposure period, plasma glucose and sodium (Na(+)) levels were increased at all concentrations (1, 10 and 100μgL(-1)) of CA and DCF treated fish. Plasma protein and chloride (Cl(-)) levels were found to be decreased at all concentrations of CA and DCF exposed fish comparatively to control groups. Meanwhile an increase in plasma potassium (K(+)) level was noted in fish exposed to CA treatments alone and in DCF treatments it was decreased. In long-term exposure (35d), plasma Na(+) and Cl(-) levels were found to be significantly increased at all concentration of CA and DCF. However, a biphasic trend was observed in plasma glucose, protein and K(+) levels. In both the treatments, a significant (P<0.01 and P<0.05) changes were observed in all parameters measured in fish exposed to different concentrations of CA and DCF. The results of the present investigation indicate that both the drugs caused significant changes in biochemical and ionoregulatory responses of fish at all concentrations. The alterations of these parameters can be useful in monitoring of pharmaceutical residues present in aquatic environment.